bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis of Hexachloroplatinate and Tetraclorouranylate of 3-Carboxypyridinium—Halogen Bonds and π-Interactions vs. Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Novikov Anton Petrovich , Volkov Mikhail Alexandrovich , Safonov Alexey Vladimirovich , Grigoriev Mikhail Semenovich
Published: February 2022

This work aimed to synthesize new platinum and uranium compounds with nicotinic acid. In this article we describe the synthesis of two new anionic complexes (HNic)2[PtCl6] and (HNic)2[UO2Cl4] using wet chemistry methods. The structure of the obtained single crystals was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Hirshfeld surface analysis of the obtained complexes and their analogue (HNic)2[SiF6] was carried out for the analysis of intermolecular interactions. Hydrogen bonds (H···Hal/Hal···H and O···H/H···O) make the main contribution to intermolecular interactions in all compounds. Other important contacts in cations in all compounds are H···H, C···H/H···C and C···Hal/Hal···C; in anions H···Hal/Hal···H. The Pt-containing complex has a halogen-π interaction and halogen bonds, but Si-containing complex has a π–π staking interaction; these types of interactions are not observed in the U-containing compound.
Self-Assembled Nanocomposites and Nanostructures for Environmental and Energy Applications
Authors: Chang Sujie , Wang Xiaomin , Hu Qiaoling , Sun Xigui , Wang Aiguo , Dong Xiaojun , Zhang Yu , Shi Lei , Sun Qilei
Published: February 2022

Self-assembled nanocomposites are attracting considerable attention owing to their controllable architectures and self-assembly processes, as well as the increase in worldwide environmental effects and energy needs. Further understanding of the self-assembly procedure for improving environmental and energy applications would advance the design and manufacture of nanomaterials for various applications. These materials can be grouped into major categories for various application fields, including powder photocatalysts, membrane photocatalysts, and thin-film thermoelectric nanomaterials. These self-assembled nanomaterials can be used for environmental and energy applications, such as wastewater purification, hydrogen production by water splitting, energy storage, and energy harvesting. In this review, a brief introduction to the definitions and classifications of self-assembled nanocomposites is provided. We aim to provide a summary of the recent research related to self-assembled nanocomposites and nanostructures used for environmental and energy applications. Moreover, typical examples and discussions are aimed at demonstrating the advantages of self-assembled nanostructures. At the end of each section, the structural properties and the application of the nanocomposite or nanostructure are summarized. Finally, we provide perspectives for future research on the design and fabrication of self-assembled nanocomposites and nanostructures.
Improved Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Ketoprofen by the Formation of Multicomponent Crystals with Tromethamine
Authors: Fitriani Lili , Firdaus Wahyu Alfath , Sidadang Wahyu , Rosaini Henni , Putra Okky Dwichandra , Oyama Hironaga , Uekusa Hidehiro , Zaini Erizal
Published: February 2022

This study aims to improve the dissolution rate of ketoprofen by preparing multicomponent crystals with tromethamine. The multicomponent crystals (equimolar ratio) of ketoprofen and tromethamine were prepared by the solvent co-evaporation method. The solid-state properties of the resulting powder were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, DSC thermal analysis, FT–IR spectroscopy, solubility, and in vitro dissolution rate. The crystal structure of the multicomponent crystal was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that the powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the ketoprofen–tromethamine binary system was different from that of the starting materials. This difference indicates the formation of a new crystalline phase between ketoprofen and tromethamine (equimolar ratio). The DSC thermogram of the ketoprofen–tromethamine binary system exhibited a single and sharp endothermic peak at 128.67 °C, attributed to the melting point of a multicomponent crystal of ketoprofen–tromethamine. A single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed that ketoprofen–tromethamine formed a layered structure, salt-type multicomponent crystal. The solubility and dissolution rate of the multicomponent crystal were notably enhanced compared to the intact ketoprofen. The ketoprofen–tromethamine binary system forms salt-type multicomponent crystals, which can significantly increase the solubility and dissolution rate.
Experimental Analysis of Wax Micro-Droplet 3D Printing Based on a High-Voltage Electric Field-Driven Jet Deposition Technology
Authors: Chao Yanpu , Yi Hao , Cao Fulai , Li Yaohui , Cen Hui , Lu Shuai
Published: February 2022

