bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Co-Content Optimization of the DD15 Single-Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Shi Zhenxue , Liu Shizhong
Published: February 2023

The fourth-generation single-crystal superalloy DD15 with 6% Co, 9% Co and 12% Co was cast using the vacuum directionally solidified furnace, while other alloying element’s content remained unchanged. The long-term aging experiment was conducted at 1100 °C for 1000 h after standard heat treatment. The stress rupture tests of the alloy were conducted at 1100 °C/137 MPa and 1140 °C/137 Mpa. The influence of Co content on the microstructure and stress rupture properties of DD15 alloy had been investigated to optimize the Co content to obtain excellent comprehensive performance. The results showed that the primary dendrite arm spacing of the alloy decreases at first and increases afterwards, and the volume fraction of γ-γ′ eutectic decreases with the growth of Co content in the as-cast microstructures. The size, cubic degree and volume fraction of the γ′ phase of the alloy after standard heat treatment all decrease with the increase in Co content. The microstructure stability of the alloy is enhanced with the increase in Co content. No TCP phase was present in the alloy with 12% Co precipitate even after aging 1000 h. The stress rupture lives at two conditions, both reduced in different degrees with the increase in Co content. The effect of Co on the stress rupture life of the alloy improves with the increase in Co content or test temperature. The acicular TCP phase appeared in the 6% Co alloy and 9% Co alloy in the microstructure of the ruptured specimens with different Co contents. Moreover, the TCP phase content in the 6% Co alloy is much more than that in the 9% Co alloy. There is no TCP phase precipitation in the 12% Co alloy. At last, the relationship between microstructure stability, stress rupture properties and Co content of the alloy is discussed. The alloy containing 9% Co is the best choice considering the microstructure stability and stress rupture properties.
Trematodes of Land Birds from the Republic of Mordovia with a Checklist of Avian Trematodes of the Middle Volga Region (European Russia)
Authors: Kirillov Alexander A. , Kirillova Nadezhda Yu. , Spiridonov Sergei N.
Published: February 2023

We studied the trematode fauna in land birds from the Republic of Mordovia (European Russia) in 2018–2022. In total, we identified 16 digenean species in 45 species of birds from the orders Passeriformes, Piciformes, Caprimulgiformes and Falconiformes. The trematodes Phaneropsolus micrococcus and Morishitum polonicum were recorded for the first time in the birds’ parasite fauna of Russia. We obtained the first data on helminths in Hippolais icterina and Ficedula albicollis from Russia and in Coccothraustes coccothraustes from the Middle Volga region. New host records resulting from our study include Brachylaima mesostoma from Coccothraustes coccothraustes; Urogonimus macrostomus from Sylvia atricapilla, Ficedula albicollis, Ficedula hypoleuca and Acrocephalus palustris; Plagiorchis maculosus from Ficedula albicollis and Hippolais icterina; and Lyperosomum alaudae from Ficedula hypoleuca. The common parasite of rallid birds Leucochloridium holostomum is recorded for the first time from Turdus merula in Russia. Taking into account the newly obtained data, we carried out a review of trematodes in land birds of the Middle Volga region, of which the Republic of Mordovia is a part. Currently, the list of land bird digeneans in the Middle Volga region includes 56 species. Among all the studied land birds, members of the order Passeriformes have the richest trematode fauna (33 species). The diversity of trematodes found in passerines is due to the large number of both individuals and species studied and the variety of habitats and diet preferences of these land birds. Most of the identified trematode faunas (47 species) are obligate parasites of land birds. Nine species parasitize land birds accidentally and/or facultatively. In the Middle Volga area, the fauna of trematodes is the most diverse in land birds of the Nizhny Novgorod region, where 31 species are revealed. Fewer species of trematodes are identified in birds from the Bashkortostan (20), Mordovia (17) and Samara regions (15). For the birds of Chuvashia and Tatarstan, only eight and one species of trematodes are known, respectively. Six trematode species, found in land birds, have veterinary and medical significance as potential pathogens of dangerous helminthiases.
Achieving Remission in the Era of Clinical Inertia: What Is Preventing Us from Treating Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Suits Austen , Gudoor Ridhi , Shubrook Jay
Published: February 2023

Despite evolution in treatment options and improved understanding of pathophysiology, the treatment of type 2 diabetes remains unsatisfactory. Current management guidelines complicated by clinical inertia have resulted in over half of patients failing to meet glycemic targets. Expert consensus has defined a state of diabetes remission whereby treatment can induce sustained normalization of glucose levels. Evidence suggests that metabolic surgery, intensive lifestyle modification, and pharmacologic approaches are each viable options for achieving remission when implemented early in the disease course. The authors review each of these strategies and include practical considerations to aid in the pursuit of remission.
H-Shaped Slot Antenna with Harmonic Tuning Function and Integrated Power Amplifier
Authors: Narita Yuto , Nozawa Koichi , Tanba Noriyuki , Hara Shinji , Hirayama Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

