Category Archives: Technology

Biotechnology in Architecture: Building Homes that are Alive

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For many centuries, architects have continued to amaze the world as they continue to design more complex buildings thanks to fast advancing technological development. Architecture and nature have been closely related to building design reflecting a certain part of nature or being inspired by nature.

Recently, biotechnology architecture has begun taking root with structures that intertwine with nature being designed and thereby creating harmony and favoring natural equilibrium. What has for many years be seen as stories only achievable in fantasy and sci-fi books is now a reality.

Nature contributes a lot to building materials

From traditional homes, complex modern squares to places to spend holidays, you will find natural material in every square inch of any building. Cement is mined from limestone, metal ore is processed to produce metal, trees are cut for wood, and so on.

green home on a mountain slope

Without natural material, it would be impossible to build any lasting structures. One thing will always remain as truth and it is the fact that all houses are built in collaboration with nature.

From books to reality

The Hobbit was written in 1937 by J.R.R Tolkein. The fantasy novel was awarded by New York Tribune as the best novel for children. Hobbits lived in houses that looked like holes in the mountains. The fantasy book inspired the writing of Lord of the Rings, followed by Hobbit movies, cartoon characters, and games.

Architecture lovers inspired by the fantasy novel have to date put some greatly striking house projects around the world. Some of the projects are Woodland Home – West Wales, Hobbit Hotels – New Zealand, and the Dune House, USA.

Another important novel is Hyperion, a Novel by Dan Simmons, published in 1989. He describes a creature named Shrike that is worshipped by some, some want to destroy it and some fear it. Yggdrasill, which connects the seven worlds, inspired some architects to designed Yggdrasill homes, bringing them to reality.

The Veldt by Ray Bradbury has a lot of lessons that college students can learn and turn into practical lessons. The themes presented in The Veldt college essay samples on EduZaurus provide an even greater way to better learn the lessons contained in this book.

There many more books and essay examples that contain lessons about the future and students can study them and write wonderful essays. Even after referring to the essay examples and books, a student can seek help from a writing service if they want more quality work.

Importance of biotechnology architecture

For many years. Biotechnology has been applied to improve plant species for better production. The technology later advanced to include animal species where cross-breeding was first adopted before technology advanced to the use of genetics.

Today, biotechnology is used to develop better products, fight diseases, reduce harm to the environment, produce cleaner energy and promote safer manufacturing processes. Biotechnology architecture relies on information instead of form. Its recommendations are not based on the structure of a building but its behavior.

Living homes

Using biotechnology in architecture, bio architects envision future homes as homes that are alive. When biology and engineering are brought together, building structures that are part of nature can become a reality. Recent technology has discovered mycelium, a fungus that can grow fast and create material with important structural performance.

use of biotech in architecture

Veldt – a good example of a jungle room

In his book titled The Veldt, Ray Bradbury describes a scenario where some children created a fully automated house. They are living a leisure life and then Peter and Wendy create a nursery, which is a virtual reality room. Interestingly, the room can create any environment-friendly living for the children to live in. The house performs all chores like cooking, laundry, brushing their teeth. Soon, the parents and children realize the nursery is too real.

The sci-fi book is currently 70 years old but its stories continue to live. The fictional stories of a happy life home are today’s real stories. Inspired by the Veldt story, Krista Kim created the first NFT digital house and offered it for sale. Although it’s virtual, the house opened a new door for green homes realty. More real green homes are the Hobbit Holes in New Zealand that have been turned into hotels.

Advantages to future generations

A green home will save future generations from pollution, environmental destruction, and unhealthy lives. Green homes will be able to produce their own energy to power them, heal themselves and provide a healthy environment to live in.

In his book, Ray Bradbury envisioned a future generation that would create a living corner of wildlife in the house. Back in his time in this book, Ray Bradbury raised the question that against the background of developing technologies, a person should be closer to nature and not live in a “concrete jungle” and that a person will try to be closer to nature.

Therefore, the topic of biotechnology will always be relevant. Even when a person colonizes distant planets and flies off the earth in a spaceship, he will still need nature to survive and maintain inner harmony.

Conclusion

Bioscientists and architects look forward to future green cities whose reality must start today. The once fantasy and sci-fi books have today inspired technology-driven green buildings. The hobbit holes hotels in New Zealand are real testimony that it is possible to bring the future to today and build green homes around the world. It calls for commitment from architects, bioscientists, and governments to bring this vision to reality.

5 Ways Artificial Intelligence is Helping to Save Our Planet

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It takes a high level of data analysis to predict the effects of climate change and the implications of our actions to stop and adapt to it. Often, scientists have terabytes of data, but not the computing power to make sense of climate issues like hurricanes. But this level of analysis is possible with artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, AI may be the best weapon we have to combat and adapt to the effects of climate change. That’s because it can analyze large chunks of data from past events and make accurate predictions about future ones.

Today, AI is helping to monitor and predict everything from glacier retreat to commercial waste management. As innovations in “deep learning” march on, AI’s prescience will help inform scientists about climate impacts and policymakers on the most prudent steps for adaptation. Here are some critical ways AI is helping to preserve our planet.

