bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary Gland Extract from Aedes aegypti Improves Survival in Murine Polymicrobial Sepsis through Oxidative Mechanisms
Authors: De Souza Gomes Rafaelli , Navegantes-Lima Kely Campos , Monteiro Valter Vinícius Silva , De Brito Oliveira Ana Lígia , Rodrigues Dávila Valentina Silva , Reis Jordano Ferreira , Gomes Antônio Rafael Quadros , Prophiro Josiane Somariva , Da Silva Onilda Santos , Romão Pedro Roosevelt Torres , Estrada Jorge Eduardo Chang , Monteiro Marta Chagas
Published: October 2018

Sepsis is a systemic disease with life-threatening potential and is characterized by a dysregulated immune response from the host to an infection. The organic dysfunction in sepsis is associated with the production of inflammatory cascades and oxidative stress. Previous studies showed that Aedes aegypti saliva has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Considering inflammation and the role of oxidative stress in sepsis, we investigated the effect of pretreatment with salivary gland extract (SGE) from Ae. aegypti in the induction of inflammatory and oxidative processes in a murine cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) model. Here, we evaluated animal survival for 16 days, as well as bacterial load, leukocyte migration, and oxidative parameters. We found that the SGE pretreatment improved the survival of septic mice, reduced bacterial load and neutrophil influx, and increased nitric oxide (NO) production in the peritoneal cavity. With regard to oxidative status, SGE increased antioxidant defenses as measured by Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione (GSH), while reducing levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA). Altogether, these data suggest that SGE plays a protective role in septic animals, contributing to oxidative and inflammatory balance during sepsis. Therefore, Ae. aegypti SGE is a potential source for new therapeutic molecule(s) in polymicrobial sepsis, and this effect seems to be mediated by the control of inflammation and oxidative damage.
Coupled CFD-Response Surface Method (RSM) Methodology for Optimizing Jettability Operating Conditions
Authors: Couto Nuno , Silva Valter , Cardoso João , González-Gutiérrez Leo M. , Souto-Iglesias Antonio
Published: October 2018

A volume-of-fluid (VOF) finite volume model under the ANSYS® Fluent framework was coupled with the response surface method (RSM) to find the best operating conditions within a jettability window for two selected responses in a drop-on-demand inkjet printing process. Twenty-five runs were generated using a face centred design and numerical simulations were carried out using viscosity, surface tension, nozzle diameter, and inlet velocity as input factors. A mesh study was first conducted to establish the necessary number of cells to best combine accuracy and expended time. Selected runs were discussed, identifying the underpinning mechanisms behind the droplet generation at different time periods. Each one of the responses was evaluated under different input factors and their effects were identified. Finally, the desirability function concept was advantageously used to proceed with a multiple optimization where all the responses were targeted under usual jettability/printability conditions.
Rational Construction of LaFeO3 Perovskite Nanoparticle-Modified TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Visible-Light Driven Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Yu Jiangdong , Xiang Siwan , Ge Mingzheng , Zhang Zeyang , Huang Jianying , Tang Yuxin , Sun Lan , Lin Changjian , Lai Yuekun
Published: October 2018

LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated through facile hydrothermal growth. The absorption edge of LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays displaying a red shift to ~540 nm was indicated by the results of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) when compared to TiO2 nanotube arrays, which means that the sample of LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays had enhanced visible light response. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed that the LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays efficiently separated the photoinduced electron–hole pairs and effectively prolonged the endurance of photogenerated carriers. The results of methylene blue (MB) degeneration under simulated visible light illumination showed that the photocatalytic activity of LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays is obviously increased. LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays with 12 h hydrothermal reaction time showed the highest degradation rate with a 2-fold enhancement compared with that of pristine TiO2 nanotube arrays.
Application of Evolutionary Rietveld Method Based XRD Phase Analysis and a Self-Configuring Genetic Algorithm to the Inspection of Electrolyte Composition in Aluminum Electrolysis Baths
Authors: Yakimov Igor , Zaloga Aleksandr , Dubinin Petr , Bezrukovа Oksana , Samoilo Aleksandr , Burakov Sergey , Semenkin Eugene , Semenkina Maria , Andruschenko Eugene
Published: October 2018

The technological inspection of the electrolyte composition in aluminum production is performed using calibration X-ray quantitative phase analysis (QPA). For this purpose, the use of QPA by the Rietveld method, which does not require the creation of multiphase reference samples and is able to take into account the actual structure of the phases in the samples, could be promising. However, its limitations are in its low automation and in the problem of setting the correct initial values of profile and structural parameters. A possible solution to this problem is the application of the genetic algorithm we proposed earlier for finding suitable initial parameter values individually for each sample. However, the genetic algorithm also needs tuning. A self-configuring genetic algorithm that does not require tuning and provides a fully automatic analysis of the electrolyte composition by the Rietveld method was proposed, and successful testing results were presented.
Diversity of Curculionoidea in Humid Rain Forest Canopies of Borneo: A Taxonomic Blank Spot
Authors: Sprick Peter , Floren Andreas
Published: October 2018

