bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Hydraulic and Aerodynamic Schemes of Coil Type Steam Generator: A Mathematical Model and Experimental Data
Authors: Kuskarbekova Sulpan , Osintsev Konstantin , Aliukov Sergei
Published: November 2022

Direct-flow steam boilers of the coil type are simple structures in which rather complex processes take place. To study this area, an educational laboratory stand was designed and constructed, which simulates the operation of a boiler of a similar design. In order to optimize the intensification of heat exchange processes in the device, raise its steam capacity, and improve its efficiency, the stand contains hydraulic and aerodynamic circuits for evaluating the movement of the coolant and air flows in the boiler. The proposed mathematical model gave an idea of the nature of the movement of the coolant in a curved pipe. The model takes into account the parameters of the screw channel for a more accurate result. The model can be used to predict the movement of the coolant in such coils with varying degrees of contamination. When designing a laboratory stand, the need for automated control is taken into account. The use of a controller to regulate the rotation speed of the pump motor made it possible to create a virtual desktop with which it is possible to control, regulate, and save all parameters. The results of the first test of the hydraulic system of the stand showed that the nature of movement in the object under study is turbulent, the critical value of the Reynolds number is higher than the generally accepted one due to the occurrence of additional forces in the curved pipe, and the mathematical model can be corrected by amendments for these forces.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Optimal Biphilic Surface Configuration to Enhance Boiling Heat Transfer
Authors: Fedoseev Alexander V. , Salnikov Mikhail V. , Ostapchenko Anastasiya E. , Surtaev Anton S.
Published: November 2022

To study the processes of boiling on a smooth surface with contrast wettability, a hybrid model was developed based on Lattice Boltzmann method and heat transfer equation. The model makes it possible to describe the phenomena of natural convection, nucleate boiling, and transition to film boiling, and, thus, to study heat transfer and the development of crisis phenomena in a wide range of surface superheats and surface wetting characteristics. To find the optimal configuration of the biphilic surface, at the first stage a numerical simulation was carried out for a single lyophobic zone on a lyophilic surface. The dependences of the bubble departure frequency and the departure diameter of the bubble on the width of the lyophobic zone were obtained, and its optimal size was determined. At the next stage, the boiling process on an extended surface was studied in the presence of several lyophobic zones of a given size with different distances between them. It is shown that in the region of moderate surface superheat, the intensity of heat transfer on biphilic surfaces can be several times (more than 4) higher compared to surfaces with homogeneous wettability. Based on numerical calculations, an optimal configuration of the biphilic surface with the ratios of the lyophobic zones’ width of the order of 0.16 and the distance between the lyophobic zones in the range of 0.9–1.3 to the bubble departure diameter was found.
Smart Fault Monitoring and Normalizing of a Power Distribution System Using IoT
Authors: Peter Geno , Stonier Albert Alexander , Gupta Punit , Gavilanes Daniel , Vergara Manuel Masias , Lung sin Jong
Published: November 2022

Conventional outage management practices in distribution systems are tedious and complex due to the long time taken to locate the fault. Emerging smart technologies and various cloud services offered could be utilized and integrated into the power industry to enhance the overall process, especially in the fault monitoring and normalizing fields in distribution systems. This paper introduces smart fault monitoring and normalizing technologies in distribution systems by using one of the most popular cloud service platforms, the Microsoft Azure Internet of Things (IoT) Hub, together with some of the related services. A hardware prototype was constructed based on part of a real underground distribution system network, and the fault monitoring and normalizing techniques were integrated to form a system. Such a system with IoT integration effectively reduces the power outage experienced by customers in the healthy section of the faulted feeder from approximately 1 h to less than 5 min and is able to improve the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) in electric utility companies significantly.
Sustainable Buildings: Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning
Authors: Calautit John Kaiser , Chaudhry Hassam Nasarullah
Published: November 2022

The built environment sector is responsible for a significant proportion of the final global energy consumption [...]
Maximum Power Point Tracking for Photovoltaic Systems Operating under Partially Shaded Conditions Using SALP Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Tightiz Lilia , Mansouri Saeedeh , Zishan Farhad , Yoo Joon , Shafaghatian Nima
Published: November 2022

This article presents a new method based on meta-heuristic algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic systems. In this new method, the SALP Swarm Algorithm (SSA) is used instead of classic methods such as the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method. In this method, the value of the duty cycle is optimally determined in an optimization problem by SSA in order to track the maximum power. The objective function in this problem is maximizing the output power of the photovoltaic system. The proposed method has been applied on a photovoltaic system connected to the load, taking into account the effect of partial shade and different atmospheric conditions. The SSA method is compared with the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and P&O methods. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of changes in temperature and radiation on solving the problem. The results of the simulation in the MATLAB/Simulink environment show the optimal performance of the proposed method in tracking the maximum power in different atmospheric conditions compared to other methods. To validate the proposed algorithm, it is compared with four important indexes: ISE, ITSE, IAE, and ITAE.
Application of Thermal Energy Harvesting from Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Demir Hasan
Published: November 2022