High-voltage electric field-driven jet deposition technology is a novel high resolution micro scale 3D printing method. In this paper, a novel micro 3D printing method is proposed to fabricate wax micro-structures. The mechanism of the Taylor cone generation and droplet eject deposition was analyzed, and a high-voltage electric field-driven jet printing experimental system was developed based on the principle of forming. The effects of process parameters, such as pulse voltages, gas pressures, pulse width, pulse frequency, and movement velocity, on wax printing were investigated. The experimental results show that the increasing of pulse width and duration of pulse high voltage increased at the same pulse frequency, resulting in the micro-droplet diameter being increased. The deposited droplet underwent a process of spreading, shrinking, and solidifying. The local remelting and bonding were acquired between the contact surfaces of the adjacent deposited droplets. According to the experiment results, a horizontal line and a vertical micro-column were fabricated by adjusting the process parameters; their size deviation was controlled within 2%. This research shows that it is feasible to fabricate the micro-scale wax structure using high-voltage electric field-driven jet deposition technology.
The Prognostic Effect of Multidisciplinary Team Intervention in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xiang Yuan-Yuan , Deng Cun-Can , Liu Han-Yuan , Kuo Zi-Chong , Zhang Chang-Hua , He Yu-Long
Published: February 2022

Background: The effect of multidisciplinary team intervention (MDT) on the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer (GC) is still controversial. This study aims to analyze the effect of MDTs on the overall survival time of advanced gastric cancer patients. Methods: Patients with advanced GC who underwent surgical treatment between 2007 and 2014 were included in the study. They were divided into two groups; the MDT group received MDT treatment and the non-MDT group received conventional treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the overall survival (OS) of the two groups. The prognostic factors of advanced GC were evaluated by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: 394 patients were included in our study. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the prognosis of advanced GC patients with who underwent MDT intervention was better than those without (3-year OS of 55.6% vs. 46.1%, p = 0.005), Multivariate analysis indicated that MDT intervention could reduce mortality (HR = 0.493, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MDT intervention is an effective measure that improves the survival of patients with advanced GC.
Traditional Medicinal Plants—A Possible Source of Antibacterial Activity on Respiratory Diseases Induced by Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis
Authors: Duțu Ligia Elena , Popescu Maria Lidia , Purdel Carmen Nicoleta , Ilie Elena Iuliana , Luță Emanuela-Alice , Costea Liliana , Gîrd Cerasela Elena
Published: February 2022

Background. Nowadays, phytotherapy offers viable solutions in managing respiratory infections, disorders known for considerable incidence in both children and adults. In a context in which more and more people are turning to phytotherapy, finding new remedies is a topical goal of researchers in health and related fields. This paper aims to identify those traditional medicinal plants that show potentially antibacterial effects against four Gram-negative germs (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis), which are considered to have high involvement in respiratory infections. Furthermore, a comparison with Romanian folk medicines was performed. Methods. An extensive review of books and databases was undertaken to identify vegetal species of interest in the context of the topic. Results. Some traditional Romanian species (such as Mentha × piperita, Thymus vulgaris, Pinus sylvestris, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Ocimum basilicum, and Lavandulaangustifolia) were identified and compared with the plants and preparations confirmed as having antibacterial effects against specific germs. Conclusions. The antibacterial effects of some traditionally used Romanian medicinal plants are poorly investigated, and deserve further attention.
Population Genetic Structure and Biodiversity Conservation of a Relict and Medicinal Subshrub Capparis spinosa in Arid Central Asia
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Hong-Xiang
Published: February 2022

As a Tertiary Tethyan relict, Capparis spinosa is a typical wind-preventing and sand-fixing deciduous subshrub in arid central Asia. Due to its medicinal and energy value, this species is at risk of potential threat from human overexploitation, habitat destruction and resource depletion. In this study, our purpose was to evaluate the conservation strategies of C. spinosa according to its genetic structure characteristics and genetic diversity pattern among 37 natural distributional populations. Based on genomic SNP data generated from dd-RAD sequencing, genetic diversity analysis, principal component analysis, maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees and ADMIXTURE clustering, the significant population structure and differentiation were explored. The results showed the following: (1) Six distinct lineages were identified corresponding to geographic locations, and various levels of genetic diversity existed among the lineages for the natural habitat heterogeneity or human interferences; (2) The lineage divergences were influenced by isolation by distances, vicariance and restricted gene flow under complex topographic and climatic conditions. Finally, for the preservation of the genetic integrity of C. spinosa, we suggest that conservation units should be established corresponding to different geographic groups, and that attention should be paid to isolated and peripheral populations that are experiencing biodiversity loss. Simultaneously, monitoring and reducing anthropogenic disturbances in addition to rationally and sustainably utilizing wild resources would be beneficial to guarantee population resilience and evolutionary potential of this xerophyte in response to future environmental changes.
Load and Wind Aware Routing of Delivery Drones
Authors: Ito Satoshi , Akaiwa Keishi , Funabashi Yusuke , Nishikawa Hiroki , Kong Xiangbo , Taniguchi Ittetsu , Tomiyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

