bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Targets and COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Currier Arthur W. , Jeshurin Madeline C. , Sampson Valerie B.
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are being used across the globe to reduce the risk of developing COVID-19, stop the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and end the pandemic. To address this, a massive global effort is underway for development of COVID-19 vaccines. As of September 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 331 COVID-19 vaccine candidates, and 107 are in clinical evaluation, with 8 in Phase IV and 30 in Phase III clinical trials (WHO; COVID-19 vaccine tracker). At least 13 different vaccines are being issued for emergency use authorization. Specifically, the goal is to produce protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection by stimulating an immune response to either the whole virus, viral protein, or nucleic acid products. The spike (S) proteins of SARS-CoV-2 that give the characteristic “corona” appearance of this family of viruses has emerged as an effective target for vaccines. Other viral candidates that are being developed also aim to produce immunity for COVID-19. In this review, we describe the different vaccine platforms, target candidates for vaccines, and their progress in COVID-19 vaccine development. This is critical since newly discovered SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest require understanding of how vaccines may provide the most effective long-term protection against infection.
Influences of Sn on Properties of Ag-Based and Cu-Based Brazing Filler Metals
Authors: Luo Qingcheng , Xue Songbai , Wu Jie
Published: November 2021

Ag-based and Cu-based brazing filler metals, which are the most widely used brazing materials in industrial manufacturing, have excellent gap-filling properties and can braze almost all the metallic materials and their alloys, except for the low-melting-point metals such as Al and Mg. Therefore, Ag-based and Cu-based brazing filler metals have attracted great attention. In this review, three series of typical Ag-based filler metals: the Ag-Cu, Ag-Cu-Zn, and Ag-Cu-Zn-Sn alloys; and three series of Cu-based filler metals: the crystalline and amorphous Cu-P filler metals, as well as the Cu-Zn filler metals, were chosen as the representatives. The latest research progress on Sn-containing Ag-based and Cu-based brazing filler metals is summarized, and the influences of Sn on the melting characteristics, wettability, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the selected filler metals are analyzed. Based on these, the problems and corresponding solutions in the investigation and application of the Sn-containing Ag-based and Cu-based filler metals are put forward, and the research and development trends of these filler metals are proposed.
M-Center in Neutron-Irradiated 4H-SiC
Authors: Capan Ivana , Brodar Tomislav , Makino Takahiro , Radulovic Vladimir , Snoj Luka
Published: November 2021

We report on the metastable defects introduced in the n-type 4H-SiC material by epithermal and fast neutron irradiation. The epithermal and fast neutron irradiation defects in 4H-SiC are much less explored compared to electron or proton irradiation-induced defects. In addition to the carbon vacancy (Vc), silicon vacancy (Vsi) and carbon antisite-carbon vacancy (CAV) complex, the neutron irradiation has introduced four deep-level defects, all arising from the metastable defect, the M-center. The metastable deep-level defects were investigated by deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), high-resolution Laplace DLTS (L-DLTS) and isothermal DLTS. The existence of the fourth deep-level defect, M4, recently observed in ion-implanted 4H-SiC, has been additionally confirmed in neutron-irradiated samples. The isothermal DLTS technique has been proven as a useful tool for studying the metastable defects.
On the Importance of Halogen Bonding Interactions in Two X-ray Structures Containing All Four (F, Cl, Br, I) Halogen Atoms
Authors: Mertsalov Dmitriy F. , Gomila Rosa M. , Zaytsev Vladimir P. , Grigoriev Mikhail S. , Nikitina Eugeniya V. , Zubkov Fedor I. , Frontera Antonio
Published: November 2021

This manuscript reports the synthesis and X-ray characterization of two octahydro-1H-4,6-epoxycyclopenta[c]pyridin-1-one derivatives that contain the four most abundant halogen atoms (Ha) in the structure with the aim of studying the formation of Ha···Ha halogen bonding interactions. The anisotropy of electron density at the heavier halogen atoms provokes the formation of multiple Ha···Ha contacts in the solid state. That is, the heavier Ha-atoms exhibit a region of positive electrostatic potential (σ-hole) along the C–Ha bond and a belt of negative electrostatic potential (σ-lumps) around the atoms. The halogen bonding assemblies in both compounds were analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces, the quantum theory of “atom-in-molecules” (QTAIM), the noncovalent interaction plot (NCIplot), and the electron localization function (ELF).
Silica Microspheres for Economical Advanced Solar Applications
Authors: Khayyat Maha M.
Published: November 2021

