ABSTRACT Social technology is based around three axes: community, environmental protection and economic solidarity. The páramo itself is a vital ecosystem for water regulation as it is the source of water supplies for human consumption and performance of economic activities. This article intends to identify the limitations to apply social technology to the protection of the páramo in the central highlands of Ecuador, where processes of self-management, empowerment, participation, agreement-making, cooperation and pursuit for collective welfare have been observed. The methodology is quantitative within the framework of discourse analysis. The results show that, in order to reach a large agreement for the protection and recovery of the páramo, involving all of the communities settled in the area, it is necessary to overcome limitations mostly related to the lacking attention by the government in regards to basic utilities, management plans for conservation areas and studies for economic alternatives allowing communities to subsist in the lower zones, compromising not to extend their agricultural borders further into the highlands. This information helps strengthen natural resource management from a new perspective.

RESUMO A tecnologia social baseia-se em três eixos: a comunidade, o cuidado ambiental e a solidariedade econômica. O páramo é um ecossistema vital para a regulação hídrica pois ele fornece agua para o consumo humano e a realização de atividades económicas. Esse artigo focou-se na identificação das limitações para aplicar os fundamentos da tecnologia social para a proteção do páramo, situado na Sierra central de Equador, sítio onde pode-se observar processos de autogestão, empoeiramento, participação, efetuação de acordos, cooperação e procuração de um bem-estar coletivo. A metodologia é qualitativa, dentro do contexto da análise do discurso. Os resultados mostram que, para ter um acordo grande para a proteção e recuperação do páramo, com todas as comunidades estabelecidas na zona, é necessário vencer limitações relacionadas principalmente à falta de atenção do governo em relação à serviços básicos, planes de gestão de áreas de conservação e estudo de alternativas económicas que permitam que as comunidades possam subsistir nas zonas baixas, e comprometer-se a não estender a fronteira agrícola em direção às zonas altas. Essa informação contribui a fortalecer a gestão de recursos naturais com uma nova perspectiva.

RESUMEN La tecnología social se fundamenta en tres ejes: la comunidad, el cuidado ambiental y la solidaridad económica. Por su parte, el páramo es un ecosistema vital en la regulación hídrica porque sustenta el suministro de agua para consumo humano y el desarrollo de actividades económicas. Este artículo se centra en identificar las limitaciones para aplicar los fundamentos de la tecnología social en la protección del páramo, ubicado en la Sierra central del Ecuador, lugar donde se observan procesos de autogestión, empoderamiento, participación, logro de acuerdos, cooperación y búsqueda del bienestar colectivo. La metodología es cualitativa, en el marco del análisis del discurso. Los resultados muestran que, para que exista un gran acuerdo de protección y recuperación del páramo, entre todas las comunidades asentadas en esta zona, es necesario vencer limitaciones relacionadas, principalmente, con la falta de atención por parte del gobierno en temas de servicios básicos, planes de manejo para áreas de conservación y estudio de alternativas económicas que permitan a las comunidades subsistir en las zonas bajas y comprometerse a no ampliar la frontera agrícola hacia zonas altas. Esta información contribuye a fortalecer la gestión de recursos naturales desde una nueva perspectiva.

Resumen Ecuador es un pequeño país andino ubicado en el hemisferio occidental de América del Sur. El país cuenta con 361.747 hm 3 anuales de recursos hídricos superficiales. Como resultado, Ecuador, en los últimos quince años (2005 a 2020), ha estado desarrollando proyectos hidroeléctricos para triplicar la producción en esta fuente renovable. Hubo ocho nuevas centrales hidroeléctricas construidas en Ecuador entre 2007 y 2015, en donde se invirtieron cerca de USD 6 mil millones en los proyectos, lo que incrementó la respuesta energética con renovables; por ejemplo, en 1985 el país produjo 4 TWh, en 2005 registró 7 TWh y hasta 2020, 24 TWh. Según la Corporación de Electricidad del Ecuador en 2020 informó que generó alrededor del 80% de toda la electricidad a través de hidroelectricidad. Así, el artículo tiene como objetivo analizar críticamente el desarrollo de la energía hidroeléctrica en Ecuador en los últimos años y establecer proyecciones energéticas generales al 2030 para ampliar los campos de conocimiento y perspectivas. La metodología del trabajo es cuantitativa, de acuerdo con fuentes editoriales científicas, artículos, documentos de investigación, y recolecta datos de agencias gubernamentales que regulan el desarrollo energético en Ecuador. Se concluye que, mediante un cálculo de proyecciones, Ecuador necesitará para el año 2030 alrededor de 43 TWh, 47 TWh o 52 TWh para abastecer la red energética, según los escenarios propuestos (bajo, medio, alto). Si bien la energía hidroeléctrica será fundamental para contribuir a este requerimiento, el país tiene una barrera porque la energía hidroeléctrica es muy sensible a factores externos de diversa índole, generando un futuro incierto directamente asociado a los efectos climáticos.

