bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Modified Control Scheme for Power Management in an AC Microgrid with Integration of Multiple Nanogrids
Authors: Talapur Girish G. , Suryawanshi Hiralal M.
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a modified control scheme for a grid connected microgrid, which is contrived by integrating multiple nanogrids. In the considered system, each nanogrid consists of a generation unit from solar photovoltaic (PV) along with battery energy storage (BES) system and local loads. The nanogrid has the flexibility to operate in microgrid connected mode or islanded operating mode. Similarly, the microgrid can also be operated in grid connected mode or islanded mode. To achieve appropriate load sharing between different nanogrids considering local load demands and source power availability, a modified control scheme is developed. The proposed scheme compensates for the required reactive power, harmonics and unbalanced currents locally which are demanded by the local loads in nanogrids in order to improve the power quality in the microgrid. The smooth transition between the modes of operation of nanogrids and microgrid is achieved with the proposed modified control scheme. In addition, the proposed modified control scheme allows the microgrid and main grid to remain free from transients generated by load disturbances in nanogrid and disturbances in the microgrid respectively. Therefore, the effect of disturbances on voltage and frequency of the microgrid is reduced. A simple control scheme is developed to address the challenging issues for smooth operation of the microgrid such as active power sharing among the sources based on their ratings, power quality enhancement (compensation of harmonic components, unbalanced current and reactive power) and seamless transition between the modes of operation (during islanding from grid and re-synchronisation with grid). The performance of the proposed modified control scheme is verified in a real time simulator during variable loading conditions.
Forecasting Heating Consumption in Buildings: A Scalable Full-Stack Distributed Engine
Authors: Acquaviva Andrea , Apiletti Daniele , Attanasio Antonio , Baralis Elena , Bottaccioli Lorenzo , Cerquitelli Tania , Chiusano Silvia , Macii Enrico , Patti Edoardo
Published: May 2019

Predicting power demand of building heating systems is a challenging task due to the high variability of their energy profiles. Power demand is characterized by different heating cycles including sequences of various transient and steady-state phases. To effectively perform the predictive task by exploiting the huge amount of fine-grained energy-related data collected through Internet of Things (IoT) devices, innovative and scalable solutions should be devised. This paper presents PHi-CiB, a scalable full-stack distributed engine, addressing all tasks from energy-related data collection, to their integration, storage, analysis, and modeling. Heterogeneous data measurements (e.g., power consumption in buildings, meteorological conditions) are collected through multiple hardware (e.g., IoT devices) and software (e.g., web services) entities. Such data are integrated and analyzed to predict the average power demand of each building for different time horizons. First, the transient and steady-state phases characterizing the heating cycle of each building are automatically identified; then the power-level forecasting is performed for each phase. To this aim, PHi-CiB relies on a pipeline of three algorithms: the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average, the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline, and the Linear Regression with Stochastic Gradient Descent. PHi-CiB’s current implementation exploits Apache Spark and MongoDB and supports parallel and scalable processing and analytical tasks. Experimental results, performed on energy-related data collected in a real-world system show the effectiveness of PHi-CiB in predicting heating power consumption of buildings with a limited prediction error and an optimal horizontal scalability.
A Data-Driven Based Voltage Control Strategy for DC-DC Converters: Application to DC Microgrid
Authors: Rouzbehi Kumars , Miranian Arash , Escaño Juan , Rakhshani Elyas , Shariati Negin , Pouresmaeil Edris
Published: May 2019

This paper develops a data-driven strategy for identification and voltage control for DC-DC power converters. The proposed strategy does not require a pre-defined standard model of the power converters and only relies on power converter measurement data, including sampled output voltage and the duty ratio to identify a valid dynamic model for them over their operating regime. To derive the power converter model from the measurements, a local model network (LMN) is used, which is able to describe converter dynamics through some locally active linear sub-models, individually responsible for representing a particular operating regime of the power converters. Later, a local linear controller is established considering the identified LMN to generate the control signal (i.e., duty ratio) for the power converters. Simulation results for a stand-alone boost converter as well as a bidirectional converter in a test DC microgrid demonstrate merit and satisfactory performance of the proposed data-driven identification and control strategy. Moreover, comparisons to a conventional proportional-integral (PI) controllers demonstrate the merits of the proposed approach.
An Innovative Procedure to Evaluate the Hydrogen Diffusion Coefficient in Metals from Absorption Measurements
Authors: Moriani Andrea , Palumbo Oriele , Tosti Silvano , Santucci Alessia , Pozio Alfonso , Trequattrini Francesco , Paolone Annalisa
Published: May 2019

