bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Geographic Range of an Invasive Livestock Disease across the Contiguous USA under Current and Future Climate Conditions
Authors: Burruss Dylan , Rodriguez Luis L. , Drolet Barbara , Geil Kerrie , Pelzel-McCluskey Angela M. , Cohnstaedt Lee W. , Derner Justin D. , Peters Debra P. C.
Published: November 2021

Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is the most common vesicular livestock disease in North America. Transmitted by direct contact and by several biting insect species, this disease results in quarantines and animal movement restrictions in horses, cattle and swine. As changes in climate drive shifts in geographic distributions of vectors and the viruses they transmit, there is considerable need to improve understanding of relationships among environmental drivers and patterns of disease occurrence. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating pathology, ecology, climatology, and biogeophysics are increasingly relied upon to disentangle complex relationships governing disease. We used a big data model integration approach combined with machine learning to estimate the potential geographic range of VS across the continental United States (CONUS) under long-term mean climate conditions over the past 30 years. The current extent of VS is confined to the western portion of the US and is related to summer and winter precipitation, winter maximum temperature, elevation, fall vegetation biomass, horse density, and proximity to water. Comparison with a climate-only model illustrates the importance of current processes-based parameters and identifies regions where uncertainty is likely to be greatest if mechanistic processes change. We then forecast shifts in the range of VS using climate change projections selected from CMIP5 climate models that most realistically simulate seasonal temperature and precipitation. Climate change scenarios that altered climatic conditions resulted in greater changes to potential range of VS, generally had non-uniform impacts in core areas of the current potential range of VS and expanded the range north and east. We expect that the heterogeneous impacts of climate change across the CONUS will be exacerbated with additional changes in land use and land cover affecting biodiversity and hydrological cycles that are connected to the ecology of insect vectors involved in VS transmission.
Climatically Driven Holocene Glacier Advances in the Russian Altai Based on Radiocarbon and OSL Dating and Tree Ring Analysis
Authors: Agatova Anna , Nepop Roman , Nazarov Andrey , Ovchinnikov Ivan , Moska Piotr
Published: November 2021

Analysis of new chronological data, including 55 radiocarbon, 1 OSL, and 8 dendrochronological dates, obtained in the upper reaches of trough valleys within the Katun, North Chuya, South Chuya, and Chikhachev ranges, together with the 55 previously published ones, specifies climatically driven glacier dynamic in the Russian Altai. Available data refute the traditional concept of the Russian Altai Holocene glaciations as a consecutive retreat of the Late Pleistocene glaciation. Considerable and prolonged warming in the Early Holocene started no later than 11.3–11.4 cal kBP. It caused significant shrinking or even complete degradation of alpine glaciers and regeneration of forest vegetation 300–400 m above the modern upper timber limit. Stadial advances occurred in the middle of the Holocene (4.9–4.2 cal kBP), during the Historical (2.3–1.7 cal kBP), and the Aktru (LIA thirteenth–nineteenth century) stages. New radiocarbon ages of fossil soils limited glaciers expansion in the Middle Holocene by the size of the Historical moraine. Lesser glacial activity between 5 and 4 cal kBP is also supported by rapid reforestation in the heads of trough valleys. Glaciers advance within the Russian Altai, accompanied by accumulation of the Akkem moraine, could have occurred at the end of the Late Pleistocene.
Erratum: Hong, Y.-C. Atmospheric-Pressure Air Plasma Jet and Its Striation Discharge Mode for Treatment of Thermally Sensitive Materials. Coatings 2021, 11, 866
Authors: Hong Yong-Cheol
Published: November 2021

There is an error in the Acknowledgements statement [...]
Parents’ Experiences with Home-Based Oral Chemotherapy Prescribed to a Child Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Camiré-Bernier Étienne , Nidelet Erwan , Baghdadli Amel , Demers Gabriel , Boulanger Marie-Christine , Brisson Marie-Claude , Michon Bruno , Lauzier Sophie , Laverdière Isabelle
Published: November 2021