Solar cells made of silicon nanowires (Si-NWs) have several potential benefits over conventional bulk Si ones or thin-film devices related primarily to light absorption and cost reduction. Controlling the position of Si-NWs without lithography using silica microspheres is indeed an economical approach. Moreover, replacing the glass sheets with polycarbonates is an added advantage. This study employed the Nanoscale Chemical Templating (NCT) technique in growing Si-NWs seeded with Al. The growth was undertaken at the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) reactor via the original growth process of vapor–liquid–solid (VLS). The bottom-up grown nanowires were doped with aluminum (Al) throughout the growth process, and then the p–n junctions were formed with descent efficiency. Further work is required to optimize the growth of Si-NWs between the spun microspheres based on the growth parameters including etching time, which should lead to more efficient PV cells.
The Relationship between Nutritional Status and Body Composition with Clinical Parameters, Tumor Stage, CA19-9, CEA Levels in Patients with Pancreatic and Periampullary Tumors
Authors: Jachnis Aneta , Słodkowski Maciej Tomasz
Published: November 2021

Recent studies have obtained inadequate data on the association between nutritional status, body composition, clinical parameters and tumor stage in patients withpancreatic and periampullary tumors. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status (NS), body composition (BC) and selected clinical parameters in patients with pancreatic and periampullary cancer, as well as describe the differences between resection and non-resection groups. This is a prospective study of 76 patients with pancreatic and periampullary tumors. We evaluated NS, BMI, body mass loss (BML) and albumin, total protein, CRP, CEA, CA19-9, lipase, amylase, tumor stage, and BC using bioelectrical impedance (BIA). All subjects were divided into resection (n = 59) and non-resection (n = 17) groups. The non-resection group had a worse NS, as well as increased amylase and WBC, compared to the resection. The selected parameters of BC corresponded to BML albumin, TP, NS, age, BMI, Karnofsky, RBC, HCT and HGB. No associations were found between BC with tumor size, CRP, CA19-9, and CEA. We recorded the relationship between metastasis and NRS, as well as tumor size with SGA. The percentage of BML was positively correlated with age and CRP but negatively correlated with RBC, HGB, HCT and anthropometric measurements. We found many statistical correlations with NS and selected parameters, as well as differences between the resection and non-resection group. The detection of early prognostic factors of nutritional impairments would improve the quality of life and reduce the rate of postoperative complications.
An MPA Design Approach to Benefit Fisheries: Maximising Larval Export and Minimising Redundancy
Authors: Tong Colm , Hock Karlo , Krueck Nils C. , Tyazhelnikov Vladimir , Mumby Peter J.
Published: November 2021

In the design of marine protected areas (MPAs), tailoring reserve placement to facilitate larval export beyond reserve boundaries may support fished populations and fisheries through recruitment subsidies. Intuitively, capturing such connectivity could be purely based on optimising larval dispersal metrics such as export strength. However, this can lead to inefficient or redundant larval connectivity, as the subset of sites with the best connectivity metrics might share many of the same connections, making them, collectively, poor MPA candidates to provide recruitment subsidies to unprotected sites. We propose a simple, dynamic algorithm for reserve placement optimisation designed to select MPAs sequentially, maximising larval export to the overall network, whilst accounting for redundancy in supply from multiple sources. When applied to four regions in the Caribbean, the algorithm consistently outperformed approaches that did not consider supply redundancy, leading to, on average, 20% greater fished biomass in a simulated model. Improvements were most apparent in dense, strongly connected systems such as the Bahamas. Here, MPA placement without redundancy considerations produced fishery benefits worse than random MPA design. Our findings highlight the importance of considering redundancy in MPA design, and offer a novel, simple approach to improving MPA design for achieving fishery objectives.
Involvement of a Fishing Community in the Eradication of the Introduced Cactus Mouse (Peromyscus eremicus cedrosensis) from San Benito Oeste Island, Mexico
Authors: Méndez Sánchez Federico , Aguirre-Muñoz Alfonso , Samaniego Araceli , Bedolla Guzmán Yuliana , Cárdenas Tapia Ana , Rojas Mayoral Evaristo , Latofski Robles Mariam , Koleff Patricia , Castellanos Vera Aradit , Arnaud Franco Gustavo , Beltrán Morales Luis Felipe , Ortega-Rubio Alfredo
Published: November 2021

San Benito Archipelago is internationally important for the conservation of 13 species of seabirds. San Benito Oeste, the largest and only inhabited island, was declared mammal-free in 2000 after a series of eradications conducted in collaboration between the fishing cooperative Pescadores Nacionales de Abulón, the Mexican conservation organization, Grupo de Ecología y Conservación de Islas, A.C., and the Mexican Government. The archipelago remained mammal-free until 2006, when an unusual invader, the Cedros island cactus mouse (Peromyscus eremicus cedrosensis), was accidentally introduced to San Benito Oeste island. The same collaboration scheme involving locals, conservationists, and authorities was once again put in motion, delivering tangible results. Research informed the mouse eradication strategy, the local community supported the operation, and the mouse eradication was successfully implemented in December 2013. To date (8 years later), no mammals have been recorded in the archipelago, which suggests community-led island biosecurity is working. In addition, this collaborative restoration work contributed to the creation of the Baja California Pacific Islands Biosphere Reserve, protecting 21 islands, including the San Benito Archipelago, and 97 islets in the Mexican Pacific.
Limits to Perception by Quantum Monitoring with Finite Efficiency
Authors: García-Pintos Luis Pedro , del Campo Adolfo
Published: November 2021