A large number of metallic alloys are currently under investigation in the field of hydrogen storage and hydrogen separation membranes. For such applications, the knowledge of the hydrogen diffusion coefficient in the given alloy is of great importance even if its direct measurement is not always easy to perform. In this view, the aim of this work is to describe an innovative procedure able to provide the lower limit of the hydrogen diffusion coefficient by performing hydrogen absorption kinetic experiments. Two different tools are presented: The first is a numerical code which solves the diffusion problem inside metals according to the general theory of the transport phenomena, and the second is a dimensional analysis that describes the dependence of the hydrogen diffusion coefficient from a few governing parameters. Starting from the results of several hydrogen absorption kinetic experiments performed on a Pd–Ag sample under different experimental conditions, the hydrogen diffusion coefficients were assessed by using both the described tools. A good agreement among the results obtained by means of the two procedures was observed.
Optimization and Multicriteria Evaluation of Carbon-neutral Technologies for District Heating
Authors: Pinto Giuseppe , Abdollahi Elnaz , Capozzoli Alfonso , Savoldi Laura , Lahdelma Risto
Published: May 2019

The imperative to reduce emissions to counteract climate change has led to the use of renewables progressively in more areas. Looking at district heating, there is a growing interest in coupling current production systems and carbon-neutral technologies. This paper presents a methodology to support decision making about carbon-neutral technologies for district heating. The process is organized in two stages, the first one aims at optimizing the different carbon-neutral technologies according to an objective function and assess uncertainties and dependencies. In the second stage, the alternatives are evaluated using Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability Analysis (SMAA), a simulation-based method specifically designed to consider imprecise information. The methodology was applied to a case-study in Torino, Italy, which simulates the city district heating network at a smaller scale, with the aim to explore strategies for replacing gas boiler with more sustainable technologies. According to preference information provided by decision makers, the most preferred alternative resulted in the introduction of a solar heat plant combined with an increase size of daily heat storage. Solar heat can benefit from incentives while reducing operational costs and emissions, maximizing the use of carbon-neutral heat thanks to the storage.
Parallel Resonance Mechanism Analysis and Suppression of Inductance-Capacitance-Inductance Grid-Connected Inverters
Authors: Tao Haijun , Zhou Yousong , Zhang Guopeng , Zheng Zheng
Published: May 2019

The resonance problem of multi-paralleled grid-connected inverters with inductance-capacitance-inductance (LCL) filters is a core matter which bothers the safety and stability operation of new energy distribution networks. Based on the impedance model of the paralleled system of two inverters, the influence of inverters on grid-connected current was analyzed through the superposition principle, and the grid-connected current was decomposed. The resonant mechanism generated by interactive current and the common current was studied, and the resonance frequency characteristics were compared and analyzed by a paralleled system using the same and differently rated power inverters. Based on the resonance frequency generated by interactive current, a digital notch filter was introduced into the traditional capacitance current active damping control scheme, which realized the non-static control of base wave signal and satisfied the standard of multi-paralleled grid-connected inverters with LCL filters. Finally, simulation results verified the correctness and validity of the proposed strategy.
City Branding, Sustainable Urban Development and the Rentier State. How Do Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai Present Themselves in the Age of Post Oil and Global Warming?
Authors: De Jong Martin , Hoppe Thomas , Noori Negar
Published: May 2019

In the past three decades Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have realised a meteoric economic rise. Whereas the former two can be considered ‘rentier states’ heavily depending on oil (and gas) revenues, the latter only leans on oil for a mere 6% of its gross domestic product (GDP). Although the economic rise has brought considerable welfare, it has also led these emirates to attain the world’s highest per capita carbon footprint. To address this problem Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai seem to have formulated policies with regard to sustainable urbanisation and adopted strong branding strategies to promote them internally and externally. In this paper we examine which steps have been taken to substantiate their claims to sustainable urbanisation, in branding as well as in actions taken towards implementation. We find that all three have been very active in branding their sustainable urbanisation policies, through visions and policy frameworks as well as prestigious development projects, but that the former is substantially more impressive than the latter. Results also show there is a difference between Abu Dhabi and Qatar on the one hand, and Dubai on the other. Dubai has large number of small ‘free economic zones’, academic institutions for developing a knowledge economy, and smart and/or sustainable urban neighbourhoods, while Qatar and Abu Dhabi have a small number of very large ones. From the three, it is currently Dubai which has taken the lead in this development, largely completing its industrial transition with vast economic diversification and urban expansion. However, across the board this has had little effect on its ecological footprint.
Investigation on the Performance of a Compact Three-Fluid Combined Membrane Contactor for Dehumidification in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Afrasiabian Ehsan , Iliev Oleg , Shklyar Inga , Lazzari Stefano , Boero Federica
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the performance of a compact Three-Fluid Combined Membrane Contactor (3F-CMC) is investigated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), supported and validated with a good agreement by an experimental campaign made on a fully working prototype. This internally-cooled membrane contactor is the core component of a hybrid air conditioning system for electric vehicles (EVs) developed in a successful H2020 project called XERIC. In the adopted numerical approach, the conjugate heat and mass transfer inside the 3F-CMC is described by non-isothermal incompressible flows and vapor transport through a PTFE hydrophobic membrane. The sensitivity of the 3F-CMC performance to air/desiccant flow rates, temperature, humidity, and desiccant concentration is analyzed numerically through the validated CFD codes. According to this study, the moisture removal increases by the inlet humidity ratio, nearly linearly. Under the considered conditions (where the inlet air temperature is 26.2 °C), when the inlet relative humidity (RH) is 75% the moisture removal is about 450% higher than the case RH = 37%, while the absorption effectiveness declines about 45%. Furthermore, this study shows that the amount of absorbed vapor flux rises by increasing the airflow rate; on the other hand, the higher the airflow rate, the lower is the overall absorption efficiency of the 3F-CMC. This investigation gives important suggestions on how to properly operate a 3F-CMC in order to achieve the requested performance, especially in hot and humid climates.
China’s Carbon Market Development and Carbon Market Connection: A Literature Review
Authors: Hua Yifei , Dong Feng
Published: May 2019

