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The Forest Biorefinery Supply Chain (FBSC) design problem is addressed. A general mathematical framework based on a Generalized Disjunctive Programming (GDP) formulation is proposed as an efficient decision-making tool for the optimal FBSC. The approach simultaneously tackles the dynamic capacity allocation and the facilities' co-location, features that are explicitly modelled. The FBSC superstructure promotes the circularity of the network by including flexible processing recipes and the use of multiple biomass residues as biorefineries raw materials as well as paper recycling. The proposed case study copes with the production of paper and biofuels in Argentina, showing the advantage of the integration of biorefineries with the existing forest industries as well as the addition of value to biomass industrial waste and by-products. Additionally, a set of scenarios are considered and tested. By these examples, key features of the proposed approach are highlighted as essential to reach a profitable FBSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This is the first time EFSOI is applied in southern South America. • On average all the observation sources had a beneficial impact on the 6-h forecasts. • Applying EFSOI method can efficiently suggest data selection criteria. • Surface pressure was the only variable with periods of negative effect on forecasts. • NSWS data denial experiment supported EFSOI beneficial impact results. Observations that are assimilated into numerical weather prediction systems are conformed by numerous data sets and their impact should be objectively evaluated. This can be efficiently achieved by the Forecast Sensitivity to Observation Impact (FSOI) methodology. In this study we explore the application of the ensemble formulation of FSOI (EFSOI) in a regional data assimilation system over south-eastern South America and evaluate the observations that result beneficial or detrimental to the forecast. In this paper we focus on the impact of two types of surface weather stations: human-operated conventional surface weather station networks from the National Meteorological Service and non-conventional automatic surface weather stations from different public and private networks (CSWS and NSWS respectively). To achieve this, the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter is used with 20 members. The experiment was carried out during 30 days of the intensive observing period of the RELAMPAGO-CACTI (Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations-Clouds, Aerosols, and Complex Terrain Interaction) field campaign that was conducted during the 2018–2019 austral warm season in the center of Argentina. 20 km resolution analyses were obtained every 6-h, assimilating data from soundings, aircrafts, GOES derived motion winds, AIRS retrievals, CSWS and NSWS. It is shown that, considering the entire period, all the observation sources had a positive impact on the 6-h forecasts. However, when each variable is analyzed individually, surface pressure observations from both CSWS and NSWS show on average a negative impact. Two data denial experiments were carried out in order to support EFSOI results. This paper is the first approximation to quantify the impact of different observation sources and observed variables at a regional scale over south-eastern South America, a data sparse region where unconventional networks can help close large geographical data gaps. The results of this work help identify observation data sources detrimental for the data assimilation system, suggesting data selection criteria to improve the regional forecast accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste management is a major challenge worldwide due to the increasing amount of waste generated, which requires sustainable treatment approaches. In this paper, a mathematical model for the optimal configuration of waste treatment processes is presented that considers municipal solid waste and cattle manure from feedlots. A mixed-integer quadratically constrained formulation is proposed to maximize the net present value of investments, and a multi-objective optimization method through ε-restriction is implemented to limit the global warming potential. The model aims to resolve the trade-off between centralized and decentralized networks. The location of the facilities, the ratio of urban to rural waste for each facility, and the waste streams to be transported are also determined by the model. The optimization approach has been evaluated in a real-world scenario in Argentina. For integrated treatment, the results show the potential of anaerobic co-digestion that justifies transporting co-substrates from remote areas. Decentralized designs show that anaerobic digestion is only convenient for large cities and feedlot production sites. Economic and environmental benefits are significantly higher for the integrated alternative. Under optimized conditions, electricity price should be as high as 55.2 USD per MWh to reach the breakeven point from an economic perspective, assuming no revenues from carbon credits. [Display omitted] • An optimization model for the design of integrated waste management is proposed. • A multi-objective optimization method is applied to limit global warming potential. • The model proves that integrated designs have higher rentability and less emissions. • The minimum