Countries all over the world are making their contribution to the common goal of energy saving and emission reduction. Solar energy is gaining more attention as a renewable energy source. Polysilicon is an important raw material for solar panels and the production of polysilicon is a vital part of the photovoltaic industry. Polysilicon production is a typical process industry enterprise, and its production process is continuous and highly energy intensive. Therefore, it is necessary to forecast and analyze the consumption of polysilicon production plants. To address the problem that it is difficult to predict future consumption based on historical data alone due to the time-series, massive, nonlinear, and complex nature of data in polysilicon workshops. This study proposes a combined workshop energy consumption prediction model based on Bayesian estimation of time-series decomposition and convolutional neural network (TSD-CNN). The method uses a time-series decomposition method to mode... [more]

Hydrokinetic turbine deployment in inland water reticulation systems such as irrigation canals has potential for future renewable energy development. Although research and development analysing the hydrodynamic effects of these turbines in tidal applications has been carried out, inland canal system applications with spatial constraints leading to possible blockage and backwater effects resulting from turbine deployment have not been considered. Some attempts have been made to develop backwater models, but these were site-specific and performed under constant operational conditions. Therefore, the aim of this work was to develop a generic and simplified method for calculating the backwater effect of HK turbines in inland systems. An analytical backwater approximation based on assumptions of performance metrics and inflow conditions was tested using validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. For detailed prediction of the turbine effect on the flow field, CFD models based on R... [more]

In the last decade, the green synthesis of nanoparticles has had a prominent role in scientific research for industrial and biomedical applications. In this current study, silver nitrate (AgNO3) was reduced and stabilized with an aqueous extract of Thelypteris glandulosolanosa (Raqui-raqui), forming silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-RR). UV-vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were utilized to analyze the structures of AgNPs-RR. The results from this analysis showed a characteristic peak at 420 nm and a mean hydrodynamic size equal to 39.16 nm, while the STEM revealed a size distribution of 6.64−51.00 nm with an average diameter of 31.45 nm. Cellular cytotoxicity assays using MCF-7 (ATCC® HTB-22™, mammary gland breast), A549 (ATCC® CCL-185, lung epithelial carcinoma), and L929 (ATCC® CCL-1, subcutaneous connective tissue of Mus musculus) demonstrated over 42.70% of MCF-7, 59.24% of A549, and 8.80% of L929 cells had cell d... [more]

In this research, an intelligent control architecture for an experimental Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) bearing unconventional inverted V-tail design, is presented. To handle UAV’s inherent control complexities, while keeping them computationally acceptable, a variant of distinct Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm, namely Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) is proposed. Conventional DDPG algorithm after being modified in its learning architecture becomes capable of intelligently handling the continuous state and control space domains besides controlling the platform in its entire flight regime. Nonlinear simulations were then performed to analyze UAV performance under different environmental and launch conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is further demonstrated by comparing the results with the linear controller for the same UAV whose feedback loop gains are optimized by employing technique of optimal control theory. Results indicate the significance o... [more]

The discrete element method has become a common method for analyzing the contact interaction between particulate materials and between particles and mechanical components. It has been widely used in agricultural engineering and other fields. Taking soybean as an example, soybean seed particles always have contact effects between particles and mechanical components in the process of planting, harvesting, threshing, separation, cleaning, and processing. The discrete element method can be used to obtain information on the contact forces between seed particles and mechanical parts, as well as the velocity and displacement of seed particle motion from a microscopic perspective. This paper summarizes the application of the discrete element method in soybean cultivation and production processes in recent years. This will help future researchers to conduct relevant test studies, develop and improve existing research methods. It can also serve as a guide and reference for the production and pro... [more]

Pore water pressure changes due to soil-atmospheric boundary interaction can significantly influence soil behaviour and can negatively affect the safety and stability of geotechnical structures. For example, prolonged rainfall events can lead to increased pore water pressure and lower strength; repeated cycles of pore water pressure changes can lead to degradation of strength. These effects are likely to become more severe in the future due to climate change in many parts of the world. To analyse the behaviour of soil subjected to atmospheric boundary interactions, several parameters are needed, and hydraulic conductivity is one of the more important and is difficult to determine. Hydraulic conductivity deduced from laboratory tests are often different from those from the field tests, sometimes by orders of magnitude. The problem becomes even more complicated when the soil state is unsaturated, where the hydraulic conductivity varies with the soil’s state of saturation. In this paper,... [more]

Biofilters (BFs) and biotrickling filters (BTFs) are two types of bioreactors used for treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Both BFs and BTFs use packing materials in which various microorganisms are immobilised. The water phase in BFs is stationary and used to maintain the humidity of packing materials, while BTFs have a mobile liquid phase. Optimisation of irrigation of packing materials is crucial for effective performance of BFs and BTFs. A literature review is presented on the influence of water content of packing materials on the biofiltration efficiency of various pollutants. Different configurations of BFs and BTFs and their influence on moisture distribution in packing materials were discussed. The review also presents various packing materials and their irrigation control strategies applied in recent biofiltration studies. The sources of this review included recent research articles from scientific journals and several review articles discussing BFs and BTFs.