Delivery drones have been attracting attention as one of the promising technologies to deliver packages. Several research studies on routing problems specifically for drone delivery scenarios have extended Vehicle Routing Problems (VRPs). Most existing VRPs are based on Traveling Salesman Problems (TSPs) for minimizing the overall distance. On the other hand, VRPs for drone delivery have been aware of energy consumption due to the consideration of battery capacity. Despite hovering motions with loading packages accounting for a large portion of energy consumption since delivery drones need to hover with several packages, little research has been conducted on drone routing problems that aim at the minimization of overall flight times. In addition, flight time is strongly influenced by windy conditions such as headwinds and tailwinds. In this paper, we propose a VRP for drone delivery in which flight time is dependent on the weight of packages in a windy environment, called Flight Speed-aware Vehicle Routing Problem with Load and Wind (FSVRPLW). In this paper, flight speed changes depending on the load and wind. Specifically, a heavier package slows down flight speeds and a lighter package speeds up flight speeds. In addition, a headwind slows down flight speeds and a tailwind speed up flight speeds. We mathematically derived the problem and developed a dynamic programming algorithm to solve the problem. In the experiments, we investigate how much impact both the weight of packages and the wind have on the flight time. The experimental results indicate that taking loads and wind into account is very effective in reducing flight times. Moreover, the results of comparing the effects of load and wind indicate that flight time largely depends on the weight of packages.
A Hybrid Domain Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Improved Henon Map
Authors: Chen Yong , Xie Shucui , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: February 2022

A hybrid domain image encryption algorithm is developed by integrating with improved Henon map, integer wavelet transform (IWT), bit-plane decomposition, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence operations. First, we improve the classical two-dimensional Henon map. The improved Henon map is called 2D-ICHM, and its chaotic performance is analyzed. Compared with some existing chaotic maps, 2D-ICHM has larger parameter space, continuous chaotic range, and more complex dynamic behavior. Second, an image encryption structure based on diffusion–scrambling–diffusion and spatial domain–frequency domain–spatial domain is proposed, which we call the double sandwich structure. In the encryption process, the diffusion and scrambling operations are performed in the spatial and frequency domains, respectively. In addition, initial values and system parameters of the 2D-ICHM are obtained by the secure hash algorithm-512 (SHA-512) hash value of the plain image and the given parameters. Consequently, the proposed algorithm is highly sensitive to plain images. Finally, simulation experiments and security analysis show that the proposed algorithm has a high level of security and strong robustness to various cryptanalytic attacks.
Exploring and Selecting Features to Predict the Next Outcomes of MLB Games
Authors: Li Shu-Fen , Huang Mei-Ling , Li Yun-Zhi
Published: February 2022

(1) Background and Objective: Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular international sport events worldwide. Many people are very interest in the related activities, and they are also curious about the outcome of the next game. There are many factors that affect the outcome of a baseball game, and it is very difficult to predict the outcome of the game precisely. At present, relevant research predicts the accuracy of the next game falls between 55% and 62%. (2) Methods: This research collected MLB game data from 2015 to 2019 and organized a total of 30 datasets for each team to predict the outcome of the next game. The prediction method used includes one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) and three machine-learning methods, namely an artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR). (3) Results: The prediction results show that, among the four prediction models, SVM obtains the highest prediction accuracies of 64.25% and 65.75% without feature selection and with feature selection, respectively; and the best AUCs are 0.6495 and 0.6501, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This study used feature selection and optimized parameter combination to increase the prediction performance to around 65%, which surpasses the prediction accuracies when compared to the state-of-the-art works in the literature.
Damage Model for Reservoirs with Multisets of Natural Fractures and Its Application in the Simulation of Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Hu Huifang , Shen Tian , Zheng Naiyuan , Shen Xinpu , Yu Jinbiao
Published: February 2022

The presence of natural fractures can significantly affect the quality of hydraulic fracturing operations in tightsand and shale or oil/gas formations. This paper describes the procedure used to model natural fractures with continuum damage tensor and the resulting orthotropic permeability tensor. A damage model that uses damage variable in tensor form is presented. In the procedure presented, a nonnegligible angle is assumed to exist between directions of principal stresses in the formation and in the natural-fractures-related damage tensor, and this difference in orientation is modeled by introducing local directions in the model. A damage-dependent permeability tensor in tabular form is then proposed. A second case scenario when the directions of principal stresses and natural fractures align is also analyzed. Numerical results of fracture distribution are presented for both cases, and differences can be seen from the computed contour of the damage variable. The results indicate that the model can effectively simulate the fracture propagation phenomena during hydraulic fracturing.
Torque Limiters for Aerospace Actuator Application
Authors: Shahjahan Ahmad Syed , Tom Liya , La Rocca Antonino , La Rocca Salvatore , Vakil Gaurang , Gerada Chris , Benarous Maamar
Published: February 2022