electricity price to obtain a profitable project is 55.2 USD/MWh. • The minimum carbon credit price to obtain a profitable project is 16.4 USD/ton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Waste valorization in the citrus agroindustry is economically viable. • Polyphenols are promising products to strengthen the citrus industry. • The biorefinery concept increases the products portfolio of the citrus agroindustry. • Agroindustrial OPW was analyzed and upgraded in added-value products. • Biocatalysis are a sustainable way to obtain a new series of added-value products. Orange peel waste (OPW) creates challenges regarding environmentally sustainable disposal and potential valorization. Argentina is a major Citrus sp. fruit producer in Latin America. A share of the OPW is used to produce a colloid stabilizer in the beverage industry. However, large amounts of this waste are disposed of in landfills, reducing the orange value chain sustainability. The OPW chemical composition would allow the generation of valuable sub-fractions by applying different upgrading pathways. This review is addressed to summarize the most current and important pathways to upgrade OPW by applying the biorefinery concept. Moreover, this paper highlights the importance of the chemical composition when defining valorization routes. Polyphenols were identified as the most promising and reliable option to increase the sustainability of the orange industry. Then, an overview of extraction conditions, and extracted molecules is included. Biocatalysis is highlighted as a promising way to upgrade polyphenols in other added-value products. A case study is analyzed considering further processing of OPW produced by the citrus agroindustry in Argentina. The case study is related to the design and simulation of a biorefinery addressed to produce juice, essential oil, peel juice, polyphenols, and biogas. The case study is analyzed involving yields and economic performance demonstrating the high potential of essential oil, polyphenols, and biogas as promising products in a near future. As practical implications of this study, an analysis of different pathways to upgrade OPW is given. Moreover, the present study reinforces the chemical characterization as a crucial step before selecting upgrading pathways. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the lessons learned from the implementation of a regional ensemble data assimilation and forecast system during the intensive observing period of the Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign (central Argentina, November–December 2018). This system is based on the coupling of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF). It combines multiple data sources both global and locally available like high-resolution surface networks, AMDAR data from local aircraft flights, soundings, AIRS retrievals, high-resolution GOES-16 wind estimates, and local radar data. Hourly analyses with grid spacing of 10 km are generated along with warm-start 36-h ensemble-forecasts, which are initialized from the rapid refresh analyses every three hours. A preliminary evaluation shows that a forecast error reduction is achieved due to the assimilated observations. However, cold-start forecasts initialized from the Global Forecasting System Analysis slightly outperform the ones initialized from the regional assimilation system discussed in this paper. The system uses a multi-physics approach, focused on the use of different cumulus and planetary boundary layer schemes allowing us to conduct an evaluation of different model configurations over central Argentina. We found that the best combinations for forecasting surface variables differ from the best ones for forecasting precipitation, and that differences among the schemes tend to dominate the forecast ensemble spread for variables like precipitation. Lessons learned from this experimental system are part of the legacy of the RELAMPAGO field campaign for the development of advanced operational data assimilation systems in South America. • A LETKF-WRF system was run successfully in real-time to support RELAMPAGO operations. • A reduction in forecast error was shown due to data assimilation cycles. • 60-member RRR analyses and forecasts are available for the research community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of different observation platforms in a regional scale data assimilation is investigated over South America. • Assimilating frequent surface temperature and moisture observations improves precipitation forecasts associated with a huge mesoscale convective system. • Clear sky radiances improve the first-guess hourly accumulated precipitation but lead to neutral impacts in short-range precipitation ensemble forecasts. This paper evaluates the impact of assimilating high-resolution surface networks and satellite observations using the WRF-GSI-LETKF over central and north eastern Argentina where the surface and upper air observing networks are relatively coarse. A case study corresponding to a huge mesoscale convective system (MCS) that developed during November 22, 2018 was used. The accumulated precipitation associated with this MCS was quite high, exceeding 200 mm over northern Argentina and Paraguay. The MCS developed during the Intense Observing Period (IOP) of the Remote sensing of Electrification, Lightning, And Mesoscale/microscale Processes with Adaptive Ground