From 1992 to 2009, 334 trees were sampled by insecticidal knockdown on Borneo, Malaysia. Here, we describe the taxonomic composition of the 9671 specimens and 1589 species Curculionoidea collected (with additional notes on Cerambycidae). We found a largely unknown fauna with an assumed proportion of over 80% of species new to science, including all 33 Apionidae and 26 Ceutorhynchinae species. Specialists could usually identify only a few specimens leaving the remaining beetles for further investigation. The samples contain numerous genera, two tribes (Egriini, Viticiini), one subfamily (Mesoptiliinae) and one family (Belidae) new to Borneo and several genera not recorded west of the Wallace line before. These data show how little is known about canopy diversity. The lack of taxonomic knowledge implies a respective lack of autecological knowledge and is alarming. Some taxa differed conspicuously between primary and disturbed forests. In contrast to common literature, our results let us conclude that current efforts to narrow down the extent of tropical diversity and its ecological importance must consider the enormous species diversity of the canopy.
Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Stochastic Dynamics of a Bistable Catalytic Surface Reaction
Authors: Pineda Miguel , Stamatakis Michail
Published: October 2018

Catalytic surface reaction networks exhibit nonlinear dissipative phenomena, such as bistability. Macroscopic rate law descriptions predict that the reaction system resides on one of the two steady-state branches of the bistable region for an indefinite period of time. However, the smaller the catalytic surface, the greater the influence of coverage fluctuations, given that their amplitude normally scales as the square root of the system size. Thus, one can observe fluctuation-induced transitions between the steady-states. In this work, a model for the bistable catalytic CO oxidation on small surfaces is studied. After a brief introduction of the average stochastic modelling framework and its corresponding deterministic limit, we discuss the non-equilibrium conditions necessary for bistability. The entropy production rate, an important thermodynamic quantity measuring dissipation in a system, is compared across the two approaches. We conclude that, in our catalytic model, the most favorable non-equilibrium steady state is not necessary the state with the maximum or minimum entropy production rate.
Effect of Annealing on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al0.5CoCrFeMoxNi High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Zhuang Yan-Xin , Zhang Xiu-Lan , Gu Xian-Yu
Published: October 2018

The effect of annealing temperature on the microstructure, phase constituents and mechanical properties of Al0.5CoCrFeMoxNi high-entropy complex alloys has been investigated at a fixed annealing time (10 h). The 600 °C-annealing has no obvious effect on their microstructures, while the annealing at 800–1200 °C enhances the precipitation of (Al,Ni)-rich ordered BCC phase or/and (Cr,Mo)-rich σ phase, and thereby greatly affects the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys. All the annealed Al0.5CoCrFeNi alloys are composed of FCC and (Al,Ni)-rich ordered BCC phases; the phase constituent of the Al0.5CoCrFeMo0.1Ni alloy changes from FCC + BCC (600 °C) to FCC + BCC + σ (800 °C) and then to FCC + BCC (1100 °C); the phase constituents of the Al0.5CoCrFeMo0.2Ni and Al0.5CoCrFeMo0.3Ni alloys change from FCC + BCC + σ to FCC + BCC with the annealing temperature rising from 600 to 1200 °C; while all the annealed Al0.5CoCrFeMo0.4Ni and Al0.5CoCrFeMo0.5Ni alloys consist of FCC, BCC and σ phases. The phase constituents of most of the alloys investigated are in good agreement with the calculated results from Thermo-Calc program. The alloys annealed at 800 °C under current investigation conditionshave relative fine precipitations and microstructure, and thereby higher hardness and yield stress.
A Brief Review of Generalized Entropies
Authors: Amigó José M. , Balogh Sámuel G. , Hernández Sergio
Published: October 2018

Entropy appears in many contexts (thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, information theory, measure-preserving dynamical systems, topological dynamics, etc.) as a measure of different properties (energy that cannot produce work, disorder, uncertainty, randomness, complexity, etc.). In this review, we focus on the so-called generalized entropies, which from a mathematical point of view are nonnegative functions defined on probability distributions that satisfy the first three Shannon–Khinchin axioms: continuity, maximality and expansibility. While these three axioms are expected to be satisfied by all macroscopic physical systems, the fourth axiom (separability or strong additivity) is in general violated by non-ergodic systems with long range forces, this having been the main reason for exploring weaker axiomatic settings. Currently, non-additive generalized entropies are being used also to study new phenomena in complex dynamics (multifractality), quantum systems (entanglement), soft sciences, and more. Besides going through the axiomatic framework, we review the characterization of generalized entropies via two scaling exponents introduced by Hanel and Thurner. In turn, the first of these exponents is related to the diffusion scaling exponent of diffusion processes, as we also discuss. Applications are addressed as the description of the main generalized entropies advances.
The Reconciliation of Multiple Conflicting Estimates: Entropy-Based and Axiomatic Approaches
Authors: Rodrigues João F. D. , Lahr Michael L.
Published: October 2018

