Developing an integrated sustainability and resilience framework of indicators for the assessment of low-carbon energy technologies at the local level

Sustainability indicators have been broadly used to assess energy technologies both at the national and local levels. However, very few studies have addressed the issue of resilience of energy technologies. Moreover, there is a lack of an integrated framework that combines both sustainability and resilience indicators for the assessment of energy technologies. The aim of this paper is to present the development of an integrated framework of sustainability and resilience indicators for the assessment of low-carbon energy technologies at the local level in Europe. The selection of indicators is based on a modified ‘3S’ approach, composed of literature review, self-validation, scientific validation, and social validation. The study incorporates local stakeholders’ feedback on the selection and validation of evaluation criteria based on a European survey. The vast majority of respondents approved and validated the indicators that were selected through the internal and experts’ validation steps.     

Consolidation by spark plasma sintering of polyimide and polyetheretherketone

This article presents two high‐temperature thermoplastic powders which were sintered by spark plasma sintering in order to get homogeneous mechanical properties. Dense polyimide (PI) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) specimens were obtained at temperatures as low as 320°C for PI and 200°C for PEEK, respectively. Relative densities higher than 99% were reached for both materials. In order to characterize their properties, in situ measurements with compression and hardness tests were carried out on sintered samples. This method allowed to obtain polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40783.     

Low-temperature photoluminescence study of exciton recombination in bulk GaAsBi

The exciton recombination processes in a series of elastically strained GaAsBi epilayers are investigated by means of time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence at T = 10 K. The bismuth content in the samples was adjusted from 1.16% to 3.83%, as confirmed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD). The results are well interpreted by carrier trapping and recombination mechanisms involving the Bi-related localized levels. Clear distinction between the localized and delocalized regime was observed in the spectral and temporal photoluminescence emission.     

Contiguous clock lines for pipelined nanomagnet logic

In this paper we study pipelined nanomagnet logic by simulating and comparing varying adjacent clock line structures. Unlike previous simulations, a realistic clock line shape is used in simulations to obtain a more accurate idea of whether or not these clock lines function properly. First, we simulate individual clock lines using Ansys Maxwell 2D according to the parameters of the fabricated clock lines. Then, these clock lines are placed adjacent to one another to simulate how data can propagate from one clock zone to another. Adjusting the clock line layer structure minimizes a dip in the magnetic field at the clock zone boundaries from 35% minimum below the clocking field to a 16% dip. These magnetic field profiles are then used in the object-oriented micromagnetic framework (OOMMF) to simulate lines of nanomagnets. By reducing the gap between contiguous clock lines, we show error free data propagation in the form of a ferromagnetically coupled line of nanomagnets.     

Switched link PWM current source converters with harmonicelimination at the mains

Novel switched link pulse-width-modulated (PWM) current source converters are presented. These converters supply a controlled DC current to the load with a concurrent elimination of selected harmonics in the AC mains. The new topologies permit minimal constraints to be formulated resulting in significantly more efficient PWM patterns than hitherto reported in the literature. A higher number of harmonics are thus eliminated at the mains for a given switching frequency while maintaining a control capability of the output DC current in a wide range. Simulation results confirm the theoretical findings. Also discussed in the paper is the selection of capacitor filters to mitigate the residual harmonics     

Role of Arachidonic Acid and Its Metabolites in the Biological and Clinical Manifestations of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Studies concerning the role of arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites in kidney disease are scarce, and this applies in particular to idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). INS is one of the most frequent glomerular diseases in childhood; it is characterized by T-lymphocyte dysfunction, alterations of pro- and anti-coagulant factor levels, and increased platelet count and aggregation, leading to thrombophilia. AA and its metabolites are involved in several biological processes. Herein, we describe the main fields where they may play a significant role, particularly as it pertains to their effects on the kidney and the mechanisms underlying INS. AA and its metabolites influence cell membrane fluidity and permeability, modulate platelet activity and coagulation, regulate lymphocyte activity and inflammation, preserve the permeability of the glomerular barrier, influence podocyte physiology, and play a role in renal fibrosis. We also provide suggestions regarding dietary measures that are able to prevent an imbalance between arachidonic acid and its parental compound linoleic acid, in order to counteract the inflammatory state which characterizes numerous kidney diseases. On this basis, studies of AA in kidney disease appear as an important field to explore, with possible relevant results at the biological, dietary, and pharmacological level, in the final perspective for AA to modulate INS clinical manifestations.     

The relation of religious belief and practices, depression, and hopelessness in persons with clinical depression.

Religious belief and practices have been associated with lower levels of depression in persons dealing with stressful situations. In this study, researchers examined this relationship in 271 persons diagnosed with clinical depression. It was hypothesized that religious belief and practices would be associated with lower depression and that this relationship would be mediated by hopelessness. Religious belief, but not religious behavior, was a significant predictor of lower levels of hopelessness and depression beyond demographic variables. Through the relation of religious belief to lower levels of hopelessness, religious belief was indirectly related to less depression. There was also a small direct positive association of belief with depression, pointing to the complexity of the role belief plays for religious persons. Further study is needed for a better understanding of different ways religion affects depressed persons. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Leader vision and the development of adaptive and proactive performance: A longitudinal study.

In this study, the authors investigated how leader vision influences the change-oriented behaviors of adaptivity and proactivity in the workplace. The authors proposed that leader vision would lead to an increase in adaptivity for employees who were high in openness to work role change. In contrast, they proposed leader vision would be associated with an increase in proactivity when employees were high in role breadth self-efficacy. These propositions were supported in a longitudinal survey of 102 employees who provided self-report data about their leader and their work behaviors. The findings provide insight into the interaction between leaders and followers in responding to a change imperative. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)