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer in children. Treatment includes home-based oral chemotherapies (OCs) (e.g., 6-mercaptopurine and dexamethasone) taken for 2 to 3 years. The management of OC can be challenging for children and their parents. However, the multifaceted experience of families with children taking OC for ALL is largely undescribed. We report the experience with these OCs from the parents’ perspective. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents of children with ALL aged < 15 years, followed in a specialized university-affiliated center. The interviews were fully transcribed and thematically analyzed. Thirteen of the seventeen eligible parents (76.5%) participated in the study. The parents’ motivation to follow the recommendations provided by the multidisciplinary care team regarding OC was very high. The quantity and the quality of the information received were judged adequate, and the parents reported feeling knowledgeable enough to take charge of the OC at home. Adapting to the consequences of OC on family daily life was collectively identified as the biggest challenge. This includes developing and maintaining a strict daily routine, adapting to the child’s neurobehavioral changes during dexamethasone days and adapting family social life. Our findings have several implications for enhancing the support offered to families with home-based OC for ALL. Supportive interventions should consider the family as a whole and their needs should be regularly monitored. Specific attention should be paid to the development and maintenance of a routine, to the parental burden, and to the emotional impact, especially regarding dexamethasone.
Acute Care Use by Breast Cancer Patients on Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Alberta: Demonstrating the Importance of Measurement to Improving Quality
Authors: Wu Che Hsuan David , Quan May Lynn , Kong Shiying , Xu Yuan , Cao Jeffrey Q. , Lupichuk Sasha , Barbera Lisa
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy are at increased risk of acute care use. The incidence of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations (H) have been characterized in other provinces but never in Alberta. We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative data of women with stage I-III breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Rates of ED and H use in the 180 days following chemotherapy initiation were determined, and logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors. We found that 47% of women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy experienced ED or H, which compared favourably to other provinces. However, Alberta had the highest rate of febrile neutropenia-related ED visits, and among the highest chemotherapy-related ED visits. The incidence of acute care use increased over time, and there were significant institutional differences despite operating under a single provincial healthcare system. Our study demonstrates the need for systematic measurement and the importance of quality improvement programs to address this gap.
Taxonomy, Distribution and Life Cycle of the Maghrebian Endemic Rhithrogena sartorii (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) in Algeria
Authors: Samraoui Boudjéma , Vuataz Laurent , Sartori Michel , Gattolliat Jean-Luc , Al-Misned Fahad A. , El-Serehy Hamed A. , Samraoui Farrah
Published: November 2021

Despite being recorded in Algeria since the nineteenth century, the genus Rhithrogena has never been the object of a taxonomical study and no identified species is known from this country. Investigations of the relict mountain streams of El Kala, north-eastern Algeria, have led to the discovery of a Rhithrogena population. Morphological and molecular analyses identified the species as the Maghrebian endemic Rhithrogena sartorii, so far known only from neighboring Tunisia. We report on the species’ distribution, status, and life cycle and discuss its potential role as a bioindicator in environmental monitoring.
Plant Conservation Practitioners Can Benefit from Neutral Genetic Diversity
Authors: Chung Mi Yoon , Son Sungwon , López-Pujol Jordi , Mao Kangshan , Chung Myong Gi
Published: November 2021

Several papers deal with a conservation genetics gap in which plant conservation and restoration managers or practitioners do not soundly integrate population genetics information into conservation management. Authors concerned about this issue point out that practitioners perceive genetic research results to be impractical or unnecessary in the short term due to time and financial constraints. In addition, researchers often fail to translate research findings into comprehensive, jargon-free recommendations effectively. If possible, conservation-related or conservation-oriented articles should be easily written to bridge the research–implementation gap. Finally, based on a previously published prioritization framework for conservation genetics scenarios, we introduce four simple genetic categories by exemplifying each case. We hope that conservation practitioners could employ these suggested guidelines for the prioritization of population- and species-level management.
A Method for Estimating the Entropy of Time Series Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Velichko Andrei , Heidari Hanif
Published: November 2021

Measuring the predictability and complexity of time series using entropy is essential tool designing and controlling a nonlinear system. However, the existing methods have some drawbacks related to the strong dependence of entropy on the parameters of the methods. To overcome these difficulties, this study proposes a new method for estimating the entropy of a time series using the LogNNet neural network model. The LogNNet reservoir matrix is filled with time series elements according to our algorithm. The accuracy of the classification of images from the MNIST-10 database is considered as the entropy measure and denoted by NNetEn. The novelty of entropy calculation is that the time series is involved in mixing the input information in the reservoir. Greater complexity in the time series leads to a higher classification accuracy and higher NNetEn values. We introduce a new time series characteristic called time series learning inertia that determines the learning rate of the neural network. The robustness and efficiency of the method is verified on chaotic, periodic, random, binary, and constant time series. The comparison of NNetEn with other methods of entropy estimation demonstrates that our method is more robust and accurate and can be widely used in practice.
Configuration Selection of the Multi-Loop Organic Rankine Cycle for Recovering Energy from a Single Source
Authors: Li Youyi , Tang Tianhao
Published: November 2021

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is a well-established way to recover energy from a single waste heat source. This paper aims to select the suitable configuration, number of loops, and working fluids for the Multi-Loop ORC (MLORC) by using multi-objective optimization. The thermodynamic and economic performance of MLORC in three various configurations was analyzed. Multi-objective optimizations of the series and parallel MLORC using different working fluid groups were conducted to find the optimal configuration, number of loops, and working fluid combination. The analysis results show that the series–parallel MLORC performed the worst among the three configurations. The optimization results reveal that series MLORC has a higher exergy efficiency than the parallel MLORC. The exergy efficiency of the optimal solution in series dual-loop, triple-loop, and quadruple-loop ORC is 9.3%, 7.98%, and 6.23% higher than that of parallel ORC, respectively. Furthermore, dual-loop is the optimal number of cycles for recovering energy from a single heat source, according to the grey relational grade. Finally, the series dual-loop ORC using cyclohexane\cyclohexane was the suitable configuration for utilizing a single waste heat source. The exergy efficiency and levelized cost of electricity of the series dual-loop ORC with the optimal parameters are 62.18% and 0.1509 $/kWh, respectively.
A Study on Railway Surface Defects Detection Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Bai Tangbo , Gao Jialin , Yang Jianwei , Yao Dechen
Published: November 2021