When working with economic accounts it may occur that multiple estimates of a single datum exist, with different degrees of uncertainty or data quality. This paper addresses the problem of defining a method that can reconcile conflicting estimates, given best guess and uncertainty values. We proceeded from first principles, using two different routes. First, under an entropy-based approach, the data reconciliation problem is addressed as a particular case of a wider data balancing problem, and an alternative setting is found in which the multiple estimates are replaced by a single one. Afterwards, under an axiomatic approach, a set of properties is defined, which characterizes the ideal data reconciliation method. Under both approaches, the conclusion is that the formula for the reconciliation of best guesses is a weighted arithmetic average, with the inverse of uncertainties as weights, and that the formula for the reconciliation of uncertainties is a harmonic average.
Hermite Functions, Lie Groups and Fourier Analysis
Authors: Celeghini Enrico , Gadella Manuel , Del Olmo Mariano A.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present recent results in harmonic analysis in the real line R and in the half-line R + , which show a closed relation between Hermite and Laguerre functions, respectively, their symmetry groups and Fourier analysis. This can be done in terms of a unified framework based on the use of rigged Hilbert spaces. We find a relation between the universal enveloping algebra of the symmetry groups with the fractional Fourier transform. The results obtained are relevant in quantum mechanics as well as in signal processing as Fourier analysis has a close relation with signal filters. In addition, we introduce some new results concerning a discretized Fourier transform on the circle. We introduce new functions on the circle constructed with the use of Hermite functions with interesting properties under Fourier transformations.
Religion and Negotiation of the Boundary between Majority and Minority in Québec: Discourses of Young Muslims in Montréal CÉGEPs
Authors: Tremblay Stéphanie , Magnan Marie-Odile , Levasseur Catherine
Published: October 2018

In Québec, tensions between youth immigrants’ identification and the perceived identity of the “majority group” is evident in greater Montréal-area schools, where a plurality of ethno-cultural or religious affiliations often converge and where racism and Islamophobia are becoming major social issues (Benhadjoudja 2014; Baubérot 2014; Bilge 2013). This paper aims to explore the discourses of “minoritized” Muslim youth pertaining to their perceived boundaries with respect to the majority group, considering the power relations at play. Ten qualitative interviews with Muslim youth born to immigrant parents and studying in colleges (CEGEPs) of the Montréal region will be analyzed. A typological analysis will reveal their main positions with regard to the majority group, which encompass ways of negotiating the border between the “Us” and “Them,” influenced by the process of secularism, arising from acceptance, contestation, or even a sort of exacerbation of racializing categorization. In conclusion, the social and political implications of these findings will be discussed.
Comparative Analysis of Two and Four Current Loops for Vector Controlled Dual-Three Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Wang Zhixin , Yan Sheng , Wang Chengmin , Wang Zhidong , Zhu Chenghzi , Qin Hua
Published: October 2018

Dual three-phase (DTP) permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) are specialized machines which are commonly used for high power density applications. These machines offer the merits of high efficiency, high torque density, and superior supervisor fault tolerant capability compared to conventional three-phase AC-machines. However, the electrical structure of such machines is very complicated, and as such, control becomes challenging. In conventional vector controlled DTP-PMSMs drives, the components of the dq-subspace are associated with electromechanical energy conversion, and two currents, i.e., Id and Iq belonging to this subspace, are used in feedback-loops for control. Such orthodox control methods can cause some anomalies e.g., the voltage source inverter’s (VSI) dead time effect and other nonlinear factors, and can induce large harmonics. These glitches can be greatly alleviated by the introduction of the two-extra current loops to directly control the currents in Z1Z2-subspace in order to suppress the insertion of harmonics. In this paper, two approaches—one with two-current loops and other with four-current loops—for vector controlled DTP-PMSMs are investigated with the aid of different MATLAB-based simulations. Furthermore, in the paper, the influence of additional current loops is quantified using simulation-based results.
Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of an Improved Two-Stage Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Li Xinyu , Liu Tao , Chen Lin
Published: October 2018

In order to improve the two-stage organic Rankine cycle of two heat exchanges of exhaust gas, a two-stage organic Rankine cycle with a regenerator is proposed. Toluene, benzene, cyclohexane and R245fa were selected as the working fluids of the cycle. The thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency and net output power of the cycle were selected as the objective function of the system. The influence of the regenerative performance on the thermodynamic performance of the system was analyzed. The influence of the temperature change of the primary heat exchange outlet on the thermodynamic performance of the system is discussed. The research shows that the regenerator can increase the net power and thermal efficiency of the cycle output. For the selected working fluid, as the efficiency of the regenerator increases, the thermal efficiency of the cycle and the net output power increase. When the primary heat exchange outlet temperature of the exhaust gas increases, the net output power and the exergy efficiency of the cycle increase. For the selected working fluid, when the exhaust heat exchange outlet temperature was increased from 410 K to 490 K, the net output power of the cycle increased up to 10.76 kW, and the exergy efficiency increased up to 7.85%.
Dual Frequency Regulation in Pumping Mode in a Wind–Hydro Isolated System
Authors: Sarasúa José Ignacio , Martínez-Lucas Guillermo , Platero Carlos A. , Sánchez-Fernández José Ángel
Published: October 2018