This paper describes a newly developed system for harvesting thermoelectric energy from photovoltaic panels. This system helps to power monitoring systems for photovoltaic panels (PVs) in locations where there is no energy source using waste thermal energy from PVs exposed to the sun’s rays. In the study described here, the thermal energy from a PV panel was captured and transferred to a thermoelectric generator (TEG). A temperature gradient was created by reducing the temperature using an aluminium heat sink in ambient weather conditions. This temperature gradient was used to generate electricity via two TEGs. In field tests carried out in April, in Aksaray province in central Turkey, the maximum temperature gradient due to solar radiation was measured as 21.08 °C. The harvested energy was increased to a usable level of 4.1 V using a DC-to-DC converter and stored in a li-ion rechargeable battery. The maximum charge current level of the battery was 147 µA. The maximum harvested energy was 458.64 mW, and a stable level of around 350 mW was achieved. The experimental operation of the prototype system was carried out in stable weather conditions; however, weather and climatic conditions greatly affect levels of energy harvested as a result of changing temperature gradients. The energy obtained with the prototype may reduce the battery maintenance costs of PV monitoring systems and lead to the development of new such systems which cannot presently be used due to a lack of energy.
Energy Budgets of Evolving Nations and Their Growing Cities
Authors: Chaisson Eric J.
Published: November 2022

A new way is proposed to thermodynamically gauge the evolving complexity of nation-states and their growing cities. Energy rate density is a useful metric to track the evolution of energy budgets, which help facilitate how well or badly human society trends toward winning or losing. The fates of nations and their cities are unknown, their success is not assured. Those nations and cities with rising per-capita energy usage while developing and those that are nearly flat while already developed seem destined to endure; those with falling energy usage seem likely to fail. Globally, more energy, not less, and more energy rate density, too, will be needed in the 21st century. Conserving energy and efficiently using it are welcome since energy costs less when used less, but neither will likely help much to mitigate increasing energy demands. To survive, humanity nationally and internationally needs to culturally adapt to using more, clean, safe energy by embracing the Sun in an evolving Universe, where nations and their cities resemble galaxies and their stars as well as Earth and its life.
Fundamental Directions of the Development of the Smart Cities Concept and Solutions in Poland
Authors: Brzeziński Łukasz , Wyrwicka Magdalena Krystyna
Published: November 2022

As city areas have been experiencing dynamic growth, the efficient development of cities is becoming a priority for technologically advanced countries and for states further down on the list from the global leaders. Smart cities are friendly for both people and the environment, in which life is better, safer, and healthier, the results of a creative approach to developing and implementing various innovations. Boasting sustainable and modern infrastructure and management, ecological city centres are perceived as key foundations of the future. Still, developing cities towards being “smart” is a serious challenge, not just for self-government and government administrators, but also for entities offering technical and technological solutions used for the purpose of implementing the improvements. The research objective was an attempt to indicate the expected changes in the shaping of the idea of smart cities in Poland. The authors’ own research was conducted from 2 August to 31 August. The method of focus group interviews with experts, specialists in the field of smart city, was used. Twenty-three practitioners participated in the study. The geographic area of the analysis covered the territory of the Republic of Poland. The time perspective of the study concerned the end of the current decade. The research process consisted of three stages: (1) preparation, the analysis of the literature on the subject (in which the variables selected for the study were identified); (2) the implementation of focus interviews; and (3) the analysis of the research results. In the last stage of the study, the statistical analysis and qualitative approach to responses were also used (by creating clusters). A network of relations, spanning a total of 3034 connections, was developed from the responses of experts on the fundamental development directions, beneficial factors, and adverse factors. On the basis of the research results, a SWOT analysis was prepared, containing the key beneficial factors, adverse factors, benefits, and disadvantages of smart city development. It was shown, on the basis of the conducted research, that the key development directions for smart cities in Poland by 2030 are: smart and sustainable buildings and infrastructure, smart mobility, and smart energy. The developed results of the analyses constitute an added value and can be used particularly in planning investments in intelligent solutions (identification of barriers and key development factors).
Combustion Modeling Approach for the Optimization of a Temperature Controlled Reactivity Compression Ignition Engine Fueled with Iso-Octane
Authors: Pelosin Mattia , Novella Ricardo , Bracho Gabriela , Fernandes Cássio , Lucchini Tommaso , Marmorini Luca , Zhou Qiyan
Published: November 2022