The detection of rail surface defects is an important tool to ensure the safe operation of rail transit. Due to the complex diversity of track surface defect features and the small size of the defect area, it is difficult to obtain satisfying detection results by traditional machine vision methods. The existing deep learning-based methods have the problems of large model sizes, excessive parameters, low accuracy and slow speed. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method based on an improved YOLOv4 (You Only Look Once, YOLO) for railway surface defect detection. In this method, MobileNetv3 is used as the backbone network of YOLOv4 to extract image features, and at the same time, deep separable convolution is applied on the PANet layer in YOLOv4, which realizes the lightweight network and real-time detection of the railway surface. The test results show that, compared with YOLOv4, the study can reduce the amount of the parameters by 78.04%, speed up the detection by 10.36 frames per second and decrease the model volume by 78%. Compared with other methods, the proposed method can achieve a higher detection accuracy, making it suitable for the fast and accurate detection of railway surface defects.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Critical Language Pedagogy
Authors: Crookes Graham V.
Published: November 2021

Readers of the journal Education Sciences will be broadly aware that within educational research as a whole, a position exists that analyzes educational issues and researches questions from an overall contextual perspective that locates them in respect to values such as equity, liberty, and social justice [...]
Exploring Primary School Teachers’ Intention to Use E-Learning Tools during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aivazidi Marina , Michalakelis Christos
Published: November 2021

It is commonly accepted that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a crucial effect on many aspects of people’s lives. The limitations placed on human relations have also affected education. The mandatory implementation of e-learning and the use of the information and communication technology tools in the teaching process have been the most important changes at all educational levels. However, the teaching staff plays a key role in every educational change. In this study, we examined the intention of elementary school teachers to use an e-learning platform. Our findings are consistent with those of previous studies, which have found that teaching skills, teachers’ beliefs, and the appropriate infrastructure are all critical factors for the successful implementation of information technology in the educational process.
Most People Hate Physical Education and Most Drop Out of Physical Activity: In Search of Credible Curriculum Alternatives
Authors: Griggs Gerald , Fleet Matthew
Published: November 2021

High quality Physical Education should instigate and support all learners to develop into a lifelong participant in a way which upkeeps their own health, fitness, and well-being. There are, however, an ever-increasing number of children who drop out of participating in physical activities at the earliest opportunity, leading to an increase in sedentary lifestyles and a rise in childhood obesity. It is evidence such as this which indicates Physical Education, specifically in England, is not currently appropriate for all and requires change. To attempt to make the subject a more positive experience for all and to inspire lifelong involvement, varying the curriculum and including alternative activities for pupils might tap into useful wider cultures. This paper discusses the emergence of alternative sports, the challenges and synergies of implementation, and focuses on what could work and why.
Colombia’s GHG Emissions Reduction Scenario: Complete Representation of the Energy and Non-Energy Sectors in LEAP
Authors: Correa-Laguna Juan David , Pelgrims Maarten , Espinosa Valderrama Monica , Morales Ricardo
Published: November 2021

The signatory countries of the Paris Agreement must submit their updated Intended National Determined Contributions (INDCs) to the UNFCCC secretariat every five years. In Colombia, this activity was historically carried out with a wide set of diverse non-interconnected sector-specific models. Given the complexity of GHG emissions reporting and the evaluation of mitigation actions on a national scale, the need for a centralized platform was evident. Such approach would allow the integration and analysis of potential interactions among sectors, as well as to guarantee the homogeneity of assumptions and input parameters. In this paper, we describe the construction of an integrated bottom-up LEAP model tailored to the Colombian case, which covers all IPCC sectors. An integrated model facilitates capturing synergies and intersectoral interactions within the national GHG emissions system. Hence, policies addressing one sector and influencing others are identified and correctly assessed. Thus, 44 mitigation policies and mitigation actions were included in the model, in this way, identifying the sectors directly and being indirectly affected by them. The mitigation scenario developed in this paper reaches a reduction of 28% of GHG emissions compared with the reference scenario. The importance of including non-energy sectors is evident in the Colombian case, as GHG emission reductions are mainly driven by AFOLU. The first section describes the GHG emissions context in Colombia. Next, we describe the model structure, main input parameters, assumptions, considerations, and used LEAP functionalities. Results are presented from a GHG emissions accounting and energy demand perspective. The model allows for the correct estimate of the scope and potential of mitigation actions by considering indirect, unintended emissions reductions in all IPCC categories, as well as synergies with all mitigation actions included in the mitigation scenario. Moreover, the structure of the model is suitable for testing potential emission trajectories, facilitating its adoption by official entities and its application in climate policymaking.
Analysis of the EU-27 Countries Energy Markets Integration in Terms of the Sustainable Development SDG7 Implementation
Authors: Rybak Aurelia , Rybak Aleksandra , Kolev Spas D.
Published: November 2021