Abstract Ecuador is a small Andean country located in the western hemisphere of South America. The country has 361,747hm 3 annual superficial water resources; As a result, Ecuador, in the last fifteen years (2005 to 2020), has been rapidly developing hydropower projects to triple the production in this renewable source. There were eight new hydroelectric plants constructed in Ecuador among 2007 and 2015 invested close to USD 6 billion the projects. Increased the energy response with renewables; for example, in 1985, the country produced 4 TWh, in 2005-registered 7 TWh, and to 2020, 24 TWh. According to the Electricity Corporation of Ecuador in 2020 reported that generated around 80% of all electricity through hydropower; thus, the article aims to critically analyze the development of hydropower in Ecuador in recent years and establish general energy projections to 2030 to expand the fields of knowledge and perspectives. The paper methodology is quantitative, according to scientific editorial sources, articles, investigative documents, and collects data from government agencies that regulate energy development in Ecuador. It is conclusive between a projection’s calculation, Ecuador will need for the year 2030 around 43 TWh, 47 TWh, or 52 TWh to supply the energy grid, according to the scenarios proposed (low, medium, high). Although hydropower will be essential to contribute to this requirement, the country has a barrier because hydropower is very sensitive to external factors of diverse nature, generating an uncertainly future directly associated with climatic effects.

Abstract: The paper presents a novel control strategy for islanded Microgrids, based on hierarchical control and modified droop control. The robust control strategy presented allows stability voltage improvement and its transient behavior. Which subscribes to verify the performance of the proposed strategy compared with a conventional PI controller. The implementation of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics, which introduces variability in generation due to fluctuating factors such as radiation. Due to technological advances demand a huge amount of electricity, therefore Renewable Energy Resources (RES) must be near the electrical demand is huge, in addition they are implemented in rural places, where electric utility is not able to provide the service. However, the implementation of these new systems implies facing new challenges for the correct operation of Microgrid connected or islanded from the conventional system.

Resumen: El constante avance de la tecnología requiere una gran cantidad de energía, por ello se ha propuesto la inclusión de fuentes de energía renovable (RES) cerca de los centros de carga. La implementación de fuentes de energía renovable como la energía fotovoltaica, que introduce variabilidad en la generación debido a factores fluctuantes como la radiación. Estas RES son implementadas también en sectores donde el sistema eléctrico convencional no es capaz de llegar, de esta manera se garantiza el abastecimiento de energía eléctrica a toda la población. El paper presenta una novedosa estrategia de control de Micro-redes aisladas, basado en el control jerárquico y control droop modificado. Esta estrategia robusta permite mejorar la estabilidad de voltaje y su comportamiento transitorio. Se implementa una Micro-red de referencia con dos fuentes fotovoltaicas con valores nominales. Lo que permite verificar el desempeño de la estrategia propuesta comparando con un controlador PI convencional. Sin embargo, la implementación de estos nuevos sistemas implica retos de control para que su funcionamiento sea correcto, indiferente que la Micro-red funcione de forma conectada o aislada a la red convencional.