We formulate limits to perception under continuous quantum measurements by comparing the quantum states assigned by agents that have partial access to measurement outcomes. To this end, we provide bounds on the trace distance and the relative entropy between the assigned state and the actual state of the system. These bounds are expressed solely in terms of the purity and von Neumann entropy of the state assigned by the agent, and are shown to characterize how an agent’s perception of the system is altered by access to additional information. We apply our results to Gaussian states and to the dynamics of a system embedded in an environment illustrated on a quantum Ising chain.
A Transnational and Transregional Study of the Impact and Effectiveness of Social Distancing for COVID-19 Mitigation
Authors: Filho Tarcísio M. Rocha , Moret Marcelo A. , Mendes José F. F.
Published: November 2021

We present an analysis of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and a social distancing metric from data for all the states and most populous cities in the United States and Brazil, all the 22 European Economic Community countries and the United Kingdom. We discuss why the infection rate, instead of the effective reproduction number or growth rate of cases, is a proper choice to perform this analysis when considering a wide span of time. We obtain a strong Spearman’s rank order correlation between the social distancing metric and the infection rate in each locality. We show that mask mandates increase the values of Spearman’s correlation in the United States, where a mandate was adopted. We also obtain an explicit numerical relation between the infection rate and the social distancing metric defined in the present work.
Intelligent Algorithm for Variable Scale Adaptive Feature Separation of Mechanical Composite Fault Signals
Authors: Han Shu , Liu Xiaoming , Yang Yan , Cao Hailin , Zhong Yuanhong , Luo Chuanlian
Published: November 2021

With the development of modern industry and scientific technology, production equipment plays an increasingly important role in military and industrial production, and the fault detection signal of gears and bearings state in transmission equipment becomes very important. Therefore, this paper proposes a gear-bearing composite fault signal decomposition and reconstruction method, which combines the marine predator algorithm (MPA) and variational mode decomposition (VMD) technologies. For the parameters’ selection of VMD, the optimization algorithm allows us to quickly and accurately obtain the results with the best kurtosis correlation index after signal decomposition and reconstruction. The experiments demonstrate the excellent performance of our method in the field of separation and denoising mixed gear-bearing fault signals.
How Does Digitization Succeed in the Municipal Water Sector? The WaterExe4.0 Meta-Study Identifies Barriers as well as Success Factors, and Reveals Expectations for the Future
Authors: Müller-Czygan Günter , Tarasyuk Viktoriya , Wagner Christian , Wimmer Manuela
Published: November 2021

Water is increasingly taking center stage when it comes to coping with climate change. Especially in urban areas, negative consequences from heavy rainfall events and prolonged dry periods are rising worldwide. In the past, the various tasks of urban water management were performed by different departments that often did not cooperate with each other (water supply, wastewater disposal, green space irrigation, etc.), as the required water supply was not a question of available water volumes. This is already changing with climate change, in some cases even dramatically. More and more, it is necessary to consider how to distribute available water resources in urban areas, especially during dry periods, since wastewater treatment is also becoming more complex and costly. In the future, urban water management will examine water use in terms of its various objectives, and will need to provide alternative water resources for these different purposes (groundwater, river water, storm water, treated wastewater, etc.). The necessary technological interconnection requires intelligent digital systems. Furthermore, the water industry must also play its role in global CO2 reduction and make its procedural treatment processes more efficient; this will also only succeed with adequate digital systems. Although digitization has experienced an enormous surge in development over the last five years and numerous solutions are available to address the challenges described previously, there is still a large gap between the scope of offerings and their implementation. Researchers at Hof University of Applied Sciences have investigated the reasons for this imbalance as part of WaterExe4.0, the first meta-study on digitization in the German-speaking water industry, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Only 11% of roughly 700 identified products, projects and studies relate to real applications. For example, the surveyed experts of the water sector stated that everyday problems are considered too little or hardly at all in new solutions, which greatly overburdens users. Furthermore, they see no adequate possibility for a systematic analysis of new ideas to identify significant obstacles and to find the best way to start and implement a digitization project. The results from four methodologically different sub-surveys (literature and market research, survey, expert interviews and workshops) provide a reliable overview of the current situation in the German-speaking water industry and its expectations for the future. The results are also transferable to other countries.
Analysis of the Long-Term Mass Balance and Efficiency of Waste Recovery in a Municipal Waste Biodrying Plant
Authors: Kasiński Sławomir , Dębowski Marcin , Olkowska Maria , Rudnicki Marcin
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the role of an installation based on biodrying of municipal waste in a Circular Economy by taking into account the quantitative and qualitative changes in its selectively collected waste stream. As a case study, the Mechanical-Biological municipal waste treatment installation in Olsztyn, Poland, was selected, which is equipped with a separate section for valorizing the selectively collected waste stream. The scope of the work included a complete mass balance of the waste treatment plant, an assessment of the technological efficiency of the municipal waste biodrying installation, and determination of the changes in the main waste from 2016 to 2020. This paper proposes an empirical method for estimating process loss during biodrying and provides many technological results. The average process loss was 23.47%, and on average, 88.9% of the waste produced by biodrying consisted of the Refuse-Derived Fuel fraction. The recovery of commercial assortments from selectively collected waste increased from 84.82% in 2016 to 89.26% in 2020. Considering the current morphology of municipal waste in this region, the maximum share of waste subjected to material and organic recycling processes in the analyzed region could be increased to around 60%, which indicates that Circular Economy targets can be achieved. This work should provide a compendium of information for countries implementing a Circular Economy.
Ground Fracture Development and Surface Fracture Evolution in N00 Method Shallowly Buried Thick Coal Seam Mining in an Arid Windy and Sandy Area: A Case Study of the Ningtiaota Mine (China)
Authors: Fu Yaokun , Shang Jianxuan , Hu Zhenqi , Li Pengyu , Yang Kun , Chen Chao , Guo Jiaxin , Yuan Dongzhu
Published: November 2021

