bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated complex of intelligent monitoring of a solar power plant
Authors: Kuznetsov P N , Kotelnikov D Y
Published: November 2021

A solution for automated monitoring and diagnostics of photovoltaic modules of industrial solar power plants is proposed. The solution is based on the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle with a specialized payload and a ground-based intelligent information and control system to detect problem areas of the station, in particular partial shading and pollution. To perform the detection procedures, a neural network based on the Fast R-CNN architecture with the learning algorithm – Inception v2 (COCO) was used. The results of preliminary tests showed that the accuracy of detecting problem areas is at least 92%. The article presents a mathematical model that allows calculating the installed power monitored by the complex, depending on the type of station and UAV, meteorological parameters, and the performance of computing equipment. Numerical calculations have shown that when using the FIMI X8SE UAV and a computing device based on the RTX2080 GPU, the installed monitored power will be up to 7.5 MW.
Study of hydraulic resistance of tangential swirlers
Authors: Voinov N A , Zemtsov D A , Bogatkova A V , Deryagina N V
Published: November 2021

This article presents the results of experimental research and simulation of the hydraulic drag of tangential swirlers. Three types of swirler devices made with straight, profiled, and circular channel walls were studied within a wide range of design and process parameters. Simulation modelling on the Comsol Multiphysics platform was used to calculate hydraulic drag and determine the velocity and pressure fields. This allowed obtaining a dependence of the hydraulic drag coefficient of the investigated swirlers and identifying parameters affecting their hydraulic drag.
Prognostication of fire of oil and oil products storage tank farms and engineering and technical solutions
Authors: Zvyagintseva A V , Mezhova L A , Sazonova S A , Stenyukhin L V , Chertkov P V
Published: November 2021

The object of the study is «Severnaya oil depot of the Lipetsk region». This article defines the occurrence and development of a fire in the tank and the dependence of a number of factors, also indicates the type of flammable liquid, the presence of an explosive concentration inside the tank, the place of the fire, the design features of the tank, the presence and condition of fire protection systems. Also, an assessment of the object from the position of fire hazard was carried out, the calculation of forces and means ensuring their timely and effective connection in cases of fire. The necessity of using modern extinguishing means to eliminate the resulting fire is shown.
Obtaining a diesel fuel component from liquid products of oxidative pyrolysis of wood
Authors: Buryukin F A , Safin V A , Kositcyna S S
Published: November 2021

Recycling and rational use of wood-processing industry waste is an urgent task for the economy and industry. On the basis of experimental studies on the oxidative pyrolysis of Siberian pine and Downy birch, a basic technological scheme for components of motor fuels obtaining is proposed. It is shown that the main components of liquid products of wood pyrolysis in water vapor are aromatic and saturated hydrocarbons, as well as oxygen-containing compounds that need to be hydrogenated.
Processing of biomass in order to obtain energy components
Authors: Kolenchukov A , Petrovsky E A , Bashmur K A , Sinitskaya A Ye , Tynchenko Ya A
Published: November 2021

This article presents a classification of existing types of biofuels obtained from biomass. Pyrolytic methods of biomass processing are characterized. An experimental setup for producing hydrogen and carbon nanomaterials is presented. The purpose of the experiment was to determine the amount (liters) of produced biohydrogen per unit of time (hour). With an increase in the temperature of the process, the yield of finished products increased. The choice of the appropriate catalyst also plays an important role.
The paper-forming properties of hemp fire peroxide cellulose in combination with wood sulphate cellulose
Authors: Marchenko R A , Pen R Z , Shapiro I L , Ambrosovich Y A
Published: November 2021

Hemp fire (Cannabis sativa) was delignified with the reaction mix “acetic acid - hydrogen peroxide - sulfuric acid catalyst - water” under sulfuric acid concentration of 0.45%, liquid module of 6, and temperature of 85 ° C. The cellulose was ground to 34 … 36°SHR and mixed in different ratios in compliance with the simplex-centroid experimental design with bleached sulfate softwood and hardwood pulp. The influence of the mixed composition formulations on the main strength properties of paper castings has been studied. It has been concluded that technical cellulose obtained from hemp fire applying this method, can be used for paper products manufacturing in combination with sulphate cellulose from coniferous and deciduous wood.
Experimental testing of the effectiveness of novel hydrocyclones for separation of impurities in biofuels
Authors: Petrovsky E A , Bashmur K A , Kolenchukov O A , Kachaeva V A , Sinitskaya A Ye
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the potential sources of renewable energy, in particular biofuels. Biofuels tend to contain multiple harmful impurities that need to be separated if the biofuel is to have good energy performance, and the systems that run on it to produce electricity or heat are to operate more reliably. The paper discusses use of hydrocyclones as the most productive and reliable biofuel purification method. It dwells upon the factors that negatively affect separation of mixtures in a hydrocyclone, which are attributable to the complex hydrodynamics of the flow in such a unit. In order to eliminate these factors, the authors hereof have developed two hydrocyclone designs. An experimental test bench was designed and made to test these designs. Parts of the units were 3D printed from an environmentally friendly material. For testing, we used a biodiesel made from waste cooking oil with an impurity content of 23%. Experiments showed a maximum separation rate of 94.2%. The proposed solutions did improve the effectiveness of biodiesel mixture separation. These designs can be effectively used to separate non-homogeneous mixtures.
Group control of air-cooled gas apparatuses
Authors: Hoshimov U H , Ishnazarov O Kh
Published: November 2021