In this study, an innovative Low Temperature Combustion (LTC) system named Temperature Controlled Reactivity Compression Ignition (TCRCI) is presented, and a numerical optimization of the hardware and the operating parameters is proposed. The studied combustion system aims to reduce the complexity of the Reaction Controlled Compression Ignition engine (RCCI), replacing the direct injection of high reactivity fuel with a heated injection of low reactivity fuel. The combustion system at the actual state of development is presented, and its characteristics are discussed. Hence, it is clear that the performances are highly limited by the actual diesel-derived hardware, and a dedicated model must be designed to progress in the development of this technology. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model suitable for the simulation of this type of combustion is proposed, and it is validated with the available experimental operating conditions. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was integrated with the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software to optimize the engine combustion system by means of computational simulation. The operating condition considered has a relatively high load with a fixed fuel mass and compression ratio. The parameters to optimize are the piston bowl geometry, injection parameters and the boosting pressure. The achieved system configuration is characterized by a wider piston bowl and injection angle, and it is able to increase the net efficiency of 3% and to significantly reduce CO emissions from 0.407 to 0.136 mg.
Electric Vehicles and Vehicle–Grid Interaction in the Turkish Electricity System
Authors: Coban Hasan , Lewicki Wojciech , Sendek-Matysiak Ewelina , Łosiewicz Zbigniew , Drożdż Wojciech , Miśkiewicz Radosław
Published: November 2022

Electric vehicles and energy storage systems are technologies in the stage of intensive development. One of the innovative ways to use electric cars is the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) concept. V2G charging points are characterized by the ability of bidirectional energy flow while charging EV/BEV (Electric Vehicles/Battery Electric Vehicles). In periods of low energy consumption and the presence of the highest shares of renewable sources, the cleanest electricity is drawn from the grid at the lowest prices and stored in a “mobile warehouse”, which is an electric car. During the reported peaks in electricity demand and the presence of high tariffs, the previously stored energy may be sold back to the distribution network operator. Thanks to this application, the technology determines the highest profitability of the system and assigns EV/BEV the ability to manage electricity flows, while improving the energy balance of the economy. The prospects for the spread of V2G have increased along with the growing requirements for domestic economies, closely related to the significant share of renewable energy sources. The vision of connecting EV/BEV with the power grid creates completely new ways of managing energy and makes it possible to build smart agglomerations in line with the Smartcity idea. Especially since Turkey is one of the countries promoting this idea. The scientific aim of the study is to maximize the aggregator’s profits for V2G by creating a coalition with renewable energy producers and combining the capacities of many EVs and offering their total capacities to the electricity markets. The subject of the research was to obtain extensive knowledge about the vehicle–grid interactions taking place in the Turkish power system. For this purpose, an analysis is conducted to determine the optimal preferred operating points and the amount of regulation proposals that maximize the profit of the EV users while satisfying the constraints of each stochastic parameter. The results show the system benefits from the implementation of the algorithms are significant to optimal bidirectional V2G impacts on distribution systems with high penetration of EVs. The research can find practical applications in assessing the role of electric vehicles and their integration in the vehicle–grid system in power systems. At the same time, pointing to the benefits related to the implementation of such solutions for Turkey and other countries in the field of electromobility, stability of energy systems, and energy independence through the possibility of achieving the desired synergy effect.
Reducing the Exposure Dose by Optimizing the Route of Personnel Movement When Visiting Specified Points and Taking into Account the Avoidance of Obstacles
Authors: Tashlykov Oleg L. , Grigoryev Alexey M. , Kropachev Yuriy A.
Published: November 2022

The data on the collective dose reduction of a nuclear power plant’s personnel after the introduction of new dose limits by the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) (Publication 60) in 1990 are presented. The main methods of personnel irradiation reduction are formulated, which are namely: to impact on radiation parameters, to increase the distance between a radiation source and a person, and to reduce the exposure time in radiation fields. The ways to implement one of the basic principles of radiation safety, the principle of optimization, are described. The possibility of route optimization in minimizing the personnel dose costs when moving in heterogeneous radiation fields is shown. The results of the algorithm development for solving the “dosimetrist problem” using the Dijkstra algorithm and dynamic programming are presented, including determining the optimal route with visiting given points in the room and bypassing possible obstacles. An interpolation algorithm based on the method of radial basic functions for constructing a radiation map of a room is proposed and implemented. The results of a computational experiment using the “Uran” supercomputer and the assessment of the developed algorithm efficiency are given. The results of experimental verification of the developed algorithm for solving the “dosimetrist problem” using interpolation in the operating nuclear power plant conditions are presented.
Coupled Model and Node Importance Evaluation of Electric Power Cyber-Physical Systems Considering Carbon Power Flow
Authors: Yang Chao , Sun Heyang , Li Tong , Xie Hengji , Lei Zhenjiang , Song Jinliang , Cai He , Yang Jiaxuan , Gong Gangjun , Ren Shuai
Published: November 2022