An observatory was established at the Ningtiaota Mine (China) in order to investigate the surface deformation pattern of N00 method workings mining in shallow buried thick coal seams in a windy-sand area. The observatory allows one to measure the coupling between the periodic changes of parameters related to ground subsidence and ground cracks with workings advancement. The data monitored in the field indicate that when the adjacent mining workings are mined below the ground, a sinkhole basin with a larger impact area will be formed. New ground fractures are formed above the mining area to connect with the fractures above the mining face. As a consequence a new pattern of “O” circle distribution beyond the working face is formed, which develops rapidly during the working face recovery. In addition, the dynamic fractures in coal mining are characterized by the phenomenon of self-healing. Our findings will help to protect the surface environment of the mine area during shallow buried high-intensity mining activities in the Lime Tower coal mine, and are also an important guideline in other windy beach mining areas.
Analysis of LLL System Properties for Different Excitation Parameters
Authors: Wandachowicz Krzysztof , Zalesińska Małgorzata , Otomański Przemysław
Published: November 2021

Photoluminescent strips forming a Low Location Lighting (LLL) system are the primary method for marking escape routes on passenger ships. The LLL system can be built as a self-luminous system (powered by electricity) or made as a series of strips made of photoluminescent materials, which glow and indicate the escape route after the loss of basic and emergency lighting. To ensure correct visual guidance, these strips must be installed at specific locations in the passageways and achieve appropriate photometric parameters after a certain time from their activation. The properties of the LLL system depend on the type of luminescent material used, the excitation source, and the exposure parameters. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests on two types of photoluminescent materials used for the construction of LLL systems. We recorded the change in luminance after the loss of excitation and measured the luminance values obtained 10 and 60 min after the loss of excitation under exposure to light sources commonly used for interior lighting on passenger ships. It turns out that replacing fluorescent lamps with LED lamps can reduce the luminance of the LLL system.
Models of Delivery of Sustainable Public Transportation Services in Metropolitan Areas–Comparison of Conventional, Battery Powered and Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Drives
Authors: Szulc Tomasz Wojciech , Krawczyk Grzegorz , Tchórzewski Seweryn
Published: November 2021

The development of public transport systems is related to the implementation of modern and low-carbon vehicles. Over the last several years, there has been a clear progress in this field. The number of electric buses has increased, and the first solutions in the area of hydrogen fuel cells have been implemented. Unfortunately, the implementation of these technologies is connected with significant financial expenditure. The goal of the article is the analysis of effectiveness of financial investment, consisting in the purchase of 30 new public transport buses (together with the necessary infrastructure–charging stations). The analysis has been performed using the NPV method for the period of 10 years. Discount rate was determined on 4%, as recommended by the European Commission for this type of project. It is based on the case study of the investment project carried out by Metropolis GZM in Poland. The article determines and compares the efficiency ratios for three investment options-purchase of diesel-powered, battery-powered, and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles. The results of the analysis indicate that the currently high costs of vehicle purchase and charging infrastructure are a significant barrier for the implementation of battery-powered and hydrogen fuel-cell buses. In order to meet the transport policy goals related to the exchange of traditional bus stock to more eco-friendly vehicles, it is necessary to involve public funds for the purpose of financing the investment activities.
Pulse-Width Modulation Template for Five-Level Switch-Clamped H-Bridge-Based Cascaded Multilevel Inverter
Authors: Odeh Charles Ikechukwu , Kondratenko Dmytro , Lewicki Arkadiusz , Morawiec Marcin , Jąderko Andrzej , Baran Janusz
Published: November 2021