1. Smarter Home Energy Use

AI is helping save the planet by assisting homeowners through energy-efficient smart homes. The Internet of Things and today’s “smart devices” let homeowners control their energy use and lower their monthly bills. Smart thermostats can adjust temperature settings for specific rooms in a house. Smart water sprinklers can change water usage based on weather forecasts. And smart security systems can cut down on false alarms calls — so fewer gas-guzzling trips by first responders. The automation, connection, and prediction power built into these smart devices allow homeowners to lower their carbon footprint.

smart-homes

But smart energy use is not just about conservation — it’s also about the best time to use energy. Peak energy hours like evenings are higher-demand, higher-cost times. Smart devices can automate energy use for low-demand hours. Plus, off-peak times like mid-day are when alternative energy sources like solar and wind contribute the most. Therefore, smart technology promotes renewable energy.

2. Soil Conservation

Soil degradation is a problem often overlooked in the media. But it has serious consequences for humanity’s ability to adapt to and survive climate change. It takes a millennium to generate only three centimeters of topsoil, and soil degradation is happening at a much faster rate. Chemicals, deforestation, erosion, and global warming are major contributors to soil degradation. And if the current rate of degradation continues, the planet’s farmable land could disappear within 60 years, according to United Nations officials.

sustainable agriculture

But farmers and scientists are using AI to help conserve the soil by marshaling complex algorithms along with robots and drones to detect erosion and monitor soil health. For example, one company has developed an agricultural app to help farmers identify nutrient deficiencies within their soil. And farmers are using machine learning to predict the best times to plant, irrigate, and harvest crops based on weather changes. Accurate predictions mean less need for pesticides and fertilizers, which degrade the soil.

Also Read: Role of Machine Learning in Data Science

3. Exploring and Protecting Oceans

Scientists watch and test the health of oceans because they’re the best indicators of Earth’s health. Microplastics, increased CO2 levels, and ocean acidification are changing the surface of the planet. The key to protecting oceans is exploring and monitoring them for changes. Climate scientists and oceanographers are using AI technology to drive autonomous marine vehicles to the deepest depths. And some companies are developing autonomous garbage collection systems that would help remove plastics and floating debris.

garbage in ocean

Another emerging technology — blockchain — is helping to track fishing and identify illegal behavior. Blockchain is the same technology that powers cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The technology acts as a transparent ledger for transactions. Blockchain is a decentralized system, which means it operates autonomously and isn’t subject to misuse and abuse. Trust is critical to international treaties that regulate fishing quotas and manage overfishing. Blockchain technology can record each fish (e.g., tuna) with a scannable code uploaded to the ledger. Therefore, retailers, customers, and regulators can confirm that fish are legally caught.

4. Air Pollution Detection

AI is becoming an invaluable tool for tracking our air quality and identifying sources of pollution. During accidental emissions, city air quality officials need to identify and respond quickly. Some European cities are using leak sensors and AI to help create emission maps, predict mortality rates, and estimate financial costs of emergency responses. These data points give decision makers a more accurate view of the air pollution along with more targeted remediation.

air-pollution-repurcussions

In addition to monitoring air pollution, AI is also cutting tailpipe emissions. AI manages self-driving cars to make getting from point A-to-B more efficient. Self-driving automobiles can cut oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 2% to 4% annually. AI and global positioning systems operating driverless tractor-trailer rigs will make deliveries non-stop, faster, and less costly to the planet. Complex algorithms, sensors, and traffic lights are directing traffic flow in some cities. These systems are currently reducing travel time by 25%, braking by 30%, and idling time by 40%.

5. Evaluating the Efficacy of Action

AI is bringing powerful ways to monitor and predict threats to our environment. Synthetic thinking adds value for scientists, officials, and policymakers by giving them deeper looks into current environmental situations. Perhaps, more than anything, AI’s biggest potential lies in figuring out where solutions hit the mark and where they miss. It’s counterproductive to invest resources and time into bad solutions. But that’s highly likely, given the complexity of climate change and adaptation.

Where do we invest? Which coastline needs saving the most? What communities are at a higher risk? With dwindling resources and bigger dangers, we will face some hard decisions in the future about where to deploy our efforts. At some point, those decisions will mean life or death. We will need quick thinking and accurate data. Evaluating our options and predicting their implications is where AI will bring the most value.

6 Safety Management Tips For Dam Owners

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Humans have increasingly become dependent on electricity, which is due in no small part to the many advances in technology. From healthcare and commerce to the way people communicate with each other, everything that makes life livable now requires electrical power.

With all the growing demand for electricity, government and business leaders are continually pressured by the public to find ways to generate more power while keeping the planet safe. Renewable energy is the buzzword for finding the balance between power generation and giving the environment a much-needed TLC (tender loving care).

That said, water is one of the most common sources of renewable energy – it generates hydroelectricity, which makes up around 44% of renewable energy in the U.S. alone. Harvesting hydropower involves harnessing the flow of water. In other words, hydropower plants require dams to be built to hold and control the water that’ll turn the generators or turbines, generating electricity.