To improve the distributed carbon emission optimization control capability of the smart distribution network system, thereby reducing the carbon emissions in the distribution process, it is a very important issue to comprehensively analyze the importance of the node carbon emission flow of the smart distribution network. This paper transforms the power grid into a carbon emission flow network through power flow calculations: Based on the complex network theory, it determines the coupling scale of the two networks by means of the correlation coefficient method and the correlation matrix method, and establishes a coupling network model based on the carbon emission flow network; Combining the different business characteristics of carbon emission flow and information flow, an evaluation index system considering the dual-network coupling scale is established, and a multi-indicator comprehensive evaluation method that combines the Topsis and grey relational analysis method, that can objectively evaluate indicators that contain subjective components was proposed; The obtained node importance values can be used to determine the relative key line, greater sum node importance values represent a greater carbon emission impact of the line, providing a sequential basis for the carbon reduction and restructuring of the distribution network; Taking the 3-machine 9-node system as an example, the carbon flow distribution in the corresponding network is calculated, and the comprehensive importance value of the coupling node is calculated to analyze the rationality of this method.
A Particle Swarm Optimization Technique Tuned TID Controller for Frequency and Voltage Regulation with Penetration of Electric Vehicles and Distributed Generations
Authors: Shukla Hiramani , Nikolovski Srete , Raju More , Rana Ankur Singh , Kumar Pawan
Published: November 2022

An interconnected power system requires specific restrictions to be maintained for frequency, tie-line power, and the terminal voltage of synchronized generators to avoid instability. Therefore, frequency stability and voltage regulation issues are covered individually and jointly in the current research work. Initially in test system 1, automatic generation control (AGC) investigations are done on two interconnected systems with thermal plants and electric vehicles in one area and distributed generation and electric vehicles in other area. The automatic voltage regulator (AVR) problem alone is chosen for investigation in test system 2. The third test system addresses the combined AGC and AVR issues. The performance of the fractional-order tilt-integral-derivative (TID) controller is compared with that of a widely used proportional integral derivative (PID) controller in all three test systems studies. The findings demonstrate better performance of the TID controller than PID in terms of providing superior dynamic metrics, such as low peak overshoots, undershoots, and settling time, as well as decreased oscillations amplitudes. Additionally, TID performs better than PID despite randomized load disturbance, system non-linearities, and time delays in AGC and the combined AGC and AVR problem. The PSO-tuned TID controller is insensitive to variation in load damping factor and time constants of the AVR system. Finally, the results are validated by an OPAL-RT 4510 real-time digital simulator.
Recent Developments and Trends in Energy Management Systems for Microgrids
Authors: Di Piazza Maria Carmela
Published: November 2022

Energy transition is the path toward transforming the global energy sector from being fossil-based to being zero-carbon, driven by the need to reduce energy-related CO2 emissions so as to counteract climate change[...]
Abnormal Time-Domain Current Spectrum of Inorganic Insulating Powder under DC Voltage
Authors: Xue Yucui , Guo Wenmin , Sun Yunlong , Li Zhonghua , Han Yongsen
Published: November 2022

The total current of dielectrics under DC voltage consists of relaxation current and conduction current, which contains the information about the relaxation polarization and conduction. The time-domain spectrum (TDS) is an effective method to study the dielectric properties of insulating dielectrics. In this paper, the TDS method is also used to study the dielectric properties of the compressed inorganic hexagonal boron nitride (BN) and magnesium oxide (MgO) insulating powders. It is interestingly found that these inorganic insulating powders shows an abnormal TDS, where the current decreases monotonically to a certain level at first and then increases with time while in normal TDS the current decreases monotonically with time and finally reaches a steady value which is conduction current. The experiments verify that the abnormal phenomenon is attributed to the moisture absorption of powders during the testing process, which causes an increase in conductivity and leads to the increasing current at the end of testing time. The insulating powder cannot be regarded as a time-invariant system during the measurement, and the time-varying characteristic is mainly manifested in conduction. A time-domain least squares fitting method is presented and is effective to eliminate the deviation from normal TDS. The results of this paper provide a reference for dealing with abnormal TDS.
Comparative Study on Shading Database Construction for Urban Roads Using 3D Models and Fisheye Images for Efficient Operation of Solar-Powered Electric Vehicles
Authors: Baek Jieun , Choi Yosoon
Published: November 2022

