Performance of two iron-based syngas-fueled chemical looping systems for hydrogen and/or electricity generation combined with carbon capture

In this paper, the performances of two iron-based syngas-fueled chemical looping (SCL) systems for hydrogen (H₂) and electricity production, with carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, using different reactor configurations were evaluated and compared. The first investigated system was based on a moving bed reactor configuration (SCL-MB) while the second used a fluidized bed reactor configuration (SCL-FB). Two modes of operation of the SCL systems were considered, namely, the H₂ production mode, when H₂ was the desired product from the system, and the combustion mode, when only electricity was produced. The SCL systems were modeled and simulated using Aspen Plus software. The results showed that the SCL system based on a moving bed reactor configuration is more efficient than the looping system with a fluidized bed reactor configuration. The H₂ production efficiency of the SCL-MB system was 11 % points higher than that achieved in the SCL-FB system (55.1 % compared to 44.0 %). When configured to produce only electricity, the net electrical efficiency of the SCL-MB system was 1.4 % points higher than that of the SCL-FB system (39.9 % compared to 38.5 %). Further, the results showed that the two chemical looping systems could achieve >99 % carbon capture efficiency and emit ~2 kg CO₂/MWh, which is significantly lower than the emission rate of conventional coal gasification-based plants for H₂ and/or electricity generation with CO₂ capture.     

Fertilizer value and nitrogen transfer efficiencies with clover-grass ley biomass based fertilizers

In temperate regions, legume-based green manures are a key element of organic rotations. However, specialized farms lack sufficient mobile organic fertilizers. To gain a better understanding of the N flows and the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer value of different clover-grass-based fertilizers (biogas digestate, compost, silage and fresh clover-grass obtained from clover-grass ley biomass), we assessed their fertilizer value. Nitrogen and P offtake by the ryegrass was used to assess the short-term effects. The data were completed using model calculations to assess the field-to-field N-transfer efficiencies and the overall N-transfer efficiencies. The greatest plant N offtake was achieved with digestates (64%) and the lowest from the compost (6%) and solid farmyard manure (14%). The mineralization rate was positively related to the NH₄ ⁺–N/total N ratio (P < 0.01, r² = 0.82). The model calculations indicate that the overall short-term N-transfer efficiencies are driven by the field-to-field N-transfer efficiency and the field-to-crop transfer efficiency. However, in the long term, model calculations indicate that a high field-to-field N-transfer efficiency is the key strategic approach when aiming to achieve cropping systems with a high overall long-term N-transfer efficiency. Consequently, the results showed that aerobic decomposition (composting) significantly lowered field-to-field as well as field-to-crop N-transfer rates. The relative P use efficiency strongly differed among the fertilizers. In particular, freshly cut clover-grass and solid manure increased P availability and led to an increase of plant P offtake that was higher than the amount of P supplied.     

Countering jamming attacks against an authentication and key agreement protocol for mobile satellite communications

The radio-based medium of satellite communication systems is vulnerable to interference on physical channels: unintentional interferences occur frequently and jamming attacks can be achieved using low-grade technology. While application layer security protocols cannot defend against denial of service (DoS) attacks where the attacker jams continuously, effective security protocols ensure that communication can continue after such interference has stopped.This paper analyses an authentication and key agreement protocol for satellite communications. The presented analysis reveals that the protocol is susceptible to a new DoS attack, where attackers jam a single message to achieve a permanent DoS condition. A new authentication and key agreement protocol is proposed that additionally addresses the scenario where messages send over the mobile satellite channel may not reach their intended recipient due to accidental or malicious interference. Analysis of the new protocol demonstrates that it is effective in countering the disruptive effects of jamming.     

Hahn–Banach theorems for MV-algebras

We introduce the MV-seminorms and we prove Hahn–Banach type extension results for linear functions and MV-algebra homomorphisms dominated by MV-seminorms.     

A study of the influences of transition metal (Mn,Ni) co-doping on the morphological,structural and optical properties of nanostructured CdO films

In this paper, a systematic investigations on the effects of transition metals such as Mn and Ni-dopant on physical properties of cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films coated on soda lime glass substrates by using SILAR method have been reported. The characterizations of un-doped, Mn-doped (Cd_0.99 Mn_0.01O) and Mn/Ni double doped CdO [(Cd_0.99?xMn_0.01Ni_xO)(0?≤?x?≤?0.001)] films were investigated by SEM, EDX, XRD and UV–Vis spectrophotometry to determine the morphological, structural and optical properties, respectively. SEM analysis showed that the surface morphologies of the CdO films were influenced by Mn doping and Mn/Ni co-doping. The EDX result verified the presence of expected elements Cd, O, Mn and Ni in the growing solution. The crystal phases of the samples and their crystallinity quality have been investigated by XRD measurements. The X-ray diffractograms show all the diffraction peaks are highly intense also they demonstrate the preferential orientations of (111) and (200) directions. Optical investigations revealed red shift with Mn doping and Mn/Ni co-doping in the absorbance spectrum.     

