Thermodynamic analysis of the province of Ravenna (Italy)

This is a thermodynamic analysis of the Province of Ravenna (Italy) and its districts (Ravenna, Faenza and Lugo) and an evaluation of entropy waste production based on a balance sheet of greenhouse gases. The method used is energy analysis. The results show that the Province and Ravenna are characterized by a heavy exploitation of local non renewable resources, Faenza strikes a good balance between economic development and environment conservation and Lugo is less sustainable than the others. The greenhouse gas balance shows that the Province emits 10.5 times the quantity of greenhouse gases that it adsorbs and that the emissions reduction is required in the energy sector, which is responsible for 92% of the total.     

Thermodynamic indicators for environmental certification

The Earth is an open thermodynamic system, that remains in a steady state far from the equilibrium, through energy and matter exchanges with the surrounding environment. These natural constraints, which prevent the system from maximizing its entropy, are threatened by human action and our ecosystem needs urgent protection. In this viewpoint the environmental certification was born, according to international standards ISO 14001, ISO 14040, and European Regulation EMAS. These are voluntary adhesions to a program of environmental protection by companies, administrations and organizations which, starting from the respect of the existing environmental laws and regulations, decide to further improve their environmental performance. To obtain and maintain certification of a system is necessary to apply some indicators to evaluate its environmental performance and to demonstrate its progressive improvement. Here we propose to use for this purpose the thermodynamic indicators produced from energy analysis by Odum. The case study is Montalcino city (Italy) and energy indicators are used to evaluate environmental performance of this system where exist different activities, from agricultural productions, to tourism. Results show that energy analysis could become a valid standard monitoring method for environmental certification, especially in consideration of its wide application field.     

Sustainability Evaluation of Immobilized Acid-Adapted Microalgal Technology in Acid Mine Drainage Remediation following Emergy and Carbon Footprint Analysis

Sustainability evaluation of wastewater treatment helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it emphasizes the development of green technologies and optimum resource use rather than the end-of-pipe treatment. The conventional approaches for treating acid mine drainages (AMDs) are efficient; however, they need enormous amounts of energy, making them less sustainable and causing greater environmental concern. We recently demonstrated the potential of immobilized acid-adapted microalgal technology for AMD remediation. Here, this novel approach has been evaluated following emergy and carbon footprint analysis for its sustainability in AMD treatment. Our results showed that imported energy inputs contributed significantly (>90%) to the overall emergy and were much lower than in passive and active treatment systems. The microalgal treatment required 2–15 times more renewable inputs than the other two treatment systems. Additionally, the emergy indices indicated higher environmental loading ratio and lower per cent renewability, suggesting the need for adequate renewable inputs in the immobilized microalgal system. The emergy yield ratio for biodiesel production from the microalgal biomass after AMD treatment was >1.0, which indicates a better emergy return on total emergy spent. Based on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint analysis (CFA), was performed using default emission factors, in accordance with the IPCC standards and the National Greenhouse Energy Reporting (NGER) program of Australia. Interestingly, CFA of acid-adapted microalgal technology revealed significant greenhouse gas emissions due to usage of various construction materials as per IPCC, while SCOPE 2 emissions from purchased electricity were evident as per NGER. Our findings indicate that the immobilized microalgal technology is highly sustainable in AMD treatment, and its potential could be realized further by including solar energy into the overall treatment system.     

Environmental accounting for the lagoon of Venice and the case of fishing

This paper presents the application of the eMergy evaluation, introduced by H.T. Odum as an efficient methodology of environmental accounting. The results of this analysis are a part of a wider sustainability assessment for the Province of Venice realized in 2003. Within a territorial sustainability analysis, it is necessary to implement an environmental accounting method, which is able: to precisely consider the boundaries of the investigated system (spatial scale); to arbitrarily separate the life of the investigated system into periods (temporal scale); to account for both economic and natural support to a given territorial system in order to implement a sustainable management of resources; to assess all the items supporting the system on the basis of a physical unit that is objective (while the traditional economic evaluation method is based on individual preferences, hence it is subjective). The Province of Venice is a very complex system due, on one hand, to the heavy and consolidated presence of industrial activity since the beginning of the 20th century and, on the other hand, to the principal natural ecosystem which characterizes it: the lagoon, the largest wetland in the Mediterranean Sea. The role of the lagoon, as a provider of resources and services is represented by the analysis of two aspects: the lagoon as an ecosystem on the basis of the evaluation of all flows that cyclically support its biotic activity and the lagoon as a productive system on the basis of the contribution of both natural and "economic" inputs that support human activity. In particular, the case of clam fishing will be presented to put on evidence the importance of natural inputs that are systematically neglected by the traditional accounting methodologies.     