As a responsible world power, China has established quantitative carbon emission reduction targets and started to establish carbon trading pilots in 2013. Successfully connection and a certain size of the carbon market can further enhance the liquidity of carbon allowances and, to a certain extent, contribute to the enthusiasm of enterprises to participate. This paper gives an overview of the past operational development of China’s eight carbon market pilots, the current problems in the national carbon market, the elements that need to be improved during the establishment process, and the feasibility of future connection between China’s carbon market. In addition, the international carbon market was summarized and analyzed. We found that, compared with the already mature carbon market in the world, there is still a big gap between China and these countries’ carbon market in various respects, such as the carbon price formation mechanism, the carbon quota allocation, carbon emission coverage sources, and legal and policy systems. Thus, China should manifest the pricing mechanism, unify the allocation of carbon quotas, cover the sources of emissions, introduce clear laws and regulations in the construction of the carbon market, all these will ensure the smooth operation of the national carbon market.
Is an Incentive Policy for Energy Efficient Products Effective for Air Purifiers? The Case of South Korea
Authors: Kim Woojae , Ko Sungmin , Oh Myoungjin , Choi Ie-jung , Shin Jungwoo
Published: May 2019

Recent increases in fine and ultrafine dust in South Korea have led to sharp increases in the sale of air purifiers, and that trend is expected to continue. As the sale of air purifiers increases, the energy that is consumed by air purifiers also increases. Therefore, improving the energy efficiency of air purifiers is an important part of improving the overall energy efficiency of society. We studied how different incentive policies affect consumer behavior because encouraging people to buy energy efficient air purifiers is important. We first investigated consumer preferences regarding air purifiers. Stated preference data were gathered from a choice experiment and a mixed logit model was used for the analysis. The results show that the most preferred attribute was price, followed by an eco-label. Based on that result, we conducted a scenario analysis to examine the economic and environmental effects of an incentive policy and eco-labeling. The monetary incentive policy increased the market share for air purifiers with a first-grade energy efficiency rating to 2.2%. The annual electricity use reduction was 5.9 GWh, with a CO2 emission reduction of 2520 tons and a policy monetary benefit of KRW 441,340,922 when we converted the effect of that market share change into economic and environmental terms. Eco-labeling also brought considerable change in the market share. These results provide a reference for implementing policies to encourage consumers to purchase energy efficient air purifiers.
Effect of Oil Regeneration on Improving Paper Conditions in a Distribution Transformer
Authors: Liu Qiang , Venkatasubramanian Ramamoorthi , Matharage Shanika , Wang Zhongdong
Published: May 2019

Managing a large fleet of ageing assets has become a technical challenge faced by many electricity utilities in developed countries. Asset managers are increasingly interested in techniques that can help extend the useful lifetime of a transformer. Oil regeneration is one of such techniques. In this paper, oil regeneration experiments were performed on a 6.4/0.4 kV retired distribution transformer to investigate the effect of oil regeneration on improving paper conditions. Oil regeneration was conducted in two stages, with the first stage aimed at ‘cleaning the oil’ and the second stage targeted at ‘cleaning the paper’. Oil samples were collected at regular intervals throughout the process and paper samples were obtained from the transformer before and after each oil regeneration stage. It was found that oil regeneration restores oil parameters, including moisture and acidity, similar to those of new oils at the end of stage 1. Analysis of paper samples indicated a reduction in paper moisture at the end of stage 2 by nearly 40%, while low molecular weight acids (LMA) in paper exhibited a reduction by around 30% on average. It is found that the extended oil regeneration period, i.e., stage 2, is necessary to improve the paper condition and hence to reduce the paper ageing rate.
Optimal Operational Strategy for Power Producers in Korea Considering Renewable Portfolio Standards and Emissions Trading Schemes
Authors: Son Dongmin , Kim Joonrak , Jeong Bongju
Published: May 2019