Accounting for shadows on urban roads is a complex task in the operation of solar-powered electric vehicles. There have been few opportunities to compare the methods and tools for the construction of an effective shading database for urban roads. This study quantitatively investigated and compared shading matrices generated from 3D models or fisheye images. Skymaps were formed considering the geometry of nearby shading obstructions. Sun-path diagrams tracking the position of the sun by time and season were overlaid on the skymaps, and month-by-hour shading matrices were calculated. Mean squared error (MSE) was used to clarify the quantitative differences between the shading matrices. The cases were divided into A, B, and C according to the presence of buildings and trees around the survey points. Under case A (trees), case B (buildings and trees), and case C (buildings), the average MSEs between the matrices were 24.5%, 23.9%, and 2.1%, respectively. The shading matrices using either 3D models or fisheye images provided accurate shading effects caused by buildings. In contrast, the shading effects of trees were more accurately analyzed when using fisheye images. The findings of this study provide a background for constructing shading databases of urban road environments for the optimal operation of solar-powered electric vehicles.
Recent Progress in Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Chalcogenides (MX; X = S, Se) as Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors and Catalysts in Fuel Cells
Authors: Alnaqbi Halima , El-Kadri Oussama , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Al-Asheh Sameer
Published: November 2022

Supercapacitors (SCs) are recognized by high power densities and significantly higher cyclic stability compared to batteries. However, the energy density in SCs should be improved for better applications and commercialization. This could be achieved by developing materials characterized by such porous structures as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal chalcogenides in the electrodes’ materials. Herein, the recent advances in MOF derived from metal sulfides and selenides as electrode materials for SCs are reviewed and discussed. Strategies such as adopting core-shell structures, carbon-coating, and doping, which are used to promote the electrochemical performances of these MOF-based materials, are presented. Additionally, the progress in developing S-doped MOF-derived catalysts for the oxidation-reduction reaction (ORR) in the cathode of fuel cells is also reviewed. In addition, the challenges and future research trends are summarized in this minireview.
Analysis of Heat Flow for In Vitro Culture Monitored by Impedance Measurement
Authors: Kociubiński Andrzej , Zarzeczny Dawid , Duk Mariusz , Bieniek Tomasz
Published: November 2022

The paper proposes an innovative method of using microheaters for research on cells in vitro. A method of local heating of a single culture well, compatible with an Electric Cell-substrate Impedance (ECIS) system is presented. A microheater and culture well system for cell culture was modelled. Electrical and thermal simulation of the system under operating conditions was carried out. Correct distribution of heat was observed at the site of the cell culture suspension in the medium, while not affecting the conditions in adjacent wells. As part of the experiment, a heating element of nichrome (NiCr) was created using the magnetron sputtering process. Electrical and thermal measurements of the manufactured device were carried out. It has been shown that it is possible to establish the desired temperature over the long term. In addition, the structures made were characterised by work stability, precision in maintaining the right temperature, and the possibility of being controlled with high accuracy. There is a problem with the precise and reproducible carrying out of a cell culture experiment that differs only in the process temperature. In this work, a technique for increasing the temperature locally, in a single culture well, in a medium containing eight such wells was proposed and analyzed. The use of this method will allow avoidance of the impact of potential changes in parameters other than temperature on the culture. That may occur when comparing cells grown at different temperatures by means of the ECIS (Electric Cell-substrate Impedance) method.
Predictive Emission Management Based on Pre-Heating for Heavy-Duty Powertrains
Authors: Holmer Olov , Eriksson Lars
Published: November 2022

Hybrid electric vehicles are promising solutions to the need for cleaner transport. Their ability to drive fully electric also opens the possibility of zero local emission operation by turning off the internal combustion engine. However, prolonged periods with the engine turned off result in a cooldown of the aftertreatment system resulting in increased emissions when the engine is restarted. To remedy this problem, an emission management strategy that, based on pre-heating of the aftertreatment system, aims to reduce the impact of a prolonged engine-off event on NOx emissions is developed. The method works by locating each engine-off event and then handling each event separately using an optimization scheme that combines pre-heating and a causal heuristic emission management strategy. The individual events are linked using an equivalence factor that describes the decided trade-off between fuel and NOx. The equivalence factor can be chosen heuristically or iteratively to give the desired result in terms of NOx reduction and fuel consumption. The strategy is evaluated using simulations of a drayage drive cycle with multiple engine-off events. The results from the simulations show that for engine-off times below 0.5 h the strategy can reduce NOx compared to the baseline strategy while using the same amount of fuel. If the strategy is allowed more fuel, significant reductions in NOx can be seen for engine-off times up to 1.5 h, after which an exponential decay in the effectivity of the strategy is observed. It is also shown that the reduction in NOx is fairly linear in the equivalence factor, which gives the procedure of choosing it a predictable behavior.
Geochemical Characteristics of Graptolite Shale in the Pingliang Formation of the Ordos Basin, China: Implications for Organic Matter, Thermal Evolution, and Hydrocarbon Reservoir
Authors: Li Fengjiao , Huang Zhengliang , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Xiaofeng , Liu Wenhui , Cai Zhenghong , Luo Houyong , Wang Qingtao , Zhang Dongdong
Published: November 2022