Observations (RELAMPAGO) field campaign. The GSI-4DLETKF data assimilation package is used to produce analyses by assimilating observations every hour with 10-km horizontal grid spacing and a 60-member multiphysics ensemble. Four assimilation experiments are conducted using different sets of observations: CONV, consisting of conventional observations from NCEP's prepBUFR files; AWS, combining CONV and dense automatic surface weather station networks (AWS), SATWND, combining AWS with satellite-derived winds, and RAD, including SATWND; and satellite radiances from different microwave and infrared sensors. The assimilation of observations with high temporal and spatial frequency generates an important impact on the PBL, primarily on the precipitable water content, that leads to the development of deep convection and heavy precipitation closer to the observed in this case study. The assimilation of radiance observations produces a better development of the convection mainly during the mature state of the MCS leading to an increase in the accumulated precipitation. Ensemble forecasts initialized from each experiment were also simulated to evaluate their skill to predict precipitation. The hourly assimilation of the observations in AWS, SATWND, and RAD helped to improve the precipitation forecast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current socio-economic model based on a linear approach is being challenged by resource scarcity, negative environmental impacts and socio-economic constraints. Consequently, cycling approaches or circular economy (CE) paradigm is gaining attention. Business as usual is no longer possible and the model and criteria proposed by circular economy are a sustainable alternative that effectively couples natural with human-made systems. A model in which citizens in each of their social roles have a lot to say and do. However, implementation in Argentina is very slow and it is only applied at some level by companies or in urban residues recycling in a small number of cities. Additionally, social skepticism and lack of information about what circular economy embraces is still perceived. The objective of this exploratory paper is to identify the present level of awareness, the current situation and the expectations regarding the transition towards a circular economy approach within Argentina's agricultural sectors based on an opinion and perception survey. The aim of the study is to establish a baseline understanding and an interpretative framework to aid researchers and policymakers in promoting and increasingly implementing circular economy criteria in specific sectors. The study analyzes by a descriptive statistic a survey (n = 534) of selected actors related to the agricultural sector, i.e., farmers, agronomists (including agricultural engineers, veterinarians, and biologists), agrifood companies, and also directly related sectors, such as education and public administration. The anonymous questionnaire was divided into three parts: i) demographic characterization, ii) general awareness about transition towards circular economy (concept, current situation, features, advantages, drivers, obstacles and governance) within the region where the respondent operates, and iii) specific aspects within each selected sector. Results showed that the selected sectors perceived a common vision about the concept of CE "as a more sustainable production and consumption model", and with some differences, they have mainly sensed that the transformation process is still both not initiated and at its initial steps. Respondents selected to focus on recycling/reusing as well as on the integration between productive units. Political, economic and environmental awareness as well as technological skills have been chosen as barriers. Consequently, they chose to invest on education and research, noticing the citizens/society as the main agent of transformation. Since the challenge is to find organized and progressive steps to build interactions, programs, actions and legislation to favor the integral (between sectors) and internal (within a sector) transition, indicators for monitoring as well as policies, priorities and perspectives have been highlighted to contribute to boost the transformation towards a circularity approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An algorithm for the short-term planning of wood pellet supply chains is developed. • Both inbound and outbound logistics are mathematically represented in detail. • The Column Generation method is used to compute the set of transportation routes. • The integrated logistics problem is mathematically represented through a MILP model. • The procedure is applied to the case of a pellet producer in Argentina. To reduce the use of fossil fuels, forest-based biomass appears as an engaging source of energy. Nevertheless, logistics costs represent one of the main barriers in the use of forestry residues and wood waste for bioenergy and biofuels production. The relatively low energy density of biomass contributes to a higher transportation cost per unit of energy content compared with fossil fuels. Other issues, such as raw material availability, seasonality, production and storage capacity constraints, and transportation distances for product distribution also are critical in the management of biomass supply chain. The interconnectedness of these factors directly impacts into the movement