Frequency control is one of the most critical tasks in isolated power systems, especially in high renewable penetration scenarios. This paper presents a new hydropower pumped-storage dual control strategy that combines variable-speed-driven pumps and fixed-speed-driven pumps. A possible case for implementation of such a control scheme is described based on El Hierro Island’s power system. This isolated power system consists of a hybrid wind pumped-storage hydropower plant and diesel generators. The pumped-storage power plant is divided into a hydropower plant equipped with four Pelton turbines and a pump station equipped with both fixed- and variable-speed pumps. According to the proposed control scheme, frequency regulation will be provided by a dual controller: a continuous controller for the variable-speed pumps and a discrete controller for the fixed-speed pumps. The Pelton units, which operate as synchronous condensers, also supply the power system inertia. Therefore, diesel units may be disconnected, decreasing generation costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Owing to the combination of both controllers and the inertia of the Pelton units, an acceptable frequency regulation can be achieved. This technique has been validated through computer simulations.
Accurate Fall Detection and Localization for Elderly People Based on Neural Network and Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Gharghan Sadik Kamel , Mohammed Saleem Latteef , Al-Naji Ali , Abu-AlShaeer Mahmood Jawad , Jawad Haider Mahmood , Jawad Aqeel Mahmood , Chahl Javaan
Published: October 2018

Falls are the main source of injury for elderly patients with epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Elderly people who carry battery powered health monitoring systems can move unhindered from one place to another according to their activities, thus improving their quality of life. This paper aims to detect when an elderly individual falls and to provide accurate location of the incident while the individual is moving in indoor environments such as in houses, medical health care centers, and hospitals. Fall detection is accurately determined based on a proposed sensor-based fall detection algorithm, whereas the localization of the elderly person is determined based on an artificial neural network (ANN). In addition, the power consumption of the fall detection system (FDS) is minimized based on a data-driven algorithm. Results show that an elderly fall can be detected with accuracy levels of 100% and 92.5% for line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments, respectively. In addition, elderly indoor localization error is improved with a mean absolute error of 0.0094 and 0.0454 m for LOS and NLOS, respectively, after the application of the ANN optimization technique. Moreover, the battery life of the FDS is improved relative to conventional implementation due to reduced computational effort. The proposed FDS outperforms existing systems in terms of fall detection accuracy, localization errors, and power consumption.
A Quasi-Resonant ZVZCS Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Converter with an Active Clamp in the Secondary Side
Authors: Tran Duong , Vu Nam , Choi Woojin
Published: October 2018

A novel Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) quasi-resonant active-clamp phase-shifted full-bridge converter is presented and analyzed in this paper. In the proposed topology, an active-clamp switch and a clamp capacitor that resonates with the leakage inductance of transformer are employed at the secondary side. The active-clamp circuit helps all of the primary switches in achieving both zero-voltage switching (ZVS) turn-on and nearly zero-current switching (ZCS) turn-off over the entire load range, and resets the primary current during the freewheeling interval. The operation of the active-clamp circuit eliminates voltage ringing across the rectifier. In addition, the secondary diodes can achieve ZCS turn-off, which removes the reverse recovery problem of diodes, and the active-clamp switch can achieve ZCS turn-on. A 3.5-kW prototype was built to verify the performance of the proposed converter. A maximum efficiency of 97.6% was achieved under a 2-kW load, and an efficiency of more than 96% was achieved even under a light load.
Energy Sustainability in Smart Cities: Artificial Intelligence, Smart Monitoring, and Optimization of Energy Consumption
Authors: Chui Kwok Tai , Lytras Miltiadis D. , Visvizi Anna
Published: October 2018

Energy sustainability is one of the key questions that drive the debate on cities’ and urban areas development. In parallel, artificial intelligence and cognitive computing have emerged as catalysts in the process aimed at designing and optimizing smart services’ supply and utilization in urban space. The latter are paramount in the domain of energy provision and consumption. This paper offers an insight into pilot systems and prototypes that showcase in which ways artificial intelligence can offer critical support in the process of attaining energy sustainability in smart cities. To this end, this paper examines smart metering and non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) to make a case for the latter’s value added in context of profiling electric appliances’ electricity consumption. By employing the findings in context of smart cities research, the paper then adds to the debate on energy sustainability in urban space. Existing research tends to be limited by data granularity (not in high frequency) and consideration of about six kinds of appliances. In this paper, a hybrid genetic algorithm support vector machine multiple kernel learning approach (GA-SVM-MKL) is proposed for NILM, with consideration of 20 kinds of appliance. Genetic algorithm helps to solve the multi-objective optimization problem and design the optimal kernel function based on various kernel properties. The performance indicators are sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) and overall accuracy (OA) of the classifier. First, the performance evaluation of proposed GA-SVM-MKL achieves Se of 92.1%, Sp of 91.5% and OA of 91.8%. Second, the percentage improvement of performance indicators using proposed method is more than 21% compared with traditional kernel. Third, results reveal that by keeping different modes of electric appliance as identical class label, the performance indicators can increase to about 15%. Forth, tunable modes of GA-SVM-MKL classifier are proposed to further enhance the performance indicators up to 7%. Overall, this paper is a bold and novel contribution to the debate on energy utilization and sustainability in urban spaces as it integrates insights from artificial intelligence, IoT, and big data analytics and queries them in a context defined by energy sustainability in smart cities.
Random Violation Risk Degree Based Service Channel Routing Mechanism in Smart Grid
Authors: Shao Sujie , Zeng Qingtao , Guo Shaoyong , Qiu Xuesong
Published: October 2018