The paper considers the possibility of reducing electric power consumption by aircooled gas apparatus of a gas compressor station. The authors propose a system with breakdown of ventilators into IV groups with five ventilators in each group. Comparison of operation modes of a traditional cooling system and a grouped one with fans speed regulation on the basis of a frequency converter showed that the grouped handling system saved up to 40% of electric power.
Methods of reduction of interference signals in electromagnetic conductors that measure fluid flow
Authors: Amirov Sulton F , Ataullaev Aminjon O , Sayidov Muzaffar K , Togayev Islomjon B
Published: November 2021

The pressure in the fluid flow, especially in the pipes of closed water supply systems, is generated mainly by pumps, and the water flow is usually pulsating. Electromagnetic transducers used to measure such nonstationary and pulsating fluid flow rates must have low inertia and high dynamic accuracy. In such cases, the frequency characteristics of electromagnetic transducers that measure fluid flow are their main parameters. It should be noted that the performance of the converters used to measure the flow rate of pulsating fluids should not depend on the change in the distribution profile of the flow velocities, otherwise additional measurement errors will occur. It is used in measuring non-stationary and pulsating fluid flow rates in controlled and controlled technological processes.
Microwave solid fuel ignition
Authors: Kondratev R V
Published: November 2021

The article continues the study of the effect of microwave exposure on solid fuel. On the basis of the experimental studies, the dependences of changes in the temperature and humidity fields of the fuel on the time of microwave exposure, to arson, have been established. The possibility of using the microwave electromagnetic field to automate the process of burning solid fuel in a boiler plant, afterburning unburned fuel residues is considered. The mechanism and basic conditions of these processes are presented. The influence of this technology on the intensification of the fuel ignition process, its homogenization, an increase in energy characteristics and a change in the elemental composition, an increase in the efficiency of a boiler plant, a decrease in chemical, mechanical underburning and harmful emissions of a boiler plant is considered. The main conditions of the applied technology are: placement of the microwave generator on the combustion device of the boiler unit, the size of the solid fuel samples or its contacting pieces should be less than the wavelength of the microwave electromagnetic field (12.4 cm), the moisture content - within the range from 10 to 95%. The intensification of the process of burning solid fuel also depends on the type of fuel, its physical and chemical properties (various types of coal, wood fuel, including wood waste, peat, and others). Modernization of boiler plants using this technology is possible by unifying projects that take into account the correspondence of microwave generators to the thermal power of boiler units.
Simulation of the process of current distribution in a traction rail network
Authors: Isaicheva A G , Basharkin M V , Zolkin A L , Malikov V N , Saradzheva V
Published: November 2021

The article synthesizes a simulation model of a section of a traction rail network, analyzes the norms of permissible asymmetry current, at which a choke-transformer is able to function with a set quality. The simulation of the current distribution process that occurs in the traction rail network during the movement of trains of increased weight and length has been carried out. The graphs of the dependence of the asymmetry current on the traction current consumed by the electric rolling stock have been obtained, and the simulation of the dynamics of changes in the traction current in each of the rail lines has been carried out when the train was moving along a section of the traction rail network. Conclusions about the need to monitor the state of traction rail network elements, the service life of which in heavy traffic conditions is significantly reduced both due to dynamic loads and due to overheating due to the passage of increased traction currents have been made.
Creation of a software and hardware product of a real-time system for collecting, accounting and managing data transmission of an intelligent transport system in context of the IoT
Authors: Zolkin A L , Munister V D , Lavrov E A , Aygumov K G , Saradzheva V
Published: November 2021

Some aspects of the functioning of modern microcontrollers of the Internet of Things in conditions that are close to real-time systems are reviewed in the article. Attention is paid to the aspects of the theory of physical data transmission, the significance of the delay metrics in the data transmission path is substantiated and emphasized. These delays (in view of the generalization of measurement results) determine the control accuracy and controllability of the data processing system as a whole, and also affect the reliability of the results. The process of formalization of the architectural template of a data collecting and accounting system for a control device (which is widespread in intelligent transport systems and the Internet of things) is described. The practical application of the approach in synchronous control through the implementation of a web interface and a control language in a microprocessor system (which can be possible at low traffic transmission rates) is substantiated. In conclusion, a generalization of the scope of application of the developed specialized computer system in transport field is given.
Improving the safety of train lighting devices in curves
Authors: Frolov N O , Elkin E M
Published: November 2021