The article presents the results of research related to the SDG7 sustainable development implementation analysis. The goal is to provide affordable and clean energy. Its implementation will allow for development that will simultaneously provide the possibility of economic growth and the achievement of an optimal level of citizens’ health and life. The research was conducted for the countries of the European Union EU-27. During the analysis, the indicators proposed by Eurostat were used. The research aimed to examine the progress in EU member states’ energy markets integration. In order to carry out the indispensable research, it was necessary to use a spatial information system. Cluster analysis, as well as TSA analysis, were applied. The conducted research made it possible to verify the posed hypotheses and showed that the energy transformation process of the EU-27 countries is so complicated and heterogeneous that it has given rise to new independent and unique clusters. The authors also verified the adopted set of SDG7 achievement indicators using multiple regression. Additional indicators were also proposed that could complement the set and clarify its analyses.
Differential Thermal Evolution between Oil and Source Rocks in the Carboniferous Shale Reservoir of the Qaidam Basin, NW China
Authors: Wang Qianru , Huang Haiping , He Chuan , Li Zongxing
Published: November 2021

Shale oil and source rock samples of the Carboniferous Keluke Formation from well Chaiye 2 in the Delingha Depression were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Source rocks were highly mature at the gas generation stage with vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of 1.45–1.88%. However, the oil produced from the shale reservoir was characterized by abundant biomarkers but low abundance of diamondoid hydrocarbons with estimated Ro of ca. 0.78%, indicating hydrocarbons were still at a relatively low thermal maturity level. As the crude oil was generated and accumulated autochthonously, preliminary results indicate that crude oil and source rocks witnessed differential thermal evolution and significant disparity of the current thermal maturity in the shale reservoir due to rapid tectonic subsidence and clay mineral catalysts that accelerated the thermal maturation process. Although tectonic uplifts occurred afterwards, the vitrinite recorded the highest maturity that source rocks have ever reached, whereas the oil has not reached the same maturity level due to less impact from thermal alteration or mineral catalysis than source rocks in the shale reservoir. Such a discovery enlarges the hydrocarbon perseveration of maturity ranges in reservoirs, particularly for the unconventional tight formation, and benefits potential hydrocarbon exploration from highly mature sediments.
Modified Fly Ash-Based Adsorbents (MFA) for Mercury and Carbon Dioxide Removal from Coal-Fired Flue Gases
Authors: Marczak-Grzesik Marta , Piersa Piotr , Karczewski Mateusz , Szufa Szymon , Ünyay Hilal , Kędzierska-Sar Aleksandra , Bochenek Piotr
Published: November 2021

One of the solid waste produced during the combustion of coal are fly ashes. Disposal challenges and environmental consequences are the results of significant process yield and atmospheric emission of fly ashes. The exact chemical composition of FA depends mainly on the type of utilised fuel and combustion conditions. It consists mainly of chemically stable metal oxides, such as Al2O3, Fe2O3, SiO2, CaO, MgO, K2O, Na2O and TiO2, but its toxicity is related to the possible presence of some trace elements, such as As, Hg, Cd, Se and Cr. The chemical and physical properties of fly ash (e.g., particle size distribution, porosity, and surface area) make it suitable as an adsorbent to remove various impurities from process flows such as flue gas stream. Its suitability for capturing mercury from flue gas was experimentally confirmed due to its abundant supply, particle size, bulk density, porosity, chemical composition and low cost. Hence, the use of fly ash as adsorbents and precursors for the production of heavy metal adsorbents is of great practical importance, as it reduces the cost of mercury capture and alleviates the problems associated with the disposal of solid waste. Studies showed that the chemical components present in fly ash additives could stimulate catalytic oxidative capacity, which increases the adsorption of Hg0 oxidation and adsorption of both Hg and CO2. The presented study analysed fly ashes from different zones of the electrostatic precipitator and verified their suitability for removing impurities from flue gases, i.e., mercury and carbon dioxide. The results outlined modified fly ash as having good Hg and CO2 removal capabilities. The adsorption efficiency of Hg reached 92% for Hg and 66% for CO2, while untreated fly ash reached 67% for Hg and 59% for CO2.
Biochemical Methane Potential of Swine Slaughter Waste, Swine Slurry, and Its Codigestion Effect
Authors: Renggaman Anriansyah , Choi Hong Lim , Sudiarto Sartika Indah Amalia , Febrisiantosa Andi , Ahn Dong Hyoen , Choung Yong Wook , Suresh Arumuganainar
Published: November 2021