Thermodynamic Analysis of Ceramics Production in Sassuolo (Italy) from a Sustainability Viewpoint

We present a thermodynamic analysis of the sustainable use of resources in the province of Modena, focusing the attention on the district of Sassuolo. The methodology that is used is the emergy evaluation. The analysis shows that the Sassuolo district represents the peak of non-sustainability of the whole area, with a huge consumption of non-renewable primary resources, both imported and local. The role of the ceramic tile industry is relevant in the consumption of energy and materials. Different types of factories for ceramics production are compared, representing a good sample of different methods of production. Emergy analysis shows which of these has higher levels of sustainability with respect to the others. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Matrix certified reference materials for environmental monitoring from the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ)

Matrix certified reference materials (CRMs) are playing an increasingly important role in environmental monitoring in Japan. The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ)/National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has been developing matrix CRMs for environmental monitoring since 2001, and has issued nine kinds of CRMs as NMIJ CRMs. The development of the CRMs was conducted in NMIJ in cooperation with candidate material producers. The isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) was principally adopted to give reliable certified values. Meanwhile, two or more analytical methods, whose levels of accuracy were well evaluated, were applied to avoid any possible analytical bias. Two typical certification processes, the certification of river water CRMs for trace element analysis and that of marine sediment CRMs for PCB and organochlorine pesticide analysis, are outlined as examples. Presented at -- “BERM-10” -- April 2006, Charleston, SC, USA.     

Evaluating and managing the sustainability of investments in green and sustainable chemistry: An overview of sustainable finance approaches and tools

Green chemistry (GC) was developed to maximise resource efficiency and minimise hazards in chemical processes and products. Over time, the approach evolved into green and sustainable chemistry (GSC), which aims at promoting the development of an ecologically friendly society. GSC encourages society's reliance on sustainable materials and technologies/processes and supports the ambitious sustainability targets set by international organisations. It also steers public attention to the provision of sustainable solutions for producers, consumers and investors. Since GSC implementation requires significant financial investment, this paper describes a broad range of approaches and tools to assess the sustainability of potential investments and shows, although with a primary focus on environmental sustainability, how life cycle approaches could be used to define enhanced key performance indicators. Thus, the paper may serve as a useful reference for: (i) chemical companies interested in evaluating the sustainability performance of activities requiring financial investment, and (ii) investors interested in evaluating the sustainability of potential financial investments.     

磁学测量系统的功能扩充

以磁学测量系统(magnetic property measurement system,SQUID)为主体,LabVIEW图形化编程语言为软件开发平台,利用magnetic property measurement system(MPMS)的扩展接口,由GPIB卡连接Keithley 2400源表、2182A纳伏表等...     

A programme to improve the quality of butyltin determinations in environmental matrices

One of the major prerequisites for the certification of various analytes in different Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) is that the analytical methods used are of verified performance and, hence, that no systematic errors have been left undetected. In the case of difficult measurements, research and feasibility studies are often necessary to ensure that the methods are operating under good quality control. The EC Standards Measurements and Testing Programme (SMT, formerly BCR) usually follows a step-by-step approach which consists in series of interlaboratory studies to assess and improve the quality of measurements prior to certification by comparing different analytical techniques. A programme following such stepwise approach has started in 1987 with the aim of improving the quality of butyltin determinations in environmental matrices. The project involved ca. 20 laboratories from different Member States of the European Union. The first interlaboratory study dealt with simple solutions containing mixtures of organotin compounds and a second exercise focused on the analysis of a tributyltin-spiked sediment. These exercises were continued by two certifications on butyltins in sediment, the first of which could not be successfully concluded owing to the high spread of results observed between the results of different techniques. The second certification allowed a CRM certified for its contents of di- and tributyltin (CRM 462) to be produced. This programme on Sn speciation is now focusing on the certification of butyltin and phenyltin compounds in candidate CRMs of mussel and sediment. This paper gives an account of the step-by-step approach followed and presents the results of the two certification exercises carried out so far. The preparation of the mussel candidate CRM is also described.     