The article presents a system for correcting the direction of the light beam of a rolling stock searchlight in curved sections of the track. The dependence of the angle of deviation of the axis of the light beam of the searchlight on the angle of inclination of the trolley is determined. The principle of correction of the light beam of a rolling stock searchlight using a matrix LED searchlight is described.
Results of calculations of soot formation in a tractor diesel engine running on biofuel
Authors: Yurlov A S , Medvedev V I , Yunusov G S , Lopatin O P , Novikov A M
Published: November 2021

When burning fuel in a diesel internal combustion engine, soot is an undesirable product. To reduce the soot content in the exhaust gases, it is necessary to know the physical and chemical bases of the process of soot formation and soot burnout. Due to the determining role of acetylene in the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rich mixtures in the low-temperature zone and the key role of acetylene in the surface growth of a particle in the high-temperature zone, it is concluded that the rate of surface growth of a particle is proportional to the concentration of acetylene in the reaction zone, which can be determined by the gas-kinetic method, numerically solving a system of differential equations for the components of the gas mixture under consideration.
Parametric synthesis of stabilizing neurocular control of a technological module
Authors: Sizykh Viktor , Daneev Aleksei , Oboltin Roman
Published: November 2021

The article proposes a new approach to combined parametric synthesis (synthesis in real or accelerated time) of neuroregulators of multidimensional and multi-connected physical systems and technological processes based on the application of the velocity gradient method in differential form and the theory of sliding modes.
Automatic target adjusting braking of a shunting stock with an adaptive control law
Authors: Kruglov S P , Kovyrshin S V , Ivanov P Yu , Korsun A A , Kovshin A S
Published: November 2021

The article deals with the problem of automation of target adjusting braking of a shunting stock. It is proposed to build it on the basis of an adaptive control algorithm capable of functioning under the current uncertainty of the parameters of the control object. It is based on a scheme with a current parametric identification assigned by an implicit reference model and using “simplified adaptivity conditions”. For the synthesis of the control, the approach implemented in a standard locomotive system for automatic braking control to maintain the target speed of movement depending on the distance to the target point is used. The results of simulation modelling are presented.
Analysis of the physical properties, composition and structure of soot particles
Authors: Likhanov V A , Lopatin O P , Yurlov A S , Terentiev A G , Andreev R V
Published: November 2021

A soot particle consisting of crystallites representing several parallel layers of densely packed hexagons with carbon atoms located at the vertices is considered. Such a crystallite structure is similar to a graphite crystal lattice, but less ordered with large distances between the layers, where individual layers can be arbitrarily rotated relative to each other and relative to their common normal. It is shown that the core of a particle with a high salt content of exhaust gases (EG) of a diesel internal combustion engine (DICE) is discharged more, which allows us to distinguish models of the structure of a spherical nanoscale particle.
Research aspects of modeling and automated process control photopolymerization
Authors: Chumbadze T T , Filippenko N V , Farzaliev E F , Livshits A V , Bychkovsky V S
Published: November 2021

This paper provides an overview of the state of existing systems of predictable control of the polymerization process. It includes a literature and patent survey of the presented mathematical models of the processes that occur during chemical polymerization reactions and analyzes techniques of controlling the processes of designing, manufacturing, modeling and construction of automated control systems. A critical analysis of existing modeling and control systems is given. The most promising software complexes ready for use in the process of designing of materials and products from photopolymers with predetermined structural properties have been identified. The analysis of a standard technological process as an object of control, by the example of the presented algorithm of the functioning of a particular production unit, showed the possibility of improving the existing automated systems of its control. By this example the authors prove the possibility of constructing automated process control systems, as well as those of photopolymerization, which will stabilize physical and chemical processes when manufacturing products from photopolymers. At the end of the research it was made possible to determine the purpose and objectives of further research of the authors aimed at creating the following complex: a software for the development of materials with specified structural properties; development of mathematical tools for calculation and modeling of photopolymerization processes; construction of automated control systems for technological processes of manufacturing products from photopolymer structural materials.
Optimization of GEM-based detector readout electrode structure for SXR imaging of tokamak plasma
Authors: Malinowski K. , Chernyshova M. , Jabłoński S. , Casiragi I.
Published: November 2021