South Sudan is expansive and sparsely populated with over 80% of the population living in rural areas. The country has no national grid connecting its cities and towns, thus making rural areas "good candidates" for stand-alone renewable energy systems. This study was conducted to determine the technical feasibility and economic viability of a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system compared to a diesel generator. A techno-economic model was developed to forecast the performance of the PV system. The system was initially designed using the IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing of Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems (IEEE P1562-2021) and the IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing Lead-Acid Batteries for Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems (IEEE 1013-2019). The solar radiation data used for modeling were acquired from the Ineichen clear sky model and then transposed to the plane of array irradiation using pvlib python. The system optimization and sensitivity analysis was performed under various diesel fuel costs using the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. Results show that at a fuel price of $ 2 per liter, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the PV system is 64% lower than that of the diesel generator and that the system can earn 11% return on investment (ROI) and recover the investment in about 5.5 years. With a drop in price of diesel fuel to $1 per liter, the payback period increases to about 7 years. These results show that standalone PV systems are technically feasible and economically viable in rural and peri-urban areas of South Sudan.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La biorrefinería marina es un concepto emergente en la industria que busca maximizar la utilización de los recursos naturales a través de procesos sostenibles y eficientes. Esta se enfoca en el aprovechamiento de recursos marinos en respuesta a la necesidad de encontrar alternativas a los procesos industriales tradicionales que suelen generar grandes cantidades de residuos y consumir recursos de manera no renovable. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura científica sobre la importancia de los productos derivados de los desperdicios de la industria acuícola, con un enfoque de biorrefinería en el contexto de la realidad cubana. Desarrollo: Se realizó una búsqueda de información en la literatura científica especializada; sintetizándose lo más importante, se logró definir el concepto de biorrefinería, basado en la utilización de desechos de la industria acuícola, los productos que se obtienen de la misma, así como sus principales características y aplicaciones y se planteó la importancia y ventajas de aplicar este concepto a la realidad cubana. Conclusiones: La biorrefinería a partir de desechos de la industria pesquera, es un enfoque innovador que busca aprovechar al máximo todos sus componentes, incluidos los subproductos y desechos generados, esta estrategia está muy relacionada con los principios de economía circular y promueve la sostenibilidad de la industria.

ABSTRACT Background: The marine biorefinery is an emerging concept in the industry that seeks to maximize the use of natural resources through sustainable and efficient processes. This focuses on the use of marine resources in response to the need to find alternatives to traditional industrial processes that usually generate large amounts of waste and consume resources in a non-renewable way. Aim: Conduct a review of the scientific literature on the importance of products derived from waste from the aquaculture industry, with a biorefinery approach in the context of the Cuban reality. Development: A search for information was carried out in the specialized scientific literature; Synthesizing the most important thing, it was possible to define the concept of biorefinery, based on the use of waste from the aquaculture industry, the products obtained from it, as well as its main characteristics and applications and the importance and advantages of applying this were raised. concept to the Cuban reality. Conclusions: The biorefinery using waste from the fishing industry is an innovative approach that seeks to make the most of all its components, including the by-products and waste generated. This strategy is closely related to the principles of circular economy and promotes the sustainability of the industry.

SYNOPSIS An oolitic iron ore from Gara Djebilet, Algeria was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrosopy and the phosphorus distribution between various phases studied. Two ore types were identified - a haematite-dominated, oolitic type and a more massive, magnetite-dominated type. The haematite-dominated ore had a higher phosphorus content, up to 0.6% in the iron oxide minerals, than the magnetite-dominated type (0.3% P). Owing to the very fine-grained texture of the gangue minerals, reducing the phosphorus content to levels suitable for steelmaking (below 0.05% P) by conventiobal means would entail an energy-intensive process with a high carbon footprint. Preliminary leaching test work using a sulphurous geothermal water as lixiviant, assisted by solar thermal acceleration, gave very promising results, removing 0.13% of the residual P (or 21.7% removal of total P) from the high-phosphorus oolitic ore.

ABSTRACT The concern for climate change has driven the search for sustainable energy solutions. In this context, green hydrogen stands out as an emerging and promising option, given its carbon-free production and extensive applicability. However, its academic approach at the Peruvian level is still limited. Therefore, the objective is to analyze the potential of green hydrogen in Peru, considering technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory aspects. The study is based on a review of Peru's current energy matrix, identifying its challenges and limitations, and explores the opportunities and advantages that it could offer in the national context, also examining international experiences. It is observed that Peru has a diverse energy matrix but faces challenges in terms of infrastructure, dependence on fossil fuels, and vulnerability to international price fluctuations. Green hydrogen has the potential to harness renewable natural resources and offers economic, environmental, and social benefits, as well as greater energy diversification and security. It is concluded that the successful implementation of green hydrogen in Peru will require addressing technical obstacles, establishing a solid regulatory framework, and ensuring access to affordable financing. International experiences highlight the collaboration between the government, industry, and academic institutions to accelerate the development of these technologies. Additionally, the establishment of regulatory and political frameworks that provide security and promote collaboration is necessary. One limitation of the work is that it briefly addresses the cost aspect of production plants, a potential point for future research.