Safety and reliability of electrical actuators are essential for success of all electric and more electric aircrafts (MEA). Torque limiters improve the reliability of electromechanical actuators (EMA) by restricting the amount of force experienced by the actuator drive train components. If transmitted torque in the shaft exceeds a limit, it gives way in a controlled manner. This protects the actuator from potential failure and jamming. In this paper, different types of existing torque limiters are investigated for their suitability in aerospace EMA application and further integration within the electric motor. They classified based on the torque transmission mechanism and each type is described in detail. Operating principle and basic characteristics are reported. Comparative evaluation of commercially available devices is presented. It is found that those based on friction based and permanent magnet are most suitable due to their good torque density, reliability and high speed capability. Further, based on the characteristics, integration of torque limiter within the actuator motor is investigated in this paper. An example actuator motor is considered for integration. Different integration options suitable for the different types of torque limiting devices are described. Reduction in overall volume is shown for the integration options. Such integration can lead to improved reliability as well as higher power density resulting in next-generation actuator electrical drives for MEA.
Low-Cost Solar Collectors to Pre-Heat Ventilation Air in Broiler Houses
Authors: Liang Yi , Janorschke Michael , Hayes Chad E.
Published: February 2022

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a low-cost solar collector to pre-heat ventilation air in commercial broiler buildings on supplemental heating demand and air quality during the cold season. Six black fabric-based solar collectors of 36 m2 each were installed on the south-facing rooftop of a broiler house. The solar collectors provided fresh warm air into the house during the ON cycle of minimum ventilation and during the OFF cycle of minimum ventilation when the temperature under the collectors met certain criteria. The daily cumulative duration of solar collectors in operation averaged 125 and 133 min during the first two or four weeks of brooding in the fall and winter flocks, respectively. When in operation, the solar collectors were able to raise up to 20 K above the ambient temperature, reducing fuel usage by 7% in the fall and winter flocks. The greatest challenge of solar collector utilization was the collectors providing less than half of ventilation air during daytime due to not enclosing the fresh air inlets. The limited airflow capacity and limited activation of the solar collectors due to the existing minimum ventilation scheme is another reason for low heating fuel savings.
Gas Turbine Intake Air Hybrid Cooling Systems and a New Approach to Their Rational Designing
Authors: Yang Zongming , Radchenko Mykola , Radchenko Andrii , Mikielewicz Dariusz , Radchenko Roman
Published: February 2022

Gas turbine intake air cooling (TIAC) by exhaust gas heat recovery chillers is a general trend to improve turbine fuel efficiency at increased ambient temperatures. The high efficiency absorption lithium–bromide chillers of a simple cycle are the most widely used, but they are unable to cool inlet air lower than 15 °C. A two-stage hybrid absorption–ejector chillers were developed with absorption chiller as a high temperature stage and ejector chiller as a low temperature stage to subcool air from 15 °C to 10 °C and lower. A novel trend in TIAC by two-stage air cooling in hybrid chillers has been substantiated to provide about 50% higher annual fuel saving in temperate climate as compared with absorption cooling. A new approach to reduce practically twice design cooling capacity of absorption chiller due to its rational distribution with accumulating excessive refrigeration energy at decreased thermal loads to cover the picked demands and advanced design methodology based on it was proposed. The method behind this is issued from comparing a behavior of the characteristic curves of refrigeration energy required for TIAC with its available values according to various design cooling capacities to cover daily fluctuation of thermal loads at reduced by 15 to 20% design cooling capacity and practically maximum annual fuel reduction.
A Review on Plasma Gasification of Solid Residues: Recent Advances and Developments
Authors: Oliveira Matheus , Ramos Ana , Ismail Tamer M. , Monteiro Eliseu , Rouboa Abel
Published: February 2022

The increase in production and consumption of goods has generated a surplus of waste, which destination is commonly the landfilling sites. This represents a major bottleneck in the production chain and creates new challenges for sustainable development. Due to the environmental and economic benefits, the use of renewable and ecological fuels derived from waste has received global attention. Plasma is one of the techniques that enable achieving renewable energy from solid residues, contributing to landfill avoidance and resource reutilization in line with the circular economy principles and supporting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 (affordable and clean energy), 12 (responsible consumption and production), and 13 (climate action). This article presents a review and analysis of literature related to the use of plasma gasification of solid waste as a method of waste recovery. This article portrays the efforts that have been made in this direction and the barriers to the dissemination of technology for commercial applications. The focus of this article comprises (a) extracting valuable aspects from various studies, including laboratory and field studies, (b) summarizing the work done so far, and (c) compiling studies and findings on plasma gasifiers and recent developments.
Efficiency Increase through Model Predictive Thermal Control of Electric Vehicle Powertrains
Authors: Wahl Alexander , Wellmann Christoph , Krautwig Björn , Manns Patrick , Chen Bicheng , Schernus Christof , Andert Jakob
Published: February 2022

