Measuring CO2 emissions induced by online and brick-and-mortar retailing

We develop a method for empirically measuring the difference in carbon footprint between traditional and online retailing (“e-tailing”) from entry point to a geographical area to consumer residence. The method only requires data on the locations of brick-and-mortar stores, online delivery points, and residences of the region’s population, and on the goods transportation networks in the studied region. Such data are readily available in most countries, so the method is not country or region specific. The method has been evaluated using data from the Dalecarlia region in Sweden, and is shown to be robust to all assumptions made. In our empirical example, the results indicate that the average distance from consumer residence to a brick-and-mortar retailer is 48.54 km in the studied region, while the average distance to an online delivery point is 6.7 km. The results also indicate that e-tailing increases the average distance traveled from the regional entry point to the delivery point from 47.15 km for a brick-and-mortar store to 122.75 km for the online delivery points. However, as professional carriers transport the products in bulk to stores or online delivery points, which is more efficient than consumers’ transporting the products to their residences, the results indicate that consumers switching from traditional to e-tailing on average reduce their CO2 footprints by 84% when buying standard consumer electronics products. 

Measuring CO2 emissions induced by online and brick-and-mortar retailing

We develop a method for empirically measuring the difference in carbon footprint between traditional and online retailing (“e-tailing”) from entry point to a geographical area to consumer residence. The method only requires data on the locations of brick-and-mortar stores, online delivery points, and residences of the region’s population, and on the goods transportation networks in the studied region. Such data are readily available in most countries, so the method is not country or region specific. The method has been evaluated using data from the Dalecarlia region in Sweden, and is shown to be robust to all assumptions made. In our empirical example, the results indicate that the average distance from consumer residence to a brick-and-mortar retailer is 48.54 km in the studied region, while the average distance to an online delivery point is 6.7 km. The results also indicate that e-tailing increases the average distance traveled from the regional entry point to the delivery point from 47.15 km for a brick-and-mortar store to 122.75 km for the online delivery points. However, as professional carriers transport the products in bulk to stores or online delivery points, which is more efficient than consumers’ transporting the products to their residences, the results indicate that consumers switching from traditional to e-tailing on average reduce their CO2 footprints by 84% when buying standard consumer electronics products. 

Investigating The Sources Of Fresh Water Affecting The Hydrological Balance Of Lakes Enriquillo And Azuei (Hispaniola) – Data Analysis

The Enriquillo and Azuei are saltwater lakes located in a closed water basin in the southwestern region of the island of La Hispaniola, these have been experiencing dramatic changes in total lake-surface area coverage during the period 1980-2012. The size of Lake Enriquillo presented a surface area of approximately 276 km2 in 1984, gradually decreasing to 172 km2 in 1996. The surface area of the lake reached its lowest point in the satellite observation record in 2004, at 165 km2. Then the recent growth of the lake began reaching its 1984 size by 2006. Based on surface area measurement for June and July 2013, Lake Enriquillo has a surface area of ~358 km2. Sumatra sizes at both ends of the record are 116 km2 in 1984 and 134 km2in 2013, an overall 15.8% increase in 30 years. Determining the causes of lake surface area changes is of extreme importance due to its environmental, social, and economic impacts. The overall goal of this study is to quantify the changing water balance in these lakes and their catchment area using satellite and ground observations and a regional atmospheric-hydrologic modeling approach. Data analyses of environmental variables in the region reflect a hydrological unbalance of the lakes due to changing regional hydro-climatic conditions. Historical data show precipitation, land surface temperature and humidity, and sea surface temperature (SST), increasing over region during the past decades. Salinity levels have also been decreasing by more than 30% from previously reported baseline levels. Here we present a summary of the historical data obtained, new sensors deployed in the sourrounding sierras and the lakes, and the integrated modeling exercises. As well as the challenges of gathering, storing, sharing, and analyzing this large volumen of data in a remote location from such a diverse number of sources.

