| 1. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluating Logistics Performances of Agricultural Prunings for Energy Production: A Logistics Audit Analysis Approach
- 2018
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Ingår i: Logistics. - : MDPI AG. - 2305-6290. ; 2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The utilization of agricultural prunings as renewable energy sources requires effective and efficient logistics systems. The objective of this paper was to map out logistics activities along the agricultural pruning-to-energy (PtE) value chains. It describes the logistics performances based on the existing and potential pruning biomass supply chains focusing on prunings from fruit tree, vineyards, olive groove, and up-rooted tree branches. A logistics audit analysis approach has been used for detailed assessment of logistics performances. The analysis was based mainly on primary data gathered using a structured data survey format targeting the existing and potential PtE initiatives in Spain, Germany, Denmark, France, and Poland. The analysis considered the major stages of the chain, such as pruning, harvesting, processing (e.g., baling and chipping), storage, transport, and the linkage between the different stages. The paper identified the constraints along the logistics chain and recommended appropriate interventions to promote the marketing of agricultural pruning focusing on the supply of quality bales and chips for renewable energy production, and to increase the sustainability of renewable energy generation from PtE initiatives. The study has indicated that there are economic, social, and environmental benefits of PtE initiatives, as well as opportunities to increase the implementation and sustainability of the system.
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| 2. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Evaluation of a Smart System for the Optimization of Logistics Performance of a Pruning Biomass Value Chain
- 2018
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Ingår i: Applied Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3417. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The paper presents a report on the performance evaluation of a newly developed smart logistics system (SLS). Field tests were conducted in Spain, Germany, and Sweden. The evaluation focused on the performance of a smart box tool (used to capture information during biomass transport) and a web-based information platform (used to monitor the flow of agricultural pruning from farms to end users and associated information flow). The tests were performed following a product usability testing approach, considering both qualitative and quantitative parameters. The detailed performance evaluation included the following: systematic analysis of 41 recordable parameters (stored in a spreadsheet database), analysis of feedback and problems encountered during the tests, and overall quality analysis applying the product quality model adapted from ISO/IEC FDIS 9126-1 standard. The data recording and storage and the capability to support product traceability and supply chain management were found to be very satisfactory, while assembly of smart box components (mainly the associated cables), data transferring intervals, and manageability could be improved. From the data retrieved during test activities, in more than 95% of the parameters within 41 columns, the expected values were displayed correctly. Some errors were observed, which might have been caused mainly by barriers that could hinder proper data recording and transfer from the smart box to the central database. These problems can be counteracted and the performance of the SLS can be improved so that it can be upgraded to be a marketable tool that can promote sustainable biomass-to-energy value chains.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Life cycle analysis of organic tomato production and supply in Sweden
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Cleaner Production. - : Elsevier BV. - 0959-6526 .- 1879-1786. ; 196, s. 635-643
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Improving sustainability of organic tomato value chains requires increase of production and reduction of losses and related environmental burden. This paper presents the study conducted on organic tomato produced and consumed in Sweden. Using life cycle analysis (LCA) method with SimaPro8.2 LCA software, the cumulative energy demand (CED) and global warming potential (GWP(100)) were investigated within the system boundary of cradle-to-consumer gate. The system was modeled as fresh tomato value chain (FTVC) and dried tomato value chain (DTVC). The functional unit (FU) was 1 ton of fresh product at farm that will be delivered to customer either as fresh or dried tomato. Sensitivity analysis was done considering changes in drying energy consumption. The results indicated that calculated CED values were 44.58 GJ and 49.40 GJ per functional unit for FTVC and DTVC respectively. Similarly, GWP(100) values were 547.13 kg CO2 eq and 467.44 kg CO2 eq for FTVC and DTVC respectively. Agricultural production has been identified as hot-spot stage in both FTVC and DTVC cases. Next to agricultural stage, post-harvest and transport stages have been hot-spot stages for energy demand and climate impact respectively. Energy for greenhouse heating and irrigation as well as material for greenhouse construction contributed to the high impact of tomato cultivation stage. Packaging and drying activities at post-harvest stage and fuel consumption at transport stage contributed more to environmental burden. The drying process increased the energy demand while it reduced climate change impact. The drying process also could reduce the product losses and increase the product shelf life. This could improve the sustainability of locally produced organic tomato value chains, especially if integrated with renewable energy sources. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 5. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Swedish Consumers' Perception of Food Quality and Sustainability in Relation to Organic Food Production
- 2018
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Ingår i: Foods. - : MDPI AG. - 2304-8158. ; 7
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Consumers' demand for locally produced and organic foods has increased in Sweden. This paper presents the results obtained from the analysis of data acquired from 100 consumers in Sweden who participated in an online survey during March to June 2016. The objective was to identify consumers' demand in relation to organic food and sustainable food production, and to understand how the consumers evaluate food quality and make buying decisions. Qualitative descriptions, descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test (with alpha value of p < 0.05 as level of significance), and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for analysis. About 72% of participants have the perception that organic food production method is more sustainable than conventional methods. Female consumers have more positive attitudes than men towards organic food. However, age difference, household size and income level do not significantly influence the consumers' perception of sustainable food production concepts. Regionality, sustainable methods of production and organic production are the most important parameters to characterize the food as high quality and make buying decisions. On the other hand, product uniformity, appearance, and price were found to be relatively less important parameters. Food buying decisions and food quality were found to be highly related with Pearson's correlation coefficient of r = 0.99.