RESUMEN La preocupación por el cambio climático ha impulsado la búsqueda de soluciones energéticas sostenibles. En este contexto, el hidrógeno verde se destaca como una opción emergente y prometedora, dada su producción libre de emisiones de carbono y extensa aplicabilidad. No obstante, su abordaje académico a nivel peruano es aún escueto. A partir de ello, se tiene como objetivo analizar el potencial del hidrógeno verde en el Perú, considerando aspectos técnicos, económicos, ambientales y regulatorios. El estudio se basa en una revisión de la matriz energética actual peruana, identificando sus retos y limitaciones, y explora las oportunidades y ventajas que este podría ofrecer en el contexto nacional, examinando también experiencias internacionales. Se observa que el Perú posee una matriz energética diversa, pero enfrenta retos en términos de infraestructura, dependencia de combustibles fósiles y vulnerabilidad a fluctuaciones de precios internacionales. El hidrógeno verde tiene el potencial de aprovechar los recursos naturales renovables y ofrece beneficios económicos, ambientales y sociales, así como una mayor diversificación y seguridad energética. Se concluye que la implementación exitosa del hidrógeno verde en el Perú requerirá abordar obstáculos técnicos, establecer un marco regulatorio sólido y garantizar el acceso a financiamiento asequible. Las experiencias internacionales resaltan la colaboración entre el gobierno, industria e instituciones académicas para acelerar el desarrollo de estas tecnologías. Asimismo, el establecimiento de un marco regulatorio y político que proporcione seguridad y fomente la colaboración es menester. Una limitación del trabajo es que aborda sucintamente el ámbito de costo de las plantas de producción, punto posible de futuras investigaciones.

In recent years, various methods for surface functionalization of magnetite nanoparticles with emerging modifications have been explored and reported. Green nano-chemistry aims to synthesize nanomaterials using bio-based resources, providing new materials for biological and environmental applications. Surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles using phytochemicals extracted from plants is a fundamental principle of green synthesis routes. Agricultural waste from different crops, such as plantain pseudostem, is of particular interest as a renewable resource due to its abundant availability, low toxicity, and economic feasibility. In this study, the juice extracted from plantain pseudostem was utilized for the phytofunctionalization of magnetite nanoparticles. Characterization techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the nanometric dimensions of the composite (size range of 12.6 ± 3.17 nm) and established its organic-inorganic nature. The superparamagnetic properties of the composite were also demonstrated. Moreover, the potential application of this nanohybrid in bioremediation for the immobilization of cadmium(II) and lead(II) showed promising results, highlighting its efficacy in managing water pollutants. years reported nanochemistry nano chemistry biobased bio based resources applications routes crops availability toxicity feasibility study TEM, TEM , (TEM) SEM, SEM (SEM) TGA, TGA (TGA) fouriertransform fourier transform FTIR (FTIR size 126 12 6 12. 317 3 17 3.1 nm organicinorganic organic inorganic nature demonstrated Moreover cadmiumII cadmium II cadmium(II leadII lead lead(II results pollutants (TEM (SEM (TGA 1 31 3.

There is a demand for new technologies to replace fossil resources in activities due to environment concerns. In the circular economy, materials to be discarded are reused and reenter to the economy. An alternative for the plastic problem would be preparation of fiber-reinforced plastics from renewable sources. Herein polymeric films were prepared with starch, glycerol and bagasse derivatives. Some characterization techniques were presented to indicate the best applications. It was identified that higher glycerol ratio films are more malleable and have a higher humidity and solubility. The DSC scans for each film shows no increase in glass transition temperature. Biodiesel films are an alternative for the circular economy of waste and the biodiesel industry, since the study proved to be an alternative for the plastics currently used. This work will certainly attract the students’ interest, because the theme is in their daily lives, also bringing the precepts of sustainability and green chemistry. concerns fiberreinforced fiber reinforced sources starch derivatives applications solubility temperature industry used students interest lives chemistry