In this review article, the state of the art of the complete processing chain in the production of solar photo-electric modules from raw materials (quartzites, quartz sand) is detailed. In particular, the silicon and silane production technologies of the Institute of Physics and Technology of Almaty, Kazakhstan, can become part of an expansive technologies chain. Such integration could present a number of benefits in comparison with the analogs, including less environmental pressure and increased safety. The combination of innovative production technologies of highly effective solar cells and modules with competitive production technologies of solar-grade silicon and silane constitutes a basis for the creation of an industrial cluster in the field of silicon solar photo energy with a complete vertically integrated production cycle.

3-hydroxybutyraldehyde (3-HBA) is mainly employed to synthesize 1,3-BDO (1,3-butanediol), which is one of the most important components in cosmetics moisturizers. In this study, a series of composite oxide catalysts were prepared by bringing alkaline earth metal Ca and rare earth metal La to the composite oxide MgO/Al2O3, which were made through the co-precipitation method. These catalysts were applied in the synthesis of 3-HBA through acetaldehyde (AcH) condensation. The structure, texture, and acidic properties of these catalysts were characterized using various characterization methods, and the effects of catalyst composition, reaction temperature, reaction pressure, and residence time on the conversion of AcH were investigated as well. The results showed that the introduction of Ca and La weakened the acidic property and enhanced the basic property, which favored the AcH condensation to synthesize 3-HBA. At a temperature of 20 °C, pressure of 200 kPa, and residence time of 70 min,... [more]

Every decision maker’s internal scale is different based on a myriad of possible factors unique to that decision maker. Conflicting criteria within and between alternatives in multicriteria decision making can create negative effects within the weighting schemes and amplify preference biases and scale disparities between decision makers in a group decision context. Additionally, the weighting of group decision-making frameworks can intensify the already skewed criteria values. When making judgments against requirements, it may be preferable to reduce scale trend distortions between decision makers as much as possible. Previous research supports that certain information presentation modes can significantly reduce preference bias and strengthen criteria independence against requirements through cross alternative anchoring. This paper expands that research and proposes a new optimization model for strengthening criteria independence and consensus in group decision making. Initial results... [more]

Commercialization in the meat-processing industry has emerged as one of the major agrobusiness challenges due to the large volume of wastewater produced during slaughtering and cleaning of slaughtering facilities. Slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW) contains proteins, fats, high organic contents, microbes, and other emerging pollutants (pharmaceutical and veterinary residues). It is important to first characterize the wastewater so that adequate treatment techniques can be employed so that discharge of this wastewater does not negatively impact the environment. Conventional characterization bulk parameters of slaughterhouse wastewater include pH, color, turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and coliform counts. Characterization studies conducted have revealed the effects of the pollutants on microbial activity of SWW through identification of toxicity of... [more]

As the future of transportation systems, the intelligent transportation system is a promising technology to improve the increasingly serious traffic problems. However, the integration of cyber-physical systems makes them vulnerable to new cyber−physical attacks. To ensure the security of intelligent transportation systems, a novel robust state observer-based detection and isolation method against false data injection attacks is developed. Based on the constructed dynamic model of intelligent vehicle networking, the covert characteristic of a false data injection attack is analyzed. Then, a novel state residuals-based detection criterion is developed by using a real-time observed state. To shorten the detection time, an adaptive detection threshold is designed to replace the existing computed threshold. In addition, robust state observer banks are established to isolate multiple injected attacks. Finally, simulation results on the vehicle networking system demonstrate the effectiveness... [more]