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are currently enjoying rising sales figures. However, BEVs still have problems with customer acceptance, partly due to limited driving ranges. To improve the situation, this paper introduces a novel approach utilising temperature-dependent efficiencies using an economic model predictive control approach (MPC) in combination with an active grille shutter in order to accelerate the heating of the permanent magnet synchronous machine. The measurements of temperature-dependent component efficiencies on a powertrain test bench are presented and analysed in detail in the speed/torque range. Thermal models based on the lumped parameter thermal network approach were developed and validated as part of the system-level validation against a US06 wind tunnel measurement. After the build-up and implementation of the MPC, various simulations were conducted. For the investigations, three driving cycles were considered at component start temperatures of 20–80 °C. The results show that using the MPC with the grille shutter can save 0.69–2.02% energy at the HV level compared to the rule-based control with a shutter, of which up to 1.02% is due to temperature-dependent efficiencies. Comparing the MPC with the grille shutter to a vehicle without a shutter, savings of 2.8–4.2% were achieved, while up to 1.67% was achieved due to temperature effects in the powertrain.
Methanol Production in the Brayton Cycle
Authors: Kotowicz Janusz , Brzęczek Mateusz , Walewska Aleksandra , Szykowska Kamila
Published: February 2022

This article presents the concept of renewable methanol production in the gas turbine cycle. As part of the work, an analysis was performed, including the impact of changing the parameters in the methanol reactor on the obtained values of power, yield and efficiency of the reactor, and chemical conversion. The aim of this research was to investigate the possibility of integrating the system for the production of renewable methanol and additional production of electricity in the system. The efficiency of the chemical conversion process and the efficiency of the methanol reactor increases with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. The highest efficiency values, respectively η = 0.4388 and ηR = 0.3649, are obtained for parameters in the reactor equal to 160 °C and 14 MPa. The amount of heat exchanged in all exchangers reached the highest value for 14 MPa and 160 °C and amounted to Q˙ = 2.28 kW. Additionally, it has been calculated that if an additional exchanger is used before the expander (heating the medium to 560 °C), the expander’s power will cover the compressor’s electricity demand.
Failure Diagnosis and Prognosis of Induction Machines
Authors: Clerc Guy
Published: February 2022

Induction motors have numerous advantages due to their robustness and their power–weight ratio [...]
Induction Motor Field-Oriented Sensorless Control with Filter and Long Cable
Authors: Carbone Lorenzo , Cosso Simone , Kumar Krishneel , Marchesoni Mario , Passalacqua Massimiliano , Vaccaro Luis
Published: February 2022

In recent years, part of the efforts of the electric drive researcher has been focused on the study of sensorless control algorithms that allow controlling the machine without a speed measure and with ever-fewer measurement devices. This article proposes a possible solution for the submarine application of an asynchronous motor. The motor is designed to drive a petrol pump at a depth of three thousand meters. The motor is fed by an inverter that is located on an offshore platform, and they are connected through a filter and a cable that is 19.74 km long. In this application, it is not suitable to use a speed measurement device; in fact, at this depth it is important to use as few components as possible, in order to increase the system reliability. A control algorithm that only needs available electrical measures is proposed below.
Systematic Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Literature Using ProKnow-C and Methodi Ordinatio
Authors: Regatieri Helton Rogger , Ando Junior Oswaldo Hideo , Salgado José Ricardo Cezar
Published: February 2022

Recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) plays an important role in environmental preservation since it prevents heavy metals from polluting the soil and underground water through the recovering of valuable metals. The interest in LIB recycling has grown in recent years due to the environmental and economic gains which can be seen by increasing number of articles and publications. This review uses two methodologies: ProKnow-C and Methodi Ordinatio to create a bibliographic portfolio (BP) that defines the state-of-the-start literature in LIB recycling. This review is vital because it proposes a database of a finite number of publications of relevant authors and articles to service new research on the LIB recycling theme. The research started off with 2515 articles related to the search query which were later filtered and treated to be systematically analyzed. After filtering, 591 articles were left in the filtered raw article database (FRA-database). The efficiency and parameters of ProKnow-C and Methodi Ordinatio were counter-compared forming two databases. These databases were analyzed systematically and it was found that in the initial stages there were no differences between them. Nevertheless, in the final phases, a difference in the ranking was established when compiling the final BP of the 23 best ranked articles and authors. By using ProKnow-C and Methodi Ordinatio, this review sets out to establish a concise BP of paramount importance to the LIB recycling theme.
Experimental Study on Breakthrough Separation for Hydrogen Recovery from Coke Oven Gas Using ZIF-8 Slurry
Authors: Chen Wan , Wang Minglong , Yang Shaowu , Huang Zixuan , Yang Mingke , Peng Xiaowan , Liu Bei , Chen Guangjin
Published: February 2022