Resumo Este artigo descreve os impactos ambientais da produção de uma única muda em viveiros florestais de distritos selecionados (Haripur, Abbottabad e Manshera) da divisão Hazara, de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão, usando a abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida (ACV). Este estudo baseou-se na abordagem “do berço ao portão”, que se inicia na fase pré-viveiro e progride em direção ao viveiro principal antes do transplante das mudas para o local de plantio. Os dados ou inventário de ciclo de vida (ICV) da produção de mudas foram coletados por meio de questionários e reuniões pessoais com o gerente e os trabalhadores dos viveiros florestais sobre o consumo de diferentes insumos, como energia elétrica, diesel, fertilizantes, herbicidas, sacos de polietileno, adubo orgânico e consumo de água. O software SimaPro, versão 8.5, e o modelo ambiental CML2000, v2.05, foram aplicados para realizar a avaliação de impacto do ciclo de vida (AICV) de uma única produção de mudas em viveiros florestais na área de estudo. Em consonância com os objetivos do estudo, os dados primários relativos às entradas e saídas dos viveiros foram coletados de 35 viveiros na área de estudo por meio de um método de questionário aleatório. Além disso, dados secundários foram obtidos de bancos de dados online, como Eco-invent v.3.2 CORRIM e literatura publicada revisada por pares. Para este estudo, foi considerada uma unidade funcional de uma única plântula. Os dados médios ponderados de produção foram modelados no software de modelagem ambiental mais recente, ou seja, SimaPro, v.8.5, para 10 impactos ambientais mais desejados pela US-EPA, como potencial de aquecimento global (PAG), depleção abiótica (DA), potencial de eutrofização (PE), potencial de acidificação (PA), ecotoxicidade de água doce (EAD), ecotoxicidade da água marinha (EAM), ecotoxicidade terrestre (ET), destruição da camada de ozônio (DCO), oxidação fotoquímica (OF) e toxicidade humana (TH). Os resultados mostraram que o maior impacto ambiental causado por uma única muda foi a ecotoxicidade da água marinha (11,31360 kg 1,4-DB eq), seguido pelo potencial de aquecimento global (0,02945 kg CO2 eq) e toxicidade humana (0,01227 kg 1,4-DB eq) eq). A principal razão para esses ônus ambientais foi o uso de fertilizantes sintéticos em viveiros florestais e o consumo de combustíveis fósseis nas atividades de mecanização e transporte de viveiros. A demanda total acumulada de energia para uma única muda foi de 0,800 MJ, com mais de 90% de contribuição de recursos energéticos de combustíveis fósseis, como gasolina e diesel. Portanto, é altamente recomendável usar recursos de energia renovável e fertilizantes orgânicos em vez de fertilizantes químicos em viveiros florestais para evitar e minimizar as emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) e outras emissões tóxicas na área de estudo.

Abstract This article describes the environmental impacts of producing a single seedling in forest nurseries of selected districts (i.e., Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra) of Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. This study was based on the cradle-to-gate approach which begins with the pre-nursery stage and progresses toward the main nursery before transplanting seedlings into the plantation site. Data or life cycle inventory (LCI) of seedling production were collected through questionnaire surveys and personal meetings with forest nurseries managers and workers regarding consumption of different inputs such as electricity, diesel, fertilizers, herbicides, and polyethylene bags, organic manure, and water consumption. The SimaPro software version 8.5 and the CML2000 v2.05 environmental model was applied to perform life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) for a single seedling production in forest nurseries in the study area. In line with the objectives of the study, primary data regarding inputs and outputs of the nurseries were collected from 35 nurseries in the study area by using a random questionnaire method. In addition, secondary data were taken from online databases such as Eco-invent v.3.2 CORRIM and peer-reviewed published literature. For this study, a functional unit of a single seedling was considered. Production weighted average data were modeled in the latest environmental modeling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5 for ten US-EPA most wanted environmental impacts, such as global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion (AD), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), freshwater aquatic eco-toxicity (FAE), marine water eco-toxicity (MWE), terrestrial eco-toxicity (TE), ozone layer depletion (OLD), photochemical oxidation (PO), and human toxicity (HT). The results showed that the highest environmental impact posed by a single seedling was marine aquatic eco-toxicity (11.31360 kg 1,4-DB eq), followed by global warming potential (0.02945 kg CO2 eq) and (0.01227 kg 1,4-DB eq) human toxicity. The primary reason for these environmental burdens was the use of synthetic fertilizers in forest nurseries and the consumption of fossil fuels in nursery mechanization and transportation activities. The total cumulative energy demand for a single seedling was (0.800 MJ) with more than 90% contribution from fossil fuel energy resources such as petrol and diesel. It is therefore highly recommended to use renewable energy resources and organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers in forest nurseries to avoid and minimize greenhouse gas emissions (GHS) and other toxic emissions in the study area.