But hydropower is just one part of the equation. Water is essential for humans, without which life won’t even be possible. From hydropower to drinking water supply, dams will continue to be vital for humanity’s survival. Owners must manage their dams effectively to keep them safe and working. Doing so can prevent risks that may result in loss of life and property.

dam-safety-management

Challenges Posed By Dams

Most dams used for hydropower generation and water supply are man-made–they’re made up of concrete. Hence, there are structural and stability challenges that need to be solved. You don’t need to see a movie just to know what might happen if a dam is breached.

 There was a time when operators relied on visual inspection, photos, and interpretation by engineers to analyze a dam’s safety levels. Today, there are state-of-the-art monitoring tools to help dam operators. Hence, there are now advanced solutions that allow dam owners to keep the structural integrity in check.

Take the case of Hunter Water Grahamstown Dam in Australia. This dam is designed to provide a drinking water supply and recycled water service to an area with approximately 600,000 people. As a storage dam, it constantly presents challenges that can compromise its structural integrity.

Using modern dam monitoring tools, Grahamstown Dam owners can effectively manage the dam’s integrity in a remote setting. In turn, this allows nearby residents to sleep soundly at night. The secret lies in using AI technology, such as Rezatec’s Dam Monitoring solution, to remotely churn out geospatial data that tracks everything–from ground movements to moisture levels. Nothing is left to chance or open interpretation. Also, fewer visual inspections are now required.

Dam Safety Management Tips

Indeed, humans have completely changed the way water is stored–whether for drinking or generating power. In a study aimed at monitoring and taking a closer look at the changing levels of global freshwater sources, researchers used NASA’s satellite and found that humans are now responsible for 57% of the planet’s seasonal water storage, which is happening in reservoirs and dams.

With the ever-increasing world population, it’s logical for one to think that more reservoirs and dams will be built in the foreseeable future. Whether it’s for drinking or harnessing hydropower, dams are here to stay. Owners and operators must learn to manage their dams dynamically.

Taking a cue from what operators did in managing the safety of the Grahamstown Dam, here are some tips on how to keep dams safe and functioning properly for years to come.

1. Create A Dam’s Risk Profile

No dam is perfect. For one, there’s always a trade-off among costs, location, and capacity when designing and building dams. It’s left to the owners to make the best out of the dams they’re managing. In a bid to reduce risks, owners should always know the status of their dams. For one, they should define risk areas and be aware of the dam’s weaknesses.

By creating a dam’s risk profile, managers won’t be caught unaware should disasters occur. For instance, if a barrier was designed to withstand a 10-magnitude earthquake, then a reading of 11 on the Richter scale should put workers on full alert even if the dam isn’t breached. Emergency inspections and responses should also be triggered.

2. Effective Dam Monitoring In Place

Dams, like the one in Grahamstown, require continued monitoring. There’s no shortcut to knowing or tracking the structural integrity of a dam except via monitoring.

In the past, owners relied on photography and visual inspections. The problem was the data gathered could be biased and were open to misinterpretation. Hence, it would be best to adopt AI-based solutions to ensure accurate monitoring data.

3. Ready Access To Construction Documentation

Dams are big structures and they’re often made up of different segments and materials. Making things more complicated is the fact that no two dams are the same–each has its own design features.

When managing a dam, the people responsible for it should have access to the dam’s design and construction blueprint. By doing so, managers will be less likely to do things that can compromise the dam’s structure and functionality.

4. Prioritize Incident Reports

Dam workers must be required to report all incidents that occur, including emergencies and operational shutdowns. Such reports will keep the management in the loop and enable key players to recommend a plan of action to prevent such incidents from happening again.

dam safety guide

5. Operations And Safety Manuals At The Ready

Dams are run by different people working in various shifts. While training workshops are essential for new and experienced workers, people tend to forget what they’re trained for. It’s crucial to have operations and safety manuals readily accessible to ensure that everyone is on the same page while operating the dam. This way, workers won’t be left guessing on what to do in case emergencies, such as cyber assaults, happen.

6. Multi-discipline Management Approach

While new technologies allow remote, scalable, and cost-effective dam management, it’s still vital to have human operators and engineers tracking changes or investigating anomalies. Environmental sciences should work with soil engineering and other disciplines. AI should also work with good old-fashioned human insights.

By combining multiple disciplines, dam owners will be more confident in reducing risks and meeting regulatory requirements across different sectors.

Conclusion

Dams are vital for human survival. They can be harnessed to provide water supply and electricity. Due to this, expect that there will be more dams built in the foreseeable future.

With that in mind, owners and operators should learn how to keep dams safe and effective to prevent loss of life and property.

Benefits of Using a Telehandler in Home Construction and Maintenance

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Are you a homeowner interested in utilising the latest technology for your home construction projects? If so, you may want to look into what a telehandler can do for you. A telehandler is an expanded forklift that can move material vertically and horizontally, thus making it versatile. Below, we’ll explore how implementing a telehandler could benefit your home construction endeavours. Also, we’ll look at how to choose the right telehandler for your needs.

benefits of using telehandler in home construction

 

What are the Benefits of Using a Telehandler?