This article presents a carrier-based pulse-width modulation (PWM) template for a 5-level, H bridge-based cascaded multilevel inverter (MLI). The developed control concept generates adequate modulation template for this inverter topology wherein a sinusoidal modulating waveform is modified to fit in a single triangular carrier signal range. With this modulation approach, classical multiplicity and synchronization of the triangular carrier signals criterion for the extension of sinusoidal pulse-width modulation, SPWM, to several cascaded 5-level, H-bridge-based MLI topology are removed. The proposed template can be used on the inverter configuration of any level with no further control modification. Nearly even distribution of switching pulses and equalized individual cascaded cell output power were achieved with the proposed modulation scheme. Three 5-level, H-bridge-based MLI units were cascaded for 1-phase, 13-level inverter operation; simulation and experimental results are adequately presented.
Multi-Objective Immune-Commensal-Evolutionary Programming for Total Production Cost and Total System Loss Minimization via Integrated Economic Dispatch and Distributed Generation Installation
Authors: Mansor Mohd Helmi , Musirin Ismail , Othman Muhammad Murtadha
Published: November 2021

Economic Dispatch (ED) problems have been solved using single-objective optimization for so long, as Grid System Operators (GSOs) previously only focused on minimizing the total production cost. In modern power systems, GSOs require not only optimizing the total production cost but also, at the same time, optimizing other important objectives, such as the total emissions of the greenhouse gasses, total system loss and voltage stability. This requires a suitable multi-objective optimization approach in ensuring the ED solution produced is satisfying all the objectives. This paper presents a new multi-objective optimization technique termed Multi-Objective Immune-Commensal-Evolutionary Programming (MOICEP) for minimizing the total production cost and total system loss via integrated Economic Dispatch and Distributed Generation installation (ED-DG). This involved the application of a weighted-sum multi-objective approach that combined with an optimization technique called Immune-Commensal-Evolutionary Programming (ICEP). The proposed MOICEP has been compared with other multi-objective techniques, which are Multi-Objective-Evolutionary Programming (MOEP) and Multi-Objective-Artificial Immune System (MOAIS). It was found that MOICEP performs very well in producing better optimization results for all the three types of Economic Dispatch (ED) problems compared to MOEP and MOAIS in terms of cheap total production costs and low total system loss.
Relationship among Economic Growth (GDP), Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emission: Evidence from V4 Countries
Authors: Myszczyszyn Janusz , Suproń Błażej
Published: November 2021

The main objective of the research was to determine the long-term and short-term correlation between CO2 emissions per capita, energy consumption per capita, and the level of economic growth of GDP per capita in the V4 countries. These countries, being EU members since 2004 and previously being in the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union, have introduced a number of economic reforms, but in the area of climate protection, including decarbonization, they struggle with many problems, as their economies are largely dependent on energy from non-renewable resources. The results of the research are varied, but the authors confirmed, especially in the case of Poland, the long-term correlations between the studied variables. In the short term, such interdependencies also occurred, especially between the level of energy consumption per capita and the level of CO2 emissions.
Stability, Electronic Structure and Thermodynamic Properties of Nanostructured MgH2 Thin Films
Authors: Mounkachi Omar , Akrouchi Asmae , Tiouitchi Ghassane , Lakhal Marwan , Salmani Elmehdi , Benyoussef Abdelilah , Kara Abdelkader , El Kenz Abdellah , Ez-Zahraouy Hamid , El Moutaouakil Amine
Published: November 2021

Magnesium is an attractive hydrogen storage candidate due to its high gravimetric and volumetric storage capacities (7.6 wt.% and 110 gH2/l, respectively). Unfortunately, its use as a storage material for hydrogen is hampered by the high stability of its hydride, its high dissociation temperature of 573–673 K and its slow reaction kinetics. In order to overcome those drawbacks, an important advancement toward controlling the enthalpy and desorption temperatures of nano-structured MgH2 thin films via stress/strain and size effects is presented in this paper, as the effect of the nano-structuring of the bulk added to a biaxial strain on the hydrogen storage properties has not been previously investigated. Our results show that the formation heat and decomposition temperature correlate with the thin film’s thickness and strain/stress effects. The instability created by decreasing the thickness of MgH2 thin films combined with the stress/strain effects induce a significant enhancement in the hydrogen storage properties of MgH2.
Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plants Energy Consumption Management and Optimization for Improving Power Systems Voltage Stability with PV Generation Resources
Authors: Haidar Zeyad A. , Al-Saud Mamdooh , Orfi Jamel , Al-Ansary Hany
Published: November 2021

This paper studies energy consumption management of seawater Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plants to maintain and enhance the Voltage Stability (VS) of Power Systems (PS) with Photovoltaic (PV) plant integration. We proposed a voltage-based management algorithm to determine the maximum power consumption for RO plants. The algorithm uses power flow study to determine the RO plant power consumption allowed within the voltage-permissible limits, considering the RO process constraints in order to maintain the desired fresh water supply. Three cases were studied for the proposed RO plant: typical operation with constant power consumption, controlled operation using ON/OFF scheduling of the High-Pressure Pumps (HPPs) and controlled operation using Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) control. A modified IEEE 30-bus system with a variable load was used as a case study with integration of three PV plants of 75 MWp total power capacity. The adopted 33.33 MW RO plant has a maximum capacity of 200,000 m3/day of fresh water production. The results reveal that while typical operation of RO plants can lead to voltage violation, applying the proposed load management algorithm can maintain the vs. of the PS. The total transmission power loss and power lines loading were also reduced. However, the study shows that applying VFD control is better than using ON/OFF control because the latter involves frequent starting up/shutting down the RO trains, which consequently requires flushing and cleaning procedures. Moreover, the specific energy consumption (SEC) and RO plant recover ratio decreases proportionally to the VFD output. Furthermore, the power consumption of the RO plant was optimized using the PSO technique to avoid unnecessary restriction of RO plant operation and water shortage likelihood.
Analysis of the Wind Turbine Selection for the Given Wind Conditions
Authors: Kuczyński Waldemar , Wolniewicz Katarzyna , Charun Henryk
Published: November 2021