The codigestion of slaughter waste with animal manure can improve its methane yield, and digestion parameters; however, limited studies are available for the effectiveness of anaerobic codigestion using swine slaughter waste (SSW) and swine slurry (SS). Hence, this study was conducted to determine the characteristics of SSW and the effect of anaerobic codigestion with (SS) and explored the potential of CH4 production (Mmax), the lag phase period (λ), and effective digestion time (Teff). SSW contains fat and protein contents of 54% and 30% dry weight within 18.2% of solid matters, whereas SS showed only 6% and 28% within 4.1% of solid matters, respectively. During sole anaerobic digestion, SSW produced a high Mmax (711 Nml CH4/g VSadded) but had a long duration λ (~9 days); whereas SS produced a low Mmax (516 Nml CH4/g VSadded) but had a shorter duration λ (1 day). Codigestion increased the Mmax from 22–84% with no significant Teff compared to sole SS digestion. However, the low Mmax of SS and high Mmax of SSW, resulted in a 7–32% decrease in Mmax at codigestion compared to SSW sole digestion. Codigestion improved the digestion efficiency as it reduced λ (3.3–8.5 days shorter) and Teff (6.5–9.1 days faster) compared to SSW sole digestion. The substrate-to-inoculum ratio of 0.5 was better than 1; the volatile solid and micronutrient availability may be attributed to improved digestion. These results can be used for the better management of SSW and SS for bio-energy production on a large scale.
In Situ Binder-Free and Hydrothermal Growth of Nanostructured NiCo2S4/Ni Electrodes for Solid-State Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Ismail M. Mohamed , Hong Zhong-Yun , Arivanandhan M. , Yang Thomas Chung-Kuang , Pan Guan-Ting , Huang Chao-Ming
Published: November 2021

Herein, we report a comparison of the electrochemical performance of two kinds of NiCo2S4-based electrodes for solid-state hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs). For the binder-free electrode, NiCo2S4 was grown on Ni foam by the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. For the binder-using electrode, NiCo2S4 powder was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. FESEM images depicted the hierarchical nanostructure of NiCo2S4 synthesized by the hydrothermal method and uniform distribution of nanostructured NiCo2S4 grown on Ni foam by the CBD method. Half-cell studies of both NiCo2S4 electrodes showed them exhibiting battery-type charge storage behavior. To assemble HSCs, NiCo2S4 and activated carbon were used as a positive and negative electrode, respectively. Electrochemical studies of the HSCs showed that the accessible potential window was wide, up to 2.6 V, through cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis. Chronopotentiometry (CP) studies revealed that the energy and power densities of binder-using HSC were 51.24 Wh/kg and 13 kW/kg at 1 Ag−1, respectively, which were relatively higher than those of the binder-free HSC. The binder-free HSC showed 52% cyclic stability, relatively higher than that of the binder-using HSC. Both HSCs, with unique benefits and burdens on energy storage performance, are discussed in this work.
Design Optimization of Multi-Layer Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Cisse Koua Malick , Hlioui Sami , Belhadi Mhamed , Mermaz Rollet Guillaume , Gabsi Mohamed , Cheng Yuan
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a comparison between two design methodologies applied to permanent magnet synchronous machines for hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs and EVs). Both methodologies are based on 2D finite element models and coupled to a genetic algorithm to optimize complex non-linear geometries such as multi-layer permanent magnet machines. To reduce the computation duration to evaluate Induced Voltage and Iron Losses for a given electrical machine configuration, a new methodology based on geometrical symmetries and magnetic symmetries are used and is detailed. Two electromagnetic models have been developed and used in the design stage. The first model was the stepped rotor position finite element analysis called abc model which considered the spatial harmonics without any approximation of the waveform of flux linkage inside the stator, and the second model was based on a fixed rotor position called dq model, with the approximation that the waveform of flux linkage inside the stator was sinuous. These two methodologies are applied to the design of a synchronous machine for HEVs and EVs applications. Design results and performances are analyzed, and the advantages and drawbacks of each methodology are presented. It was found that the dq model is at least 5 times faster than the abc model with high precision for both the torque and induce voltage evaluation in most cases. However, it is not the case for the iron losses computation. The iron loss model based on dq model is less accurate than the abc model with a relative deviation from the abc model greater than 70% at high control angle. The choice of the electromagnetic model during the optimization process will therefore influence the geometry and the performances of the obtained electrical machine after the optimization.
The Influence of Photovoltaic Cell Coverage Rate on the Thermal and Electric Performance of Semi-Transparent Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Windows Based on the Dynamic Power Coupling Model
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Liu Kangyong , Ma Shengbin , Gong Tongdan , Zhao Yingbo
Published: November 2021