Using a telehandler in home construction and maintenance projects can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Here are some potential advantages that you might experience when implementing this type of equipment:

1. Increased safety

Telehandlers can provide increased safety in home construction and maintenance projects. They have a range of features that allow the operator to work while standing away from the equipment. These include remote-control operation, height adjustability and the ability to lift heavy objects. It is especially beneficial for tasks that involve working at heights or with hazardous materials. Some also have extra safety features such as guard rails and automatic brakes. And, if you are interested in cost effective rentals of telehandlers for rail projects, there are many companies that offer cost-effective rental solutions.

2. Performing Heavy Lifting

This vehicle is capable of performing heavy lifting tasks. It also helps lift and transport large amounts of materials at once. They are also highly manoeuvrable, making them ideal for tight spaces that other vehicles can’t reach. This makes them incredibly versatile for a variety of tasks and projects.

3. Capabilities on and off the Road

Telehandlers can be used both on and off the road, meaning they can be used in a variety of locations. This makes them ideal for jobs that require movement through various terrains or tasks which need to be completed quickly.

4. Service That Is Efficient and Timely

Telehandlers are designed to be efficient and speedy, allowing homeowners to complete tasks on time. It is especially helpful when completing home projects, as it can save time and money. In addition, they are easy to maintain and require minimal servicing. However, there are also cavity wall insulation pros and cons to consider when planning a construction project.

5. Versatility

Telehandlers are incredibly versatile, meaning they can be used for various tasks. It also helps stack objects or moving materials. They also come with various attachments that can be customised depending on the task.

How to Choose the Right Telehandler for Home Construction and Maintenance Projects?

Now that you know the benefits that telehandlers can bring to your projects, it’s time to take a look at how to select the right one.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a telehandler:

1. Project Requirements

One of the most important things to consider is the specific needs of your project. Different telehandlers are designed for different applications and can have vastly different capabilities. Consider the size, weight, and type of material you will be working with when selecting a telehandler that fits your needs.

construction-waste

2. Project Environment

When trying to pick the right telehandler for your project, you will also want to consider the environment it will be used in. For example, if the machine is going to be used outdoors, you may need to look for one designed for outdoor use. It means larger wheels, extended booms, and other features that make it suitable for working outside. So, if the telehandler will be used indoors, you may want to consider a smaller model with more manoeuvrability.

3. Consider the Attachments

Depending on the project, you may need certain attachments for your telehandler to be successful. For example, if you’re working on a roofing job and need to lift shingles up onto the roof, then you may need an extension ladder attachment. Consider any attachments that will help make the job easier before selecting a telehandler.

4. Weight Capacity

It’s important to ensure that the telehandler you select can handle the weight of any materials you plan on moving. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications and determine what the lift capacity is before renting one. In addition, you’ll want to ensure that the boom is rated for the weight of any load it carries.

Final Thoughts

Telehandlers can be an invaluable tool for home construction and maintenance projects. It also offers a safe and efficient way to move materials from one point to another. When selecting a telehandler, consider the project requirements, environment, attachments and weight capacity. Then, with careful selection and proper operation of the machines, you can make sure that these projects go smoother and safer. Happy lifting!

Noise Soundproofing vs Noise Cancelling Earbuds: Which One is Better for Work

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We live in a noisy and dynamic environment. For that, we are striving that at least in our free time or when in office, we can have our peace and quiet. For that, there are numerous alternatives, such as renovating the office with soundproofing materials, that block the noise from our side as well as from other colleagues, or by some earbuds with noise cancellation options.

Wireless earbuds are pretty new to many people, but their popularity has grown in leaps and bounds over the last half a decade. They are among the recent innovations that have come at the right time- when people are desperate for peace and quiet. These earbuds now have advanced features such as the ability to block out noises so that users can enjoy their music in public spaces without the interference of unwanted background noises. They have the ability to lessen or eliminate car horn sounds, noises from chatty colleagues, or even music in the streets.

If this is the first time you are considering acquiring these advanced earbuds, you probably have come across two unfamiliar terms- noise soundproofing and noise-canceling earbuds. You are now curious to know how different the two are and which one is the best option for your noise-drowning needs. Well, they both reduce noise and the key difference is in how well they do it. They are also made of different soundproofing materials and with different technologies.

Nevertheless, it is important for businesses and organizations that constantly tend to boost and improve their workers’ productivity, to invest in offices that are soundproof from exterior noise and do not bother their workers.

There are multiple alternatives that companies can use to soundproof and absorb noise, some being more expensive and some more affordable. One affordable method that can be applied is using plants. Studies have shown that plants have a very high absorbing power of noise, where it leaves divert the noise and in this context absorb it. This, for businesses, presents an advantage, given that they also have benefits such as releasing oxygen and making the work environment look better. However, if the office does not have much natural light, make sure to use LED Grow Light, which will enable the plants to grow indoors without natural light.

How Soundproofing Earbuds Work

Noise soundproofing is the basic technology of drowning background noises. These earbuds work by sealing off your ear canal so that any extra ambient noise is blocked from accessing the ear canal. Your ear is isolated from your immediate surroundings.

How Noise Cancelling Earbuds Work

Noise cancellation does more than just isolate your ear. These earbuds come with a more advanced functional design that creates an anti-noise barrier around your ears. This technology emits signals that neutralize sound waves around your ear, so that no sound gets to your ear canal.