This study proposes a patch antenna with an H-shaped slot with direct matching and harmonic tuning (rejection) functions for microwave power transfer. This antenna enables an integrated active antenna in which the power amplifier and antenna are directly connected without using a matching circuit for the fundamental frequency and harmonic rejection filter to improve the efficiency of the amplifier. The integrated design also reduces the total size of the amplifier and antenna, allowing for a higher-density array antenna. Characteristic mode analysis was performed to explain the working principle of the harmonic rejection function. The designed antenna at 5.8 GHz was fabricated to study its harmonic tuning function. The magnitude of the reflection coefficient of the proposed antenna was at a fundamental frequency of −40.4 dB for an amplification device with an optimum load impedance of 100 Ohm. At the second harmonic frequency, the magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient at the second harmonic frequency were −0.79 dB and −177.6°, respectively; at the third harmonic frequency, they were −0.92 dB and −179.5°, respectively. Finally, the designed antenna was integrated into an amplifier circuit to verify that it achieved similar drain efficiency as when using the impedance tuner. It was confirmed that the harmonic rejection function of the proposed antenna increases the drain efficiency of the integrated power amplifier by 5.5%. The measurements revealed that this antenna is suitable for use in microwave power transfer because of its fundamental matching and harmonic-processing capabilities.
A Novel Pressure-Controlled Molecular Dynamics Simulation Method for Nanoscale Boiling Heat Transfer
Authors: Wang Cong , Kong Yalong , Liu Zhigang , Guo Lin , Yang Yawei
Published: February 2023

Pool boiling, enabling remarkable phase-change heat transfer, has elicited increasing attention due to its ubiquitous applications in solar thermal power stations. An explicit understanding of the effect of system pressure on pool boiling is required to enhance the phase-change heat transfer. Despite its wide application when exploring the potential mechanism of boiling, the molecular dynamics method still needs to be improved when discussing the working mechanism of system pressure. Therefore, in the present study, a novel molecular dynamics simulation method of nanoscale pool boiling was proposed. This method provides a way to change and control pressure during the phase-change process. Furthermore, the bubble nucleation and growth in nanoscale pool boiling are quantitatively investigated through pressure-control molecular dynamics simulations. We expect that this study will improve the present simulation method of pool boiling and provide useful insights to the physics of the process.
Lithologic Identification of Complex Reservoir Based on PSO-LSTM-FCN Algorithm
Authors: He Yawen , Li Weirong , Dong Zhenzhen , Zhang Tianyang , Shi Qianqian , Wang Linjun , Wu Lei , Qian Shihao , Wang Zhengbo , Liu Zhaoxia , Lei Gang
Published: February 2023

Reservoir lithology identification is the basis for the exploration and development of complex lithological reservoirs. Efficient processing of well-logging data is the key to lithology identification. However, reservoir lithology identification through well-logging is still a challenge with conventional machine learning methods, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and Long Short-term Memory (LSTM). To address this issue, a fully connected network (FCN) and LSTM were coupled for predicting reservoir lithology. The proposed algorithm (LSTM-FCN) is composed of two sections. One section uses FCN to extract the spatial properties, the other one captures feature selections by LSTM. Well-logging data from Hugoton Field is used to evaluate the performance. In this study, well-logging data, including Gamma-ray (GR), Resistivity (ILD_log10), Neutron-density porosity difference (DeltaPHI), Average neutron-density porosity(PHIND), and (Photoelectric effect) PE, are used for training and identifying lithology. For comparison, seven conventional methods are also proposed and trained, such as support vector machines (SVM), and random forest classifiers (RFC). The accuracy results indicate that the proposed architecture obtains better performance. After that, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to optimize hyper-parameters of LSTM-FCN. The investigation indicates the proposed PSO-LSTM-FCN model can enhance the performance of machine learning algorithms on identify the lithology of complex reservoirs.
Determinants of Renewable Energy Consumption in Africa: Evidence from System GMM
Authors: Lawal Adedoyin Isola
Published: February 2023

The adoption of renewable energy remains Sub-Saharan Africa’s best option to achieve sustainable growth and mitigate climate change. The essence of this study is to examine the factors that determine the adoption of renewable energy adoption in Africa by employing the System Generalized Methods-Of-Moment (GMM) to analyze data sourced from 1990 to 2019 on some selected African economies. The study examined the tripartite role of the economic, environmental, and socio-political factors on renewable energy adoption in Africa and noted that a positive relationship exists between economic and renewable energy adoption, supporting the validity of the feedback hypothesis. Hence, a policy that supports simultaneous growth of the economy and renewable energy could be adopted. The results further show that environmental factors such as carbon emission and ecological footprint negatively impact renewable energy (RE) adoption in Sub-Saharan African economies. The impact of socio-political factors is, at best mixed; for instance, the result of urbanization is positive and significant, suggesting that urbanization helps in the quick adoption of renewable energy in the studied economies, while the results of corruption show otherwise. To account for single-country dynamics, the study employed the full PMG and noted that the pollution haven hypothesis holds for a number of African economies. The results offer some policy implications.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Separation for an Innovative Energy Concept towards Low-Emission Glass Melting
Authors: Gärtner Sebastian , Marx-Schubach Thomas , Gaderer Matthias , Schmitz Gerhard , Sterner Michael
Published: February 2023