Graptolite-rich shale is the main layer of shale gas resources in the southern marine sedimentary basin. Recently, shale gas resources were discovered in the Ordovician marine graptolite-rich strata in the Ordos Basin. The graptolite shale in the study area is different from the marine graptolite shale in the Yangtze plate in southern China, and further exploration is needed. This paper presents core samples of the graptolite-rich shale of the Pingliang Formation in the southwest Ordos Basin as research objects. The graptolite genus and graptolite shale characteristics were studied using core observation, electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and geochemical analysis. We determined the role of the sedimentary environment and thermal maturation of graptolite shale in hydrocarbon formation and explored the possibility of hydrocarbon generation. Many graptolite epidermises provide buried organic matter. The quiet sea and low-energy marine environment create favorable conditions for preserving organic matter. The tectonic process resulted in the evolution stage in the oil generation window. Different types of pores formed the spaces of hydrocarbons. Therefore, the shale of the Pingliang Formation has shale oil exploration potential, which complements the shale gas in the northwestern margin of the basin, and provides new venues for shale oil and gas exploration in northern China.
Effects of Tree Species on Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau) Fine Root Morphology, Biomass, and Soil Properties in Bamboo–Broadleaf Mixed Forests
Authors: Zhou Yang , Guan Fengying , Li Zhen , Zheng Yaxiong , Zhou Xiao , Zhang Xuan
Published: November 2022

Understanding fine root characteristics in relation to soil properties of bamboo–broadleaf mixed forests may help optimize belowground production management and ecological functions in mixed-forest ecosystems. In this study, we compared four different bamboo–broadleaf mixed forests: Castanopsis chinensis (Sprengel) Hance with moso bamboo (CCB), Alniphyllum fortunei (Hemsl.) Makino with moso bamboo (AFB), Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt and Hill with moso bamboo (CAB), and Castanopsis fargesii Franch with moso bamboo (CFB), and analyzed their effects on the traits of fine roots of moso bamboo, soil nutrient contents, and enzyme activities. In January 2022, fine root and soil samples from four different mixed bamboo–broadleaf forests were collected from a subtropical region of Fujian Province, China. Results showed that CAB significantly increased fine root biomass (FRB) and root length density (RLD); however, specific root length (SRL) was only in the 0–20 cm soil layer. Specific surface area (SSA) was significantly reduced in the CCB in the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers. The total phosphorous (TP) and total potassium (TK) contents of AFB and CAB were significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN) content was significantly increased by CCB in the 0–20 cm soil layer (p < 0.05). Additionally, CFB increased the activities of acid phosphatase (ACP) and catalase (CAT) but decreased the activity of sucrase (SC). Principal component analysis showed that fine root traits (FRB, RLD, SRL, and SSA) were not only positively associated with soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available potassium (AK) but also associated with urease (UE) and CAT. Therefore, belowground interactions between different species have a significant impact on the characteristics of fine roots and soil in bamboo–broadleaf mixed forests.
Enhanced Root and Stem Growth and Physiological Changes in Pinus bungeana Zucc. Seedlings by Microbial Inoculant Application
Authors: Liu Yi-Ming , Zheng Fang , Liu Zhao-Hui , Lan Hai-Bo , Cui Ye-Hong , Gao Tong-Guo , Roitto Marja , Wang Ai-Fang
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: As an extensively used tree species in landscaping and afforestation in China, lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana Zucc.) seedlings are in high demand. However, the small number of fine roots and the low growth rate of lacebark pine seedlings increase the risks encountered during transplant and extend the nursery time for outplanting. We aimed to find out whether a microbial inoculant would promote root growth and accordingly, shorten the nursery cultivation time. Materials and Methods: One-year-old lacebark pine seedlings were treated with the inoculant Bacillus subtilis 8–32 six times from June to September. At each application time, five treatments of undiluted microbial inoculants (UM), 30 times diluted microbial inoculants (30 DM), 40 times diluted microbial inoculants (40 DM), 50 times diluted microbial inoculants (50 DM), and distilled water as a control (CTRL) were administered to the seedlings. In the end, all the seedlings were harvested to measure the root growth, aboveground growth, and the physiological indices. Results: Root and stem growth was enhanced by the inoculants in terms of the increased number of root tips, the length and surface area of the roots, the biomass of the roots and stems, as well as the increase in height and basal stem diameter. The chlorophyll a/b of the needles was increased, in spite of the fact that the total chlorophyll content was decreased by the microbial inoculant treatments at the end of the growth phase. Meanwhile, the maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of the needles was increased by the inoculant treatments. The soluble sugar content was additionally translocated into the stems in the UM treatment, suggesting the change in carbon allocation. The content of available potassium, phosphorus, and ammonium nitrogen in the potting soil was increased in the 30 DM group, and the content of soil organic matter was increased in all the inoculant treatments. Conclusions: The microbial inoculant Bacillus subtilis 8–32, in appropriate concentrations, could be applied to promote root and shoot growth and improve the seedling quality of the lacebark pine during cultivation.
Technical Assessment of the Bonding Quality of Composite Plywood with a Thin Cork Core
Authors: Negro Francesco , Bigando Roberta , Ruffinatto Flavio , Zanuttini Roberto
Published: November 2022