Which Earbuds are Better For Work?

Which wireless earbuds will work best for your needs: noise cancelling or noise soundproofing? In all fairness, both work impressively well in reducing noise. Each of them is unique from the other, so it is impossible to say that one is better than the other. We shall look at the differences that define each of them and then you will choose the one that best suits your preferences.

1. Noise reduction abilities

Soundproofing earbuds muffles sounds with an intensity of 30 decibels and below. Noise-canceling earbuds can muffle external sounds with an intensity of 85 decibels or even more. To give you an idea of what decibels mean, a human being speaking normally will produce a noise of 15-20 decibels. That is to mean that soundproofing earbuds will drown out noises in a chatty office, but they won’t be too effective in a busy airport. Noise-canceling earbuds will effectively cancel out an airplane that takes off with noises of around 80 decibels.

However, some low-cost noise-canceling earbuds are made from cheap soundproofing materials, so they allow more than necessary ambient noise to pass through. The active technology that helps these earbuds to reduce noise intensity cannot be 100% effective without quality soundproofing material. There are some high-end noise soundproofing earbuds that outdo low-cost noise-canceling earbuds in this regard.

2. Quality of sound

In this aspect, noise soundproofing and noise-canceling earbuds are almost at par. They both give you the best quality sound, both in noisy places and in isolated environments. Even if you aren’t fond of using earbuds when traveling or in the office, you can still buy the best budget noise-cancelling headphones for domestic use.

Ensure that you buy from reputable brands and dealers because cheap earbuds might not give you the best quality sound. Brands that manufacture earbuds using low-quality soundproofing materials sometimes exacerbate the noises instead of eliminating them.

3. Power Consumption

Because noise soundproofing earbuds are designed to block out external noise without canceling it, they are basically mechanical in nature. Noise-canceling earbuds, on the other hand, need electrical energy in order to create magnetic waves that then cancel out sound waves. They come with chargeable batteries that you have to charge your noise-canceling earbuds occasionally.

4. Price

As you can guess, maintaining noise-canceling earbuds is more expensive than maintaining soundproofing earbuds because of their difference in power consumption. The upfront cost of noise-canceling earbuds is also higher than soundproofing earbuds due to the extra technology they come with.

Conclusion

There you have it! As you can see, both earbuds are way better than wire earbuds. If not for anything else, they make the user appear sophisticated and cool. They both make your music sound pretty good too. Whichever decision you make, you can bet that you will get the best value for your money.

Technologies for Sustainable Forestry and Sustainable Agriculture

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Innovative technologies can help improve the resilience of different industries. Agriculture and forestry are no exception. In this piece, you will find out whether you can take care of the health of the fields, detect common tree diseases promptly and save resources without harming the environment.

Sustainability and Technologies

At first glance, digital technologies and environmental sustainability are mutually exclusive concepts since common development factors do not link them. Technological changes are aimed at increasing production efficiency using artificial intelligence, IoT, and robotics. Environmental sustainability is promoted by a combination of several factors associated with geopolitical instability, deteriorating climatic conditions, and the environment.

The business will not cover all the needs of a growing population for food and services by simply increasing production. Social and environmental problems of the modern world can be solved only with the help of innovative technologies. The combination of digital innovation and environmental sustainability can help address these challenges. In addition, this combination is an excellent way for a business to stand out and consolidate its viability among clients and related organizations. Indeed, sustainable practices and digital technologies may be an integral part of any business. This combination can provide the company with higher income at lower costs while providing a positive customer experience.

Sustainable Forestry

Humanity needs the resources that the forest provides. Sustainable forestry involves  forest management and caring for its health. It is vital to save the forest as a separate ecosystem and habitat for many animals and so that the essential resources remain for future generations.

sustainable forestry

1. Forest Health and Forest Management

Various sustainable forest management practices are tailored for each area. One of the basic methods is to check the regeneration. It means that you need to make sure you have enough tree sprouts, natural seeds and seedlings.  Excessive populations of certain species of animals can lead to the destruction of young trees as they eat them. In such cases, people can install a fence. If there is little sunlight in the forest, some trees can be removed, as can weeds, which grow and take up a significant portion of the nutrients or water.

Sustainable forestry practices also include caring for wet areas and forest streams. Do not allow much soil to enter the water, as it can harm aquatic organisms. Large pipes should control rain flow to prevent erosion of exposed soil in areas where trees have been felled.

Caring for the health of the forest is another challenge for sustainable forest management. The extinction of a large number of trees testifies to the health problems of the woods. They can be caused by insect pests, diseases, wildfires, or unfavorable weather conditions. Sustainable forestry is concerned with promoting health and reducing negative health factors.

2. Precision Forestry

Precision forestry relies on various innovative technologies, including drones, soil sensors, drones, and laser scanning. However, this concept is not limited only to the introduction of technologies. Still, it means a transition from an analog control system to a system with operational control and digital data collection.

The technologies of precision forestry are designed to improve management. With their help, you can optimize the decision-making process, relying on advanced analytics. Better data collection goes hand in hand with more control over various operations, automation of production, and better meeting the needs of the forest, for example, when it comes to nutrients or soil moisture.