Globally, many countries are experiencing economic growth while concurrently increasing their energy consumption. Several have begun to consider a low-carbon energy mix to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by increased fossil fuel consumption. In terms of maximizing profits, however, power producers are not sufficiently motivated to expand capacity due to high costs. Thus, the Korean government initiated the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), an obligation to generate a certain proportion of a producer’s total generation using renewable energy for power producers with capacities of 500 MW or more, and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), designed to attain a carbon emissions reduction goal. We propose a mathematical model to derive the optimal operational strategy for maximizing power producer profits with a capacity expansion plan that meets both regulations. As such, the main purpose of this study was to obtain the optimal operational strategy for each obligatory power producer. To that end, we defined a 2 × 2 matrix to classify their types and to conduct scenario-based analyses to assess the impact of major factor changes on solutions for each type of power producer. Finally, for the power generation industry to operate in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner, we extracted policy implications that the Korean government could consider for each type of power producer.
Hybrid TOA Trilateration Algorithm Based on Line Intersection and Comparison Approach of Intersection Distances
Authors: Pradhan Sajina , Bae Youngchul , Pyun Jae-Young , Ko Nak Yong , Hwang Suk-seung
Published: May 2019

The ever-growing mobile station (MS) localization technologies provide an increasingly important role in all aspects of the wireless cellular systems and Internet of Things (IoT). The accurate MS location information is the basis in connection of different devices in IoT. The MS localization techniques based on time of arrival (TOA) trilateration algorithm, which determines the location of MS using an intersection point of three circles based on distances between MS and base stations (BS) and coordinates of BSs, have been actively studied. In general, the distance between the MS and BS is calculated by counting the number of delay samples or measuring the power of the received signal. Since the estimated distance (radius of a circle) between MS and BS is commonly increased, three circles may not meet at a single point, resulting in the estimation error of MS localization. In order to improve this problem, in this paper, we propose the hybrid TOA trilateration algorithm based on the line intersection algorithm for the general case for intersection of three circles and the comparison approach of intersection distances for the specific case where a small circle is located inside the area of two large circles. The line intersection algorithm has an excellent location estimation performance in the general case, but it does not work in the specific case. The comparison approach of intersection distances has good performance only for the specific case. In addition, we propose the mode selection algorithm to efficiently select a proper mode between the general and specific cases. The representative computer simulation examples are provided to verify the localization performance of the proposed algorithm.
Coal Mine Inclined Shaft Advanced Detection Method and Physical Model Test Based on Shield Cutterhead Moving Array Electrodes
Authors: Zhao Shuanfeng , Wei Mingle , Zhang Chuanwei , Guo Wei , Lu Zhengxiong
Published: May 2019

Using tunnel boring machine (TBM) to construct inclined shafts in coal mines has become the main way for large-scale coal mines to enter deep mining faces. However, some engineering disasters such as water in rush and rock burst will occur when TBM crosses the aquifer and weak broken rock strata. For the sake of efficient tunneling and advanced optimization of the safety plan and supporting measures, it is critically important to detect the anomalous geological conditions in front of the driving face during the service of TBM. Based on the bore-tunneling electrical ahead monitoring (BEAM) system, this paper proposes a coal mine inclined shaft advanced detection method based on shield cutterhead moving array electrodes. First, as the BEAM system cannot image owing to its low utilization rate on spatial distribution information, a diversified excitation and measurement mode with the cutters on the cutterhead as the exciting electrode and measuring electrode is proposed to provide a calculation condition for inversion imaging of the geological condition in front of the driving face. Then, in order to improve the speed of inversion imaging, a virtual grounding electrode equivalent model is proposed to replace the original guard electrode model. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the method, the influence of the virtual grounding electrode on the inversion results at different positions is studied through a physical model test and a numerical inversion test. The results show that the method can better reflect the position of anomalous body.
The Mutual Relationship between Protected Areas and Their Local Residents: The Case of Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark, China
Authors: Chang Liang , Watanabe Teiji
Published: May 2019