Based on the energy conversion equation and dynamic power model of the semi-transparent crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) window (ST-PVW), through an iterative coupling solution to the operating temperature of the cell, a thermal-electric coupling calculation method for the ST-PVW is provided, and, combined with experiments, the method model was verified. Based on this model, the influence of PV cell coverage rate (PVR) on the thermal performance of the ST-PVW was studied. According to the simulation results, in summer, the heat gain of the ST-PVW decreases with the increase of PVR, and in winter, the amount of heat loss increases with the increase of PVR. For the four cities of Guangzhou, Nanjing, Beijing and Harbin, when the PVR is 1, 0.60 to 0.64, 0.28 to 0.32 and 0.26 to 0.30, respectively, the annual power consumption of the air conditioner can reach the minimum, and when the PVR is 0.16 to 0.17, 0.24 to 0.25, 0.22 to 0.23 and 0.19 to 0.20, respectively, the amount of electricity generated can just offset the power consumption of the air conditioner during the day.
Investigation of R290 Flow Boiling Heat Transfer and Exergy Loss in a Double-Concentric Pipe Based on CFD
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Zhu Shenglin , Xie Jing
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the impact of different factors on the flow boiling of R290 and R22 in double-concentric pipes are investigated through CFD numerical simulations. The numerical studies are performed by changing the inner tube diameter in the range of 3 to 7 mm, the refrigerant velocity between 1 and 5 m/s, the water velocity between 1 and 10 m/s and the saturation temperature in the range of 276 to 283 K. The heat transfer coefficient (HTC), pressure drop and exergy destruction of R290 are determined. The results show that HTC, pressure drop and exergy destruction are significantly impacted by the pipe diameter and the refrigerant velocity, but slightly impacted by water velocity and saturation temperature. Moreover, the exergy loss and pressure drop of R290 are 11.8–13.3% and 4.3–10.2% lower than those of R22. R290 has a lower energy loss than R22 in the evaporation process in the double-concentric pipe. However, the HTC of R290 is 57.3–59.7% lower than that of R22. The HTC of R290 can be optimized by increasing the pipe diameter or the R290 velocity.
Lignin Syngas Bioconversion by Butyribacterium methylotrophicum: Advancing towards an Integrated Biorefinery
Authors: Pacheco Marta , Pinto Filomena , Ortigueira Joana , Silva Carla , Gírio Francisco , Moura Patrícia
Published: November 2021

Hybrid bio-thermochemical based technologies have the potential to ensure greater feedstock flexibility for the production of bioenergy and bioproducts. This study focused on the bioconversion of syngas produced from low grade technical lignin to C2-/C4-carboxylic acids by Butyribacterium methylotrophicum. The effects of pH, medium supplementation and the use of crude syngas were analyzed. At pH 6.0, B. methylotrophicum consumed CO, CO2 and H2 simultaneously up to 87 mol% of carbon fixation, and the supplementation of the medium with acetate increased the production of butyrate by 6.3 times. In long-term bioreactor experiments, B. methylotrophicum produced 38.3 and 51.1 mM acetic acid and 0.7 and 2.0 mM butyric acid from synthetic and lignin syngas, respectively. Carbon fixation reached 83 and 88 mol%, respectively. The lignin syngas conversion rate decreased from 13.3 to 0.9 NmL/h throughout the assay. The appearance of a grayish pellet and cell aggregates after approximately 220 h was indicative of tar deposition. Nevertheless, the stressed cells remained metabolically active and maintained acetate and butyrate production from lignin syngas. The challenge that impurities represent in the bioconversion of crude syngas has a direct impact on syngas cleaning requirements and operation costs, supporting the pursuit for more robust and versatile acetogens.
Comparative Analysis of Load Forecasting Models for Varying Time Horizons and Load Aggregation Levels
Authors: Burg Leonard , Gürses-Tran Gonca , Madlener Reinhard , Monti Antonello
Published: November 2021

Power system operators are confronted with a multitude of new forecasting tasks to ensure a constant supply security despite the decreasing number of fully controllable energy producers. With this paper, we aim to facilitate the selection of suitable forecasting approaches for the load forecasting problem. First, we provide a classification of load forecasting cases in two dimensions: temporal and hierarchical. Then, we identify typical features and models for forecasting and compare their applicability in a structured manner depending on six previously defined cases. These models are compared against real data in terms of their computational effort and accuracy during development and testing. From this comparative analysis, we derive a generic guide for the selection of the best prediction models and features per case.
A Review on the Complementarity Modelling in Competitive Electricity Markets
Authors: Dimitriadis Christos N. , Tsimopoulos Evangelos G. , Georgiadis Michael C.
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the ever-increasing research interest in various aspects of the electricity pool-based markets has generated a plethora of complementarity-based approaches to determine participating agents’ optimal offering/bidding strategies and model players’ interactions. In particular, the integration of multiple and diversified market agents, such as conventional generation companies, renewable energy sources, electricity storage facilities and agents with a mixed generation portfolio has instigated significant competition, as each player attempts to establish their market dominance and realize substantial financial benefits. The employment of complementarity modelling approaches can also prove beneficial for the optimal coordination of the electricity and natural gas market coupling. Linear and nonlinear programming as well as complementarity modelling, mainly in the form of mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPECs), equilibrium programs with equilibrium constraints (EPECs) and conjectural variations models (CV) have been widely employed to provide effective market clearing mechanisms, enhance agents’ decision-making process and allow them to exert market power, under perfect and imperfect competition and various market settlements. This work first introduces the theoretical concepts that regulate the majority of contemporary competitive electricity markets. It then presents a comprehensive review of recent advances related to complementarity-based modelling methodologies and their implementation in current competitive electricity pool-based markets applications.
Efficiency Comparison between Two Masonry Wall Drying Devices Using In Situ Data Measurements
Authors: Łapka Piotr , Cieślikiewicz Łukasz
Published: November 2021