The currently still high fossil energy demand is forcing the glass industry to search for innovative approaches for the reduction in CO2 emissions and the integration of renewable energy sources. In this paper, a novel power-to-methane concept is presented and discussed for this purpose. A special focus is on methods for the required CO2 capture from typical flue gases in the glass industry, which have hardly been explored to date. To close this research gap, process simulation models are developed to investigate post-combustion CO2 capture by absorption processes, followed by a techno-economic evaluation. Due to reduced flue gas volume, the designed CO2 capture plant is found to be much smaller (40 m3 absorber column volume) than absorption-based CO2 separation processes for power plants (12,560 m3 absorber column volume). As there are many options for waste heat utilization in the glass industry, the waste heat required for CO2 desorption can be generated in a particularly efficient and cost-effective way. The resulting CO2 separation costs range between 41 and 42 EUR/t CO2, depending on waste heat utilization for desorption. These costs are below the values of 50–65 EUR/t CO2 for comparable industrial applications. Despite these promising economic results, there are still some technical restrictions in terms of solvent degradation due to the high oxygen content in flue gas compositions. The results of this study point towards parametric studies for approaching these issues, such as the use of secondary and tertiary amines as solvents, or the optimization of operating conditions such as stripper pressure for further cost reductions potential.
Green Deal and Carbon Neutrality Assessment of Czechia
Authors: Rečka Lukáš , Máca Vojtěch , Ščasný Milan
Published: February 2023

The European Green Deal declares climate neutrality as a goal for the year 2050. It establishes an EU binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. The market, through the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, will determine how EU member states contribute to this target. The Effort Sharing Regulation defines binding national targets to reduce the remaining GHG emissions not covered by the EU ETS. In this paper, an energy optimization model is applied to analyze the capability of Czechia to meet the climate change targets by 2030 and 2050. We define a baseline scenario derived from the National Energy and Climate Plan and three policy scenarios to assess impacts of the extension of the EU ETS to buildings and transport (EU ETS 2) and the coal phase-out on the Czech energy system. One of the policy scenarios aims at approaching climate neutrality in 2050. In addition, another scenario does not assess the impacts of the EU ETS 2 and coal phase-out but searches for the optimal path to achieve climate neutrality in 2050. Given the high level of GHG emissions in 1990 and the significant reduction in GHG emissions in the 1990s, Czechia could achieve a 55% reduction by 2030. However, further decarbonization will be quite challenging.
Crisis Index Prediction Based on Momentum Theory and Earnings Downside Risk Theory: Focusing on South Korea’s Energy Industry
Authors: Cha Jeonghwa , Park Kyungbo , Kim Hangook , Hong Jongyi
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The economic impact of supply and demand in the energy industry can be seen throughout raw material production, processing and distribution. The purpose of this study is to provide academic information to prepare for crisis management through prediction using indices. (2) Method: In order to predict a crisis of the energy industry, the Crisis Index presented by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information was utilized instead of the economic indicators that have hitherto been widely used. Specifically, we propose a new forecasting model based on the concept of economic momentum theory used in financial research and the proper weighting of the earning downside risk theory. Then, statistical empirical analysis was performed to verify the new prediction model. (3) Results: As the result of the empirical analysis, the risk index prediction model proposed in this study showed statistically significant results in predicting the future risk index. (4) Conclusions: This study proposed a risk prediction model using an index and thereby provides an academic analysis of the predictability of numerous indicators created for various purposes and, furthermore, provides implications for predicting crises in the Korean energy industry.
Scheduling Optimization of IEHS with Uncertainty of Wind Power and Operation Mode of CCP
Authors: Liu Yuxing , Zeng Linjun , Zeng Jie , Yang Zhenyi , Li Na , Li Yuxin
Published: February 2023

With the gradual depletion of fossil energy sources and the improvement in environmental protection attention, efficient use of energy and reduction in carbon emissions have become urgent issues. The integrated electricity and heating energy system (IEHS) is a significant solution to reduce the proportion of fossil fuel and carbon emissions. In this paper, a stochastic optimization model of the IEHS considering the uncertainty of wind power (WP) output and carbon capture power plants (CCPs) is proposed. The WP output in the IEHS is represented by stochastic scenarios, and the scenarios are reduced by fast scenario reduction to obtain typical scenarios. Then, the conventional thermal power plants are modified with CCPs, and the CCPs are equipped with flue gas bypass systems and solution storage to form the integrated and flexible operation mode of CCPs. Furthermore, based on the different load demand responses (DRs) in the IEHS, the optimization model of the IEHS with a CCP is constructed. Finally, the results show that with the proposed optimization model and shunt-type CCP, the integrated operation approach allows for a better reduction in carbon capture costs and carbon emissions.
Efficient Deployment of Dual Locomotives in Regional Freight Rail Transport
Authors: Chýle Martin , Drábek Michal
Published: February 2023