Aproveitamento de resíduos minerais na formulação de argamassas para a construção civil

Current environmental concerns include the excessive consumption and inefficient use of non-renewable natural resources. The construction industry is considered one of the largest consumers of natural raw materials, significantly contributing to the environmental degradation of the planet. The use of calcareous quarry (RPPC) and porcelain tile polishing residues (RPP) as partial replacements of the cement in mortars is an interesting alternative to minimize the exploration of considerably large amounts of natural resources. The present study aimed at investigating the properties of fresh and hardened mortars produced using residues to replace cement. The residues used were fully characterized to determine their specific mass, unitary mass, particle size distribution and morphology, and composition. The performance of the mortars was compared to that of reference compositions, prepared without residues. A total of 18 compositions were prepared, 16 using residues and 2 reference ones. The mortars were prepared using Portland CP II F 32 cement, CH I hydrated lime, river sand and tap water. The compositions of the mortars were 1:1:6 and 1:0.5:4.5 (vol%), and water to cement ratios of 1.87 and 1.45 were used, respectively. The mortars in the fresh state were evaluated by consistency index, water retention, density of mass and incorporated air content tests. In their hardened state, the mortars were evaluated by apparent mass density, modulus of elasticity, flexural tensile strength, compressive strength and water absorption by capillarity. The mortars were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence. Finally, they were classified according to NBR 13281 standards. The mortars prepared using residues partially replacing the cement exhibited lower modulus of elasticity compared to the reference compositions, thus improving the performance in their intended use. On the downside, the water absorption by capillarity was affected by the presence of residues and both the tensile and compressive strength were reduced. However, from the overall standpoint, the replacement of cement by calcareous quarry or porcelain tile polishing residues did not result in significant changes in the properties of the mortars. Therefore, compositions containing these residues can be used in the construction industry

Síntese, aplicação e avaliação do efeito do teor de fósforo da celulose fosfatada em argamassa de alvenaria com aditivo comercial a base de hidroxi-etil-metil celulose (HEMC)

Generally, cellulose ethers improves mortar properties such as water retention, workability and setting time, along with adherence to the substrate. However, a major disadvantage of the addition of cellulose ethers in mortars is the delay in hydration of the cement. In this paper a cellulose phosphate (Cp) was synthesized water soluble and has been evaluated the effect of their incorporation into mortar based on Portland cement. Cellulose phosphate obtained was characterized by spectrophotometry Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mortar compositions were formulated with varying phosphorus content in cellulose and cellulose phosphate concentrations, when used in partial or total replacement of the commercial additive based hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC). The mortars formulated with additives were prepared and characterized by: testing in the fresh state (consistency index, water retention, bulk density and air content incorporated) and in the hardened state (absorption by capillarity, density, flexural and compression strength). In mixtures the proportion of sand:cement of 1:5 (v / v) and factor a / c = 1.31 and water were held constant. Overall, the results showed that the celluloses phosphates employed in mortars added acted significantly when partially substituting the commercial additive. With regard to consistency index, water retention and bulk density in the fresh state and absorption by capillarity and bulk density apparent in the hardened state, showed no appreciable differences as compared to the commercial additive. The incorporated air content in the fresh state reduced markedly, but did not affect other properties. The mortars with cellulose phosphate, partially replacing the commercial additive showed an improvement of the properties of flexural strength and compressive strength

Desenvolvimento de argamassa para restauração utilizando resíduo do polimento do porcelanato

The coatings mortars are essential elements of building structures because they execute an important role in protecting walls and are particularly exposed to aggressive action responsible for its degradation over time. The importance of wall coverings has been the subject of discussion and analysis in the conservation and rehabilitation of old buildings. Are sometimes removed and replaced with inappropriate solutions of constructive point of view or architecture. The most commonly used coatings on walls of old buildings is based on traditional hydraulic lime mortars. The present study aims at the formulation of new lime- based mortars and aerial fine aggregate, in order to contribute to a better field of conservation and restoration mortar coating of old buildings. Residue was used for polishing porcelain as fine aggregate, replacing the aggregate (sand), in percentages 05-30% by mass. We conducted a thorough evaluation of the mortar properties in fresh and hardened state by comparing the performance of the same with a reference mortar. The residue used was characterized as the density, bulk density, and particle size laser, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. Formulations were produced 7, 6 with residue and one commonly used formulation, which served as a reference. In the formulations of lime mortars air (hydrated lime powder CH-I) has been adopted a stroke volume (1:3) with constant binder, was varied and the water / binder and aggregate and waste. For evaluation of mortars fresh, proceeded to consistency analysis, specific gravity, water retention and air content embedded. In the hardened state assays were performed in specific gravity, water retention, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength in bending, compressive strength, water absorption by capillary action, adhesion, tensile strength, resistance to shrinkage and salts by of crystallization trials with resources chloride solution, nitrate and sulfate all sodium in prismatic at 90 days of age, in addition to the micro structural analysis of mortars. Based on the results we can see that the mortar formulated with 10% content of waste and the reference free retraction feature more stable closer to neutrality. The composition of 10% was obtained better performance against the action of the salt crystallization. The mortar with 15% residue obtained better density, lower air content embedded and high capacity for water retention developing good workability. The replacement of 20% of waste generates a satisfactory utilization of resistance to compression, flexion and traction grip the base. And, finally, it can be seen that the mortar with 10, 15 and 20% residual show, in principle, good suitability as coatings, thus enabling a final result consistent with durability, workability and aesthetics developing therefore a material with better performance to repair or replace existing mortars in old buildings