The paper presents an optimization of a readout structure of the GEM-based detector designed for X-ray imaging for DTT tokamak in the energy range of 2–15 keV. The readout electrode of approximately 100 cm2 surface is composed of hexagonal pixels connected in a way that allows reducing the actual number of signal pixels (electronics channels). At the same time, based on time coincidence analysis, it makes possible to unambiguously identify the position of the recorded X-ray photon. For the input spectrum, the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) of the detector was calculated using the Geant4 program and the spatial distributions of electron avalanches at the readout electrode were simulated using the Garfield++ program. These were conducted for a given energy range of radiation and a statistical distribution consistent with the shape of the spectrum considering the DQE of the detector. As a result, the size of a single hexagonal pixel was proposed to capture the position of the recorded radiation quanta in an optimal and effective way.
Atmospheric neutrinos with the first detection units of KM3NeT/ARCA
Authors: Sinopoulou A. , Coniglione R. , Muller R. , Tzamariudaki E.
Published: November 2021

The KM3NeT collaboration is constructing two deep-sea Cherenkov detectors in the Mediterranean Sea. The ARCA detector aims at TeV-PeV neutrino astronomy, while the ORCA detector is optimised for atmospheric neutrino oscillation studies at energies of a few GeV. In this contribution, an analysis of the data collected with the first deployed detection units of the ARCA detector is presented. A high-purity sample of atmospheric neutrinos is selected demonstrating the capability of the ARCA detector.
Application of strip electrode in single-gap RPC
Authors: Li Q. , Xie X. , Sun Y. , Ge J. , Xue Z.
Published: November 2021

The Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) is widely used in High
Energy Physics experiments as trigger detector to take advantage of
its good time resolution and high efficiency. A conventional RPC
detector consists of one gas gap covered by graphite layers on both
side. The working voltage is applied on these layers and the charge
of avalanche dissipates through them. In this paper, a design which
removes the graphite layers and uses the readout strips as the
electrode is applied to simplify the structure of this
detector. This design eliminates the challenge of controlling the
uniformity of the graphite layer and simplifies the detector
structure.
Unprecedented decline in summertime surface ozone over eastern China in 2020 comparably attributable to anthropogenic emission reductions and meteorology
Authors: Yin Hao , Lu Xiao , Sun Youwen , Li Ke , Gao Meng , Zheng Bo , Liu Cheng
Published: November 2021

China’s nationwide monitoring network initiated in 2013 has witnessed continuous increases of urban summertime surface ozone to 2019 by about 5% year−1, among the fastest ozone trends in the recent decade reported in the Tropospheric ozone assessment report. Here we report that surface ozone levels averaged over cities in eastern China cities decrease by 5.5 ppbv in May–August 2020 compared to the 2019 levels, representing an unprecedented ozone reduction since 2013. We combine the high-resolution GEOS-Chem chemical model and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning model to quantify the drivers of this reduction. We estimate that changes in anthropogenic emissions alone decrease ozone by 3.2 (2.9–3.6) ppbv (57% of the total 5.5 ppbv reduction) averaged over cities in eastern China and by 2.5 ∼ 3.2 ppbv in the three key city clusters for ozone mitigation. These reductions appear to be driven by decreases in anthropogenic emissions of both nitrogen oxides (NO
x
) and volatile organic compounds, likely reflecting the stringent emission control measures implemented by The Chinese Ministry of Environmental and Ecology in summer 2020, as supported by observed decline in tropospheric formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrogen dioxides (NO2) from satellite and by bottom-up emission estimates. Comparable to the emission-driven ozone reduction, the wetter and cooler weather conditions in 2020 decrease ozone by 2.3 (1.9–2.6) ppbv (43%). Our analyses indicate that the current emission control strategies can be effective for ozone mitigation in China yet tracking future ozone changes is essential for further evaluation. Our study also reveals important potential to combine the mechanism-based, state-of-art atmospheric chemical models with machine learning model to improve the attribution of ozone drivers.
Discussion on Problems and operation and maintenance of distributed photovoltaic power stations in Tibet
Authors: Zhou Liqing , Pu Zewei , Liu Chengpeng , Wu Min
Published: November 2021

Due to the vast area of Tibet, where farmers and herdsmen live scattered, and the construction sites of solar distributed photovoltaic power stations are relatively scattered, which makes the operation and maintenance of the system more difficult. At the same time, due to the lack of practical experience of technical personnel, even if there are problems in photovoltaic power stations, they can not get timely feedback and solution. Over time, many distributed photovoltaic power stations are forced to be abandoned because of no maintenance and repair. These phenomena also restrict the application of photovoltaic power in Tibet to a certain extent. Based on the field investigation of distributed photovoltaic power stations in Tibet, this paper finds out the common faults and existing problems of photovoltaic power stations, analyzes the causes of the failures, and puts forward suggestions for operation and maintenance. The purpose of this paper is to build a solar distributed photovoltaic power station with high reliability and easy maintenance in Tibet, so as to provide a certain scientific basis for the existing photovoltaic power station and the later construction of photovoltaic power station.
Detection Of Community Knowledge Level Of Economic, Ecological Benefits And Causes Of Damage To Mangrove Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Wahyuni E , Zulhafandi  , Hendris  , Jarin
Published: November 2021