The present article focuses on the efficient deployment of dual locomotives in regional rail freight transport considering the quantification of traction energy and energy savings. In the first part of the article, a categorization of dual locomotives, according to their power output in electric and alternative traction (and ratio of both power outputs) is proposed. The potential of deployment of chosen dual locomotives in Central European conditions (a sub-network of Czech railway network around mainlines electrified with AC) is verified by calculation of traction energy consumption of the model train (with two examples of dual locomotives). In addition to non-stop running through the entire line, traction energy consumption of stop (and following acceleration) in each intermediate station is calculated, for a particular direction. Then, appropriate freight train paths for passing passenger trains and saving of traction energy are proposed. The results are supplemented by sensitivity analysis in the form of calculation of traction energy consumption with variable numbers of loaded wagons, with the help of iPLAN/FBS timetabling software. The limitations are the maximum length or gross mass of the train. Finally, the conclusions obtained from the computational examples are evaluated and recommendations for appropriate deployment of dual locomotives and planning of targeted improvements of infrastructure are formulated.
Production of Substitute Natural Gas Integrated with Allam Cycle for Power Generation
Authors: Candelaresi Daniele , Spazzafumo Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

The accumulation of energy from non-programmable renewable sources is a crucial aspect for the energy transition. Using surplus electricity from renewable energy sources, power-to-gas plants allow to produce a substitute natural gas (SNG) that can be injected in the existing infrastructure for large-scale and long-term energy storage, contributing to gas grid decarbonisation. The plant layout, the method used for carbon dioxide capture and the possible cogeneration of electricity can increase the efficiency and convenience of SNG synthesis plants. In this work, a system for the simultaneous production of SNG and electricity starting from biomass and fluctuating electricity from renewables is proposed, using a plant based on the Allam thermodynamic cycle as the power unit. The Allam power cycle uses supercritical CO2 as evolving fluid and is based on the oxycombustion of gaseous fuels, thus greatly simplifying CO2 capture. In the proposed system, oxycombustion is performed using biomass syngas and electrolytic oxygen. The CO2 generated by means of oxycombustion is captured, and it is subsequently used together with renewable hydrogen for the production of SNG through thermochemical methanation. The system is also coupled with a solid oxide electrolyser and a biomass gasifier. The whole plant was analysed from an energy-related point of view. The results show overall plant efficiency of 67.6% on an LHV basis (71.6% on an HHV basis) and the simultaneous production of significant amounts of electricity and of high-calorific-value SNG, whose composition could be compatible with the existing natural gas network.
Multi-Period Transmission Expansion Planning for Renewables-Rich Power Grid Enabling Transfer Capacity Enhancement of Hybrid AC/DC Interface
Authors: Shen Li , Jiang Li , Wang Qing , Wen Yiyu , Liu Tingjian
Published: February 2023

With the increasing integration of HVDC tie-lines, the regional power systems in both the energy-exporting area and the energy-importing area have been gradually evolving into “strong DC, weak AC” systems. In this paper, a multi-period transmission expansion planning optimization model is proposed for an energy-exporting power grid with hybrid AC/DC interface. While the existing literature has not considered the dynamic security problem in TEP, this paper adopts the conventional total transfer capacity (TTC) index to evaluate the security limit of hybrid AC/DC interface under different transmission expansion schemes. Multiple objectives are considered to reduce the investment cost while promoting the consumption of renewables by enhancing the total transfer capacity of hybrid AC/DC interface. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is used to compute the optimal solution for the proposed multi-period multi-objective transmission expansion planning problem. A case study on the modified IEEE 39-bus system is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Review of the Optimization Strategies and Methods Used to Locate Hydrogen Fuel Refueling Stations
Authors: Isaac Nithin , Saha Akshay K.
Published: February 2023

Increasing sales of conventional fuel-based vehicles are leading to an increase in carbon emissions, which are dangerous to the environment. To reduce these, conventional fuel-based vehicles must be replaced with alternative fuel vehicles such as hydrogen-fueled. Hydrogen can fuel vehicles with near-zero greenhouse gas emissions. However, to increase the penetration of such alternative fuel vehicles, there needs to be adequate infrastructure, specifically, refueling infrastructure, in place. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the different optimization strategies and methods used in the location of hydrogen refueling stations. The findings of the review in this paper show that there are various methods which can be used to optimally locate refueling stations, the most popular being the p-median and flow-capture location models. It is also evident from the review that there are limited studies that consider location strategies of hydrogen refueling stations within a rural setting; most studies are focused on urban locations due to the high probability of penetration into these areas. Furthermore, it is apparent that there is still a need to incorporate factors such as the safety elements of hydrogen refueling station construction, and for risk assessments to provide more robust, realistic solutions for the optimal location of hydrogen refueling stations. Hence, the methods reviewed in this paper can be used and expanded upon to create useful and accurate models for a hydrogen refueling network. Furthermore, this paper will assist future studies to achieve an understanding of the extant studies on hydrogen refueling station and their optimal location strategies.
A Survey of Renewable Energy, Climate Change, and Policy Awareness in Israel: The Long Path for Citizen Participation in the National Renewable Energy Transition
Authors: Kádár József , Pilloni Martina , Hamed Tareq Abu
Published: February 2023