Selective Ring-Opening of Methylcyclopentane Over Titania-Supported Monometallic (Pt, Ir) and Bimetallic (Pt–Ir) Catalysts

An investigation of the selective ring-opening of methylcyclopentane (MCP) was conducted for the first time on Pt/TiO₂, Ir/TiO₂ and Pt?CIr/TiO₂ catalysts with low amounts of noble metals (0.5?wt%) over a temperature range of 180?C400?°C under hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation or co-impregnation and characterized by different physico-chemical techniques, including SEM, XRD, H₂-TPR, N₂-sorption, TEM and elemental analysis. The metallic particles were highly dispersed on the TiO₂ support at isodispersion of ~1?nm. The particles exhibited icosahedral Mackay structures limited by (111) planes. The catalytic results show that the activity in the MCP was strongly influenced by the intrinsic nature of the metal and by the temperature. The most active catalyst was Ir/TiO₂. The order of the reactivity as a function of the temperature and total conversion was Ir/TiO₂ 180?°C (???=?2?%)?>?Pt?CIr/TiO₂ 220?°C (???=?27.8?%)?>?Pt/TiO₂ 260?°C (???=?9.9?%). Under these conditions, all of the catalysts exhibited the ability to open the ring of MCP with an atom economy, without unwanted products of cracking and ring-enlargement reactions. The synergy between Pt?CIr bimetallic particles was assessed by the total conversion of MCP, whereas the ring-opening results indicated that the reaction took place on Ir sites. These results suggest that the bimetallic catalyst contained separate entities of two metals. Increased reaction temperatures led to reduced reaction selectivity with respect to ring-opening of MCP versus the cracking side reaction.     

Fractals,fuzzy logic and expert systems to assist in the construction of musical pieces

The authors present a suite to assist in the creation of musical pieces, whose foundation lies on fractals, fuzzy logic and expert systems. Even though algorithmic music has been explored, some gaps still exist. The favored approach has consisted in mapping numbers to notes to create appealing pieces. This, we contend, is a necessary but not a sufficient condition. Our suite, besides the necessary mapping, possesses the following advantages. First, it is possible to define notes, tempos, and notes durations. Notes evolve according to the selected fractal. Tempos and durations can remain fixed or they also can follow a fractal. Second, it is possible to translate the resultant fractal notes into notes belonging to a musical scale. This is done by firing appropriate rules in a rule base. Third, interpretation templates are provided. Also, melodies or harmonies are available. The suite currently contains several known fractal systems, and we also proposed one dynamical, recursive computation based on Mamdani fuzzy rule bases. The suite we present helps promoting and monitoring the creative process of composing musical scores. The actual implementation of the suite was done on the Java language.     

Trajectories towards balancing value creation and capture: Resolution paths and tension loops in open innovation projects

This study aims to elevate the current understanding of value creation and value capture tensions that emerge in open innovation projects and of their potential solutions. In contrast with prior studies that often suggest specific solutions to individual tensions, our study takes an integrative approach by considering complex (bundles of) tensions and potential solutions to these. The study employs qualitative methods and builds on interview data from six case companies and a group of expert informants. We investigate unfolding events from the point when value creation – value capture tensions are identified in open innovation projects, to the search for their solutions. We label such sequences of unfolding events as trajectories. Our findings reveal two types of trajectories: resolution paths, which are trajectories from initial tensions to solutions, and tension loops, where initial tensions persist and/or new tensions emerge after solutions are enforced. We analyze a total of 17 trajectories, of which seven are marked as resolution paths, and ten represent tension loops. For the majority of the tension loops in our data (eight out of ten) the tensions remain unresolved. We further categorize the types of tensions and discuss the implications of our results for researchers and practitioners.     

Mimicking Cellular Signaling Pathways within Synthetic Multicompartment Vesicles with Triggered Enzyme Activity and Induced Ion Channel Recruitment

Subcellular compartmentalization of cells, a defining characteristic of eukaryotes, is fundamental for the fine tuning of internal processes and the responding to external stimuli. Reproducing and controlling such compartmentalized hierarchical organization, responsiveness, and communication is important toward understanding biological systems and applying them to smart materials. Herein, a cellular signal transduction strategy (triggered release from subcompartments) is leveraged to develop responsive, purely artificial, polymeric multicompartment assemblies. Incorporation of responsive nanoparticles—loaded with enzymatic substrate or ion channels—as subcompartments inside micrometer‐sized polymeric vesicles (polymersomes) allowed to conduct bioinspired signaling cascades. Response of these subcompartments to an externally added stimulus is achieved and studied by using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) coupled with in situ fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Signal triggered activity of an enzymatic reaction is demonstrated in multicompartments through recombination of compartmentalized substrate and enzyme. In parallel, a two‐step signaling cascade is achieved by triggering the recruitment of ion channels from inner subcompartments to the vesicles' membrane, inducing ion permeability, mimicking endosome‐mediated insertion of internally stored channels. This design shows remarkable versatility, robustness, and controllability, demonstrating that multicompartment polymer‐based assemblies offer an ideal scaffold for the development of complex cell‐inspired responsive systems for applications in biosensing, catalysis, and medicine.     

Study on Lake Izvorul Muntelui rehabilitation

In the actual economical and ecological context the rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems represents one of the most important concerns all over the world. The physical, chemical and biological processes that take place inside a lake are very complex. A simple analysis of the field data is not enough. Even if those dates offers an appreciation of the global functioning of the ecosystem under the influence of certain factors, it does not allow to predict the system evolution, the optimization of the water arrangement, in order to respect and to assure the water quality criteria or to propose solutions for diminishing the lakes eutrophication.In the recent years, Lake Izvorul Muntelui, which is the largest artificial lake on the interior waters of Romania, experienced eutrophication problems. This paper analyzes the apparition condition, its effects onto water quality in the lake and the solutions for the rehabilitation of the ecosystem. Since systematic measured data are not available for this ecosystem, the mathematical modelling it is used.The simulation is done by considering the ecosystem dynamic and the stipulation of the spatial and temporal variation domains for the natural processes to appear and act onto perturbation factors to modify the ecological succession.Thus, different scenarios will be created allowing us to offer solutions for the eutrophication phenomenon and, in the same time, to identify solutions for the rehabilitation of the Izvorul Muntelui Lake.