Mangrove forests are natural resources in coastal areas that have an important role in terms of social, economic and ecological aspects. However, the utilization of the mangrove ecosystem makes it vulnerable to damage. This study aims to determine the level of public knowledge of the economic, ecological benefits and damage that happened to mangrove areas in Tarakan City. The scoring method was used to determine the total score or the total score of the respondents’ answers, which amount to 50 people. that the community’s knowledge of the economic benefits of mangrove forests was categorized as know for the benefits of mangroves as firewood, mangrove areas as a place for settlement, mangroves as a place to get fish and mangrove benefits as aquaculture areas with total scores of 226, 200, 232,230 respectively. However, the level of community knowledge about the benefits of mangroves as a medicinal ingredient obtained a total score of 164, which means the level of community knowledge was in the doubtful category. While the level of community knowledge of the ecological benefits of mangrove forests as coastline guards, sea wave barriers, sea wind protectors, and animal breeding sites were included in the category of “Know” with a total score of 228, 224, 234, 240 respectively, but the level of knowledge The community regarding the benefits of mangroves that can manage household waste was in the “doubtful” category with a total score of 128. The community was aware of the damage to mangrove forest ecosystems caused by garbage, logging / mangroves, expanding aquaculture, settlements and increasing population. with a total score of 234,232, 210,228 and 200 levels of knowledge, respectively, which are included in the “Know” category.
Environmental impact of tsipouro production by life cycle assessment
Authors: Tsarouhas P , Papachristos I
Published: November 2021

The study of the environmental impact of agricultural products has significantly grown in recent years, as consumers now demand more information about the product’s footprint in the environment. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental impact of the life cycle phases of tsipouro production, which is one of the traditional products of Greece produced mainly from viticulture. The environmental analysis was performed through the study of eutrophication, global warming, photochemical oxidation and acidification, using the life cycle assessment methodology. The system was studied through fifteen subsystems and a 250 ml bottle of tsipouro, which was the basis of the calculations, was defined as a functional unit. From the results it appears that the process of tsipouro production is the subsystem with the highest energy consumption and the grape cultivation the one with the highest water consumption. In environmental impact the subsystem with the highest contribution is the cultivation of grapes. Also the subsystems production/transportation and use of fertilizers, bottle production/transportation and the process of tsipouro production have a significant contribution. In addition, some literature-based solutions are suggested. Some of the solutions are the use of clearer energy sources, the use of biodiesel and alternative cultivation methods without synthetic fertilizers. The results of this research can be used by tsipouro or similar industries to minimize the environmental impact and focus on the phases that are most involved in it.
Emission performance of major ship classes: An estimation based on a new set of emission factors and realistic activity profile data
Authors: Grigoriadis Achilleas , Mamarikas Sokratis , Ntziachristos Leonidas
Published: November 2021

The maritime sector significantly contributes on the major environmental problems that humanity is being confronted with their consequences. The Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emitted from the sector, which are responsible for the global phenomenon of climate change, are estimated in 2,89% of total anthropogenic GHGs. Ships are also an important source of local air-quality degradation in coastal areas by emitting major quantities of pollutants such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Particulate Matter (PM). The overall emitted quantities of the sector seem not to be equally allocated to the major ship classes (containers, dry and liquid bulk carriers, cruise ships, ro-ro ships etc.), even though the engine technologies that are being used in these classes are approximately the same (slow speed, medium speed, high speed diesel engines). A factor of differentiation among the ship types is the activity profile. Depending on the ship type, engines (main, auxiliary, boilers) present different power needs and therefore are being operated at different load points which among others are related with the sailing profile (cruising, maneuvering, hoteling), the cargo type and weight conditions (laden, ballast). In this context the target of the present paper is to evaluate the emission performance of the major ship classes. This evaluation is performed by using a new set of engine load-dependent Emission Factors for ships, which have been derived by a statistical analysis of emission rates found in literature, in combination with average activity profiles per ship type as these are found in dedicated shipping inventory databases and in literature. These activity data concern a global scale of consideration. Results aim to highlight the differences and similarities in the emission performance of ship types, enhancing the understanding of policy makers and ship operators, on the principle of tackling pollutants especially at ports, close to cities.
Smart air monitoring for indoor public spaces using mobile applications
Authors: Evagelopoulos V , Charisiou N , Evagelopoulos G
Published: November 2021