of materials along the logistics chain. In this way, this paper researches the alternative of using forest residues and wood waste as raw material sources for wood pellet production through the modelling and optimization of all logistics activities performed in the supply chain. The objective is the minimization of the total operative cost, which in turn allows determining the minimum profitable selling price of produced pellets. Besides production and inventory decisions, the proposal determines the more profitable routes for biomass collection and pellets distribution. A standard decomposition technique, consisting in designing routes first and later computing products and raw material flows, is employed to solve the optimization problem. The proposal is tested on a large-size case study designed with real data from the forest industry in the Argentinean Mesopotamia. Due to the close interaction between all logistics decisions in the supply chain, several scenarios are assessed to estimate the impact on the solutions of some changes in the problem configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dryline formation is favoured by the advection of mid-level dry air from the Pacific. • Local circulations impact the dryline movement and strength in quiescent conditions. • Nocturnal LLJ and local circulations reinforce the moisture gradient at night. • In synoptically active periods, dry advection and diurnal mixing are more important. Drylines are a frequent feature of the atmospheric circulation in Argentina. Recent work described their climatological characteristics and synoptic-scale processes associated with their formation. However, little is known about the mesoscale processes that are relevant for their life cycle. In this paper, we investigate the influence of these mechanisms on the formation and movement using a case-study approach. Also, the relationship between these mechanisms and convective initiation near the dryline is investigated. A typical northern Patagonia dryline is simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) with an horizontal resolution of 3 km. The FLEXible PARTicle dispersion-WRF is also used to study some of the processes from a Lagrangian perspective. During the quiescent period corresponding to dryline formation and intensification, the dryline strengthens along the axis of a thermally-induced surface trough that promotes differential moisture advection. Also, convergence along the dryline is enhanced during night-time by the inertial oscillation ahead of the dryline and by the development of a thermally-driven circulation between the elevated terrain in northern Patagonia and the adjacent plains. These two mechanisms contribute to enhancing the intensity of the moisture gradient and to trigger deep moist convection. Under a period of stronger synoptic forcing, the dryline intensifies in response to the confluence induced by the deepening surface trough and moves away from the terrain elevations. Its movement during this period is driven by horizontal dry advection and the vertical mixing enhanced by the entrainment into the boundary layer of extremely dry air, whose origin can be traced back to the mid-levels over the Pacific Ocean. When the magnitude of the low-level westerly winds increase, moister air from lower levels cross the barrier, contributing to weakening the moisture gradient at the dryline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general trend of glacial retreat since the Little Ice Age has shown an acceleration during the last decades in Southern Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. The Fuegian Andes climatic records report an irregular mean annual temperature increase since 1970, with acceleration from 2015, and the Chato Glacier, as other regional cirque glaciers, has undergone a rapid ice front retreat. A detailed mapping of the proglacial area of the Chato Glacier allowed the identification of a landform assemblage related to the glacier retreat during the last decades. In this paper morphological and sedimentological features of this peculiar landform assemblage, generated in an intense glacial ablation environment, are described and the causes of their origin are discussed. Among the most remarkable landforms annual moraines, hummocky moraines, esker-like landforms, flutes, kettle ponds, dirt cones, glacifluvial deposits, pronival ramparts and collapsed moraines are found. The multitemporal analysis of the Chato Glacier retreat allowed us to interpret that most of these landforms were generated when the landscape became ice-free after 2005. The Chato Glacier cirque floor gentle slope, the thin-ice thickness and the occurrence of a rocky threshold near the glacier front would have promoted the rapid glacier thinning and the disconnection of dead ice. This context, together with the sediments and meltwater availability, would have favored the development of this landform assemblage which is ephemeral due to its high susceptibility to erosion. • Proglacial landforms developed since the final Little Ice Age in a glacial cirque. • Multitemporal glacier retreat analysis and landforms associated. • Temperature increase and glacier retreat acceleration in Fuegian Andes since 1970. • Ephemeral landforms due to poor consolidation, intense meltwater and precipitation. • Satellite images and a photomosaic derived from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]