Smart gird, integrated power network with communication network, has brought an innovation of traditional power for future green energy. Optical fiber technology and synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) technology is widely used in smart grid communication transmission network. It is a challenge to reduce impact of the availability of smart grid communication services caused by random failures and random time to repair. Firstly, we create a service channel violation risk degree (SCVRD) model to precisely track the violation risk change of communication service channel. It is denoted by the probability of service channel cumulative failure duration exceeding the prescribed duration. Secondly, a service channel violation risk degree routing mechanism is proposed to improve the availability of communication service. At last, the simulation is implemented with MATLAB and network data in one province are used as data instance. The simulation results show that the average service channel failure rate of availability-aware routing based on statistics (AAR-OS) algorithm and risk-aware provisioning algorithm are reduced by 15% and 6%, respectively.
Density Functional Theory Study on Mechanism of Mercury Removal by CeO2 Modified Activated Carbon
Authors: Zhao Li , Wu Yang-wen , Han Jian , Wang Han-xiao , Liu Ding-jia , Lu Qiang , Yang Yong-ping
Published: October 2018

Doping of CeO2 on activated carbon (AC) can promote its performance for mercury abatement in flue gas, while the Hg0 removal mechanism on the AC surface has been rarely reported. In this research, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were implemented to unveil the mechanism of mercury removal on plain AC and CeO2 modified AC (CeO2-AC) sorbents. Calculation results indicate that Hg0, HCl, HgCl and HgCl2 are all chemisorbed on the adsorbent. Strong interaction and charge transfer are shown by partial density of states (PDOS) analysis of the Hg0 adsorption configuration. HCl, HgCl and HgCl2 can be dissociatively adsorbed on the AC model and subsequently generate HgCl or HgCl2 released to the gas phase. The adsorption energies of HgCl and HgCl2 on the CeO2-AC model are relatively high, indicating a great capacity for removing HgCl and HgCl2 in flue gas. DFT calculations suggest that AC sorbents exhibit a certain catalytic effect on mercury oxidation, the doping of CeO2 enhances the catalytic ability of Hg0 oxidation on the AC surface and the reactions follow the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism.
Pore Structure Characterization and the Controlling Factors of the Bakken Formation
Authors: Liu Yuming , Shen Bo , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhao Peiqiang
Published: October 2018

The Bakken Formation is a typical tight oil reservoir and oil production formation in the world. Pore structure is one of the key factors that determine the accumulation and production of the hydrocarbon. In order to study the pore structures and main controlling factors of the Bakken Formation, 12 samples were selected from the Bakken Formation and conducted on a set of experiments including X-ray diffraction mineral analysis (XRD), total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (Ro), and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments. Results showed that the average TOC and Ro of Upper and Lower Bakken shale is 10.72 wt% and 0.86%, respectively. The Bakken Formation develops micropores, mesopores, and macropores. However, the Upper and Lower Bakken shale are dominated by micropores, while the Middle Bakken tight reservoir is dominated by mesopores. The total pore volume and specific surface area of the Middle Bakken are significantly higher than those of the Upper and Lower Bakken, indicating that Middle Bakken is more conducive to the storage of oil and gas. Through analysis, the main controlling factors for the pore structure of the Upper and Lower Bakken shale are TOC and maturity, while those for Middle Bakken are clay and quartz contents.
Marine Current Energy Converters to Power a Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plant
Authors: Leijon Jennifer , Forslund Johan , Thomas Karin , Boström Cecilia
Published: October 2018