In this paper, an in situ investigation and comparison of energy consumption and efficiency of two devices for implementation of the thermo-injection masonry wall drying method are presented. The following drying devices were considered: the currently used device (CUD) and the novel prototype device (NPD) with optimized control of the operating parameters. The historic building subjected to the drying and renovation was located in the city of Łowicz (Poland). The temperature and relative humidity of the air in several points in the basement and the temperature and moisture content at various locations in the considered masonry wall segments, as well as the electrical parameters for both devices, were measured in the real time and registered by applying a dedicated data acquisition system. The specific energy consumption during drying, defined as the energy consumption divided by the length of the drying wall section and by the mean volumetric moisture content change in the wall, was equal to 16.58 and 10.44 kWh/m/moisture content vol.% for the CUD and NPD, respectively. Moreover, the moisture content in the wall decreased by an average of 2.13 and 3.22 vol.% for the CUD and NPD, respectively, while the temperature of the wall surface in the drying zone was increased to approximately 35–40 °C and 40–65 °C for the CUD and NPD, respectively. The obtained results showed that the NPD was much more efficient than the CUD and that the building renovation process may be more environmentally friendly by applying more efficient drying devices and strategies.
Silicon Particles/Black Paint Coating for Performance Enhancement of Solar Absorbers
Authors: Han Shwe Sin , Ghafoor Usman , Saeed Tareq , Elahi Hassan , Masud Usman , Kumar Laveet , Selvaraj Jeyraj , Ahmad Muhammad Shakeel
Published: November 2021

The availability of fresh drinkable water and water security is becoming a global challenge for sustainable development. In this regard, solar stills, due to their ease in operation, installation, and utilization of direct sunlight (as thermal energy), promise a better and sustainable future technology for water security in urban and remote areas. The major issue is its low distillate productivity, which limits its widespread commercialization. In this study, the effect of silicon (Si) particles is examined to improve the absorber surface temperature of the solar still absorber plate, which is the major component for increased distillate yield. Various weight percentages of Si particles were introduced in paint and coated on the aluminum absorber surface. Extensive indoor (using a self-made halogen light-based solar simulator) and outdoor testing were conducted to optimize the concentration. The coatings with 15 wt % Si in the paint exhibited the highest increase in temperature, namely, 98.5 °C under indoor controlled conditions at 1000 W/m2 irradiation, which is 65.81% higher than a bare aluminum plate and 37.09% higher compared to a black paint-coated aluminum plate. On the other hand, coatings with 10 wt % Si reached up to 73.2 °C under uncontrolled outdoor conditions compared to 68.8 °C for the black paint-coated aluminum plate. A further increase in concentration did not improve the surface temperature, which was due to an excessive increase in thermal conductivity and high convective heat losses.
Dynamic Simulation-Based Surrogate Model for the Dimensioning of Building Energy Systems
Authors: Zouloumis Leonidas , Stergianakos Georgios , Ploskas Nikolaos , Panaras Giorgos
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, building design and operation have been an important field of study, due to the significant share of buildings in global primary energy consumption and the time that most people spend indoors. As such, multiple studies focus on aspects of building energy consumption and occupant comfort optimization. The scientific community has discerned the importance of operation optimization through retrofitting actions for on-site building energy systems, achieved by the use of simulation techniques, surrogate modeling, as well as the guidance of existing building performance and indoor occupancy standards. However, more knowledge should be attained on the matter of whether this methodology can be extended towards the early stages of thermal system and/or building design. To this end, the present study provides a building thermal system design optimization methodology. A data set of minimum thermal system power, for a typical range of building characteristics, is generated, according to the criterion of occupant discomfort in degree hours. Respectively, a surrogate model, providing a configurable correlation of the above set of thermal system dimensioning solutions is developed, using regression model fitting techniques. Computational results indicate that such a model could provide both desirable calculative simplification and accuracy on par with existing respective thermal load calculation standards and simplified system dimensioning methods.
Carbon Pricing and Complementary Policies—Consistency of the Policy Mix for Decarbonizing Buildings in Germany
Authors: Braungardt Sibylle , Bürger Veit , Köhler Benjamin
Published: November 2021