Sustainable Agriculture

The agricultural sector, as well as the use of forest resources, is necessary for humanity. However, the use of harmful farming practices, including the release of agricultural waste, is detrimental to the environment. Sustainable agriculture exists to minimize the negative impact on the environment. It offers the use of environmentally friendly technologies and methods.

compost-organic-waste-farming

The concept of safe food using organic waste generated compost is getting traction.

1. Irrigation

Smart irrigation systems can go beyond just providing timely watering and reporting soil moisture levels and temperatures so growers can effectively care for their crops. Many plants have specific requirements for these parameters. Special sensors inform farmers about the need to change the growing environment depending on the temperature conditions while reducing water loss.

Another serious cause of the irrigation system is hard water. The high levels of salt of hard water can clog up your irrigation system. Moreover, it can make the soil hard and unsuitable for use. Choose a sustainable technology to treat hard water for your irrigation system is one thing everyone should really consider.

2. Biotechnology

Thanks to biotechnology, breeders can develop plants with specific traits using more precise methods with faster results. Scientists are also working on plants that use water more efficiently and can thrive even in drought conditions. Biotechnology also contributes to higher yields, as breeders by editing the genes of plants make them more resistant to various diseases. It also has great potential in animal husbandry.

sustainable agriculture

3. Data and Software

The Internet of Things has a significant impact on the sustainability of agriculture, and it is through this technology, farmers can use intelligent irrigation systems or livestock health trackers using high-speed internet. Software and sensors transmit data to a central system, from where farmers receive information. You can make more effective decisions based on the obtained data regarding the health of the crops, and therefore save resources.

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage: Role in Climate Mitigation

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With increasing concern and awareness of climate change, there has been a growth in the renewable energy sector through government subsidies and private investment, allowing for the replacement of current sources of energy with less carbon-intensive fuels. However, renewable energy technologies are yet to topple the traditional fossil fuel-powered electricity market. With the increasing trajectory of global emissions, climate research has been exploring other methods of climate mitigation, for instance, through the use of large-scale geoengineering technologies.

Biomass-Resources

A quick glance at popular biomass resources

Of particular focus are the carbon dioxide removal techniques, namely Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) that have been prominently featured in emission scenarios of climate models, particularly for their direct influence in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industries and storing them under geological reservoirs either on shore or offshore. You can read more about this technology on a previous EcoMENA article.

What is Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage

One of the main concerns about CCS is the use of fossil fuels for its operations. In the pursuit for greener climate mitigation technologies, Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) has emerged as a climate saviour, featuring in prominent emissions scenarios and climate models to achieve the 1.5-degree target.

In the place of fossil fuels, biomass is instead used as the primary fuel source for BECCS as seen in the picture below. The two-step absorption of carbon dioxide, first during the growth of the biomass, and second through capturing of the biomass emissions, makes BECCS, in theory, a net negative emissions technique.

Source: Can we deploy enough BECCS to achieve climate targets? AVOID 2

Of the 116 climate scenarios suggested by the IPCC, BECCS was seen to have a significant role in 101 of the scenarios to help prevent global temperature rise above the 1.5-degree target. In fact, UK electricity generator Drax, has chosen to invest in the BECCS technology and started its first trial earlier this year, making it the first of its kind in Europe.

Risks associated with BECCS

While the combination of bioenergy and CCS provides an ideal carbon negative mitigation strategy, it also combines the existing risks associated with both technologies. In addition to lack of investment and long-term economic policies for CCS, large scale deployment of BECCS is hindered by uncertainties such as land, water and resource availability. Studies have shown concerns regarding the carbon intensity and the scale of land and resources required to sustain the bioenergy component required for BECCS.

While the net negative aspect of BECCS may work in theory, studies have revealed significant proportions of emissions associated with indirect land use change for biomass production for BECCS. In addition to technical challenges, one of the key constraints for the deployment of such climate technologies is social acceptance, where sections of the general public, or specific stakeholders, remain unconvinced with certain aspects of the technology due to ethical or political reasons.

Conclusion

As such, while CCS and BECCS may offer the ideal climate saviour solution to reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions, the technologies are still overcast with various technical and social challenges that limit their commercial usage for climate mitigation.

The Benefits of Using High Voltage Motors in Electric Vehicles

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming more popular due to their environmental benefits and cost savings. A vital component of any electric vehicle is the motor, and when it comes to EVs, higher-voltage motors are often the preferred option. High voltage motors offer numerous advantages over lower voltage motors, which make them especially attractive in applications where weight or power is a concern. In particular, a 72 volt motor is becoming increasingly common in EVs, offering superior performance and reliability compared to lower-voltage alternatives.

benefits of HV motors in EVs

What are High Voltage Motors?

High voltage motors are particular types of motors used in a variety of industries and applications. Operating with higher voltages than the standard gives them a unique advantage over other motors and makes them suitable for use in many different situations. High voltage motors have higher torque capability than their low-voltage counterparts and increased power to meet the demands of various industrial applications.

By utilizing more complex constructions, these motors can be designed to provide stability and high performance within harsh operating conditions. High voltage motors are reliable and efficient due to their sizable mechanical power output while requiring less electrical energy input. Their high-speed air-gap features also give them enhanced starting power, making them ideal for many motion control applications.