Some countries are facing issues on freshwater and electricity production, which can be addressed with the use of renewable energy powered desalination systems. In the following study, a reverse osmosis desalination plant powered by marine current energy converters is suggested. The marine current energy converters are designed at Uppsala University in Sweden, specifically for utilizing low water speeds (1–2 m/s). Estimations on freshwater production for such a system, in South Africa, facing the Indian Ocean was presented and discussed. It is concluded that the desalination plant cannot by itself supply freshwater for a population all the time, due to periods of too low water speeds (<1 m/s), but for 75% of the time. By using ten marine current energy converters, each with a nominal power rating of 7.5 kW, combined with a reverse osmosis desalination plant and water storage capacity of 2800 m3, it is possible to cover the basic freshwater demand of 5000 people. More studies on the hydrokinetic resource of the Western Indian Ocean, system cost, technology development, environmental and social aspects are necessary for more accurate results.
Enhancement of Albedo for Solar Energy Gain with Particular Emphasis on Overcast Skies
Authors: Gul Mehreen , Kotak Yash , Muneer Tariq , Ivanova Stoyanka
Published: October 2018

In the absence of ground reflected radiation measured data, an average albedo value of 0.2, which describes the reflective properties of the bare ground is generally used. The variation of albedo based on different foreground surfaces and under different atmospheric conditions is an area which is under research. This paper presents an experimental investigation of albedos of different foreground materials that can be used for photovoltaic (PV) applications. Overcast skies are predominant in northerly locations and will have a high frequency of low solar altitudes, and thus ground reflection is an important contributor towards total solar energy gain. The foreground surfaces include common materials: Grass, sand, and cement slabs, and some non-conventional materials: White pebbles, white boards, white tiles, and aluminium foil. The impact of factors, such as ageing, solar elevation, rain, and cloud cover (sky conditions) is analysed to determine the changes in albedos of these materials. Each material was observed to have individual performance characteristics under these factors. It was found that the non-conventional materials were least prone to weather-related changes and have higher albedo values as compared to the conventional materials, and also have good potential to replace the conventional materials for any given PV application.
Analysis of LC-LC2 Compensated Inductive Power Transfer for High Efficiency and Load Independent Voltage Gain
Authors: Alam Md Morshed , Mekhilef Saad , Bassi Hussain , Rawa Muhyaddin Jamal Hosin
Published: October 2018

A novel LC-LC2 compensated resonant converter topology with high efficiency and good controllable voltage gain is presented in this paper. An additional receiving side inductor working together with the receiving coil has the contribution to work with a large range of air gap distance. Due to this property, proposed compensation technique is effective for IPT based EV charging application. Voltage gain with independent of load and input impedance having ZPA of the proposed resonant converter are observed by the frequency domain analysis. On the other hand, time domain analysis gives the circuit operation. A 500 W LC-LC2 compensated resonant converter prototype is built to testify the theoretical analysis. To observe the efficiency-comparison, an S-SP compensated resonant converter with a similar amount of output power under different air gap is also presented. In order to justify the effectiveness, the proposed compensation method is verified by the laboratory results. The highest efficiency of the proposed compensated resonant converter is 93% with output power of 500 W at 140-mm air gap between the two sides of the IPT (inductive power transfer) transformer.
Optimization Simulation, Using Steel Plant Off-Gas for Power Generation: A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis Approach
Authors: Kim Yang-Kon , Lee Eul-Bum
Published: October 2018

This research aims to contribute to the international desires of greenhouse gas mitigation through a study on the optimization of 100 MW off-gas power plants’ subcritical steam cycle, operating in conjunction with steel plants. The performance and fiscal efficiency of the off-gas power plants are based on data collected from Krakatau Steel plants in Indonesia, simulated and analyzed through thermodynamic simulation model (PEPSE). The three scenarios simulated for comparison are: (1) 100 MW off-gas power plant as-is operation, (2) 100 MW off-gas power plant optimized, and (3) 100 MW cogeneration off-gas power plant. The optimization of the off-gas power plant and use of steam extraction was found to have a 45 M and 26 M USD savings in comparison to the base power plant, assuming a 5.5% discount rate and 400 Million USD capital expenditure. The theoretical findings are of use to academia and industry in providing proof of potential cost-savings of integrating off-gas into existing power generation operations.
Chemical Characteristics of Biomass Ashes
Authors: Zając Grzegorz , Szyszlak-Bargłowicz Joanna , Gołębiowski Wojciech , Szczepanik Małgorzata
Published: October 2018

The aim of the conducted research was to obtain information on the main components of ashes from 35 biomass species used in combustion processes to obtain reference data for the development of utility possibilities for these ashes, with particular emphasis on agricultural use. The examined biomass samples were divided into groups depending on origin: woody biomass and energetic woody plants I-WWB, herbaceous and grassy energy plants II-EC, agricultural waste III-AR, forest waste IV-FR and waste from the agri-food industry V-AFIW. The analysis of the studied elements contents was carried out in the designated groups. The chemical composition of ash was dominated by the macroelements Ca, K, P and S, which suggests the possibility of their agricultural use. At the same time, the low content of toxic elements such as As and Pb should not be a limiting feature in their use, with the exception of wood biomass. In addition, ashes obtained from the biomass combustion were enriched with microelements such as Zn, Cu and Mn, which further increases their possibilities of fertilizer use. The potential use of ash from each type of biomass in the aspect of its chemical composition should be considered individually, regardless of the division into groups depending on the origin of biomass.
Efficiency Reduction in Stirling Engines Resulting from Sinusoidal Motion
Authors: Ranieri Salvatore , Prado Gilberto A. O. , MacDonald Brendan D.
Published: October 2018