The social acceptance of energy policies and renewable energy technologies is crucial in the era of the renewable energy transition. Yet, little is known about Israel’s transition in this regard. One thousand five hundred Israeli citizens were engaged through a survey to examine their perceptions of climate change and awareness regarding renewable energy technologies and national energy policy. Individual-level factors such as gender, age, and education were included in the survey to assess their possible influence on replies. The main findings were the following: (i) climate change impact is not felt as an immediate threat by the majority, and there is (ii) a lack of accurate knowledge about renewable energies; (iii) a lack of awareness regarding national energy and climate policy; and (iv) a lack of trust in citizens’ role in energy decision making. These findings are evaluated as a barrier to public engagement within the renewable energy development process in Israel.
Machine Learning and Game-Theoretic Model for Advanced Wind Energy Management Protocol (AWEMP)
Authors: Khabbouchi Imed , Said Dhaou , Oukaira Aziz , Mellal Idir , Khoukhi Lyes
Published: February 2023

To meet the target of carbon neutrality by the year 2050 and decrease the dependence on fossil fuels, renewable energy sources (RESs), specifically wind power, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) have to be massively deployed. Nevertheless, the integration of a large amount of wind power, with an intermittent nature, into the grid and the variability of the load on the demand side require an efficient and reliable energy management system (EMS) for operation, scheduling, maintenance and energy trading in the modern power system. This article proposes a new Energy Management Protocol (EMP) based on the combination of Machine Learning (ML) and Game-Theoretic (GT) algorithms to manage the operation of the charging/discharging of EVs from an energy storage system (ESS) via EV supply equipment (EVSE) when the main source of energy is wind power. The ESS can be linked to the grid to overcome downtimes of wind power production. Case study results of wind power forecasting using an ML algorithm and 10 min wind measurements, combined with a GT optimization model, showed good performance in the forecasting and management of power dispatching between EVs to ensure the efficient and accurate operation of the power system.
CO2 Emissions—Evidence from Internal Combustion and Electric Engine Vehicles from Car-Sharing Systems
Authors: Kubik Andrzej , Turoń Katarzyna , Folęga Piotr , Chen Feng
Published: February 2023

Car-sharing services are developing at an ever-increasing pace. Taking into account the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and pursuit of the sustainable development of transport, implementing electric cars in car-sharing fleets is being proposed. On the one hand, these types of vehicles are referred to as emission-free, but on the other hand, their environmental friendliness is questionable due to the emission of carbon dioxide during the production of energy to power them. Although many scientific papers are devoted to the issue of reducing emissions through car sharing, there is a research gap concerning the real production of carbon dioxide by car-sharing vehicles during car-sharing trips. To fill this research gap, the objective of the article was to analyze the actual level of carbon dioxide emissions from combustion and electric vehicles from car-sharing systems produced when renting rides. The test results showed that the electric car turned out to be significantly less emitting. The use of electric vehicles in car-sharing fleets can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from 14% to 65% compared to using cars with internal combustion engines. However, the key role during car-sharing trips is played by the driving style of the drivers, which has been omitted from the literature to date. This should be properly regulated by service providers and focus on the proper use of energy from electric vehicle batteries, especially at low temperatures. The article provides support for operators planning to modernize their fleet of vehicles and fills the research gap concerning car-sharing emissions.
A High-Power Solar PV-fed TISO DC-DC Converter for Electric Vehicle Charging Applications
Authors: Kunjuramakurup Lijin , Sulthan Sheik Mohammed , Ponparakkal Muhammed Shanir , Raj Veena , Sathyajith Mathew
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a two-input, single-output (TISO) DC-DC converter for electric vehicle charging applications with solar photovoltaic (PV) as one of the sources is discussed. A novel, simple, and effective control strategy with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to maximize power from PV while maintaining a constant bus voltage is proposed. A 100 V, 100 W TISO DC-DC converter is designed and comprehensive simulations are conducted under different conditions. The system characteristics are validated by comparing the results with a conventional P&O algorithm and multiple step size P&O algorithm. The proposed control strategy can precisely generate control signals to track MPPT while maintaining the bus voltage by controlling the output of a fixed DC source according to the changes in PV generation. The overall efficiency of the proposed approach is 98.67%, and the average output voltage is 99.09 V under selected conditions. The overall average output voltage ripple is 0.22% with the proposed approach, while it is 2.91% and 1.55% with the conventional P&O and multiple step size P&O MPPT techniques, respectively. Further, a 500 V, 17 kW high-power converter is designed and a simulation is carried out. The high-power converter provides an average output voltage of 496.92 V with an overall efficiency of 98.72%, and the average output voltage ripple is 0.16%. The results obtained from the simulation under the selected conditions lead to the conclusion that the converter has better efficiency and less variation in the output voltage at higher power levels with the proposed control technique.
Thermal Degradation Studies and Machine Learning Modelling of Nano-Enhanced Sugar Alcohol-Based Phase Change Materials for Medium Temperature Applications
Authors: Kottala Ravi Kumar , Chigilipalli Bharat Kumar , Mukuloth Srinivasnaik , Shanmugam Ragavanantham , Kantumuchu Venkata Charan , Ainapurapu Sirisha Bhadrakali , Cheepu Muralimohan
Published: February 2023