Fused deposition modeling-based additive manufacturing (3D printing): techniques for polymer material systems

While the developments of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have been remarkable thus far, they are still significantly limited by the range of printable, functional material systems that meet the requirements of a broad range of industries; including the health care, manufacturing, packaging, aerospace, and automotive industries. Furthermore, with the rising demand for sustainable developments, this review broadly gives the reader a good overview of existing AM techniques; with more focus on the extrusion-based technologies (fused deposition modeling and direct ink writing) due to their scalability, cost efficiency and wider range of material processability. It then goes on to identify the innovative materials and recent research activities that may support the sustainable development of extrusion-based techniques for functional and multifunctional (4D printing) part and product fabrication.     

The quality approach and fundamental research: Working towards a constructive alliance (Part I)

 The quality approach is being progressively used in scientific research and is likely to become a key point in the future. This article critically examines the applicability of the quality approach to fundamental research. A critical survey of the basic concepts of the quality approach is proposed (conformity to a reference, satisfaction of requirements and/or adaptation to use, planning and formalization). The need for quality in fundamental research is then discussed through a review of the scientific, economic and financial, human, social and environmental issues that research will face in the future. An attempt is made to demonstrate that the quality approach incorporates concerns and current practices of the scientific community which are not normally identified and labelled as pertaining to the field of Quality. Received: 8 March 1998 / Accepted: 8 December 1998     

Poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) cathode for potassium-ion batteries

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are a promising sustainable energy storage technology due to the high abundance and low cost of potassium. Carbon anode materials for KIBs have seen great successes, but the development of cathode materials is yet to catch up. In this study, poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS) is evaluated as a cathode material for KIBs. It exhibits a high reversible capacity of 200 mAh/g, which is the highest value for a potassium storage cathode material. The cell shows two slopes averaged at 2.1 and 1.6 V vs. K⁺/K. It shows a good cycling performance with the capacity retention of 75% after 50 cycles at a rate of C/10. These preliminary results indicate that PAQS is a promising cathode material for KIBs.     

Implementation of ISO 9002 for research in occupational epidemiology

 The Department of Epidemiology, which forms part of the French National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), is involved in research on occupational risks. It provides results of industry-based epidemiological studies focused on the relationship between occupational exposure and diseases of the respiratory system, central and peripheral nervous systems and cancer. This paper describes the Quality Assurance System developed by our department, which has been successfully maintained and extended since being granted ISO 9002 certification by the French Association for Quality Assurance. The quality system includes procedures specific to epidemiological study conduct and scientific peer reviews. It has been designed in order to meet the required ISO elements, including quality aims and policy, quality procedures for management of personnel, sub-contractors and facilities, nonconformities, corrective and preventive actions, archiving and traceability and planning of internal quality audits. Improvements in management, technical and service quality have resulted from this process. Although epidemiological studies differ markedly from industrial production for which the standards were originally drawn up, we have found that Quality Assurance is both applicable and useful in epidemiological research on occupational risks. Therefore, we conclude that a certified Quality Assurance Scheme including scientific peer reviews can be recommended to ensure reliable epidemiological results. Received: 22 July 1998 · Accepted: 5 October 1998     

Thermal Transition of Bimetallic Metal–Phenolic Networks to Biomass‐Derived Hierarchically Porous Nanofibers

The development and utilization of biomass resources could contribute to new materials for long‐term sustainable energy storage and environmental applications, reduce environmental impacts, and meet the urgent need for green and sustainable development strategies. Herein, a bimetallic metal–phenolic network (MPN) was applied to incorporate different metallic element species into cattle skin and fabricate collagen‐fiber‐derived complex oxide nanofibers using natural polyphenols (Myrica tannins). Direct thermal transition of these biomass–MPN composites generates hierarchically porous nanofibers possessing micro‐ and mesoporous architectures along with a well‐preserved macroscopic structure. The pore system and complex oxide composition provide excellent photocatalytic performance. This low‐cost, simple, and readily scalable MPN‐based approach provides a straightforward route to synthesize nanostructured materials directly from biomass, which could play important roles in a wide range of potential applications.     