A large amount of COG (coke oven gas) is produced from coking plants every year, which contains 55–60% H2. In this work, the breakthrough separation of H2 from COG with ZIF-8/ethylene glycol-water slurry was studied. Following the investigation of the (ab-ad)sorption isotherms of the single component gas CH4 and H2, the main components of coke oven gas, in different slurries and their corresponding viscosities, and the influence of the operating conditions on the dynamic performance of CH4/H2 separation in slurry were studied in a bubble column. Low temperature, inlet flow rate, high pressure, and solid content can extend the breakthrough time, where the longest breakthrough time interval between H2 and CH4 can be as long as 70 min, meaning the high purity of H2 product could be obtained easily. All the results of this work prove the feasibility of the slurry method to separate CH4/H2 mixture and provide a theoretical basis for practical industrial applications.
Binding Materials for MOF Monolith Shaping Processes: A Review towards Real Life Application
Authors: Ntouros Vasileios , Kousis Ioannis , Pisello Anna Laura , Assimakopoulos Margarita Niki
Published: February 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) could be utilized for a wide range of applications such as sorption, catalysis, chromatography, energy storage, sensors, drug delivery, and nonlinear optics. However, to date, there are very few examples of MOFs exploited on a commercial scale. Nevertheless, progress in MOF-related research is currently paving the way to new industrial opportunities, fostering applications and processes interconnecting fundamental chemistry with engineering and relevant sectors. Yet, the fabrication of porous MOF materials within resistant structures is a key challenge impeding their wide commercial use for processes such as adsorptive separation. In fact, the integration of nano-scale MOF crystallic structures into bulk components that can maintain the desired characteristics, i.e., size, shape, and mechanical stability, is a prerequisite for their wide practical use in many applications. At the same time, it requires sophisticated shaping techniques that can structure nano/micro-crystalline fine powders of MOFs into diverse types of macroscopic bodies such as monoliths. Under this framework, this review aims to bridge the gap between research advances and industrial necessities for fostering MOF applications into real life. Therefore, it critically explores recent advances in the shaping and production of MOF macro structures with regard to the binding materials that have received little attention to date, but have the potential to give new perspectives in the industrial applicability of MOFs. Moreover, it proposes future paths that can be adopted from both academy and industry and can further boost MOF exploitation.
Positive Aspects of Green Roof Reducing Energy Consumption in Winter
Authors: Juras Peter
Published: February 2022

Greening structures attract worldwide attention because of their multidisciplinary benefits. Green roofs are considered one of the best ways to eliminate summer overheating, mitigate climate change, or reduce the urban heat island effect. The winter season and its impact on building energy consumption are often overlooked. Common standards do not take a green roof structure into consideration because of possible high water content in their layers. Additional roof layers may have a positive effect during the winter; they help reduce surface overcooling in cloudless winter nights. This paper analyses experimental measurements taken on two different extensive green roofs and compares the results with a single-ply roof (R) with a PVC membrane. Surface overcooling of the R due to radiation reaching up to 10 °C, whereas the green roof membrane is protected. The influence of thermal loss is not so important for the current climate in Central Europe, as the required U-values are lower than 0.1. The temperature difference is reduced from 17 °C on the membrane to 0.7 °C on the top of the concrete slab. The green roof is still advantageous, and the vegetation surface has better thermal stability. The advantage is clearly recognisable in the area of the condensation zone. The difference between these two extensive green roofs is very small in regard to the accuracy of the temperature sensors. The outcome showed the thermal loss reduction compared to the common flat roof; however, after analysis, it was more marginal than expected.
Water Power Plants Possibilities in Powering Electric Cars—Case Study: Poland
Authors: Kubiak-Wójcicka Katarzyna , Polak Filip , Szczęch Leszek
Published: February 2022

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in Poland and around the world. More and more of them appear on the roads, especially in the centers of large cities. They are perceived and advertised as zero-emission cars, not polluting the environment. However, electric cars, such as cars with combustion engines, need to be “refueled”, so they are charged from the power grid. It is important to say that it depends on what the source of energy is. Unfortunately, in the case of Poland, most of the energy in this network (about 80%) comes from sources using fossil fuels (lignite, hard coal, and natural gas). These are not environmentally friendly energy sources. Despite the use of multi-stage exhaust gas cleaning, toxic compounds and carbon dioxide get into the atmosphere. The situation is stalemate because the more energy is needed to power industry, households and electric cars, the more carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. This paper will demonstrate that the use of the term “green vehicle” in reference to electric automotive vehicles may be a misuse of the term, because if the local conditions of toxic emissions binding for vehicles with combustion engines had been taken into account during type-approval tests of such vehicles, electric vehicles would never have been put into service, not only in towns but everywhere else, too. Calculations show that carbon dioxide (201.2 g), nitrogen oxides (0.166 g), and particulate matters (0.0095 g) emitted by electropower plants are almost twice as large per 100 km than emitted by diesel engine. The solution to this situation is only an increased investment in the power industry based on renewable energy sources (RES). Currently, photovoltaic and wind power plants are experiencing rapid development in Poland, but they produce energy in an unpredictable way, and moreover, they need huge areas to build high-power installations. Much more stable sources of energy are hydroelectric power plants, which are in serious regression in Poland. Planned investments are constantly postponed. Yet, even in the lower Vistula cascade, already planned in the middle of the last century, there is a potential which, if used, would make it possible to ensure clean energy for powering electric vehicles for several dozen years to come. The authors wanted to pay attention to the need to introduce sustainable diversification of energy sources which, following the increase of investment in hydropower, would make it possible to plan the development of electromobility in Poland in a more secure way. The launch of the Lower Vistula cascade would eventually enable the zero-emission operation of approximately 1.5 million electric vehicles.
Study on Heat Transfer Process and Fresh Water Output Performance of Phase Change Heat Storage Dehumidifier
Authors: Zhang Lixi , Feng Kai , Xie Zhendong , Wang Kangbo
Published: February 2022