The bonding quality is a key property for wood-based composites. Determination of the bonding quality of sandwich panels with veneer faces and <50 mm thick cork core is not covered either by the EN 314-1, which refers to plywood, nor by its Annex B, which refers to insulating cores with a thickness of at least 50 mm. This technical note assesses the possibility of using the prescriptions of Annex B of EN 314-1 to test the bonding quality (shear strength) of the concerned panels. For this purpose, sandwich panels were realized by bonding fromager (Ceiba pentandra) veneers to a 5 mm thick core, and their bonding quality was tested. Two types of panels were realized, based on the adhesive used (glue spread 340 g/m2 for double glue lines): urea–formaldehyde (UF) and urea–melamine–formaldehyde (UMF); the panels were pressed at 103 °C for 8 min at a nominal pressure of 0.4 MPa. Pre-treatments were dry-conditioned at 20 °C/65% relative humidity until attainment of the equilibrium moisture content, and immersed in water: cold water for UF panels (5.1.1 of EN 314-2) and boiling water for UMF panels (5.1.2 of EN 314-2). The effect of pre-treatment was statistically significant, with shear resistance reductions of 56% and 43% in UF and UMF panels, respectively. Based on this first investigation (2 panels × 10 specimens per panel = 40 specimens), the test method can be considered suitable for providing reliable results. This study constitutes a useful reference to test the bonding quality of sandwich panels with veneer faces and thin cork cores.
Linking Bacterial Rhizosphere Communities of Two Pioneer Species, Brachystegia boehmii and B. spiciformis, to the Ecological Processes of Miombo Woodlands
Authors: António Camilo B. S. , Obieze Chinedu , Jacinto João , Maquia Ivete S. A. , Massad Tara , Ramalho José C. , Ribeiro Natasha S. , Máguas Cristina , Marques Isabel , Ribeiro-Barros Ana I.
Published: November 2022

Miombo is the most extensive ecosystem in southern Africa, being strongly driven by fire, climate, herbivory, and human activity. Soils are major regulating and supporting services, sequestering nearly 50% of the overall carbon and comprising a set of yet unexploited functions. In this study, we used next-generation Illumina sequencing to assess the patterns of bacterial soil diversity in two pioneer Miombo species, Brachystegia boehmii and Brachystegia spiciformis, along a fire gradient, in ferric lixisol and cambic arenosol soils. In total, 21 phyla, 51 classes, 98 orders, 193 families, and 520 genera were found, revealing a considerably high and multifunctional diversity with a strong potential for the production of bioactive compounds and nutrient mobilization. Four abundant genera characterized the core microbiome among plant species, type of soils, or fire regime: Streptomyces, Gaiella, Chthoniobacter, and Bacillus. Nevertheless, bacterial networks revealed a higher potential for mutualistic interactions and transmission of chemical signals among phylotypes from low fire frequency sites than those from high fire frequency sites. Ecological networks also revealed the negative effects of frequent fires on the complexity of microbial communities. Functional predictions revealed the core “house-keeping” metabolisms contributing to the high bacterial diversity found, suggesting its importance to the functionality of this ecosystem.
Characterization of Paulownia elongata x fortunei (BIO 125 clone) Roundwood from Plantations in Northern Italy
Authors: Criscuoli Irene , Brunetti Michele , Goli Giacomo
Published: November 2022