The aim of the current paper is to present an approach to a wind turbine selection based on an annual wind measurements. The proposed approach led to a choice of an optimal device for the given wind conditions. The research was conducted for two potential wind farm locations, situated on the north of Poland. The wind measurements pointed out a suitability of the considered localizations for a wind farm development. Six types of wind turbines were investigated in each localization. The power of the wind turbines were in the range of 2.0 to 2.5 MW and with a medium size of the rotor being in the range of 82 to 100 m. The purpose of the research was to indicate a wind turbine with the lowest sensitivity to the variation of wind speed and simultaneously being most effective energetically. The Weibull density distribution was used in the analyses for three values of a shape coefficients k. The energy efficiency of the considered turbines were also assessed. In terms of the hourly distribution of the particular wind speeds, the most effective wind turbines were those with a nominal power of 2 MW, whereas the least effective were those with the nominal power of 2.3–2.5 MW. The novelty of the proposed approach is to analyze the productivity for many types of wind turbines in order to select the one which is the most effective energy producer. The analyses conducted in the paper allowed to indicate a wind turbine which generates the highest amount of energy independently on the wind speed variation.
EMI Shielding and Absorption of Electroconductive Textiles with PANI and PPy Conductive Polymers and Numerical Model Approach
Authors: Rybicki Tomasz , Stempien Zbigniew , Karbownik Iwona
Published: November 2021

The paper presents the results and analysis of interdisciplinary research concerning electromagnetic field shielding, conductive polymers printed on textiles and numerical simulation using the finite element method (FEM). The use of conductive, layered textiles for shielding electromagnetic interference (EMI) has been proposed. After establishing the optimal conditions for deposition of polyaniline (PANI) and polypyrrole (PPy) on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fabric, conductive composites were made by means of reactive inkjet printing. For this purpose, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fabrics were coated with polyaniline or polypyrrole, obtained by chemical oxidation of aniline hydrochloride and pyrrole by ammonium peroxydisulfate. The morphology of the obtained coatings was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The conductive properties (surface resistance) of the fabrics were measured using the four-wire method, and the tests of the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding were carried out using the waveguide method in the frequency range from 2.5 to 18 GHz. The results of experimental shielding effectiveness (SE) tests and numerical simulation showed that the composites of polyacrylonitrile with polyaniline PAN/PANI and polyacrylonitrile with polypyrrole PAN/PPy achieved very good and good EMI shielding efficiency, respectively. Moreover, the obtained measurement results were verified by numerical modeling with the use of FEM–ANSYS HFFS software.
Hydrogen Station Location Planning via Geodesign in Connecticut: Comparing Optimization Models and Structured Stakeholder Collaboration
Authors: Lopez Jaramillo Oscar , Rinebold Joel , Kuby Michael , Kelley Scott , Ruddell Darren , Stotts Rhian , Krafft Aimee , Wentz Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Geodesign is a participatory planning approach in which stakeholders use geographic information systems to develop and vet alternative design scenarios in a collaborative and iterative process. This study is based on a 2019 geodesign workshop in which 17 participants from industry, government, university, and non-profit sectors worked together to design an initial network of hydrogen refueling stations in the Hartford, Connecticut, metropolitan area. The workshop involved identifying relevant location factors, rapid prototyping of station network designs, and developing consensus on a final design. The geodesign platform, which was designed specifically for facility location problems, enables breakout groups to add or delete stations with a simple point-and-click operation, view and overlay different map layers, compute performance metrics, and compare their designs to those of other groups. By using these sources of information and their own expert local knowledge, participants recommended six locations for hydrogen refueling stations over two distinct phases of station installation. We quantitatively and qualitatively compared workshop recommendations to solutions of three optimal station location models that have been used to recommend station locations, which minimize travel times from stations to population and traffic or maximize trips that can be refueled on origin–destination routes. In a post-workshop survey, participants rated the workshop highly for facilitating mutual understanding and information sharing among stakeholders. To our knowledge, this workshop represents the first application of geodesign for hydrogen refueling station infrastructure planning.
Thinning Effect of C Sequestration along an Elevation Gradient of Mediterranean Pinus spp. Plantations
Authors: Cachinero-Vivar Antonio M. , Palacios-Rodríguez Guillermo , Lara-Gómez Miguel A. , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael M.
Published: November 2021