In the humidification-dehumidification solar desalination process, using phase change materials to recover water vapor condensation latent heat in the dehumidification can improve heat utilization and water production performances. When sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and paraffin were used as phase change materials respectively in the phase change heat storage dehumidifier, by means of numerical simulation and experiment, the heat transfer process, entropy generation, and water production performances of heat pipes and copper wire meshes coupled phase change materials in the dehumidifier were studied. The results showed that sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate has stronger heat transfer ability, higher thermal entropy generation, and heat storage capacity than paraffin; adding copper wire meshes into the phase change material can accelerate heat transfer and shorten the time required for monitoring points to reach phase change temperature; increasing the wet air temperature at inlet of phase change heat storage dehumidifier, using copper wire meshes in the phase change material, increasing the diameter of copper wire mesh, and using a passive basin desalinator for secondary water production can improve water production performances. In brief, the use of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and copper wire meshes in the phase change heat storage dehumidifier leads to better heat storage and heat transfer effects.
Concept, Feasibility of Cylindrical Bar Winding for Low Voltage Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Aitakkache Mourad , Enrici Philippe , Matt Daniel , Boubaker Nadhem , Piscini Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present the use of a solid bar winding for a permanent magnet synchronous motor dedicated to the electric drive of a full electric boat. For the winding, we chose to use cylindrical bars for the electric vehicle motorizations of a power lower than 10 kW. The choice of a 60 VDC low-voltage power distribution requires resorting to a solid bar winding with one bar per slot (single turn). Hence, the solid conductors dissipate additional copper losses (higher AC resistance). An analysis of these additional copper losses was carried out to accurately assess the effective AC resistance of the winding and, hence, the efficiency of the electric motor. A prototype for a POD propulsion was designed, built and tested. The characteristics of its electric motor were presented. The feasibility this type of cylindrical bar winding has been proven. A study on the optimization of the slot has demonstrated the performance of this type of winding.
Thermodynamic Analysis of a Regenerative Brayton Cycle Using H2, CH4 and H2/CH4 Blends as Fuel
Authors: Lopez-Ruiz Gontzal , Castresana-Larrauri Joseba , Blanco-Ilzarbe Jesús María
Published: February 2022

Considering a simple regenerative Brayton cycle, the impact of using different fuel blends containing a variable volumetric percentage of hydrogen in methane was analysed. Due to the potential of hydrogen combustion in gas turbines to reduce the overall CO2 emissions and the dependency on natural gas, further research is needed to understand the impact on the overall thermodynamic cycle. For that purpose, a qualitative thermodynamic analysis was carried out to assess the exergetic and energetic efficiencies of the cycle as well as the irreversibilities associated to a subsystem. A single step reaction was considered in the hypothesis of complete combustion of a generic H2/CH4 mixture, where the volumetric H2 percentage was represented by fH2, which was varied from 0 to 1, defining the amount of hydrogen in the fuel mixture. Energy and entropy balances were solved through the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) code. Results showed that global exergetic and energetic efficiencies increased by 5% and 2%, respectively, varying fH2 from 0 to 1. Higher hydrogen percentages resulted in lower exergy destruction in the chamber despite the higher air-excess levels. It was also observed that higher values of fH2 led to lower fuel mass flow rates in the chamber, showing that hydrogen can still be competitive even though its cost per unit mass is twice that of natural gas.
Review on Deep Learning Research and Applications in Wind and Wave Energy
Authors: Gu Chengcheng , Li Hua
Published: February 2022