While it is widely acknowledged that carbon pricing plays an important role in driving the transition towards a low-carbon energy system, its interaction with complementary instruments is discussed controversially. The analysis of combining carbon pricing with complementary policies has been mostly focused on the electricity sector, while the role of carbon pricing in the buildings sector has received only minor interest. In view of the newly introduced carbon pricing scheme for the buildings and transport sector in Germany, we analyze the interactions between the carbon pricing scheme with the existing policy instruments and assess the consistency of the policy mix for decarbonizing the buildings sector. Our analysis finds that the introduction of carbon pricing has a reinforcing effect on the instrument mix and adds to the consistency of the policy mix. The results highlight the importance of complementary policies in order to achieve deep decarbonization in the buildings sector. We conclude that carbon pricing, preferably implemented as a tax with a predictable and increasing price level, needs to be supplemented with a powerful mix of complementary measures.
Life Cycle Climate Change Impact of a Cost-Optimal HVDC Connection to Import Solar Energy from Australia to Singapore
Authors: Ramachandran Srikkanth , Siala Kais , de La Rúa Cristina , Massier Tobias , Ahmed Arif , Hamacher Thomas
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to evaluate the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of importing electrical power into Singapore, generated from a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Australia, through a long-distance subsea high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable. A cost optimization model was developed to estimate the capacities of the system components. A comprehensive life cycle assessment model was built to estimate emissions of manufacturing and use of these components. Our evaluation shows that, for covering one fifth of Singapore’s electrical energy needs, a system with an installed capacity of 13GWPV, 17 GWh battery storage and 3.2GW subsea cable is required. The life cycle GHG emissions of such a system are estimated to be 110gCO2eq/kWh, with the majority coming from the manufacturing of solar PV panels. Cable manufacturing does not contribute largely toward GHG emissions. By varying full-load hours and cable lengths, it was assessed that sites closer to Singapore might provide the same energy at same/lower carbon footprint and reduced cost, despite the lower insolation as compared to Australia. However, these sites could cause greater emissions from land use changes than the deserts of Australia, offsetting the advantages of a shorter HVDC cable.
Acoustic Signature Analysis and Sound Source Localization for a Three-Phase AC Induction Motor
Authors: Krishnasarma Anand , Mostafavi Yazdi Seyed Jamaleddin , Taylor Allan , Ludwigsen Daniel , Baqersad Javad
Published: November 2021

As part of the recent electrification of the transportation industry, internal combustion engines are being coupled with or replaced by electric motors. This movement towards an electrified drivetrain poses new noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) challenges related to electric motors. In this paper, the acoustic signature of an electric motor was analyzed to obtain a better understanding of the sound generated by these motors. This work provides an insight into an acoustic measurement technique that can be used to identify certain frequency bands that significantly contribute to the perceived sound. In the first part, the structural response of the motor was correlated with its acoustic spectra. Furthermore, data from acoustic and structural measurements were used to analyze the order content of the signal and identify critical contributors to the overall perceived sound. The differences between data captured by microphones in different positions around the motor helped to localize components of the overall sound. The results provide some discussion about techniques to decrease the overall sound. The technique described in this paper can be extended to fan-cooled motors that are used in vehicles such as golf carts or as auxiliary motors in electric/hybrid vehicles, as well as across a wide range of industrial applications.
A Curvature Compensation Technique for Low-Voltage Bandgap Reference
Authors: Shen Jie , Chen Houpeng , Ni Shenglan , Song Zhitang
Published: November 2021

Based on the standard 40 nm Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process, a curvature compensation technique is proposed. Two low-voltage, low-power, high-precision bandgap voltage reference circuits are designed at a 1.2 V power supply. By adding IPTAT (positive temperature coefficient current) and ICTAT (negative temperature coefficient current) to the output resistance, the first-order compensation bandgap voltages can be obtained. Meanwhile, the third high-order compensation current is also superimposed on the same resistance. We make use of the collector current of the bipolar transistor to compensate for the nonlinear term of VBE. The simulation results show that TC (temperature coefficient) of the first circuit reference could be reduced from 29.1 × 10−6/°C to 5.71 × 10−6/°C over the temperature range of −25 to 125 °C after temperature compensation. The second one could be reduced from 17 × 10−6/°C to 5.22 × 10−6/°C.
A Century of Use of SOLOMIT Thermal Insulation Panels
Authors: Neuberger Pavel , Kic Pavel
Published: November 2021

This article traces the century-old history of using a thermal and acoustic insulation panel called SOLOMIT. It presents some of Sergei Nicolajewitsch Tchayeff’s patents, on the basis of which production and installation took place. The survey section provides examples of the use of this building component in Australia, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, the Soviet Union and Spain. It pays attention to applications in the 1950s and 1960s in collectivized agriculture in Czechoslovakia. It also presents the results of measuring the thermal conductivity of a panel sample, which was obtained during the reconstruction of a cottage built in the 1950s and 1960s of the 20th century. Even today, SOLOMIT finds its application all over the world, mainly due to its thermal insulation and acoustic properties and other features, such as low maintenance requirements, attractive appearance and structure and cost-effectiveness.