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilised to compare the thermal stability of pure phase change material (D-mannitol) to that of nano-enhanced PCM (NEPCM) (i.e., PCM containing 0.5% and 1% multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)). Using model-free kinetics techniques, the kinetics of pure PCM and NEPCM degradation were analysed. Three different kinetic models such as Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), and the Starink were applied to assess the activation energies of the pure and nano-enhanced PCM samples. Activation energies for pure PCM using the Ozawa, KAS, and Starink methods ranged from 71.10–77.77, 79.36–66.87, and 66.53–72.52 kJ/mol, respectively. NEPCM’s (1% MWCNT) activation energies ranged from 76.59–59.11, 71.52–52.28, and 72.15–53.07 kJ/mol. Models of machine learning were utilised to predict the degradation of NEPCM samples; these included linear regression, support vector regression, random forests, gaussian process regression, and artificial neural network models. The mass loss of the sample functioned as the output parameter, while the addition of nanoparticles weight fraction, the heating rate, and the temperature functioned as the input parameters. Experiment-based TGA data can be accurately predicted using the created machine learning models.
Public Risk Perception of the Petrochemical Industry, Measured Using a Public Participation Geographic Information System: A Case Study of Camp de Tarragona (Spain)
Authors: Bustamante Picón Edgar , Alberich González Joan , Pérez-Albert Yolanda , Gheitasi Mahdi
Published: February 2023

Following the implementation of the petrochemical industry, the population of Camp de Tarragona began living with a chemical risk, and after two consecutive years of chemical-related accidents with fatalities (in 2019 in the firm Carburos Metálicos, and in 2020 in the firm IQOXE), it is necessary to know the population’s perception of this activity. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the population’s risk perception regarding the petrochemical industry, by applying a Public Participation Geographic Information System (PPGIS). To this end, the risk perception data obtained from the PPGIS were correlated with the sociodemographic data from the surveys; an analysis was made of the perceived risks associated with this activity and what its possible effect would be on a territorial level, always from the point of view of the surveyed public. The results showed that the population clearly identifies on the map what the main sources of chemical risk are and which places would be affected by a possible explosion. In addition, it was verified that certain sociodemographic characteristics, such as gender or age, affect people’s perception of the risk, and that the weather conditions and anomalous situations within the industry also influence people’s perception, indicating high values of danger.
Number Preference as a Source of Measurement Error in the U.S. National Forest Inventory
Authors: Randolph KaDonna C.
Published: February 2023

Number preference, i.e., the human tendency to gravitate toward or away from specific numbers, is a potential source of measurement error in forest inventory. Identifying its presence is an important step to ensure unbiased results. This study evaluated U.S. national forest inventory data for number preference and identified factors that influence the proportion of tree cull volume, tree diameter, tree height, and seedling count observations ending with the digit zero or five (ED0,5) and seedling count observations that were multiples of four (M4). Two-sided hypothesis tests determined that ED0,5 occurred significantly more frequently than expected by chance for all metrics tested, though not in every inventory region of the country nor to the same degree. Consistently, tree-level ED0,5 was more likely when metrics were estimated visually rather than measured instrumentally. Logistic regression indicated that the effect of species class, species type, tree status, treetop status, and stem size on tree-level ED0,5 and the effect of plot-level water depth on seedling count ED0,5 also varied by region. Though the effect was small, findings suggest that some inventory regions may be employing an approved multiplicative shortcut that results in a greater-than-expected proportion of M4 observations among seedling counts.
Effects of Adhesive Types and Structural Configurations on Shear Performance of Laminated Board from Two Gigantochloa Bamboos
Authors: Mohd Yusof Norwahyuni , Md Tahir Paridah , Lee Seng Hua , Anwar Uyup Mohd Khairun , James Redzuan Mohammad Suffian , Osman Al-Edrus Syeed Saifulazry , Kristak Lubos , Reh Roman , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi
Published: February 2023