The relationship between humans and protected areas may contribute to the success of conservation efforts. The Qinling Mountains are significant to China and the rest of the world, and the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark comprises eight distinct scenic spots with residential communities. This study investigated the Geopark’s relationship between humans and protected areas by examining local residents’ incomes and land ownership characteristics. Data were derived from a questionnaire survey of 164 residents living in or near four of the eight scenic spots. Their individual and household incomes, requisitioned farmland losses and compensations, employment, and participation were analyzed. Most respondents were aged 30–70 years, and 90.9% were locally born and raised in the region. They tended to be self-employed in food catering or accommodation services within the Geopark or near its entrance. Reliance on the Geopark for their livelihoods was significant, because they worked full-time and earned a major share of their household incomes from Geopark-related employment. Fifty respondents reported that their farmland was requisitioned during the Geopark’s establishment. However, not all of them were financially compensated, and compensation was not equally distributed among those who received it. Reforming the complex top-down administrative system and developing an effective profit-sharing scheme for local residents are suggested measures for enhancing public satisfaction and knowledge about the Geopark, both factors that were low among the respondents. Increasing the local residents’ participation in Geopark activities is an important way to avoid conflict; increasing the number of job opportunities for local residents is proposed to achieve this goal.
Fertilizer Efficacy of Poultry Litter Ash Blended with Lime or Gypsum as Fillers
Authors: Bauer Philip J. , Szogi Ariel A. , Shumaker Paul D.
Published: May 2019

Ash from power plants that incinerate poultry litter has fertilizer value, but research is lacking on optimal land application methodologies. Experiments were conducted to evaluate calcitic lime and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) as potential fillers for poultry litter ash land applications. The ash had phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of 68 and 59 g kg−1, respectively. Soil extractable P and K were measured in an incubation pot study, comparing calcitic lime to FGDG at filler/ash ratios of 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1. After one month, soils were sampled and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) seeds were planted to investigate how plant growth and uptake of P and K were influenced by the fillers. Application of ash alone or with fillers increased soil extractable P and K levels above unamended controls by 100% and 70%, respectively. Filler materials did not affect biomass or P and K concentration of the ryegrass. A field study with a commercial spinner disc fertilizer applicator was conducted to compare application uniformity of ash alone and filler/ash blends. Overall, test data suggested that uniform distribution of ash alone or with fillers is feasible in field applications using a commercial fertilizer spreader.
Projecting Global and Regional Forest Area under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways Using an Updated Environmental Kuznets Curve Model
Authors: Nepal Prakash , Korhonen Jaana , Prestemon Jeffrey P. , Cubbage Frederick W.
Published: May 2019

Forest resources are critical to environmental, economic, and social development, and there is substantial interest in understanding how global forest area will evolve in the future. Using an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model of total forest area that we updated using more recent data sets, we projected forest area through 2100 in 168 countries using variables including income, rural population density, and the size of the labor force under different world visions drawn from alternative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). Results provided support for the existence of an EKC for total forest area, with rural population density negatively affecting forest area and labor force size positively affecting forest area. The projections showed modest and continuous increases in global forest area in all the SSPs, but varying trends for major world regions, which is consistent with the projected trends from the explanatory variables in each country. Aggregate global forest area is projected to increase by 7% as of 2100 relative to 2015 levels in SSP3, which predicts a future with the lowest rate of economic growth, and by 36% in SSP5, which is a future with the highest rate of economic growth and greater economic equality across countries. The results show how projections driven only by income produce biased results compared to the projections made with an EKC that includes rural population density and labor force variables.
Longleaf Pine Patch Dynamics Influence Ground-Layer Vegetation in Old-Growth Pine Savanna
Authors: Mugnani Maria Paula , Robertson Kevin M. , Miller Deborah L. , Platt William J.
Published: May 2019

Old-growth longleaf pine savannas are characterized by diverse ground-layer plant communities comprised of graminoids, forbs, and woody plants. These communities co-exist with variable-aged patches containing similar-aged trees of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.). We tested the conceptual model that physical conditions related to the cycle of longleaf pine regeneration (stand structure, soil attributes, fire effects, and light) influence plant species’ composition and spatial heterogeneity of ground-layer vegetation. We used a chrono-sequence approach in which local patches represented six stages of the regeneration cycle, from open areas without trees (gaps) to trees several centuries old, based on a 40-year population study and increment cores of trees. We measured soil characteristics, patch stand structure, fuel loads and consumption during fires, plant productivity, and ground-layer plant species composition. Patch characteristics (e.g., tree density, basal diameter, soil carbon, and fire heat release) indicated a cyclical pattern that corresponded to the establishment, growth, and mortality of trees over a period of approximately three centuries. We found that plants in the families Fabaceae and Asteraceae and certain genera were significantly associated with a particular patch stage or ranges of patch stages, presumably responding to changes in physical conditions of patches over time. However, whole-community-level analyses did not indicate associations between the patch stage and distinct plant communities. Our study indicates that changes in composition and the structure of pine patches contribute to patterns in spatial and temporal heterogeneity in physical characteristics, fire regimes, and species composition of the ground-layer vegetation in old-growth pine savanna.
Overhead Protection Increases Fuel Quality and Natural Drying of Leaf-On Woody Biomass Storage Piles
Authors: Therasme Obste , Eisenbies Mark , Volk Timothy
Published: May 2019