As people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, monitoring the quality of indoor air is crucial in protecting public health. In recent years, technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing have introduced new measurement capabilities in a variety of environments. Low-cost sensor technology can significantly help in the field of air pollution monitoring, providing data on air quality levels and indoor air emissions. The work presented herein focuses on a cloud computing server able to analyse data in real time and present the results obtained with visual effects which illustrates the prevailing indoor air conditions, making data easier to understand and more interesting to the user. In addition, the server can alert mobile application users or facility managers when air quality is poor so that remedial action can be undertaken immediately.
Comparison of carbonyls emitted from conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products
Authors: Matsouki Niki , Konstantinidis Emmanouil , Tsipa Chara , Zervas Efthimios
Published: November 2021

Conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) emit a wide number of chemical substances which are inhaled by the user. An extended bibliographic analysis of the available data concerning carbonyls identity and quantity in tobacco products gas emissions was performed. Published works in Scopus and Pubmed databases from 2010 until 2020, in English language, were used in order to collect the data, using specific keywords. The number of carbonyls detected in the emissions of conventional cigarettes’ is 43 (97 articles are included), 33 in e-cigs’ (70 articles included) and 62 in HTPs’ (50 articles included). Nineteen compounds are present in emissions of all three tobacco products. Their emitted concentration is generally higher in the case of conventional cigarettes compared to the other two products, except from 5-methylfurfural and methylglyoxal that had the higher concentrations in HTPs, plus benzaldehyde and formaldehyde that had higher concentrations in e-cigs. However, HTPs has the higher number of unique carbonyls emitted.
Life cycle benefits and challenges of large – scale green roof implementation in a mediterranean compact city: the case of Thessaloniki
Authors: Koroxenidis E , Theodosiou T
Published: November 2021

Green roof installation is considered to be an effective practice in restoring green spaces to high – density urban areas, in an effort to mitigate environmental problems that arise from their growing expansion. The present study attempts to further investigate this claim by assessing the environmental and economic life cycle benefits and challenges of two extensive green roof large – scale implementation scenarios (on existing or on well – insulated roofs) in the compact mediterranean city of Thessaloniki, Greece. In both scenarios green roofs provided energy savings (13-19%), greenhouse gas emissions (22-29%) and waste production (57-60%) reductions but also led to a significant increase in water consumption (279-291%), with performance being better in the latter case. They also accrued significant public economic benefits in both a low and high discount rate scenario, although they were not an efficient choice for private owners in the second one. These results seem to imply that green roofs could potentially be a viable urban green infrastructure solution, if their water use is minimized in a sustainable way and additional state incentives are considered.
The role of education on the enhancement of heritage awareness and sustainability of the built environment; learning from experts and students
Authors: Sakantamis K , Chatzidimitriou A , Kotsopoulos S , Doussi M , Paka A , Axarli K
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the outcomes of Intellectual Output 2 (IO2) of the HERSUS research project. The scope of the survey was to create an argumentative and critically analysed report on the state of learning of sustainability and heritage in higher education. The study is based on the dissemination of two online questionnaires within the five HERSUS participating countries/institutions (Serbia, Italy, Cyprus, Greece and Spain). The first addresses experts in the fields of cultural heritage conservation and sustainable environmental design, occupied in academia, public administration, NGOs and the private sector. The second directs queries to students at master level studies, PhD researchers and recent alumni from academic institutions, in the five participating countries, regarding their experience from their study programs, their expectations and future prospects in the professional environment. The survey analysis was conducted independently for each country and comparisons derive from the review of the international summed outcome. The results of the survey conducted in Greece, are discussed here, reflecting the views of 10 experts and 120 students. The analysis reveals comparable results among responses, with similarity and variation between the views of experts and students. Common ground between the two groups of respondents is found for the establishment of further links between academic education and professional practice, interdisciplinarity in education, and the need for a more systematic correlation between concepts of sustainability and heritage.
Investigating the effect of summer night ventilation on the urban buildings’ thermal and energy performance using numerical approaches
Authors: Tsoka S
Published: November 2021

The present study aims to evaluate by simulation means, the effect of different night ventilations rates on the thermal and energy performance of typical building units, located in dense urban areas in Thessaloniki, Greece, both under thermostatic control and free-floating conditions. The numerical assessment is conducted with the dynamic building energy performance simulation model EnergyPlus. A parametric analysis, involving 4 different air flow rates (i.e., 3 ACH, 5ACH, 10ACH, 15ACH) has been carried out for 8 typical building units, located in 4 different urban areas in the city of Thessaloniki, presenting different morphological characteristics. In all cases, single side ventilation has been considered rather than cross ventilation, to evaluate the less optimal, building configuration scenario. The obtained simulation results revealed the significant effect of night ventilation on improving the thermal and energy performance of all the examined building units. Still, the morphological characteristics of the case study areas in which the examined building units are located, also affected the obtained simulation results and the achieved cooling energy savings.
Designing [for] the future: Managing architectural parts through the principles of circular economy
Authors: Fatourou-Sipsi A , Symeonidou I
Published: November 2021