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| 6. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Traceability System for Improved Utilization of Solid Biofuel from Agricultural Prunings
- 2018
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Biomass production and supply for renewable energy generation should be managed well and carried out in a sustainable manner. An effective traceability system (TS) is required to provide sufficient information and assure the quality of the biomass. The objective of this study is to define and develop a TS to assure the pruning biomass quality for the production of solid biofuels and to provide guarantee to the final user that the biomass is in good condition according to recommended quality criteria. It is designed for an agricultural pruning supply chain in which farmers, biomass traders, transporters, and end users are major actors. It is based on the biofuel quality requirements required by final users and other standards such as the new European standards EN 14961-1, EN15234:1-2011, and EN14961-1:2010, which describe solid fuel quality parameters. Traceable quality parameters include origin and source of product, traded form, bale dimension, chips size distribution, moisture content, ash content, and density of biomass. In this TS, a unique product label is introduced and integrated into a smart logistics system (SLS). The TS uses information captured at different stages of the product supply chain. It enables the management of the whole pruning biomass supply chain with the support of a centralized web-based information platform, an integral part of the SLS.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Gebresenbet, Girma, et al.
(författare)
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Smart System for the Optimization of Logistics Performance of the Pruning Biomass Value Chain
- 2018
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Ingår i: Applied Sciences. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3417. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Agricultural pruning biomass is one of the important resources in Europe for generating renewable energy. However, utilization of the agricultural residues requires development of efficient and effective logistics systems. The objective of this study was to develop smart logistics system (SLS) appropriate for the management of the pruning biomass supply chain. The paper describes the users' requirement of SLS, defines the technical and functional requirements and specifications for the development of SLS, and determines relevant information/data to be documented and managed by the SLS. This SLS has four major components: (a) Smart box, a sensor unit that enables measurement of data such as relative humidity, temperature, geographic positions; (b) On-board control unit, a unit that performs route planning and monitors the recordings by the smart box; (c) Information platform, a centralized platform for data storing and sharing, and management of pruning supply chain and traceability; and (d) Central control unit, an interface linking the Information platform and On-board control unit that serves as a point of administration for the whole pruning biomass supply chain from harvesting to end user. The SLS enables the improvement of performance of pruning biomass supply chain management and product traceability leading to a reduction of product loss, increased coordination of resources utilisation and quality of solid biofuel supply, increased pruning marketing opportunity, and reduction of logistics cost. This SLS was designed for pruning biomass, but could also be adapted for any type of biomass-to-energy initiatives.
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| 9. |
- Kinobe, Joel, et al.
(författare)
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Optimization of waste collection and disposal in Kampala city
- 2015
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Ingår i: Habitat International. - : Elsevier BV. - 0197-3975. ; 49, s. 126-137
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Waste collection and transportation is an important municipal service that involves high expenditures if not handled efficiently. This has hindered waste management in many Sub-Saharan African countries. In this study, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were used to optimize travel distances, trips and collection time, which leads to maximizing total waste collection, yielding large savings and keeping the environment clean. The study suggested the best waste collection routes, and determined a suitable vehicle fleet and capacity to be used by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which is the body responsible for waste management in Kampala. The use of the GIS tools led to the reduction in the total number of trips and travel distances, which decreased fuel consumption and vehicle emissions. In addition, the model can be used by the various outsourced private operators, collecting and disposing of solid wastes. Since the current municipal landfill for Kampala city is almost full, the GIS tool was used to identify the optimum location of a new proposed landfill site, based on optimized travel distances. The results of this study can help KCCA to decrease costs of managing wastes and environmental as well as social impacts. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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