The growth performance and technological quality of roundwood from a Paulownia elongata x fortunei hybrid (BIO 125 clone) was assessed in three plantations in Northern Italy. Dendrometric features (diameter at several heights, volume, and growth rate) and defects for industrial use were assessed on 20 standing trees and four logs per plantation. Compared to previously published literature, Paulownia trees have shown a high growth rate during the first three years after coppicing. Growth rate sharply decreased starting from the fourth year, suggesting an increased competition between trees and the need for greater planting spacing. At the end of the first year of growth, trees were pruned up to a height of 5 m, allowing the production of defect-free and high-quality roundwood. Log features were assessed according to European standards EN-1309-2:2006 and EN 1309-3:2018 and then compared with the EN 1316-2:2012 standard for poplar roundwood quality. Paulownia wood has shown to be of excellent quality, ranking in the best class (Po-A) for all parameters except diameter. A larger diameter could be easily obtained with longer growth cycles or greater planting spacing. A relevant problem for the industrial exploitation of Paulownia small-diameter logs would be the large empty pith that could drastically reduce timber yields.
Successional Pathways of Avifauna in a Shifting Mosaic Landscape: Interplay between Land Abandonment and Wildfires
Authors: Prodon Roger
Published: November 2022

In Mediterranean hinterlands, land abandonment has led to the encroachment of woody vegetation prone to fire. The resulting alternation between vegetation closure and sudden opening modifies the composition of avifauna. We first conducted a stratified sampling of the avifauna in a grassland-to-forest gradient representing the closure of vegetation after abandonment (space-for-time substitution). We then conducted postfire diachronic sampling (up to 42 years) on stations belonging to this gradient. Mid-successional shrubland avifauna was the most radically modified after fire—ground-nesting species replacing shrub-nesting species—without significant change in species numbers. In the medium term, shrub-nesting birds widened their distribution in the landscape. While avifauna postfire successions in shrubland paralleled the spontaneous colonization of grasslands by woody vegetation, postfire forest successions were distinguished by the persistence of certain forest birds, resulting in assemblages of high diversity in which open-habitat birds coexisted with forest species. This temporary vegetation–avifauna mismatch results from both the reluctance of open-habitat birds to enter burned areas because of numerous snags, and the site fidelity of breeding birds. This inertia mitigates the short-term impact of fire. In the long term, spontaneous or postfire successions converge towards a homogeneous forest avifauna, to the detriment of open-habitat species of high conservation value.
Gain or Loss for the Inshore Trawling Ban within Three Miles? Preliminary Data
Authors: Riginella Emilio , Nalon Marco , Sinopoli Mauro , Mazzoldi Carlotta
Published: November 2022

From 1 June 2010 in the Italian coastal waters of the Northern Adriatic Sea, trawl fishery within three nautical miles became banned. This activity was previously allowed for some species as an exception to legislation. In order to evaluate the consequences both on demersal resources and economic yields of the trawl which will oblige fishermen to trawl beyond three miles, a pilot study was performed. Twenty hauls comparing catch discard and income between hauls within and external to three nautical miles were performed. Results highlighted differences in catch composition both for landing and discard. Landing per unit of effort and discard per unit of effort did not differ in relation to distance from the coast, while income was higher for offshore hauls than inshore ones even if not significantly. Fishery management is a complex task, and the results of this study can contribute to the debate providing new insights into the consequences of the regulation on the trawling within three nautical miles. Considering the high amounts of discard, the habitat damages caused by otter trawling, the presence of juveniles in coastal waters and data regarding fishermen income, this study supports the actual European Community regulation on coastal trawling.
Identifying the Spatial–Temporal Pattern of Cropland’s Non-Grain Production and Its Effects on Food Security in China
Authors: Wang Jieyong , Dai Chun
Published: November 2022

Non-grain production of cropland (NGPCL) is a common phenomenon in the process of rapid urbanization in order to meet the diversified food demand and prosperity of the rural economy. However, excessive NGPCL will threaten grain production. How to control the moderate development of NGPCL in order to achieve the balance between food security and rural development has become a salient issue. In this study, we constructed a framework to measure NGPCL, revealed the spatial–temporal pattern of NGPCL, and then analyzed its influencing factors from the perspective of the human–land relationship. The results indicate that, firstly, the overall degree of NGPCL in China experienced an increase from 0.44 to 0.51, while the gap among cities was consistently enlarging, with the range value increasing from 0.74 to 0.91. Secondly, the spatial pattern of NGPCL was high in the northwest and southeast, and low in the northeast and central regions. The southern economic developed area exhibited the highest increase, while the Inner Mongolia, northwest China, and traditional agricultural areas experienced a decreasing trend in NGPCL. Thirdly, the spatial agglomeration of NGPCL has been intensified, with the Gansu–Xinjiang Desert plateau, southeast coastal economic belt, and urban agglomeration areas exhibiting a “high–high” agglomeration, while the traditional agricultural areas exhibited “low–low” agglomeration. Fourthly, NGPCL is positively correlated with the urbanization rate, land fragmentation, landscape diversity, land price, and grain production policy, while it is negatively linked with the agricultural employment rate, agricultural machinery level, and cultivated land per capita. The findings of this research are not only deepen the understanding of NGPCL, but are also of great significance for policy makers in order to propose targeted control measures.