Forests are key elements in mitigating the effects of climate change due to the fact of their carbon sequestration capacity. Forest management can be oriented to optimise the carbon sequestration capacity of forest stands, in line with other productive objectives and the generation of ecosystem services. This research aimed to determine whether thinning treatments have a positive influence on the growth patterns of some of the main Mediterranean pine species and, therefore, on their Carbon (C) fixation capacity, both in terms of living biomass and soil organic carbon. The results obtained show that C sequestration capacity (biomass and SOC) increased at higher thinning intensities due to the induced alterations in tree growth patterns. We observed almost a 1.5-fold increase in P. nigra and P. sylvestris, respectively, and over a two-fold increase in P. pinaster under heavy thinning treatments; SOC stocks were affected by the intensity of the thinning treatments. These results can contribute to improving silvicultural practices aimed at C sequestration in forest plantations located in dry areas of the Mediterranean.
Colonization Pattern of Abandoned Croplands by Quercus pyrenaica in a Mediterranean Mountain Region
Authors: Pérez-Luque Antonio J. , Bonet-García Francisco J. , Zamora Regino
Published: November 2021

Land abandonment is a major global change driver in the Mediterranean region, where anthropic activity has played an important role in shaping landscape configuration. Understanding the woodland expansion towards abandoned croplands is critical to develop effective management strategies. In this study, we analyze the colonization pattern of abandoned croplands by Quercus pyrenaica in the Sierra Nevada mountain range (southern Spain). We aimed to assess differences among populations within the rear edge of the Q. pyrenaica distribution. For this purpose, we characterized (i) the colonization pattern of Q. pyrenaica, (ii) the structure of the seed source (surrounding forests), and (iii) the abundance of the main seed disperser (Eurasian jay, Garrulus glandarius). The study was conducted in five abandoned croplands located in two representative populations of Q. pyrenaica located on contrasting slopes. Vegetation plots within three habitat types (mature forest, edge-forest and abandoned cropland) were established to compute the abundance of oak juveniles. The abundance of European jay was determined using data of bird censuses (covering 7 years). Our results indicate that a natural recolonization of abandoned croplands by Q. pyrenaica is occurring in the rear edge of the distribution of this oak species. Oak juvenile abundance varied between study sites. Neither the surrounding-forest structure nor the abundance of jays varied significantly between study sites. The differences in the recolonization patterns seem to be related to differences in the previous- and post-abandonment management.
Influence of Edaphic Salinity on Leaf Morphoanatomical Functional Traits on Juvenile and Adult Trees of Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle): Implications with Relation to Climate Change
Authors: Sánchez Alejandra Robles , Pineda José Ernesto Mancera , Casas Xavier Marquínez , Calderón Jairo Humberto Medina
Published: November 2021

Rhizophora mangle L. is one of the most distributed species of neotropical mangroves. The species exhibits great phenological variability that is associated with saline concentrations of the sediment where it grows. Among the organs that are most affected by interstitial and tidal water salinity concentrations are the leaves. Since the hypersalinity generates water deficiency, it changes photosynthetic and hydraulic processes of the plant. To understand the relationship between the variation in leaf blade parameters and the water stress generated by salinity in two growth stages, morphoanatomical functional traits were quantified in leaves of juveniles and adults of R. mangle in three structurally different mangrove forests with different ranges of natural salinity (Oligohaline: 5.8–11.7 practical salinity units (PSU); Euhaline: 9.2–35.6 PSU and 23.9–47.7 PSU). We hypothesized that water stress caused by salinity generates modification in conductivity, water-storage, and photosynthetic tissues. Our results showed a greater number of morphoanatomical traits affected by salinity in juveniles compared to adults, greater variability in the traits associated with water accumulation and transport. Adults and juveniles subjected to higher values of salinity had traits more tolerant of variability in this factor, allowing superior adaptation to environments with high water deficit than individuals originating in oligohaline environments. This difference in adaptability to salinity between populations of R. mangle may imply different responses to climate change, where populations of oligohaline origin will be more susceptible to hypersalinization resulting from this phenomenon, while populations of euhaline origin could more effectively tolerate the aquatic stresses caused, allowing a prolongation of their permanence and the provision of their ecosystem services over time.
Land Cover and Land Use Change Decreases Net Ecosystem Production in Tropical Peatlands of West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Basuki Imam , Kauffman J. Boone , Peterson James T. , Anshari Gusti Z. , Murdiyarso Daniel
Published: November 2021