Semantan (Gigantochloa scortechinii) and beting (Gigantochloa levis) bamboo are the two Malaysian bamboo that are suitable to be converted into laminated bamboo boards. One of the main criteria for laminated board is its good bondability, which is determined by shear performance. The shear performance of laminated board is influenced by several factors such as the species used, adhesive types and lamination configurations. Therefore, in this study, laminated bamboo boards were produced using Semantan and Beting bamboo bonded with phenol–resorcinol–formaldehyde (PRF) and polyurethane (PUR) adhesives. Different configurations (lay-up patterns and strip arrangements) were used during the consolidation of the laminated boards. The bamboo strips were arranged in three different arrangements, namely vertical, horizontal and mixed, and then assembled into a three-layered structure with two lay-up patterns, which are perpendicular and parallel. Shear performances, such as shear strength, bamboo failure and delamination of the boards, were evaluated. The results revealed that the adhesive type and lay-up pattern were the most influential factors on the shear performance. PRF-bonded laminated bamboo boards outperformed PUR-bonded laminated bamboo boards in terms of shear strength and bamboo failure but PUR bonding had better bond durability as indicated by its low delamination. Boards laminated parallelly significantly outperformed those bonded perpendicularly. As for strip arrangement, PRF-bonded laminated boards were less influenced by it compared to PUR-bonded laminated boards. The results suggested that PRF is a better adhesive for bamboo lamination due to its higher shear performance and more consistent performance across structural configurations (lay-up patterns and strip arrangements).
Climate Seasonality Mediates Global Patterns of Foliar Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes
Authors: Du Lan , Li Yan , Zheng Xinjun
Published: February 2023

Frequent extreme climate events have significantly affected plant intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) and forest nitrogen (N) availability. Understanding the coupling between climate seasonality and plant water, carbon, and nitrogen may provide insights into how plants respond to climate change. Here, we integrated Δ13C and δ15N in woody plant leaves as a probe to elucidate the iWUE and N availability patterns of plants under global change and found that woody plants from sites with high climate seasonality, especially precipitation seasonality, tend to have improved iWUE and N availability compared with those with low seasonality. Specifically, high potential evapotranspiration, solar radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and low precipitation during the growth season are the driving factors. The intra-annual and annual climate explained 43% and 49% of Δ13C and 40% and 53% of δ15N, respectively, suggesting that the intra-annual climate is at least as important as the annual climate. These results suggest that not only the direction (decrease vs. increase) of decadal climate should be counted but also the abnormal fluctuation of intra-annual should be considered. Climate seasonality is a more suitable ecological filter for determining plant distribution across terrestrial ecosystems.
Bacterial Biological Factories Intended for the Desulfurization of Petroleum Products in Refineries
Authors: Ahmad Abrar , Zamzami Mazin A. , Ahmad Varish , Al-Thawadi Salwa , Akhtar Mohammad Salman , Khan Mohd Jahir
Published: February 2023

The removal of sulfur by deep hydrodesulfurization is expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Additionally, sulfur is not separated completely from heterocyclic poly-aromatic compounds. In nature, several microorganisms (Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8, Gordonia sp., Bacillus sp., Mycobacterium sp., Paenibacillus sp. A11-2 etc.) have been reported to remove sulfur from petroleum fractions. All these microbes remove sulfur from recalcitrant organosulfur compounds via the 4S pathway, showing potential for some organosulfur compounds only. Activity up to 100 µM/g dry cell weights is needed to meet the current demand for desulfurization. The present review describes the desulfurization capability of various microorganisms acting on several kinds of sulfur sources. Genetic engineering approaches on Gordonia sp. and other species have revealed a variety of good substrate ranges of desulfurization, both for aliphatic and aromatic organosulfur compounds. Whole genome sequence analysis and 4S pathway inhibition by a pTeR group inhibitor have also been discussed. Now, emphasis is being placed on how to commercialize the microbes for industrial-level applications by incorporating biodesulfurization into hydrodesulfurization systems. Thus, this review summarizes the potentialities of microbes for desulfurization of petroleum. The information included in this review could be useful for researchers as well as the economical commercialization of bacteria in petroleum industries.
First Detection of Photobacterium spp. in Acute Hemorrhagic Septicemia from the Nursehound Shark Scyliorhinus stellaris
Authors: Catanese Gaetano , Grau Amalia
Published: February 2023

The nursehound Scyliorhinus stellaris is a threatened shark species and its population in the Mediterranean Sea is declining. Programs for captive breeding and repopulation in marine protected areas (MPA) are being carried out. Unfortunately, pathogens may hinder conservation plans for this species. An impactful disease of marine animals, caused by the bacteria Photobacterium damselae, has been detected with increased frequency in recent decades in both farmed and marine animals. The aim of this work was to determine the cause of a disease outbreak in eight captive nursehounds that died after 18 months of captivity. Gross necropsy observations were indicative of a presumptive diagnosis of hemorrhagic septicemia. Histological and molecular techniques were performed, to diagnose the etiological agents that could be involved in their mortality. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of P. damselae, identified as subsp. damselae by PCR-duplex, and Photobacterium swingsii in the analyzed captive nursehound Scyliorhinus stellaris.
Study on Micro-Displacement Mechanism and Reservoir Compatibility of Soft Dispersed Microgel
Authors: Ye Yinzhu , Liu Yang , Guan Baoshan , Yang Zhe , He Lipeng , Xiao Peiwen , Wang Xiaocong , Li Shichao
Published: February 2023