Minerals play a vital role in societal and economic growth. As finite and non-renewable resources, minerals inevitably diminish upon extraction. Consequently, there is an expectation that the extraction process should involve and benefit the local communities hosting these resources. Despite expectations of benefitting local communities, mineral extraction often results in more economic, social, and environmental burdens than advantages for them. This contribution is centred on a theoretical inquiry, employing the concept of social justice to explore and mitigate the disparities in the distribution of costs and benefits experienced by mine-host communities. It aims to balance the inequities, emphasising the principles of distributive, procedural and remedial justice to reconcile the losses and gains in a fair and equitable manner

ABSTRACT A computer system was developed to determine the energy potential in pig’s enterprise with the purpose of using the renewable energy sources. For their design, the IDE NetBeans, version 8.1 was selected as environment. A program named RESCE (renewable energy sources, clean environment) was generated to create hybrid systems, in which a priority order is establish respect to the residuals treatment. In a second phase, an estimate was made to determine the potential of electric energy generation with other sources. The use of this system allow the maximum exploitation of all natural resources, without damage the environment and it is consistent with the concept of circular economy. It is concluded that the program, in addition of allowing the computerization of the use of renewable energy sources in pig enterprise, speeds up decisions-making.

RESUMEN Se desarrolló un sistema informático para la determinación del potencial energético en centros porcinos con el propósito de poder utilizar las fuentes renovables de energía. Para su diseño, se seleccionó como entorno el IDE NetBeans en su versión 8.1. Se generó un programa denominado FREAL (fuentes renovables de energía, ambiente limpio) para crear sistemas híbridos, en el cual se establece un orden de prioridad respecto al tratamiento de los residuales. En una segunda fase, se hizo una estimación para determinar el potencial de generación de energía eléctrica con otras fuentes. El uso de este sistema permite la explotación al máximo todos los recursos naturales, sin dañar al medio ambiente y es consecuente con el concepto de economía circular. Se concluye que el programa, además de que permite la informatización del uso de fuentes renovables de energía en los centros porcinos, agiliza la toma de decisiones.

Abstract Given escalating environmental concerns and stricter regulations, there’s a pressing need for sustainable materials. Eco-composites, which blend natural fibers with polymer matrices for reinforcement, are gaining traction. This study stands out by employing Australian royal palm stem fibers within a polystyrene matrix for eco-composites. The research involved assessing thermal stability, quantifying lignin/carbohydrate content, and measuring moisture levels. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to examine fiber structure. Results from evaluations of thermal and mechanical properties underscore the high-performance reinforcement potential of Australian royal palm fibers, suggesting their suitability for various eco-composite applications. Beyond meeting the demand for sustainable materials, this project introduces an innovative use of these fibers, broadening their potential applications and advocating for greener, socially responsible industry practices. regulations theres there s materials Ecocomposites, Ecocomposites Eco composites, composites Eco-composites traction ecocomposites. ecocomposites eco composites. eco-composites stability lignincarbohydrate lignin carbohydrate content levels structure highperformance high performance ecocomposite composite greener practices

Die energievraag in Afrika-ekonomieë, insluitend Suid-Afrika, sal na verwagting teen 2040 verdubbel. Die water-energie-voedsel-nexus, wat by die Bonn 2011-konferensie bekendgestel is, illustreer die interafhanklikheid van hierdie hulpbronne. In die geval van Suid-Afrika, met sy semi-droë klimaat en gereelde kragonderbrekings, het hierdie studie gefokus op die water-energie-nexus. Water is nodig vir elektrisiteitsopwekking in steenkoolaangedrewe aanlegte, terwyl energie benodig word vir watervoorsiening. Deur sisteemdinamika te gebruik, het die studie die huidige stand van die nexus in Suid-Afrika gemodelleer, en toekomstige scenario's ondersoek wat bevolkingsgroei, BBP per capita en water- en energie-intensiteite in ag neem. Die bevindinge dien as 'n basis vir die bespreking van die land se toekenning van skaars water- en energiebronne. Verdere navorsing kan Suid-Afrika se potensiële belegging in hernubare energiebronne ondersoek om die toenemende energievraag op te los.