Stirling engines have a high potential to produce renewable energy due to their ability to use a wide range of sustainable heat sources, such as concentrated solar thermal power and biomass, and also due to their high theoretical efficiencies. They have not yet achieved widespread use and commercial Stirling engines have had reduced efficiencies compared to their ideal values. In this work we show that a substantial amount of the reduction in efficiency is due to the operation of Stirling engines using sinusoidal motion and quantify this reduction. A discrete model was developed to perform an isothermal analysis of a 100cc alpha-type Stirling engine with a 90 ∘ phase angle offset, to demonstrate the impact of sinusoidal motion on the net work and thermal efficiency in comparison to the ideal cycle. For the specific engine analyzed, the maximum thermal efficiency of the sinusoidal cycle was found to have a limit of 34.4%, which is a reduction of 27.1% from Carnot efficiency. The net work of the sinusoidal cycle was found to be 65.9% of the net work from the ideal cycle. The model was adapted to analyze beta and gamma-type Stirling configurations, and the analysis revealed similar reductions due to sinusoidal motion.
A Multi-Stage Approach to a Hybrid Lead Acid Battery and Supercapacitor System for Transport Vehicles
Authors: Lencwe Mpho J. , Chowdhury Shyama P. , Olwal Thomas O.
Published: October 2018

Lead Acid Batteries (LABs) are used for starting, lighting, and igniting, as well as in air conditioning systems and to supply power to electric engines in transport vehicles (TVs). However, the application of LABs for TVs has faced a number of market challenges, mounted by the upcoming high energy density and long lifespan batteries, such as lithium ion. LABs, on the other hand, are inexpensive. The key research question is, how can the lifespan of LABs used in automotive industries be increased, while still ensuring a low cost solution? Thus, integrating LABs with the supercapacitor (known as an electric double layer capacitor—EDLC) is likely to outperform the competing alternative batteries for TVs. This paper proposes a multiple stage approach to hybrid lead acid batteries and a supercapacitor system for TVs that is capable of maintaining the battery state-of-charge (SOC) at statistically high limits, ranging between 90% and 95%. This SOC target will likely ensure that the lifespan of the hybrid battery system can be elongated (extended) more than its competitors. In this study, the multiple stage approach of concatenated converters has been designed in order to satisfy all energy storage requirements for different characteristics of LABs and the supercapacitor. The designed hybrid system has been simulated using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB/Simulink (version R2016a, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA)). The simulated results show that high transient currents from the direct current (DC) bus of LABs, caused by the regenerative braking or deceleration of the TVs, reduce the battery lifespan and induce mechanical stress. The supercapacitor reduces the stress on the LAB by absorbing high transient currents. This, in turn, keeps the LABs’ SOC between 90% and 96% and the voltage at 12 V. As indicated by the simulated results, the hybrid battery SOC is maintained at 90–96% and the terminal voltage is approximately 12 V.
Using SVM-RSM and ELM-RSM Approaches for Optimizing the Production Process of Methyl and Ethyl Esters
Authors: Faizollahzadeh Ardabili Sina , Najafi Bahman , Alizamir Meysam , Mosavi Amir , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Rabczuk Timon
Published: October 2018

The production of a desired product needs an effective use of the experimental model. The present study proposes an extreme learning machine (ELM) and a support vector machine (SVM) integrated with the response surface methodology (RSM) to solve the complexity in optimization and prediction of the ethyl ester and methyl ester production process. The novel hybrid models of ELM-RSM and ELM-SVM are further used as a case study to estimate the yield of methyl and ethyl esters through a trans-esterification process from waste cooking oil (WCO) based on American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The results of the prediction phase were also compared with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), which were recently developed by the second author of this study. Based on the results, an ELM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9815 and 0.9863 for methyl and ethyl esters, respectively, had a high estimation capability compared with that for SVM, ANNs, and ANFIS. Accordingly, the maximum production yield was obtained in the case of using ELM-RSM of 96.86% for ethyl ester at a temperature of 68.48 °C, a catalyst value of 1.15 wt. %, mixing intensity of 650.07 rpm, and an alcohol to oil molar ratio (A/O) of 5.77; for methyl ester, the production yield was 98.46% at a temperature of 67.62 °C, a catalyst value of 1.1 wt. %, mixing intensity of 709.42 rpm, and an A/O of 6.09. Therefore, ELM-RSM increased the production yield by 3.6% for ethyl ester and 3.1% for methyl ester, compared with those for the experimental data.
Driven Primary Regulation for Minimum Power Losses Operation in Islanded Microgrids
Authors: T.T Tran Quynh , Luisa Di Silvestre Maria , Riva Sanseverino Eleonora , Zizzo Gaetano , Pham Thanh Nam
Published: October 2018