Short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) have the potential to make substantial contributions to the supply of biomass feedstock for the production of biofuels and bioproducts. This study evaluated changes in the fuel quality (moisture, ash, and heating value) of stored spring harvested shrub willow (Salix spp.) and hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) chips with respect to pile protection treatments, location within the storage piles, and length of storage. Leaf-on willow and poplar were harvested in the spring, and wood chips and foliage with moisture content in the range of 42.1% to 49.9% (w.b.) were stored in piles for five months, from May to October 2016. Three protection treatments were randomly assigned to the piles. The control treatment had no cover (NC), so piles were exposed to direct solar radiation and rainfall. The second treatment had a canopy (C) installed above the piles to limit direct rainfall. The final treatment had a canopy plus a dome aeration system (CD) installed over the piles. Covering piles reduced and maintained the low moisture content in wood chip piles. Within 30 days of establishment, the moisture content in the core of the C pile decreased to less than 30%, and was maintained between 24%–26% until the end of the storage period. Conversely, the moisture content in the NC piles decreased in the first two months, but then increased to the original moisture content in the core (>45 cm deep) and up to 70% of the original moisture content in the shell (<45 cm deep). For all the treatments in the tested conditions, the core material dried faster than the shell material. The higher heating value (HHV) across all the treatments increased slightly from 18.31 ± 0.06 MJ/kg at harvest to 18.76 ± 0.21 MJ/kg at the end of the storage period. The lower heating value (LHV) increased by about 50% in the C and CD piles by the end of the storage period. However, in the NC piles, the LHV decreased by 3% in the core and 52% in the shell. Leaf-on SRWC biomass stored in piles created in late spring under climatic conditions in central and northern New York showed differing moisture contents when stored for over 60–90 days. Overhead protection could be used to preserve or improve the fuel quality in terms of the moisture content and heating value if more than two months of storage are required. However, the implementation of such management practice will depend on whether the end users are willing to pay a higher price for dryer biomass and biomass with a higher LHV.
Conductive Regenerated Cellulose Fibers by Electroless Plating
Authors: Al-Maqdasi Zainab , Hajlane Abdelghani , Renbi Abdelghani , Ouarga Ayoub , Chouhan Shailesh Singh , Joffe Roberts
Published: May 2019

Continuous metalized regenerated cellulose fibers for advanced applications (e.g., multi-functional composites) are produced by electroless copper plating. Copper is successfully deposited on the surface of cellulose fibers using commercial cyanide-free electroless copper plating packages commonly available for the manufacturing of printed wiring boards. The deposited copper was found to enhance the thermal stability, electrical conductivity and resistance to moisture uptake of the fibers. On the other hand, the chemistry involved in plating altered the molecular structure of the fibers, as was indicated by the degradation of their mechanical performance (tensile strength and modulus).
Potential Impact of Oat Ingredient Type on Oral Fragmentation of Biscuits and Oro-Digestibility of Starch—An In Vitro Approach
Authors: Gamero Amparo , Nguyen Quoc Cuong , Varela Paula , Fiszman Susana , Tarrega Amparo , Rizo Arantxa
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study was to determine how variation in the biscuit matrix affects both the degree of in vitro fragmentation and the starch hydrolysis that occurs during the oral phase of digestion. Using three different oat ingredient types (oat flour, small flakes, and big flakes) and baking powder (or none), six biscuits with different matrices were obtained. The instrumental texture (force and sound measurements) of the biscuits was analyzed. The samples were then subjected to in vitro fragmentation. The particle size distribution and in vitro oral starch hydrolysis over time of the fragmented samples were evaluated. The results showed that the samples presented different fragmentation patterns, mainly depending on the oat ingredient type, which could be related to their differences in texture. The biscuits made with oat flour were harder, had a more compact matrix and showed more irregular fragmentation and a higher percentage area of small particles than those made with big oat flakes, which were more fragile and crumbly. The highest degree of starch hydrolysis corresponded to the biscuits made with flour. Conclusions: Differences in the mechanical properties of the biscuit matrix, in this case due to differences in the oat ingredient, play a role in the in vitro fragmentation pattern of biscuits and in the oral phase of starch hydrolysis.
Emerging Marine Biotoxins in Seafood from European Coasts: Incidence and Analytical Challenges
Authors: Estevez Pablo , Castro David , Pequeño-Valtierra Ana , Giraldez Jorge , Gago-Martinez Ana
Published: May 2019