Wind energy and wave energy are considered to have enormous potential as renewable energy sources in the energy system to make great contributions in transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy. However, the uncertain, erratic, and complicated scenarios, as well as the tremendous amount of information and corresponding parameters, associated with wind and wave energy harvesting are difficult to handle. In the field of big data handing and mining, artificial intelligence plays a critical and efficient role in energy system transition, harvesting and related applications. The derivative method of deep learning and its surrounding prolongation structures are expanding more maturely in many fields of applications in the last decade. Even though both wind and wave energy have the characteristics of instability, more and more applications have implemented using these two renewable energy sources with the support of deep learning methods. This paper systematically reviews and summarizes the different models, methods and applications where the deep learning method has been applied in wind and wave energy. The accuracy and effectiveness of different methods on a similar application were compared. This paper concludes that applications supported by deep learning have enormous potential in terms of energy optimization, harvesting, management, forecasting, behavior exploration and identification.
Miniaturized Distributed Generation for a Micro Smart Grid Simulator
Authors: Ko Yun-Seok , Kim Su-Hwan , Lim Gyoung-Hwan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a miniaturization method is proposed for developing micro distributed generation for a micro smart grid simulator. The micro smart grid simulator is a fault simulator that was built to test and verify the new operation control algorithms for smart grids in the laboratory and has a size downscaled to one-thousandth of that of an actual smart grid. The micro distributed generation was designed in a multi-layered structure (dimension: 13 × 20 cm2), in which each function is implemented in several layers, to satisfy the size requirements. Next, the grid synchronization and PQ control algorithms required for the distributed generation were developed. A three-phase 19 V power system was built, and a 19 V–7.5 W three-phase micro distributed generation was realized through experimental verification. In addition, by verifying the effectiveness through grid synchronization and 7.5 W PQ control experiments, it was confirmed that the micro distributed generation based on the proposed miniaturization method can be implemented in a micro smart grid simulator.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia in Childhood: An Update on Diagnosis, Screening, Management and Treatment
Authors: Jacob Marianne , Rowland Dustin , Lekarev Oksana , Ergun-Longmire Berrin
Published: February 2022

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is a group of heterogenous syndromes characterized by the occurrence of two or more endocrine gland tumors in a patient or related individuals in the same family. They are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and are highly penetrant. There are three types of MEN syndromes: MEN type 1 (MEN1), MEN type 2 (MEN2), and MEN type 4 (MEN4). MEN2 is further divided into MEN2A, MEN2B (formerly known MEN3), and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). Although MEN syndromes are rare, it is crucial to identify individuals at risk for potentially life-threatening neoplasias. This review article provides an update on each MEN syndrome, its genetics, diagnosis, and management in children.
Soil Organic Carbon Pools and Associated Soil Chemical Properties under Two Pine Species (Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus nigra Arn.) Introduced on Reclaimed Sandy Soils
Authors: Woś Bartłomiej , Pająk Marek , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: February 2022

The roles of different tree species and their impacts are key in assessing the dynamics of soil restoration in afforested post-mining sites. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), which is native to Central Europe and commonly used in afforestation, to that of the non-native black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) on the development of carbon pools and the chemical properties of reclaimed soils after sand exploitation. The study was carried out in 20- and 35-year-old stands, and the results were compared to undisturbed forest sites. Samples of the litter horizon and mineral soils (0–5 and 5–20 cm) were analyzed for pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (Nt). In addition, electrical conductivity (EC), sorption complex properties, water-soluble carbon, and hot-water-extractable carbon were determined from the mineral soil samples. Scots and black pine had a similar effect on the properties of the reclaimed soils. However, the soils under Scots pine were characterized by lower pH values in the litter and 0–5 cm horizons, higher EC in the 0–5 cm horizon, and higher C stocks in the litter horizon. Changes in the C stocks and chemical properties with afforestation years were limited to the uppermost soil horizons (litter and 0–5 cm). For both pine species, soils under the older stands were characterized by lower pH, higher EC, higher exchangeable acidity, higher cation-exchange capacity, lower base saturation, higher SOC and Nt contents, and more stable soil organic matter than soil under younger stands. After 35 years, about 20% and 27% of the C stocks in the reclaimed mine soils had been restored under black pine and Scots pine, respectively (compared to undisturbed soils). This difference between the pine species resulted from the higher C stocks in the litter horizons under Scots pine. Pedogenesis in post-mining sites after sand exploitation under pine species tended to result in more acidic and oligotrophic soils in relation to the undisturbed soils in adjacent forest ecosystems with pine.
Testing the Processing-Induced Roughness of Sanded Wood Surfaces Separated from Wood Anatomical Structure
Authors: Gurau Lidia
Published: February 2022

The metrology of processed wood surfaces is complex due to the presence of wood anatomical cavities, which are a factor of bias in several metrological steps, from the measuring to the evaluation of the surface quality. Wood requires special recommendations, and one regards the use of a robust Gaussian regression filter for filtering the roughness. The filter was previously tested with success on wood surfaces and was used in this paper. Furthermore, a reliable quantification of the processing roughness requires that independent wood anatomical data be removed from the evaluation. The paper presents a method of separating the roughness induced by processing from the wood anatomical structure. It was tested on different wood species, sanded with various grit sizes, and on a plastic material included for comparisons. The results showed similar values of the processing roughness for materials sanded with the same grit size, in spite of their different structures. The method could further be used for optimization of processing parameters at sanding.