The energy demand in African economies, including South Africa, is expected to double by 2040. The water-energy-food nexus, introduced at the Bonn 2011 conference, illustrates the interdependencies of these resources. In the case of South Africa, with its semi-arid climate and frequent power outages, this study focuses on the water-energy nexus. Water is necessary for electricity generation in coal-powered plants, while energy is required for water supply. Using system dynamics, the study models the current state of the nexus in South Africa and explores future scenarios considering population growth, GDP per capita, and water and energy intensities. The findings serve as a basis for discussing the country's allocation of scarce water and energy resources. Further research could examine South Africa's potential investment in renewable energy resources to solve the increasing energy demand.

Abstract. - Currently, dependence on fossil resources continues to dominate, even with the economic-environmental impacts that they generate; Therefore, it is necessary to encourage the production and use of renewable, affordable and sustainable sources. In this sense, this work focuses on developing solar thermal simulation software for the evaluation of low-cost and low environmental impact materials that can be used in solar heaters or thermal accumulators. Optimizing the use of stone, organic materials and those available locally with optothermal properties of high absorption and great thermal residence, to use them as containers for solar thermal energy. In this way, a desktop application has been developed in the Python programming language to simulate the absorbance and thermal accumulation of materials with the aforementioned characteristics using properties such as ambient temperature of the test site, solar absorbance, thermal conductivity and mass of the material. This software aims to make experimental processes more efficient, reducing economic, technological and material resources, by having a model of the thermal physics of solar thermal accumulation in natural materials, predicting their energy behavior without the need to build full-scale prototypes. Finally, it has been proven that the developed simulator provides a much more dynamic and easy-to-interpret analysis with easily obtained statistical data. That is, it allows not only the curve to be observed but also provides the dispersion of a continuous system of values, which can help to infer research data with greater simplicity and effectiveness on the optical and thermal properties of the materials studied. However, the development of the computer program can be improved, so it maintains a free access and open-source scheme.

Resumen. - Actualmente, la dependencia a los recursos fósiles sigue dominando, aún con los impactos económico-ambientales que estos generan; por lo que es necesario incentivar la producción y uso de fuentes renovables, asequibles y sustentables. En este sentido, el presente trabajo se enfoca en desarrollar un software de simulación termosolar para la evaluación de materiales de bajo costo y bajo impacto ambiental que puedan ser utilizados en calentadores solares o acumuladores térmicos. Optimizando el uso de materiales pétreos, orgánicos y aquellos disponibles localmente con propiedades optotérmicas de alta absorción y gran residencia térmica, para utilizarlos como contenedores de energía termosolar. De este modo, se ha desarrollado una aplicación de escritorio en lenguaje de programación Python, para simular la absortancia y acumulación térmica de materiales con las características mencionadas utilizando propiedades como temperatura ambiente del lugar de prueba, absortancia solar, conductividad térmica y masa del material. Este software pretende eficientar los procesos experimentales, reduciendo recursos económicos, tecnológicos y materiales, al contar con un modelo de la física térmica de acumulación termosolar en materiales naturales, prediciendo su comportamiento energético sin la necesidad de construir prototipos a escala real. Finalmente, se ha comprobado que el simulador desarrollado, proporciona un análisis mucho más dinámico y fácil de interpretar con datos estadísticos de fácil obtención. Es decir, permite observar no solo la curva sino también proporciona la dispersión de un sistema continuo de valores, el cual puede ayudar a inferir los datos de una investigación con mayor sencillez y efectividad sobre las propiedades ópticas y térmicas de los materiales estudiados. No obstante, el desarrollo del programa computacional puede ser mejorado, por lo que mantiene un esquema de libre acceso y código abierto.