Polymer flooding is a key technology for improving reservoir heterogeneity around the world, and it has made great progress. However, the traditional polymer has many shortcomings in the theory and application, which causes the efficiency of polymer flooding to gradually decrease and secondary reservoir damage after a long period of polymer flooding. In this work, a novel polymer particle (soft dispersed microgel, SMG) is used as the research object to further investigate the displacement mechanism and reservoir compatibility of SMG. The visualization experiments of the micro-model prove that SMG has excellent flexibility and can be highly deformable to realize deep migration through the pore throat smaller than SMG itself. The visualization displacement experiments of the plane model further show that SMG has a plugging effect, which makes the displacing fluid flow into the middle and low permeability layers, improving the recovery of these layers. The compatibility tests show that the optimal permeability of the reservoir for SMG-μm is 250–2000 mD, and the corresponding matching coefficient range is 0.65–1.40. For SMG-mm−, its corresponding optimal permeabilities of reservoir and matching coefficient are 500–2500 mD and 1.17–2.07, respectively. The comprehensive analysis demonstrates that the SMG has excellent ability of the water-flooding swept control and compatibility with reservoirs, having the potential to solve the problem of traditional polymer flooding.
Phospholipid-Based Topical Nano-Hydrogel of Mangiferin: Enhanced Topical Delivery and Improved Dermatokinetics
Authors: Alkholifi Faisal K. , Alam Aftab , Foudah Ahmed I. , Yusufoglu Hasan S.
Published: February 2023

Mangiferin is a herbal drug that has proven anticancer potential. Owing to its lower aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability, the full pharmacological potential of this bioactive drug has not fully been explored. In the present study, phospholipid-based microemulsion systems were developed to bypass oral delivery. The globule size of the developed nanocarriers was less than 150 nm and the drug entrapment was >75% with a drug loading ~25%. The developed system offered a controlled release pattern following the Fickian drug release. This enhanced mangiferin’s in vitro anticancer activity by four-fold, the cellular uptake was observed to be improved by three-fold on the MCF-7 cells. Ex vivo dermatokinetic studies showed substantial topical bioavailability with a prolonged residence time. The findings provide a simple technique to administer mangiferin via a topical route promising a safer, topically bioavailable and effective treatment option for breast cancer. Such scalable carriers with immense topical delivery potential may provide a better option for present-day topical products of a conventional nature.
Transparent Gelation of Ionic Liquids Trapped in Silicone Microcup Structures under Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Iwasaki Kaede , Okoshi Masayuki
Published: February 2023

It is expected that ionic liquids will be used in the future as electrolytes for electric double layer capacitors, but currently microencapsulation with a conductive or porous shell is required for their fabrication. Here, we succeeded in fabricating a transparently gelled ionic liquid trapped in hemispherical silicone microcup structures just by observing with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which allows the microencapsulation process to be eliminated and electrical contacts to be formed directly. To see the gelation, small amounts of ionic liquid were exposed to the SEM electron beam on flat aluminum, silicon, silica glass, and silicone rubber. The ionic liquid gelled on all the plates, and a color change to brown was observed on all the plates except for silicone rubber. This change might be caused by reflected and/or secondary electrons from the plates producing isolated carbon. Silicone rubber could remove the isolated carbon due to the large amount of oxygen inside it. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the gelled ionic liquid included a large amount of the original ionic liquid. Moreover, the transparent, flat gelled ionic liquid could also be made into three-layer structures on silicone rubber. Consequently, the present transparent gelation is suitable for silicone rubber-based microdevices.
Black Devils in Normandy—Identification of an Unknown Soldier Found in the Polish War Cemetery of Urville-Langannerie (France)
Authors: Lisman Dagmara , Bykowska Milena , Drath Joanna , Zielińska Grażyna , Szargut Maria , Piątek Jarosław , Cytacka Sandra , Dowejko Joanna , Zacharczuk Julia , Ambroziak Jan , Ossowski Andrzej
Published: February 2023

A paper dedicated to the identification of a Polish soldier from the 1st Armoured Division under the command of General Stanisław Maczek, who fell in 1944 in Normandy, during World War II. The remains were found at the Urville-Langannerie Polish War Cemetery. A team from the Department of Forensic Genetics at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, commissioned by the Ministry of Culture Heritage and Sport, exhumed the remains in order to carry out genetic identification tests. A comprehensive anthropological analysis of the heavily degraded remains was carried out, and biological samples were secured for genetic testing. The identification of Jan Dusza is the first case of restoring the identity of an active combatant from the First Armoured Division. In the case analysis, the analysis of mitochondrial DNA in highly degraded biological material proved crucial. Genetic studies decided to reject the original historical hypothesis No. I at their preliminary stage. Regarding hypothesis No. II, a comprehensive genetic analysis of mitochondrial and autosomal DNA was carried out. Comparative material was obtained from the alleged victim’s sister. Thanks to the analysis of kinship in the maternal line based on the mtDNA haplotype, it was possible to establish that the remains belong to Jan Dusza, who served in the Podhale Rifle Battalion, part of the Polish 1st Armoured Division. The research was co-financed by the Polish Ministry of Heritage and National Culture.