The presence of emerging contaminants in food and the sources of the contamination are relevant issues in food safety. The impact of climate change on these contaminations is a topic widely debated; however, the consequences of climate change for the food system is not as deeply studied as other human and animal health and welfare issues. Projections of climate change in Europe have been evaluated through the EU Commission, and the impact on the marine environment is considered a priority issue. Marine biotoxins are produced by toxic microalgae and are natural contaminants of the marine environment. They are considered to be an important contaminant that needs to be evaluated. Their source is affected by oceanographic and environmental conditions; water temperature, sunlight, salinity, competing microorganisms, nutrients, and wind and current directions affect the growth and proliferation of microalgae. Although climate change should not be the only reason for this increase and other factors such as eutrophication, tourism, fishery activities, etc. could be considered, the influence of climate change has been observed through increased growth of dinoflagellates in areas where they have not been previously detected. An example of this is the recent emergence of ciguatera fish poisoning toxins, typically found in tropical or subtropical areas from the Pacific and Caribbean and in certain areas of the Atlantic Sea such as the Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira (Portugal). In addition, the recent findings of the presence of tetrodotoxins, typically found in certain areas of the Pacific, are emerging in the EU and contaminating not only the fish species where these toxins had been found before but also bivalve mollusks. The emergence of these marine biotoxins in the EU is a reason for concern in the EU, and for this reason, the risk evaluation and characterization of these toxins are considered a priority for the European Food Safety Authorities (EFSA), which also emphasize the search for occurrence data using reliable and efficient analytical methods.
Ergot Alkaloids in Wheat and Rye Derived Products in Italy
Authors: Debegnach Francesca , Patriarca Simona , Brera Carlo , Gregori Emanuela , Sonego Elisa , Moracci Gabriele , De Santis Barbara
Published: May 2019

Genus Claviceps is a plant pathogen able to produce a group of toxins, ergot alkaloids (EAs), whose effects have been known since the Middle Ages (ergotism). Claviceps purpurea is the most important representative specie, known to infect more than 400 monocotyledonous plants including economically important cereal grains (e.g., rye, wheat, triticale). EAs are not regulated as such. Maximum limits are in the pipeline of the EU Commission while at present ergot sclerotia content is set by the Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 in unprocessed cereals (0.05% as a maximum). This study aimed to investigate the presence of the six principal EAs (ergometrine, ergosine, ergocornine, α-ergocryptine, ergotamine and ergocristine) and their relative epimers (-inine forms) in rye- and wheat-based products. Of the samples, 85% resulted positive for at least one of the EAs. Wheat bread was the product with the highest number of positivity (56%), followed by wheat flour (26%). Rye and wheat bread samples showed the highest values when the sum of the EAs was considered, and durum wheat bread was the more contaminated sample (1142.6 μg/kg). These results suggest that ongoing monitoring of EAs in food products is critical until maximum limits are set.
Functional Proteomics of Nuclear Proteins in Tetrahymena thermophila: A Review
Authors: Saettone Alejandro , Nabeel-Shah Syed , Garg Jyoti , Lambert Jean-Philippe , Pearlman Ronald E. , Fillingham Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

Identification and characterization of protein complexes and interactomes has been essential to the understanding of fundamental nuclear processes including transcription, replication, recombination, and maintenance of genome stability. Despite significant progress in elucidation of nuclear proteomes and interactomes of organisms such as yeast and mammalian systems, progress in other models has lagged. Protists, including the alveolate ciliate protozoa with Tetrahymena thermophila as one of the most studied members of this group, have a unique nuclear biology, and nuclear dimorphism, with structurally and functionally distinct nuclei in a common cytoplasm. These features have been important in providing important insights about numerous fundamental nuclear processes. Here, we review the proteomic approaches that were historically used as well as those currently employed to take advantage of the unique biology of the ciliates, focusing on Tetrahymena, to address important questions and better understand nuclear processes including chromatin biology of eukaryotes.
Global Disappearance of Tropical Mountain Glaciers: Observations, Causes, and Challenges
Authors: Veettil Bijeesh Kozhikkodan , Kamp Ulrich
Published: May 2019

This article reviews the current status of tropical glaciers in the South American Andes, East Africa, and Australasia by shedding light on past, present, and future glacier coverage in the tropics, the influence of global and regional climates on the tropical glaciers, the regional importance of these glaciers, and challenges of ongoing glacier recessions. While tropical glaciers have predominantly receded since the Little Ice Age, the rate of shrinkage has accelerated since the late 1970s as a result of climate changes. As a result, socio-ecological implications occur around ecosystem health, natural hazards, freshwater resources, agriculture, hydropower, mining, human and animal health, traditions and spirituality, and peace.
Numerical Simulation of Conservation Laws with Moving Grid Nodes: Application to Tsunami Wave Modelling
Authors: Khakimzyanov Gayaz , Dutykh Denys , Mitsotakis Dimitrios , Shokina Nina Yu.
Published: May 2019

