Examination of energy price policies in Iran for optimal configuration of CHP and CCHP systems based on particle swarm optimization algorithm

The current subsidized energy prices in Iran are proposed to be gradually eliminated over the next few years. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of current and future energy price policies on optimal configuration of combined heat and power (CHP) and combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems in Iran, under the conditions of selling and not-selling electricity to utility. The particle swarm optimization algorithm is used for minimizing the cost function for owning and operating various CHP and CCHP systems in an industrial dairy unit. The results show that with the estimated future unsubsidized utility prices, CHP and CCHP systems operating with reciprocating engine prime mover have total costs of 5.6 and $2.9×10⁶ over useful life of 20 years, respectively, while both systems have the same capital recovery periods of 1.3 years. However, for the same prime mover and with current subsidized prices, CHP and CCHP systems require 4.9 and 5.2 years for capital recovery, respectively. It is concluded that the current energy price policies hinder the promotion of installing CHP and CCHP systems and, the policy of selling electricity to utility as well as eliminating subsidies are prerequisites to successful widespread utilization of such systems.     

Treatment of enzymatic wool with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and citric acid to enhance mechanical properties using RSM

In this work, protease enzymatic wool was treated with citric acid and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles to produce fabric with enhanced tensile strength, elongation, alkali resistance with controllable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity through a simple ‘impregnating’ method. Protease enzymatic is also one of the most important processes usually carried out in alkali condition to obtain the desirable characteristics, which enhanced the surface activity and nanoparticles adsorption. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation were reduced as a consequence of alkali enzymatic pretreatment. Here, with the help of citric acid cross-linking agent, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were stabilized on the enzymatic wool surface in a way to revenge reduction in the tensile strength, elongation, alkali resistance. In order to create optimum tensile strength, elongation, alkali resistance, lightness and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, the appropriate models were obtained based on Design-Expert software. Overall, the results confirmed that the enzymatic wool fabrics could be modified by citric acid and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles post-treatment. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle/citric acid treatment on the protease enzymatic wool improved tensile strength and elongation along with the higher alkali resistance and controllable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity.     

Numerical investigation of non‐Newtonian nanofluid mixed convection in a two‐opposite direction lid‐driven cavity with variable properties

The mixed convection fluid flow in a square cavity filled with AL₂O₃‐water non‐Newtonian nanofluid is numerically analyzed. The left and right vertical boundaries of the enclosure have been kept in the constant temperature. Remaining walls of the cavity have been considered to have adiabatic boundary condition. Two different cases have been considered. In the first case, left and right side walls have been moved vertically with constant speed V_b in opposite directions. In the second case, the directions of their motions have been reversed. The transport equations, written in terms of the primitive variables for the non‐Newtonian nanofluid, have been solved numerically using the finite volume method. The shear stresses were calculated using the Ostwald‐de Waele model for the shear‐thinning nanofluid. The model introduced by Patel et al was used to obtain the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. The variation of the fluid flow with respect to the Richardson number and volume fraction of the nanoparticles was investigated through a parametric study. Even though increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles leads to heat transfer enhancement, for the second case of this study, for Ri = 1, the average Nusselt number initially drops sharply by increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles, then remains constant.     

More food or better distribution? Reviewing food policy options in developing countries

As most of the undernourished people in the world live in developing countries, achieving food security plays a major role on the daily agenda of policy makers. For achieving food security, there exist various strategies such as supply management, demand management, or better food distribution. This article aims to analyze different scenarios in a developing country context and seeks to provide an overview that could be the most suitable approach to achieve food security. In this context, not only producing more food is considered but also the environmental and social implications that come along with a higher production. Some of the existing options for achieving food security seem not to be appropriate anymore; for instance, cultivation expansion, as this can only be achieved at high social and environmental costs. Other options, such as sustainable intensification or waste management, seem to be more appropriate. The article concludes that there exists no stand-alone solution to the food security problem. Instead, an integrated approach that combines different options might rather be the key to sustainable food security.     

A kinetic study on autoxidation of α-naphthol-formaldehyde polymer in aqueous alkaline solutions

α-naphthol-formaldehyde polymer having active methylene groups and low average molecular weight of 1,000–2,000 was synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and gel permeation chromatography(GPC). Macroscopic kinetics of autoxidation of the polymer was investigated in an aqueous alkaline solution using UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Autoxidation processes in the presence of oxygen (or air) and hydrogen peroxide were associated with a color change of the solution to blue, which was monitored at 650 nm. The overall reaction rate law, order of the reaction, kinetic rate constants, and a proposed mechanism for the autoxidation reaction were obtained and reported. Infrared spectrophotometry shows that autoxidation takes place via conversion of methylene groups into carbonyls. Furthermore, kinetic data confirms the proposed mechanism for this autoxidation reaction which is of pseudo zero-order with respect to the polymer and first-order to the oxidant. The obtained kinetic rate constants of the autoxidation reaction by air and hydrogen peroxide are 0.0052 ± 7.1 × 10⁻⁴ min⁻¹ and 0.0044 ± 9.7 × 10⁻⁴ min⁻¹ at 25°C, respectively.     

