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Abstract This work test the feasibility and characterize the thermohygric properties of composite materials, realized with eco-friendly raw materials and designed to make suspended ceilings or interior partition walls. Several raw materials are considered: recycled paper (granules or cellulose wadding) and wood fibers. Aggregates or fibers are bonded with organic or mineral binder. One of the binder considered is starch, due to its availability in Ivory Coast (cassava flour). The calcium sulfate hemihydrate is also used for comparison. The density of the produced composites ranges from 400 to 1200 kg/m3 depending on formulation. The thermal conductivity increases proportionally with the density and ranges from 0.09 to 0.5 W/(m.K). The characterization of hygric behavior is based on the measurement of moisture buffer value (MBV) [1]. The hydric performances of the composites made of mineral binder goes from moderate (MBV around 1 g/(m².%RH)) to excellent (MBV > 2 g/(m².%RH)). The moisture buffer value of the paper granules -starch composite is also excellent (MBV > 2 g/(m².%RH))

Humanity’s long-term presence in space entails the establishment of sustainable space ecosystems in both orbital and planetary environments. Sustainable ecosystems are characterized by minimal resource depletion, reduction in space debris, reusable and renewable materials and components, among other factors. However, achieving sustainability in space is challenging due to limited resources, harsh environmental conditions, and the need for continuous operation. Intelligent robotic systems with diverse manipulation and locomotion capabilities using artificial intelligence (AI) are capable of In-Situ Resource Utilization and carrying out autonomous production and maintenance operations. Modular reconfigurable systems and heterogeneous teams allow for optimized task allocation strategies, thus expanding the task domain. Efficient human–robot interaction methods can assist astronauts and future space inhabitants in their routine tasks as well as during critical missions. We also emphasize the importance of collaboration among space agencies, roboticists and AI scientists for shared resources and knowledge, and the development of technology standards and interfaces for systems collaboration. Such cooperative efforts are vital to ensure the long-term viability of space exploration and settlement. This paper explores how AI-driven autonomous robots are being developed at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and University of Bremen (Germany) to address these challenges.

Conducted by the ESPACE French laboratory with the Ressource research consultancy and the Tour du Valat, the CAMPLAN research program on the integrated management of the Camargue and Plan-du-Bourg hydro-system, is based on the observation made by several managers of natural areas of this territory: an increasing inability of the water governance to maintain the adaptive capacity of the hydraulic system faced with global change, and most particularly with sea level rise. In this research program, our goal was to combine the knowledge produced by the multidisciplinary research team in order to identify the elements which, in the functioning of the territorial system, are favourable and unfavourable to its adaptation. The complexity and the breadth of the gathered knowledge have required a systemic approach. The analysis of the structure of the constitutive relationships of the Camargue system brought to light two ways to adapt, from which the levers and brakes to the adaptability of the Camargue area were examined.

AbstractClimate change amplifies dry and hot extremes, yet the mechanism, extent, scope, and temporal scale of causal linkages between dry and hot extremes remain underexplored. Here using the concept of system dynamics, we investigate cross-scale interactions within dry-to-hot and hot-to-dry extreme event networks and quantify the magnitude, temporal-scale, and physical drivers of cascading effects (CEs) of drying-on-heating and vice-versa, across the globe. We find that locations exhibiting exceptionally strong CE (hotspots) for dry-to-hot and hot-to-dry extremes generally coincide. However, the CEs differ strongly in their timescale of interaction, hydroclimatic drivers, and sensitivity to changes in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum and background aridity. The CE of drying-on-heating in the hotspot locations reaches its peak immediately driven by the compounding influence of vapor pressure deficit, potential evapotranspiration, and precipitation. In contrast, the CE of heating-on-drying peaks gradually dominated by concurrent changes in potential evapotranspiration, precipitation, and net-radiation with the effect of vapor pressure deficit being strongly controlled by ecosystem isohydricity and background aridity. Our results help improve our understanding of the causal linkages and the predictability of compound extremes and related impacts.

Thermal runaway (TR) has become a critical safety concern with the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as an energy storage solution to meet the growing global energy demand. This issue has become a significant barrier to the expansion of LIB technologies. Addressing the urgent need for safer LIBs, this study developed a comprehensive model to simulate TR in cylindrical 18650 nickel cobalt manganese (NMC) LIBs. By incorporating experiments with LG®-INR18650-MJ1 cells, the model specifically aimed to accurately predict critical TR parameters, including temperature evolution, internal pressure changes, venting phases, and mass loss dynamics. The simulation closely correlated with experimental outcomes, particularly in replicating double venting mechanisms, gas generation, and the characteristics of mass loss observed during TR events. This study confirmed the feasibility of assuming proportional relationships between gas generation and the cell capacity and between the mass loss from solid particle ejection and the total mass loss, thereby simplifying the modeling of both gas generation and mass loss behaviors in LIBs under TR. Conclusively, the findings advanced the understanding of TR mechanisms in LIBs, providing a solid foundation for future research aimed at mitigating risks and promoting the safe integration of LIBs into sustainable energy solutions.

Among the sufficiency, efficiency, and renewable frameworks for reducing energy use and energy-related carbon emissions, Building Energy Sufficiency (BES) is gaining attention from policy makers and engineers. Despite the significant role of the building sector in the success of national energy and climate plans, there is a lack of research on the drivers, technologies, and effective policy instruments required to achieve BES in the building operational phase. To fill this gap, this study presents a systematic review of the definition and paradigm of BES and concludes that BES should address both occupant demand and energy or emissions requirements simultaneously. The characteristics of occupant demand in building services are divided into four dimensions: time and space, quality and quantity, control and adjustment, and flexibility. Technical options regarding the building architecture, the envelope system, and the building energy system are reviewed. Finally, policy implications and recommendations are discussed. The multiple benefits and multidisciplinary nature of BES justify further research and accelerated policy implementation in developed and developing countries.

Rising demand and limited production of electricity are instrumental in spreading the awareness of cautious energy use, leading to the global demand for energy-efficient buildings. This compels the construction industry to smartly design and effectively construct these buildings to ensure energy performance as per design expectations. However, the research tells a different tale: energy-efficient buildings have performance issues. Among several reasons behind the energy performance gap, occupant behavior is critical. The occupant behavior is dynamic and changes over time under formal and informal influences, but the traditional energy simulation programs assume it as static throughout the occupancy. Effective behavioral interventions can lead to optimized energy use. To find out the energy-saving potential based on simulated modified behavior, this study gathers primary building and occupant data from three energy-efficient office buildings in major cities of Pakistan and categorizes the occupants into high, medium, and low energy consumers. Additionally, agent-based modeling simulates the change in occupant behavior under the direct and indirect interventions over a three-year period. Finally, energy savings are quantified to highlight a 25.4% potential over the simulation period. This is a unique attempt at quantifying the potential impact on energy usage due to behavior modification which will help facility managers to plan and execute necessary interventions and software experts to develop effective tools to model the dynamic usage behavior. This will also help policymakers in devising subtle but effective behavior training strategies to reduce energy usage. Such behavioral retrofitting comes at a much lower cost than the physical or technological retrofit options to achieve the same purpose and this study establishes the foundation for it.