Is there a space for additional renewable energy in the Norwegian power system? Potential for reduced global emission?

This paper presents the results of a Norwegian power system analysis. An energy system analysis model based on linear programming is used for modelling and optimisation. The analyses cover a number of scenarios where the studied system is subjected to changes by introducing other renewable energy sources, energy conservation measures and measures to promote renewable energy. The study shows that due to a combination of cheap hydropower and high investment costs, it is quite difficult for new generation units to be profitable. This is also true during periods of low precipitation where the system tends to survive on imported power instead of investing in new generation units. However, this does not apply to energy conservation measures that easily enter the system. On the other hand, biomass based CHP, wind power and wave power could be viable if measures are introduced to promote their use. Most of the scenarios show a high potential for reducing global emissions.     

On the Processing of Martensitic Steels in Continuous Galvanizing Lines: Part 1

Whereas low-carbon (<0.2 mass pct) martensitic grades can be produced easily in continuous annealing processing lines equipped with the required cooling capacity, the thermal cycles in continuous galvanizing lines make it difficult to produce hot-dip Zn or Zn-alloy coated high-strength martensitic grades. This is because of the tempering processes occurring during dipping of the strip in the liquid Zn bath and, in the case of galvannealed sheet steel, the short thermal treatment required to achieve the alloying between the Zn and the steel. These short additional thermal treatments last less than 30 seconds but severely degrade the mechanical properties. Using a combination of internal friction, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, it is shown that the ultrafine-grained lath microstructure allows for a rapid dislocation recovery and carbide formation during the galvanizing processes. In addition, the effective dislocation pinning occurring during the galvannealing process results in strain localization and the suppression of strain hardening.     

Effects of polymer molecular weight,concentration, and role of polyethylene glycol as additive on polyacrylonitrile homopolymer membranes

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), is an important base polymer to cast porous membranes. In this work, a detailed study of the effects of molecular weight of PAN homopolymer and its concentration on the cast membrane has been undertaken. The effects of molecular weight of additive polyethylene glycol (PEG) and its concentration have also been investigated. The membranes are cast using dimethyl formamide as solvent using phase inversion technique. They are characterized in terms of porosity, water permeability, molecular weight cut off, average pore diameter, contact angle, and tensile strength at breaking point. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are used to characterize the chemical and morphological changes of the membrane surface. Further studies have been considered to evaluate the antifouling property of various membranes using filtration of bovine serum albumin solution. Membrane modified by PEG 400 membrane shows an improved separation performance and antifouling characteristics. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2375–2391, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activity of bioactive peptides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of skin from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Grass carp skin pieces were homogenized in water and hydrolyzed by Alcalase®, collagenase, proteinase K, and/or trypsin at their optimum conditions. Samples were taken at various degrees of hydrolysis and were evaluated for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activities. Alcalase and collagenase completely hydrolyzed the skin with different rates, and released peptides with antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory activity. These activities increased linearly with increasing degrees of hydrolysis. Subsequent incubation of the collagenase hydrolysates with trypsin slightly increased the antioxidant activity. Proteinase K, although only partially hydrolyzing the skin, also catalyzed the release of peptides with antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory activities. These results show that skin by-products from grass carp can be a source of bioactive peptides produced by a one-step reaction. Such hydrolysates may be applied in food products to prolong shelf life and provide beneficial effects on blood pressure.     

Local Notions of Healthy Eating and National Dietary Guidelines: A Comparison in Vulnerable Salvadoran Communities

This study presents an assessment of local definitions and perceptions concerning healthy eating through a study in four resource-poor border communities in El Salvador. The study included focus groups, key-informant interviews, and observations of the food environment. Local definitions of healthy eating elicited through focus groups were compared to the national Salvadoran dietary guidelines recommendations. The comparison revealed several areas of overlap (including the importance of dietary variety, fruits, and vegetables, among others) and omissions (mention of limiting sweets/candy, salt, sugar, and alcohol). Focus group participants expressed concerns over the origin of their foods and whether food contained harmful chemicals. These conversations also revealed the contradictions between nutrition knowledge and preferences for foods classified as unhealthy. This article concludes with a discussion about barriers to healthy eating identified in the focus groups and through the food environment assessment.     

Energy Drinks: An Assessment of Their Market Size,Consumer Demographics,Ingredient Profile,Functionality, and Regulations in the United States

ABSTRACT: The consumption of energy drinks is rapidly increasing, as demonstrated by their large market growth. The targeted demographic group is teenagers, young adults, 18 to 34 y old; although expansion into nontraditional markets is also occurring. It is claimed that energy drinks can offer an increased energy boost related to their ingredient profile of caffeine, taurine, herbal extracts, and vitamins. Research suggests that energy drink formulations, in addition to increasing energy utilization, may also improve mood, enhance physical endurance, reduce mental fatigue, and increase reaction time. However, in most cases, the corresponding mechanisms of action are not clear. In addition, concerns have been raised over their safety and with a currently weak regulatory environment, efforts need to be made to ensure consumer safety. The objective of this article is to review the current U.S. energy drink market with emphasis on its market size, target demographic, active ingredients, potential benefits, safety, and regulations.     

Spice use in food: Properties and benefits

Spices are parts of plants that due to their properties are used as colorants, preservatives, or medicine. The uses of spices have been known since long time, and the interest in the potential of spices is remarkable due to the chemical compounds contained in spices, such as phenylpropanoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Spices, such as cumin (cuminaldehyde), clove (eugenol), and cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde) among others, are known and studied for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties due to their main chemical compounds. These spices have the potential to be used as preservatives in many foods namely in processed meat to replace chemical preservatives. Main chemical compounds in spices also confer other properties providing a variety of applications to spices, such as insecticidal, medicines, colorants, and natural flavoring. Spices provide beneficial effects, such as antioxidant activity levels that are comparable to regular chemical antioxidants used so they can be used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. In this review, the main characteristics of spices will be described as well as their chemical properties, different applications of these spices, and the advantages and disadvantages of their use.