How Do High Voltage Motors Work?

High voltage motors leverage electric current created by an electric battery or another energy source to create rotational energy. They use an alternating current (AC) to convert electrical power into mechanical torque, which powers the vehicle. This AC is converted into DC through a rectifier, creating a powerful and efficient motor that can be used in EVs.

High voltage electric motors often require less current than their lower-voltage counterparts, which lowers overall electric consumption and contributes to fuel efficiency. Furthermore, because of their ability to generate higher revolutions per minute with greater torque than other electric motors, high voltage electric motors are optimized for those seeking to maximize speed from their EVs.

Additionally, they require fewer parts than DC motors, making them more reliable and less expensive to repair or maintain.

Advantages of Using High Voltage Motors in EVs

High voltage motors offer many distinct advantages for electric vehicles, making them increasingly popular as the go-to choice for most applications. The main benefit of high-voltage motors is their increased efficiency, with higher power-to-weight ratios resulting in lighter vehicles that can still generate substantial power.

The increased efficiency of high-voltage motors is especially beneficial for battery-powered EVs such as e-bikes and small cars. Their light and improved power output provide a more cost-effective option than lower voltage models while still meeting performance requirements. They also make excellent solutions for smaller applications, such as drones or toys that require longer running times without sacrificing power.

For larger applications like heavy-duty electric vehicles, engineers can use a combination of lower and higher voltage motors to maximize efficiency. This approach typically uses a high-voltage motor to drive the vehicle’s primary transmission system while utilizing low-voltage solutions for auxiliary functions such as lighting and climate control systems. By partitioning the different types of systems between different voltages, engineers can create more efficient designs that can take full advantage of each type’s properties.

Another advantage of high-voltage motors is that they require less wiring than lower-voltage models. Since each wire will carry more current with less resistance, fewer wires must be connected to safely transfer the required current from the battery to the motor. This reduces installation costs and potential safety risks in cases where wiring needs to be routed through tight spaces.

In addition to their superior performance characteristics, high-voltage motors also tend to be much less prone to overheating than their lower-voltage counterparts. With an increased insulation layer around the windings, these components are better equipped to handle sudden increases in a current draw in short bursts without damaging themselves or other components on the vehicle’s electrical system. This allows designers to build more reliable vehicles with fewer safety concerns due to potential heat-related operational failures.

Why Electric Cars are the More Sustainable Choice

Developing high-voltage motor technology has also allowed engineers to reduce their reliance on other cooling systems like radiators or air conditioning units while operating in hot environments. By increasing its overall thermal capacity through additional insulation layers and other design improvements, these components can dissipate excess heat without needing extra support from significant external cooling components outside the vehicle itself. This helps make overall designs lighter and can save money on maintenance costs due to reduced complexity in managing multiple cooling systems during operation.

Final Remarks

High voltage motors have numerous advantages over traditional DC models in powering EVs. From their lower maintenance requirements to their improved torque output and energy efficiency levels- plus added benefits such as easier installation times and reduced costs- there’s no doubt that these powerful engines will continue to be famous for manufacturers going forward as more consumers move towards electric mobility solutions.

Recommended Reading: What to Consider When Installing a Commercial EV Charging Equipment

How to Work Faster and More Efficiently on a Mac

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Mac computers are developed for performance and durability. They are built with industry-leading hardware to ensure they are of the best quality. The computer only requires regular, moderate care to serve you for many years.

Sometimes Macs tend to be slow, which affects their efficiency. To improve productivity, make sure the computer is free from viruses. Maintain good hardware health for improved productivity. The computer will be more efficient if you learn to use shortcuts. Here are tips for working faster and increasing Mac productivity.

how to improve Mac productivity

Keep your Mac clean from viruses

Many things affect the speed of a Mac and its efficiency, and one of them is viruses. Cleanliness includes issues such as removing viruses and unwanted files. Many people believe in the myth that Macs are immune to viruses. While it is built to resist most viruses, it still gets virus attacks. It could experience a Distributed Denial of Service attack.

Some viruses replicate files until storage fills up. Other types, such as Baron Virus, hijack your browser and change its settings. One of the ways to prevent viruses from accessing your Mac is regular scanning. Use an antivirus to scan and remove viruses. This article provides you with guidance for removing the Baron Virus. This Bing-redirecting virus is a real menace, so you, as a Mac user, act immediately to remove it from your PC.

Learn to use keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts help you to work faster with enhanced efficiency. It helps improve your productivity by allowing you to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Using shortcuts, you can easily switch from one window or app to the next. You will not keep changing focus from the keyboard to the mouse, which lowers efficiency. It increases your precision which means you work with greater accuracy. Here are some simple Mc keyboard shortcuts.

  • Command + X to cut selected text/content
  • Command + v to paste the cut text
  • Command + C to copy items
  • Command + A to select an entire page

Do not stick in too many folders or install too many applications

When you are productive, you can keep creating new documents and folders all the time. Your Mac keeps a sustained speed until a certain point where it becomes slow. The sudden effect on speed is due to limited space in Mac storage. It could be because you have installed too many applications or documents. It is time to clean your Mac and remove excess documents and applications.