The paper proposes an improved primary regulation method for inverter-interfaced generating units in islanded microgrids. The considered approach employs an off-line minimum losses optimal power flow (OPF) to devise the primary frequency regulation curve’s set-points while satisfying the power balance, frequency and current constraints. In this way, generators will reach an optimized operating point corresponding to a given and unique power flow distribution presenting the minimum power losses. The proposed approach can be particularly interesting for diesel-based islanded microgrids that face, constantly, the issue of reducing their dependency from fossil fuels and of enhancing their generation and distribution efficiency. The Glow-worm Swarm Optimization (GSO) algorithm is selected as a key heuristic tool for solving the optimization problem. The main program is carried out in Matlab environment. A case study with a parametric analysis is implemented and all results are assessed and compared with the conventional droop control method to show the effectiveness of the proposed method as well as the improved reliability of the system.
Hybrid Imperialist Competitive and Grey Wolf Algorithm to Solve Multiobjective Optimal Power Flow with Wind and Solar Units
Authors: Ben Hmida Jalel , Javad Morshed Mohammad , Lee Jim , Chambers Terrence
Published: October 2018

The optimal power flow (OPF) module optimizes the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power without disrupting network power flow, operating limits, or constraints. Similarly to any power flow analysis technique, OPF also allows the determination of system’s state of operation, that is, the injected power, current, and voltage throughout the electric power system. In this context, there is a large range of OPF problems and different approaches to solve them. Moreover, the nature of OPF is evolving due to renewable energy integration and recent flexibility in power grids. This paper presents an original hybrid imperialist competitive and grey wolf algorithm (HIC-GWA) to solve twelve different study cases of simple and multiobjective OPF problems for modern power systems, including wind and photovoltaic power generators. The performance capabilities and potential of the proposed metaheuristic are presented, illustrating the applicability of the approach, and analyzed on two test systems: the IEEE 30 bus and IEEE 118 bus power systems. Sensitivity analysis has been performed on this approach to prove the robustness of the method. Obtained results are analyzed and compared with recently published OPF solutions. The proposed metaheuristic is more efficient and provides much better optimal solutions.
Differential Steering Control of Four-Wheel Independent-Drive Electric Vehicles
Authors: Tian Jie , Tong Jun , Luo Shi
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the skid steering of four-wheel independent-drive (4WID) electric vehicles (EV) and a differential steering of a 4WID EV with a steer-by-wire (SBW) system in case of steering failure. The dynamic models of skid steering vehicle (SSV) and differential steering vehicle (DSV) are established and the traditional front-wheel steering vehicle with neutral steering characteristics is selected as the reference model. On this basis, sideslip angle observer and two different sliding mode variable structure controllers for SSV and DSV are designed respectively. Co-simulation results of CarSim and Simulink show that the designed controller for DSV not only controls the yaw rate and sideslip angle of DSV to track those of the reference model exactly, but also ensures the robustness of the controlled system compared with the designed controller for SSV. And the differential driving torque needed to realize the differential steering is much smaller than that for skid steering, which indicates the possibility of the differential steering in case of steering failure.
Measuring the Time-Frequency Dynamics of Return and Volatility Connectedness in Global Crude Oil Markets
Authors: Toyoshima Yuki , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: October 2018

This study analyzes return and volatility spillovers across global crude oil markets for 1 January 1991 to 27 April 2018, using an empirical technique from the time and frequency domains, and makes four key contributions. First, the spillover tables reveal that the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures market, which is a common indicator of crude oil indices, contributes the least to both return and volatility spillovers. Second, the results also show that the long-term factor contributes the most to returns spillover, while the short-term factor contributes the most in terms of volatility. Third, the rolling analyses show that the time-variate connectedness in terms of returns tends to be strong, but there was no noticeable change from 1991 to April 2018 in terms of volatility. Finally, the major events between 1991 and April 2018, namely the Asian currency crisis (1997–1998) and the global financial crisis (2007–2008), caused a rise in the total connectedness of returns and volatility.
Development of a Simplified Regression Equation for Predicting Underground Temperature Distributions in Korea
Authors: Cho Sung-Woo , Ihm Pyeongchan
Published: October 2018

The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) measures outdoor temperature and ground surface temperature at 95 observation points, but monthly ground temperatures by depth, which are important for using geothermal heat, are only provided for nine points. Since the ground temperature is known in the vicinity of only nine observation points, it is very difficult to predict underground temperature in the field. This study develops a simplified regression equation for predicting underground temperature distributions, compares the prediction results with the experimental data of Korea’s representative areas and the data measured in this study, and examines the validity of the developed regression equation. The regression equation for predicting temperature amplitudes at ground depths of 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 m was derived using the amplitude ratio of outdoor temperature and surface temperature provided by KMA at nine points in Korea from 2006 to 2015. The coefficient of determination was as high as 0.93 (95% confidence level). In addition, the field-measured ground temperature distribution at a depth of 3 m was in good agreement with the predicted ground temperature distribution in Changwon districts for the whole of 2017.