Certified reference material (CRM 414) for the quality control of trace element analysis in plankton

Summary Analyses of plankton are performed by a number of organisations to investigate the transfer and uptake of toxic elements along the trophic chain and to monitor the levels of contamination of different aquatic environments. In order to obtain reliable transfer functions in environmental models or to use plankton as an indicator organism for the assessment of environmental pollution, these analyses should give accurate results. As accuracy requires quality control and the application of certified reference materials (CRMs), a certification campaign has been conducted by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR). A plankton material was collected in a freshwater pond, lyophilised, homogenised and bottled and its homogeneity and long-term stability were verified. The material (CRM 414) was analysed by a group of 15 selected laboratories having given proof of their adequate QC and using different analytical methods. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn are certified. This paper presents the certification work performed.     

二氧化碳基聚碳酸环己撑酯电子束光刻胶显影工艺优化

电子束光刻是下一代光刻技术中的有力竞争者,在微纳加工尤其是光刻掩膜制造上具有显著的竞争优势。 开发高性能的光刻胶并优化出最佳的显影条件和工艺是提升电子束光刻效率的基础。 本文在前期开发出的二氧化碳基聚碳酸酯电子束光刻胶的基础上,进一步探究了正性聚碳酸环己撑酯(PCHC)胶的显影条件对电子束光刻性能的影响,具体研究了显影剂以及显影温度和时间等工艺条件,筛选出了最优显影剂正己烷,最佳显影温度0 ℃,最佳显影时间30 s。 在该条件下,PCHC的灵敏度和对比度分别为208 μC/cm²和3.06,并实现了53 nm的分辨率,超过了当下广泛使用的PMMA-950k电子束光刻胶,有望为科研院所和半导体加工车间提供一种性能优异、成本低廉的新型电子束光刻胶。     

Development of a method for the determination of heavy metals in calcified tissues by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Calcified tissues are good indicators of exposure to environmental pollution since the mineral phase incorporates heavy metals to which it is exposed during development. Analysis of these specimens is difficult due to the low concentration of the elements of interest compared with the high concentration of the matrix elements. ICP-MS allows rapid multielement determination of samples and a method for the determination of trace elements in calcified tissues is presented with reference to an SRM of Bone Ash (NIST 1400). Received: 2 October 1998 / Revised: 30 November 1998 / Accepted: 4 December 1998     

Application of direct (hetero)arylation in constructing conjugated small molecules and polymers for organic optoelectronic devices

Direct (hetero)arylation, as a sustainable, atom-economic and environmentally benign synthetic protocol compared to conventional coupling techniques, has been extensively applied to the sustainable preparation of π-conjugated materials for organic optoelectronic devices. In this review, we will highlight recent advances made in direct arylation for conjugated small molecules and polymers toward high performance organic optoelectronic devices. Some important insights in direct arylation for synthesizing organic optoelectronic materials are given, together with the challenges and outlook in this significant and hot research field.     

Quality management in analytical R&D in the pharmaceutical industry: Building quality from GLP

 The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most regulated activity sectors. The regulation includes specific quality systems such as good laboratory practice (GLP), good clinical practice (GCP) and good manufacture practice (GMP). The principles of GLP mainly cover the formal quality aspects of a procedure and do not evaluate the technical aspects in depth. On the other hand, EN 45001 accreditation covers technical performance and is not suitable for pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) as it is almost impossible to comply with the requirements of the European standard in the pharmaceutical environment. The challenge to the pharmaceutical industry is, therefore, to develop quality systems, compatible with GLP principles, that not only cover formal quality items but also ensure good scientific and technical performance. An implementation process focused on real quality improvement is the best way to achieve this objective, culminating in formal recognition of the quality system by third-party assessment. In the case of analytical R&D, the EURACHEM/CITAC Guide CG2 is a very good tool that can help in the definition, analysis and selection of the non GLP quality elements that will be useful. Received: 30 June 1999 / Accepted: 18 October 1999     

大型仪器科学管理(196~203)大型科研仪器平台的可持续管理

大型科研仪器平台的运行水平与科技创新活动的产出效果息息相关.可持续管理是提升其运行水平的关键.梳理以往相关研究, 结合实际管理经验, 从其基本功能链解析大型科研仪器平台的边界、统一、功能和反馈等内涵.聚焦科研仪器平台自身运行层面, 丰富平台的功能网络结构, 进而辨析当前的主要管理问题, 明确平台稳定运行的必要特征.通过辨明人员在平台运行过程中的作用, 探讨在初始期、上升期、稳定期和繁荣期等4个发展阶段的可持续管理对策, 为平台运行提供可行的参考.