Bone Regeneration in rat using a gelatin/bioactive glass nanocomposite scaffold along with endothelial cells (HUVECs)

In our previous study, a three‐dimensional gelatin/bioactive glass nanocomposite scaffold with a total porosity of about 85% and pore sizes ranging from 200 to 500 μm was prepared through layer solvent casting combined with lamination technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro biocompatibility and in vivo bone regeneration potential of these scaffolds with and without endothelial cells when implanted into a critical‐sized rat calvarial defect. MTT assay, SEM observation, and DAPI staining were used to evaluate cell viability and adhesion in macroporous scaffolds and results demonstrated that the scaffolds were biocompatible enough to support cell attachment and proliferation. To investigate the in vivo osteogenesis of the scaffold, blank scaffolds and endothelial/scaffold constructs were implanted in critical‐sized defects, whereas in control group defects were left untreated. Bone regeneration and vascularization were evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks postsurgery by histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric analysis. It was shown that both groups facilitated bone growth into the defect area but improved bone regeneration was seen with the incorporation of endothelial cells. The data showed that the porous Gel/BaG nanocomposite scaffolds could well support new bone formation, indicating that the proposed strategy is a promising alternative for tissue‐engineered bone defects.     

Suitability of Chitosan Scaffolds with Carbon Nanotubes for Bone Defects Treated with Photobiomodulation

Biomaterials have been investigated as an alternative for the treatment of bone defects, such as chitosan/carbon nanotubes scaffolds, which allow cell proliferation. However, bone regeneration can be accelerated by electrotherapeutic resources that act on bone metabolism, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Thus, this study evaluated the regeneration of bone lesions grafted with chitosan/carbon nanotubes scaffolds and associated with LLLT. For this, a defect (3 mm) was created in the femur of thirty rats, which were divided into 6 groups: Control (G1/Control), LLLT (G2/Laser), Chitosan/Carbon Nanotubes (G3/C+CNTs), Chitosan/Carbon Nanotubes with LLLT (G4/C+CNTs+L), Mineralized Chitosan/Carbon Nanotubes (G5/C+CNTsM) and Mineralized Chitosan/Carbon Nanotubes with LLLT (G6/C+CNTsM+L). After 5 weeks, the biocompatibility of the chitosan/carbon nanotubes scaffolds was observed, with the absence of inflammatory infiltrates and fibrotic tissue. Bone neoformation was denser, thicker and voluminous in G6/C+CNTsM+L. Histomorphometric analyses showed that the relative percentage and standard deviations (mean ± SD) of new bone formation in groups G1 to G6 were 59.93 ± 3.04a (G1/Control), 70.83 ± 1.21b (G2/Laser), 70.09 ± 4.31b (G3/C+CNTs), 81.6 ± 5.74c (G4/C+CNTs+L), 81.4 ± 4.57c (G5/C+CNTsM) and 91.3 ± 4.81d (G6/C+CNTsM+L), respectively, with G6 showing a significant difference in relation to the other groups (a ≠ b ≠ c ≠ d; p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry also revealed good expression of osteocalcin (OC), osteopontin (OP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It was concluded that chitosan-based carbon nanotube materials combined with LLLT effectively stimulated the bone healing process.     

Retraction Note to: Computer-aided prediction of the Al2O3 nanoparticles’ effects on tensile strength and percentage of water absorption of concrete specimens

Neural Computing and Applications - The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article.     

Natural convection heat transfer enhancement of different nanofluids by adding dimple fins on a vertical channel wall

In this numerical study, natural flow and heat transfer of nanofluids with Al_2O_3, TiO_2, Cu and CNT nanoparticles in a vertical channel with dimpled fins at Rayleigh number(Ra) of Ra = 3.25 × 10~7 to Ra = 1 × 10~8 are investigated by using the finite volume method. The obtained results revealed that, using CNT in volume fractions of 2% and 4%leads to significant heat transfer and at φ = 6%, using TiO_2 nanoparticles has a great effect on Nu number enhancement. Also, using solid nanoparticles in base fluid causes more uniform heat transfer distribution,especially in areas close to heated surface and by adding more volume fraction in base fluid, temperature level reduces. In general, according to temperature contours, reduction of wall temperature depends on the increase of Ra and volume fraction and the type of solid nanoparticles.