Go to File Finder, and then open the Go menu, then select go to the folder. In the field that opens, type /var/log and then tap enter on the keyboard. All your system log files will be displayed. Highlight all the files you want to remove and delete them. Another option is to open the folder where you have saved your files. Next, delete all the folders you want to remove or save them on an external disk.

Use Mac Mission Control

It takes time to switch from one window, app, or desktop space to the next. When you spend more time clicking on tabs, your focus gets distracted. It has an impact on your efficiency and productivity. Eliminate this problem with the use of the Mac Mission Control feature.

It provides you with a bird’s eye view of your open apps, windows, and desktop spaces. It arranges them on your desktop so that you can easily click on the item you want to view in full screen. You may also opt to view several items in the split view. This way, you will use less time to switch between documents.

Keep your Mac hardware healthy

The health of your Mac hardware impacts its speed and efficiency. Hardware can affect efficiency so much that your Mac stops working. Many things affect hardware health, such as overheating, dust pile-up, and age. Overheating can be due to working for many hours or a faulty fan. Liquids can permanently damage your Mac or cause it to work slowly.

Here are a few tips to keep your Mac hardware healthy.

  • When working, ensure nothing blocks the ventilation
  • Do not place heavy items on the keyboard
  • Ensure the fun is always working well
  • Avoid placing liquids near your Mac. Accidents happen, and they could spill on the computer and damage it.
  • Always place your Mac in a stable, flat workspace.
  • Avoid working in a room where temperatures are too high
  • Blow off dust from your Mac often.
  • Avoid storing your Mac in hibernation/sleep mode. Instead, shut it down completely when it is not in use.

Keep your files organized

File organization is crucial if you want to achieve improved efficiency and work faster. To have file efficiency means you can find applications and files quickly. It also means they open faster and save time. You cannot be productive on Mac if you spend several minutes locating documents. The solution is to keep your desktop organized.

You might want to designate space in the hard disk for storing your folders. Create several folders and name them according to their content. You may have a folder for invoices, designs, music, leads, contacts, and so on. It becomes easy to locate a document every time you need it. You will easily notice files or documents you no longer need and remove them.

Make sure you have enough memory

The RAM is the main CPU memory. It is the unit responsible for instructing the computer on what to do. When the CPU is up to date, it completes instructions faster. The RAM is housed in the CPU to provide temporary storage for apps and documents. It stores the recently accessed data for ease of access and speed.

Just like the hard drive, RAM storage fills up with apps and documents. Clean up the RAM to allow more temporary storage space. You may want to upgrade the RAM by adding an extra chip to increase the amount of memory.

Limit the number of browser plugins/extensions

Plugins help expand the functionality of browsers and allow a developer to add new features. Regardless of their benefits, too many plugins disrupt Mac performance. They become potential attack vectors that create further risk to your Mac. Due to an extended number of plugins, more of your Mac’s system resources are consumed. The solution is to limit the volume of plugins that you allow. Your Mac will work faster and more efficiently.

Conclusion

Mac is built to work with optimized speed and efficiency. However, this benefit is affected if you do not take proper care of the computer. To improve Mac productivity, learn to use keyboard shortcuts. Keep the hardware healthy by ensuring each component is working smoothly. Browser extensions help improve functionality and increase features. However, do not allow too many extensions because they reduce speed. Keep your files organized to make access and retrieval easier. Learn to use macOS features such as Mission Control, media, iCloud, organization, and creativity-based features.

How Do CDNs Work?

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Why do “heavy” multi-page portals with a lot of graphic and video content sometimes open faster than sites with several pictures per page? A high resource loading speed often indicates that the site uses CDN.

benefits of CDN

Data transfer at maximum speed

In simple terms, CDN hosting is a network infrastructure with a distributed platform base that is intended to reduce content delivery time.

That is, it is a group of specially configured servers located in different geopoints. Platforms function as nodes, allowing data to be rapidly downloaded to nearby users. As a result, large CDN with surrounding information centers can significantly reduce the load time of remote sites.

The usual scheme for transferring data on the Internet (without using CDN) is implemented in such a way that all users receive information directly from a specific info center, which can be located arbitrarily far away.

CDN, on the other hand, allows you to download data instantly, within seconds. It makes no difference where the source platform is located.

Which websites should use CDN technology

The target clients of CDN providers are primarily portals with an abundance of heavy static info and streaming services. The speed of loading resources in this case seriously affects the experience of users who, in case of a serious slowdown, will simply leave the “slowing down” site or service. Speeding up web resources with heavy data is very important not only to attract an audience but also to maintain user loyalty.

Benefits of cooperation

An expert in content delivery is G-Core Labs. Turning to us, you do not need to worry about all the technical details and subtleties of settings. We will connect this service to your site and take care of its correct operation.

Thanks to the developments that we have been using for more than a year, we have been able to automate and make our product more accessible to customers.

We provide our clients with:

  • Complete automation when dealing with virtual dedicated info-centers, including management and gathering statistics on server resource use.
  • Possibility to install any operating system.

A paid hosting plan provides time for a free trial period, which you can always use before paying for the service.