This work presents a superstructure optimization study for the production of renewable fuels with a focus on jet fuel. Power-to-X via the methanol (MTJ) and Fischer−Tropsch (FT) route is combined with Biomass-to-X (BtX) via an algae-based biorefinery to an integrated Power- and Biomass-to-X (PBtX) process. Possible integration by algae remnant utilization for H2/CO2 production, wastewater recycling and heat integration is included. Modeling is performed using the novel Open sUperstrucTure moDeling and OptimizatiOn fRamework (OUTDOOR). Novel methods to account for advanced mass balances and uncertain input data are included. Economic optimization proposes a PBtX process. This process combines algae processing with MTJ and depicts a highly mass- and energy integrated plant. It produces fuels at 211 EUR/MWhLHV (ca. 2530 EUR/t), a cost reduction of 21% to 11.5% compared to stand-alone electricity- or bio-based production at algae costs of 25 EUR/tAlgae-sludge and electricity costs of 72 EU... [more]

Process Intensification (PI) is a modern trend in Chemical Reaction Engineering (CRE) science [...]

The fracturing crossing coal seam roof is a technology that fulfills the fracturing of a coal seam through the vertical propagation of fractures. Geological conditions are the key factors determining the effect of this kind of fracturing, but there is hardly any research on this aspect. To determine the favorable geological conditions for through-roof fracturing, based on a 3D fracture propagation model, and considering the interlayer vertical fracture toughness and leak-off heterogeneity, a mathematical model of fracturing through a horizontal well in a coal seam roof was established, and the calculation method of fractures crossing layer propagation was determined. In this method, the effect of fracture communication with the coal seam is evaluated by taking the area and the area ratio of fractures in the coal seam as the objective functions. The effects of parameters such as in situ stress combination profile, coal seam fracture toughness, and fluid loss coefficient on fracturing re... [more]

There is a “symbiotic relationship” between permafrost and the forest ecosystem; the melted permafrost provides sufficient water for forest growth, and the forest ecosystem plays an important role in protecting the permafrost. Aiming to study the effects of different forest types on soil organic carbon (SOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the permafrost region of the Daxing’anling Mountains, this research focuses on the soil of the three forest types of pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forest, larch forest, and birch forest in Beiji Village, Mohe County, Daxing’anling Region, and collected vertical profile soil samples from the three soil layers of 0−10, 10−20, and 20−30 cm at three different sites types (upslope, mesoslope, and downslope) in August 2017. The results show that the forest type is the main influencing factor for the content of SOC and DOC. The site type has a significant effect on the content of SOC and DOC in the three forest types, but the difference varies sligh... [more]

Jet loop reactors are standard multiphase reactors used in chemical, biological and environmental processes. The strong liquid jet provided by a nozzle enforces both internal circulation of liquid and gas as well as entrainment and dispersion of the gas phase. We present a one-dimensional compartment model based on a momentum balance that describes the internal circulation of gas and liquid phase in the jet loop reactor. This model considers the influence of local variations of the gas volume fraction on the internal circulation. These local variations can be caused by coalescence of gas bubbles, additional gas-feeding points and gas consumption or production. In this work, we applied the model to study the influence of a gas-consuming reaction on the internal circulation. In a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, the interaction of different parameters such as rate of reaction, power input through the nozzle, gas holdup, reactor geometry, and circulation rate were investigated. The res... [more]

In order to further improve the stability of path tracking control and fuel economy of new energy vehicles, an optimal control strategy of path tracking and braking energy recovery is proposed. First, a model predictive controller is designed based on the three-degrees of freedom dynamics model of the vehicle according to the idea of hierarchical control, and a fuzzy yaw torque controller is established with the desired yaw velocity and side slip angle of the mass center as constraints. Second, at high-speed driving conditions, the executive layer of the component distributes the braking torque according to the braking energy recovery control strategy. Finally, the optimal control strategy of path tracking and braking energy recovery is verified by Carsim/Advisor/Simulink software under different driving speeds. The results show that the optimized control strategy can improve the tracking accuracy and driving stability of a vehicle with large curvature turning and further improve the f... [more]

In this work, a method to predict the surface structures of particles produced by fluidized bed spray layering granulation using the CFD-DEM method was developed. A simple state-variable/event tracking approach was implemented to capture indirect quantifiers of the progression of structure-forming microprocesses. The state of the droplet at the time of impact on the particle surface, as well as the time required for drying, is correlated to product properties that quantify surface structure morphology such as roughness. A workflow for scale-up of fluidized bed granulation guided by product-property predictors is presented. The approach was tested on a demonstration case from the literature, where a particle core is coated with sodium benzoate solution. The experiment was scaled-up by a factor of eight to pilot-scale using the developed method. Varying the number of nozzles in use in the pilot-scale granulation affected the particle surface roughness due to the differing drying conditio... [more]