In the present article, we describe a few simple and efficient finite volume type schemes on moving grids in one spatial dimension combined with an appropriate predictor–corrector method to achieve higher resolutions. The underlying finite volume scheme is conservative, and it is accurate up to the second order in space. The main novelty consists in the motion of the grid. This new dynamic aspect can be used to resolve better the areas with large solution gradients or any other special features. No interpolation procedure is employed; thus, unnecessary solution smearing is avoided, and therefore, our method enjoys excellent conservation properties. The resulting grid is completely redistributed according to the choice of the so-called monitor function. Several more or less universal choices of the monitor function are provided. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is illustrated on several examples stemming from the simple linear advection to the simulation of complex shallow water waves. The exact well-balanced property is proven. We believe that the techniques described in our paper can be beneficially used to model tsunami wave propagation and run-up.
The Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Subjective Well-Being Inventory in the General Korean Population: Psychometric Properties and Normative Data
Authors: Yun Young , Rhee Ye , Kang Eunkyo , Sim Jin-ah
Published: May 2019

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Subjective Well-Being Inventory (SWBI) in a nationally representative sample in Korea. A total of 1200 people completed the semi-structured, self-reported questionnaire, which included five items from the SWLS and 14 items from the SWBI. All items and the total score of both the SWLS and the SWBI showed high internal consistency (with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.886 and 0.946, respectively). The item-total correlation values for both measures were in the ranges of 0.71–0.75 and 0.65–0.80, respectively. There were positive correlations between the SWLS and SWBI (r = 0.59, p = 0.01). The SWLS, SWBI and global well-being (GWB) scores were positively correlated with the McGill Quality of Life subscales (p = 0.01) but negatively correlated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (p = 0.01). Participants under 50 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00–1.69) and those in rural areas (aOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.28–2.07) had higher scores on the SWLS than other participant groups. Participants who were under 50 years old (aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.12–1.92), were male (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04–1.71), were married (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.13–2.01), lived in rural areas (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.35–3.91), or had higher incomes (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.02–1.65) showed higher SWBI scores. This study showed that the SLWS and SWBI have good psychometric properties and could be applicable to Korea.
Quality of Life and Health: Influence of Preparation for Retirement Behaviors through the Serial Mediation of Losses and Gains
Authors: Hurtado María Dolores , Topa Gabriela
Published: May 2019

The dynamic theory of resources is a recent approach that provides a theoretical framework for understanding, forecasting, and examining the relationships between people’s resources and their adaptation to retirement. This article focuses on the transition to retirement in order to better understand how retirees’ perceptions of their gains and losses when they approach retirement significantly explain their well-being after retirement. Moreover, we explore the relationship between people’s preparation behaviors before retirement (T1) and their quality of life and health after retirement (T3), taking into consideration the mediating role of perceived gains and losses in retirement (T2). This study was carried out with a sample of Spanish workers (N = 244) who were employed at T1 and had retired at T2 and T3. The results support the assertion that losses explain well-being better than gains. In addition, some specific losses showed a greater explanatory power for quality of life and health than others. The implications are discussed with a view to understanding retirement and the design of interventions.
Body Mass Index Perception, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Their Relations with Weight-Related Behaviors among University Students
Authors: Radwan Hadia , Hasan Hayder A. , Ismat Haneen , Hakim Hala , Khalid Hiba , Al-Fityani Leen , Mohammed Rawand , Ayman Alzahraa
Published: May 2019

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally and is linked with poor body image perception. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationships of body image (BI) and body mass index (BMI) with weight control practices among university students. A cross-sectional study on a sample of 308 university students (150 males and 158 females) aged between 18 and 25 years was carried out. Face-to-face interviews were conducted based on a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, physical activity, the Figure Rating Scale (FRS) and body image dissatisfaction (BID) questions. The majority of the participants (81%: 58.2% females and 41.8% males) were dissatisfied with their BI. Females desired to lose weight and preferred diet to exercise, while males desired to gain weight and preferred exercise to diet (p < 0.001). About 56%, 39.5%, and 4.5% of the participants were normal, overweight/obese, and underweight, respectively. There was a significant, strong correlation (R2 = 0.84, p < 0.001) between perceived BMI and actual BMI. Actual BMI showed a significant strong correlation with the BID (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). The results highlighted the need to increase awareness of the importance of healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activities to improve body size, shape perception, and satisfaction among college males and females.