Intra- and extracellular osmotic regulation in the hololimnetic Caridea and Anomura: a phylogenetic perspective on the conquest of fresh water by the decapod Crustacea

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Multivariate analysis of fresh-cut carambola slices stored under different temperatures

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Dunging gutters filled with fresh water in finishing barns had no effect on the prevalence of Salmonella enterica on Brazilian swine farms

Our aim was to assess the importance of dunging gutters filled with water in finishing barns for the prevalence of pigs shedding Salmonella enterica. Some finishing barns in Brazil are provided with a dunging-gutter system which consists of a continuous water flow at the back of solid-floored adjacent pens. Because there is transfer of faecal material between adjacent pens by water in this system and the faecal-oral route of transmission is so important for enteric pathogens, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of this kind of dunging-gutter system in finishing barns affects the prevalence of slaughter-age pigs shedding salmonella organisms in their faeces. The cross-sectional study was conducted on six farms each having barns with and barns without a dunging-gutter system. Breeding, management, nutritional and seasonal factors were similar in both barns on each farm. The two systems did not differ in prevalence of pigs shedding salmonella organisms. Five S. enterica scrotypes were isolated: S. Agona, S. Javiana, S. Rissen, S. Sandiego and S. Senftenberg. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Análise de Argamassas Com Substituição Parcial do Cimento Portland Por Cinza Residual de Lenha de Algaroba

With the increase in cement consumption, it has quickly become one of the inputs most consumed by mankind over the last century. This has caused an increase in CO2 emissions, as cement production releases large quantities of this gas into the atmosphere. Adding this fact to the growing consciousness of environmental preservation, it has led to a search for alternatives to cement to complement its derivatives, in the form of waste materials like the ashes. This research aimed to analyze the properties of mortars in fresh and hardened state with partial replacement of Portland cement by residual algaroba wood ash (CRLA) potteries produced by the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The CRLA was collected and sieved, where part of it was ground and characterized in comparison with that just sifted, being characterized according to its chemical composition, grain size, fineness, density, bulk density and index of pozzolanic activity. It was found that the wood ash does not act as pozzolan, and grinding it has not changed its characteristics compared to those just sifted, not justifying its use. Two traces were adopted for this research: 1:3 (cement: fine sand) and 1:2:8 (cement: hydrated lime: medium sand); both in volume, using as materials the CRLA just sifted, CP II F-32 Portland cement, CH-I hydrated lime, river sand and water from the local utility. For each trace were adopted six percentages of partial replacement of cement for wood ash: 0% (control) 5%, 7%, 10%, 12% and 15%. In the fresh state, the mortars were tested towards their consistency index and mass density. In the hardened state, they were tested towards their tensile strength in bending, compressive strength and tensile adhesion strength, and its mass density in the hardened state. The mortar was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, it was classified according to NBR 13281 (2005). The results showed that up to a content of 5% substitution and for both traces, the residual algaroba wood ash can replace Portland cement without compromising the mortars microstructure and its fresh and hardened state

Use of modified atmosphere to extend shelf life of fresh-cut carambola (Averrhoa carambola L. cv. Fwang Tung)

Fresh-cut fruit products, including carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), have limited marketability due to cut surface browning attributed to phenolic compound oxidation by enzymes, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO). The objective of this study was to evaluate postharvest changes in carambola slices in three different packages. Carambola fruit (cv. Fwang Tung) were picked from the Estacao Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro orchard at the mature-green stage. The fruit were washed, dipped in NaOCl solution (200 mg L-1 for 5 min), stored overnight at 10 degrees C, then manually sliced into pieces of approximately 1 cm. The slices were rinsed with NaOCl solution at 20 mg L-1, drained for 3 min, and packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays (Neoform (R) N94); polystyrene trays covered with PVC 0.017 turn (Vitafilm (R), Goodyear); and vacuum seated polyolefin bags (PLO, Cryovac (R) PD900). The packages were stored at 6.8 degrees C and 90% RH for 12 d, with samples taken every 4 d. PET trays and PVC film did not significantly modify the internal atmosphere and the high water permeability of PVC led to more rapid slice desiccation. PPO activity was lower when the slices were packaged in PLO vacuum sealed bags, which reduced degreening and led to better appearance maintenance for up to 12 d. (R) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of atmosphere, organic acids, and calcium on quality of fresh-cut 'Kensington' mango