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is well-known as an inexpensive and the most commonly used additive manufacturing process. In FDM, build orientation is one of the critical factors that affect the quality of the printed part. However, the activity of determining a build orientation for an FDM part, i.e., part orientation for FDM, usually relies on the knowledge and experience of domain experts. This necessitates an approach that enables the capture, representation, reasoning, and reuse of the data and knowledge in this activity. In this paper, a description logic (DL) ontology-supported part orientation approach for FDM is presented. Firstly, a set of top-level entities are created to construct a DL ontology for FDM part orientation. Then a DL ontology-supported alternative orientation generation procedure, a DL ontology-supported factor value prediction procedure, and a DL ontology-supported optimal orientation selection procedure are developed successively. After that, the applicatio... [more]

spp. is present throughout the Portuguese territory. Although most of these species are considered native in Portugal, at least one species has already been reported as invasive in other parts of the world. Different measures of control have been investigated, and the application of herbicides is the most commonly used. This review gathers information about the biochemical profile and analytical methods used for the evaluation of the potential bioactivities of three species of the genus Cytisus, better known as brooms, which were used in traditional medicine through the production of infusions and decoctions for the treatment of several health problems, mainly due to their high value of phenolic compounds. However, little research has been conducted on its biological activities as a potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, one species (Cytisus striatus) has not been subjected to extensive research in identifying chemical compounds and evaluating t... [more]

Global primary energy consumption has increased tenfold over the course of the 20th Century, the availability of non-renewable energy is becoming scarce, and the burning of fossil fuels is leading to global warming. Climate change has now become tangible. The will to act against fossil fuels has become apparent in the western world, and in Germany in particular. This poses a particular challenge for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, since, in the future, not only will the energy input, but also the feedstock, have to come from non-fossil sources. They must be replaced by carbon capture and utilization, and the exploitation of a circular economy. Concepts for a climate-neutral chemical−pharmaceutical industry have been developed and evaluated. Due to a high predicted consumption of renewable energies and an insufficient expansion of these, Germany will remain an energy importer in the future. The largest consumer in a climate-neutral chemical−pharmaceutical industry will be elec... [more]

A modification of the ABTS• decolorization assay for plate readers is presented. In our modification, 200 µL of ABTS solution of absorbance 1.0 at 734 nm was added with an antioxidant and decreased absorbance resulted. For comparison of antioxidant activities in the kinetic assay of absorbance decrease, concentration dependence of absorbance decrease and of area under curve are recommended. “Fast” and “slow” antioxidants were distinguished: while the reactions of “fast” antioxidants ABTS• were completed within seconds, the reactions of “slow” antioxidants were not finished after 6 min. We recommend reaction time of 60 min for assays of such antioxidants, blood plasma and plant extracts. Sub-additive interactions between some antioxidants (ascorbate and Trolox, hispidulin and Trolox, and glutathione and ascorbate) were found in the ABTS• decolorization; possible reasons for such interactions are discussed.

Background: Euphorbia huachahana (Klotzch & Garcke) Boissier (Huachangana) (EhKGBh) has been used for over a century for medicinal purposes in the Peruvian population; however, its safety and possible toxic effects of use have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the acute hepatic and renal toxicity of EhKGBh in Holtzman rats. Methods: Analytical and experimental study. The population consisted of 52 rats of both sexes weighing between 300 and 350 g divided into four groups: G1 and G2 EhKGBh groups (26 rats each) and two control groups (10 rats each). The experimental group was administered EhKGBh at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg P.O. to demonstrate toxicity during the 14-day follow-up. A daily assessment of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), and conjugated bilirubin (CBIL) was performed. Results: Evaluation of the liver tissue showed mild changes in inflammation, predominantly vas... [more]

Decanter centrifuges are widely used for solid−liquid separation. Although parameter analysis for decanter centrifuges was performed by numerical simulation in previous studies, some structural parameters are rarely mentioned and investigated. At the same time, the results obtained by the single-parameter analysis in previous studies are difficult to truly realize the comprehensive performance optimization of decanter centrifuges. In this paper, the influences of the window structure and bowl−conveyor gap on the separation performance are systematically analyzed with the employment of a numerical computation method. The results show that the increase in the window angle and window height will accelerate the flow of the upper layer, while the increase in the bowl−conveyor gap may make particles flow through it directly and further form a solid retention zone. Both of the structural changes will lead to deterioration of the separation performance. On the basis of numerical simulation ana... [more]