The environmental impact of the construction and demolition industry is enormous, therefore the management of architectural “waste” and the existing building volume became of crucial importance for the design of sustainable buildings and cities. Considering the principles of circular economy, two possible approaches emerge. The first concerns the existing architectural stock and its future use, not as a whole but as upcycled separate modules. The second is oriented towards the incorporation of future management of architectural parts in the design of new constructions, also known as design for disassembly (DfD). The research highlights the capabilities of each material and the potential ways of reusing it. In the case of design for disassembly, the connectivity of construction elements is of equal importance to the materiality of the projects. Moreover, the observations include the logistics of reuse in a new construction, the incorporation of a former architectural part, whose function sometimes differs from its role in the original building. In the existing residential fabric, upcycling emerges as a practice of creative reuse of building elements. Nonetheless, each case should be individually evaluated. Though these processes have not been yet used at a great extent, this theoretical framework is a reminder that the creation of a new building is not a permanent condition, but an aggregation of materials that temporarily serve a given purpose.
Flâneuring and observing the city. The self-ethnographic experience in urban planning
Authors: Pamporis V , Micheli A
Published: November 2021

In this article, our intension is to shed light on this thought: the city in all its dimensions, becomes a reception space not only in the base of individual perceptions but also through a “nostalgic” lived dimension for something that may have been irrevocably lost or for something that is desirable. This point of view enables us to approach the city in an emotionally way of seeing, against the irrational, technical and unquestionable manner used by urban specialists. So far, the social and anthropological factor in urban planning has not been the main goal on the projects. Nevertheless, the postmodernity perspective demands new steps forward on urban field thought which are more dialectical and with a strong personal value imprint of the inhabitant’s demand. The study aims to evaluate the (possible) attitudes, representations, conflicts and desires of inhabitants and specialists for specific urban environments (cases) integrating the sense of the imaginary (subjective) perception and the dimensions arising from the reception of architectural structures and forms in the space but also to gain insight of a dipper understanding of the idealistic image of the city entities.
Urban playgrounds as potential green infrastructure: The case of Thessaloniki
Authors: Katsavounidou Garyfallia
Published: November 2021

In Greek cities and towns, playgrounds, which represent a significant portion of open public space available in high density compact urban areas, fail to positively impact the sustainability of the urban environment, as they are made of artificial materials and generally lacking in natural elements. Designed around safety from accidents, a typical urban playground is equipped with prefabricated play structures, surrounded by an extensive area of rubber protective floor providing a surface safe from falls etc. This water-sealed surface does not absorb rainwater and has a very hazardous behaviour in hot temperature climates, such as Greece has. This “toxic turf,” a product of recycled elastic tires, contains chemicals suspect for cancer. In addition, trees and vegetation are usually insufficient or absent, thus worsening the overheating due to lack of shade. Although this model continues to prevail in Greece, around the world there is a significant shift towards natural playgrounds – play spaces that are designed to incorporate trees, shrubs, dirt, sand, grass, and play elements that are not industrially manufactured but constructed in situ, using stone, wood, reed, and other natural materials. From a pedagogical point of view, a stereotypical playground offers a rather dull and uninteresting environment for children to play, compared to the rich experience of a natural playground. Therefore, if designed as green infrastructure, playgrounds can considerably contribute to urban climate adaptation and a cooler microclimate and at the same time provide opportunities for urban children to come to contact with nature and benefit from free play. The scope of the paper is to present the multiple environmental benefits of natural playgrounds and to calculate the potential positive effects by the transformation of playgrounds into green spaces in a compact urban area. The field study examines the existing playgrounds in the municipality of Thessaloniki and their potential to become part of the city’s green infrastructure.
Climate change adaptation through spatial planning: the case study of the region of Western Macedonia
Authors: Lazoglou M , Serraos K
Published: November 2021

In this paper the compatibility and complementarity between the Regional Adaptation Action Plans (RAAPs) and other regional-scaled plans, such as the Regional Spatial Planning Frameworks (RSPFs), are examined, using as a case study the Region of Western Macedonia. The compatibility and complementarity of objectives, measures and tools between the RAAP and the RSPF of Western Macedonia are assessed. The analysis of the RAAP and the RSPF of Western Macedonia revealed the interconnection between spatial planning policies and adaptation to climate change policies. However, severe doubts are raised about the usability of the revised RSPF of Western Macedonia since it does not assess the crucial new conditions and priorities related to the region’s future development, including the de-lignification and the Just Transition initiatives.
Basic principles of the TEVY index for the quantification of temperature variability within a year
Authors: Kalyvas Theodoros , Manika Stella , Zervas Efthimios
Published: November 2021