Fresh-cut slices from ripe 'Kensington' mango (Mangifera indica L.) were prepared aseptically and stored under various treatments at 3 degrees C. Treatments included reduced oxygen (2.5%), enhanced carbon dioxide (5-40%), organic acid application, calcium chloride application, and combinations of the above. Symptoms limiting shelf-life were characterised by tissue darkening, development of a 'glassy' appearance, surface desiccation, and loss of firmness. Reduced oxygen (2.5%) was effective at controlling tissue darkening and the development of a 'glassy' appearance, while calcium application (3%) was partly effective at controlling darkening. Calcium chloride however significantly slowed (but did not stop) loss of tissue firmness. Carbon dioxide (5-40%) and citric acid had little positive effect on shelf-life, with both treatments appearing to promote tissue softening. A combination of low oxygen and calcium allowed 'Kensington' slices to be held for at least 15 days at 3 degrees C. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Estudo da viabilidade da utilização de cinza de lodo de esgoto como adição em argamassa de cimento Portland

The use of sewage sludge as a raw material falls within the waste recycling key in the current process model environmental sustainability .Waste recycling has been consolidated as a sustainable environmentally sound technical solution, and. Despite showing very variable composition and characteristics, sewage sludge, can be considered as a residue with a high recycling potential in the building sector. In this paper the feasibility of using sewage sludge ash was studied in addition to Portland cement mortar in 1:3 mass considered the standard dash. This gray additions were studied in proportions of 5%, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25% and 30% by mass of cement. The methodology was focused on the characterization of materials by physical, chemical , mechanical , environmental and morphological followed by the production of mortar tests ,and finalized by the characterization tests of mortar in the fresh state, through the consistency index, content of entrained air, bulk density and water retention, and in the hardened state by bulk density, water absorption by capillarity capillarity coefficient, compressive strength, tensile strength in bending ,tensile bond strength and microstructural analysis for percentages of 0 to 20%. After comparing with the standard mortar mortars with addition of ash, it is concluded that the ash of sewage sludge did not impair the integrity and properties of mortars with addition, including increasing resistance to compression and tension, being 20% more indicated percentage. Thus, it becomes feasible the addition of sewage sludge ash in Portland cement mortar for the trait studied

Desempenho de argamassas produzidas com agregados reciclados oriundos do resíduo de construção e demolição da Grande Natal-RN

The construction industry is responsible for generating a lot of waste because of their activities. Consequently, it is noticeable the occurrence of environmental problems in terms of its disposal in inappropriate places. Faced with this problem, some studies have been conducted with the aim of developing technologies and alternatives for recycling construction and demolition waste (CDW), motivated by the scarcity of natural resources and reduction of environmental problems generated. The research aims to characterize the recycled aggregates derived from construction and demolition waste (CDW) produced in the Greater Natal-RN and analyze the performance of mortar coating produced with recycled aggregates. The study includes the chemical , physical and microstructural characterization of recycled aggregates , as well as conducting microscopic analysis and laboratory tests in the fresh state (consistency index , water retention , bulk density and content of entrained air ) and in the hardened state ( compressive strength , tensile strength in bending , water absorption by immersion and capillary , mass density and void ratio ) for mortars produced from different levels of substitution of aggregates ( 0, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 %). The results were satisfactory, providing mortars produced with recycled aggregates, smaller mass density and dynamic modulus values as well as an increase in the rates of absorption and porosity. The tensile strength in bending and compression for TP1 (1:2:8) trait were lower for mortars produced with recycled aggregates and the best result was 20% for replacement. For the TP2 (1:8) mapping, there was an increase in resistance to traction and compression and the best result was for 100% replacement of natural aggregates by recycled. The experiments led to the conclusion that the technical and economic point of view that the mortars produced with recycled aggregates can be used in construction, only if there is an effective control in production processes of recycled aggregate and at the dosage of mortars