Deforested and converted tropical peat swamp forests are susceptible to fires and are a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, information on the influence of land-use change (LUC) on the carbon dynamics in these disturbed peat forests is limited. This study aimed to quantify soil respiration (heterotrophic and autotrophic), net primary production (NPP), and net ecosystem production (NEP) in peat swamp forests, partially logged forests, early seral grasslands (deforested peat), and smallholder-oil palm estates (converted peat). Peat swamp forests (PSF) showed similar soil respiration with logged forests (LPSF) and oil palm (OP) estates (37.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, 40.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, and 38.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively), but higher than early seral (ES) grassland sites (30.7 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1). NPP of intact peat forests (13.2 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) was significantly greater than LPSF (11.1 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), ES (10.8 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), and OP (3.7 Mg C ha−1 yr−1). Peat swamp forests and seral grasslands were net carbon sinks (10.8 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1 and 9.1 CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively). In contrast, logged forests and oil palm estates were net carbon sources; they had negative mean Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) values (−0.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1 and −25.1 Mg CO2 ha−1 yr−1, respectively). The shift from carbon sinks to sources associated with land-use change was principally due to a decreased Net Primary Production (NPP) rather than increased soil respiration. Conservation of the remaining peat swamp forests and rehabilitation of deforested peatlands are crucial in GHG emission reduction programs.
Effects of Early, Small-Scale Nitrogen Addition on Germination and Early Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Seedlings and on the Recruitment of the Root-Associated Fungal Community
Authors: Castro David , Schneider Andreas N. , Holmlund Mattias , Näsholm Torgny , Street Nathaniel R. , Hurry Vaughan
Published: November 2021

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most economically important species to the Swedish forest industry, and cost-efficient planting methods are needed to ensure successful reestablishment after harvesting forest stands. While the majority of clear-cuts are replanted with pre-grown seedlings, direct seeding can be a viable option on poorer sites. Organic fertilizer has been shown to improve planted seedling establishment, but the effect on direct seeding is less well known. Therefore, at a scarified (disc trencher harrowed) clear-cut site in northern Sweden, we evaluated the effect of early, small-scale nitrogen addition on establishment and early recruitment of fungi from the disturbed soil community by site-planted Scots pine seeds. Individual seeds were planted using a moisture retaining germination matrix containing 10 mg nitrogen in the form of either arginine phosphate or ammonium nitrate. After one growing season, we collected seedlings and assessed the fungal community of seedling roots and the surrounding soil. Our results demonstrate that early, small-scale N addition increases seedling survival and needle carbon content, that there is rapid recruitment of ectomycorrhizal fungi to the roots and rhizosphere of the young seedlings and that this rapid recruitment was modified but not prevented by N addition.
Exploring the Effects of Thinning on Cunninghamia lanceolata Lamb. Carbon Allocation in Southwestern China Using a Process-Based Model
Authors: Yang Hao , Liao Ziyan , Ming Angang , Miao Ning
Published: November 2021

We investigated the effects of thinning intensity on the carbon allocation of Cunninghamia lanceolata Lamb. Hook by analyzing the stand growth and carbon content of a plantation under three thinning intensities (I: 70%; II: 50%; III: 30%) and with no thinning treatment. Using the carbon balance framework of the CROwn BASe (CROBAS) model and multi-source inventory data, we calibrated the parameters of the CROBAS-C. lanceolata (CROBAS-CL) model to simulate the carbon content in the plantation. We validated the CROBAS-CL model by comparing the predicted stand diameter at breast height (DBH) and stand height (H) with the measured values. Finally, the predicted stand carbon was compared with the soil carbon to assess the dynamics and allocation of ecosystem carbon content. Overall, our findings suggest that the predicted stand carbon of CROBAS-CL satisfies the statistical test requirements: the deviation of height and DBH predicted by the CROBAS-CL model from the measured height and DBH are less than 0.087 m and 0.165 cm, respectively. These results confirm that the model is useful for a dynamic prediction of stand carbon in C. lanceolata plantations. Based on the results of the proposed model, we determine that Thinning III (30% thinning intensity) is beneficial for the growth of C. lanceolata plantations and improving soil carbon sequestration. Additionally, the simulated carbon storage of an individual tree in the C. lanceolata plantation gradually increased with the tree age. Our study provides a strong reference for the efficient operation and management of C. lanceolata plantations in southwestern China.
Plant Regeneration and In Vitro Growth Performance of Male-Sterile Somatic Plantlets of Sugi (Japanese Cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) Derived from Different Embryogenic Cell Lines
Authors: Tsuruta Momi , Maruyama Tsuyoshi E. , Ueno Saneyoshi , Kaneeda Takumi , Moriguchi Yoshinari
Published: November 2021

With the spread of pollinosis caused by sugi (Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) pollen, the use of pollen-free somatic seedlings of sugi is expected in Japan. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the relationship between the abilities during somatic embryogenesis, initial in vitro growth traits, and subsequent growth of somatic seedlings. In the present study, we provide the first basic information on somatic embryo maturation efficiency, somatic embryo germination, and plantlet conversion frequencies, as well as on in vitro growth performance of pollen-free somatic plantlets derived from different embryogenic cell lines (ECLs). Somatic embryo maturation efficiency varied from 34 to 514 cotyledonary embryos per plate and the average for the 19 ECLs tested was 244 embryos per plate. Subsequently, the overall average rates of somatic embryo germination and conversion among ECLs were 87.8% and 85.3%, respectively. The results of in vitro growth performance of pollen-free somatic plantlets showed significant differences in growth rate among ECLs.