In the context of climate change, there is a need for the determination of appropriate indexes for the quantification of temperature variability. A new index (TEVY index) is proposed in this work. This index uses the deviation of the observed temperature values from those estimated from a Fourier harmonic analysis. For this purpose, a nearly 50-year time series data from 4 stations in Greece, with very different climatic conditions, are used. One station is located in the colder northern region of Greece, another one is in the warmest southern part, while the 2 other stations are representative of continental and Mediterranean climatic features. A Fourier harmonic analysis is carried out to obtain the Fourier series which simulates the observed data time series. Fourier harmonic analysis, which is relied on the Fourier transform, is a well-established method for time series analysis, particularly for modelling periodic data. Using this procedure, an index of temperature variability is proposed, as the sum of the divergence of the above-mentioned Fourier series from the observed data. The index results are analysed as a function of the different climatic features of each station.
Development and application of energy decoupling index as Cartesian Vector: evidence from world-wide regional data
Authors: Brilakis Demetrios S , Tsesmelis Demetrios E , Zervas Efthimios
Published: November 2021

Economic growth and energy consumed is critical for sustainable global development. In this paper, an extended Vector version of the commonly used Decoupling Index De of energy elasticity to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Decoupling Ratio of Energy Intensity of GDP are used to investigate decoupling phenomenon for the period 1990 to 2014 in the main regions of the World. Using Vector properties, this study overcomes some well-known deficiencies of Energy to Growth elasticity Decoupling Index and suggests the Decoupling Angle as a suitable indicator when describing decoupling. The relationships with aggregate and per capita indicators are also examined. A general finding was that in emerging economies, even when moving to “disconnected” states of decoupling, reduced energy rates were paired with reduced growth rates and accelerated growth rates with increased energy consumption rates. This statement raises questions over long-term decoupling of energy consumption from economic growth.
Factors affecting fuelwood production and consumption in Greece
Authors: Diafas I , Arabatzis G
Published: November 2021

Wood, one of the most important renewable energy sources (RES), has been used as a fuel since ancient times. Wood was the first material to be used for energy production. Gradually its use as a fuel dwindled as other sources gained popularity. However, following the oil crises of the 1970s, various countries switched to RES and in particular to wood as a primary heat source. The current paper attempts to highlight the factors that affect fuelwood production and consumption in Greece in recent decades and to propose a number of policy measures. More specifically, fuelwood production in Greece over the last decades is constantly declining mainly due to overgrazing, forest fires, urban sprawl, poor management and inadequate transport infrastructures; all these factors considerably impact the country’s forest productive capacity. Several decades ago, fuelwood was in great demand in Greece. Gradually, however, it lost its popularity to other heating fuels and was only used in rural residences or in a small number of urban homes. The last decade, however, owing to the deep economic crisis afflicting the country, there has been a marked increase in the demand for fuelwood mainly by low-income households.
Analytical study on the effect of extreme seismic strains on the transverse buckling of ultra-reinforced seismic walls and their environmental design
Authors: Chrysanidis Theodoros , Panoskaltsis Vassilis
Published: November 2021

In the context of the present work, the influence of the degree of tension on the phenomenon of transverse instability of reinforced concrete seismic walls is examined. Useful conclusions are drawn regarding the influence of the degree of elongation on the phenomenon of transverse buckling. These conclusions are substantiated both experimentally and analytically, as the results of the experiments are compared with the corresponding results of the analytical investigation. Moreover, some thoughts on a more environmental design of R/C seismic walls are stated. The present investigation is both experimental and analytical and consists of 4 test specimens. These specimens simulate the extreme boundary edges of structural walls. All columns simulate only the extreme reinforced areas of the walls, in order to study the basic mechanism of the phenomenon. The detailing of the specimens consists of 6 rebars with a diameter of 12 mm for each bar. The geometric dimensions are the same for all specimens. What differentiates the specimens from each other is the degree of tension they have sustained. More specifically, the tensile degrees used are 10‰, 20‰, 30‰ and 50‰. The loading stages of each specimen for all specimens are as follows: (a) Uniaxial central tensile loading on each test specimen apart from the specimen sustained 0‰ degree of tension; (b) Uniaxial central compression loading on each specimen till its failure due to buckling or due to an excess of its cross-section compressive strength. The present study focuses on the tensile loading stage only. Extreme tensile strengths are also used, e.g., 30‰ and 50‰, in order to take into account, the cases of extreme seismic excitations. The experimental study is followed by the numerical investigation of these 4 specimens using appropriate statistical software and finite elements.