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The EU's energy transition necessitates availability of green energy carriers with high volumetric energy densities for long‐term energy storage (ES) needs. A fully decarbonized scenario considering renewable energy availability is analyzed underpinning the need for such carriers. Considering the shortcomings of Power‐to‐X technologies in terms of efficiency and low volumetric density, Aluminum (Al) is identified as a potential alternative showing significantly high volumetric energy densities (23.5 kWh L−1). In this paper, an Al‐based long‐term ES concept is investigated, taking advantage of the inherent recycling of the active species (i.e., Al2O3 to Al) coupling decarbonized Hall–Héroult process with an Al‐steam oxidation for simultaneous hydrogen (H2) and heat generation. This work demonstrates an innovative lab‐scale fine Al powder‐steam oxidation process at ≈900 °C without use of catalysts or additives, exploiting alumina as inert material. Conducted SEM‐EDX analysis on oxidized Al provides supporting evidence in favor of employed oxidation pathway, hindering tendency of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) clumping and enabling direct use of oxides in the smelting process for fully recyclability. Moreover, outcomes of XRD analyses are presented to validate the measured total H2 yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK proudly describes its longstanding commitment to the International Court of Justice as a sign of its broader commitment to international adjudication and, in turn, the international rule of law. This article calls into question this narrative suggesting that, despite official pledges and rhetoric to the contrary, the UK cannot be said to have truly accepted the authority of the Court to scrutinize its conduct, nor to have consistently acted in a manner that is respectful of that institution. To the extent that the UK wishes to present itself as a genuine supporter of the international rule of law, this article posits that it should reformulate its approach to the Court with regard to both its contentious and advisory jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal viral infection and immune response are known to increase the risk of altered development of the foetal brain. Given the ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), investigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on foetal brain health is of critical importance. Here, we report the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in first and second trimester foetal brain tissue in association with cortical haemorrhages. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was sparsely detected within progenitors and neurons of the cortex itself, but was abundant in the choroid plexus of haemorrhagic samples. SARS-CoV-2 was also sparsely detected in placenta, amnion and umbilical cord tissues. Cortical haemorrhages were linked to a reduction in blood vessel integrity and an increase in immune cell infiltration into the foetal brain. Our findings indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may affect the foetal brain during early gestation and highlight the need for further study of its impact on subsequent neurological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thousands of people currently suffer from motor limitations caused by SCI and strokes, which impose personal and social challenges. These individuals may have a satisfactory recovery by applying functional electrical stimulation that enables the artificial restoration of grasping after a muscular conditioning period. This paper presents the STIMGRASP, a home-based functional electrical stimulator to be used as an assistive technology for users with tetraplegia or hemiplegia. The STIMGRASP is a microcontrolled stimulator with eight multiplexed and independent symmetric biphasic constant current output channels with USB and Bluetooth communication. The system generates pulses with frequency, width, and maximum amplitude set at 20 Hz, 300 µs/phase, and 40 mA (load of 1 k Ω), respectively. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery of 3100 mAh, allowing more than 10 h of continuous use. The development of this system focused on portability, usability, and wearability, resulting in portable hardware with user-friendly mobile app control and an orthosis with electrodes, allowing the user to carry out muscle activation sequences for four grasp modes to use for achieving daily activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strong development of renewable energy is envisioned in order to achieve targets of reduction for greenhouse emissions. In particular, small scale systems for distributed renewable energy production can be very useful to this purpose in urban areas where the generated power can be directly used. In this context, the present paper concerns the aerodynamic and electromechanical design of a small wind turbine for the exploitation of the wind generated by vehicles movement in road tunnels. The generated energy is directly used to power road delineators, usually equipped with LED technology and, therefore, characterized by low energy requirements, DC supply and long life. The first part of the study addressed the definition of the operating conditions of the wind turbine inside road tunnel. Then, the aerodynamic design of the turbine was conducted through CFD simulations maximizing the efficiency with reduced size and cost. The power generation section is chosen and coupled to the turbine for integrated system prototyping. Simulation results prove that power generated by a single wind turbine is suitable to supply 10 delineators maximum, covering about 100 m of tunnel. Moreover, wind turbine performance is also validated through test on a real scale prototype of the complete device. • Operating conditions inside road tunnels were identified. • The wind turbine model was developed and validated. • Four different configurations were simulated and analyzed. • The wind turbine was designed and its generated power was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing argatroban in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: A retrospective analysis of 729 treatment days in 32 patients with confirmed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia Keywords: anticoagulation; argatroban; argatroban monitoring; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; plasmatic argatroban concentration EN anticoagulation argatroban argatroban monitoring heparin-induced thrombocytopenia plasmatic argatroban concentration 766 790 25 06/14/22 20220615 NES 220615 Summary Argatroban is a first-line anticoagulant for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Monitoring argatroban with thrombin-time-based assays is in line with current expert's opinions.21 Argatroban half-life after discontinuation We found an argatroban plasma half-life of about 1 h in patients with normal liver function (Figure 2A,B). Patients with liver cytolysis tended to require lower median argatroban doses at steady state than patients with normal liver function, in order to reach prophylactic and high therapeutic PAC intervals. [Extracted from the article]

Metarhizium is a genus of endophytic, insect-pathogenic fungi that is used as a biological control agent. The dual lifestyles of these fungi combine the parasitism of insect pests with the symbiotic association with plant roots. A major class of secreted metabolites by Metarhizium are cyclic depsipeptides called destruxins (DTXs). As prominent insecticidal compounds, their role during plant interactions is still largely unknown. Here, we examined the metabolomic profile of Metarhizium, with special emphasis on DTX production, using untargeted, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Four Metarhizium species, two insect generalists (M. robertsii and M. brunneum), and two insect specialists (M. flavoviride and M. acridum) were inoculated onto agar plate cultures containing either bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) or corn (Zea mays) and grown for four and seven days. After methanol extraction, feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) was used to obtain DTX identification as defined by the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS). A total of 25 DTX analogs were identified, with several DTX-like compounds in coculture that could not be identified. Metarhizium species differed in the amount and type of DTXs they produced, with the insect specialists producing far fewer amounts and types of DTXs than the insect generalists. The production of these metabolites varied between cultures of different ages and plant hosts. Conditions that influence the production of DTXs are discussed. As the genetic arsenal of natural products relates to the lifestyle of the organism, uncovering conditions with an ecological context may reveal strategies for producing novel compounds or precursors suitable for synthetic biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymatic Biofuel Cell (EBC) represents a promising green source since it is capable of harvesting electricity from renewable and abundantly available biofuels using enzymes as catalysts. Nevertheless, nowadays long-term stability and low power output are currently the main concerns. To this end, several research studies focus on using complex tridimensional and highly expensive nanostructures as electrode support for enzymes. This increases cell performance whilst drastically reducing the economic feasibility needed for industrial viability. Thus, this paper analyzes a novel flow-based EBC consisting of covalent immobilized GOx (bioanode) and Laccase (biocathode) on a commercial flat conductive polymer. A suitable immobilization technique based on covalent ligands is carried out to enhance EBC durability. The experimental characterization demonstrates that the cell generates power over three weeks, reaching 590 mV and 2.41 µW cm−2 as maximum open circuit voltage and power density, respectively. The most significant contributions of this configuration are definitely ease of implementation, low cost, high scalability, and reproducibility. Therefore, such a design can be considered a step forward in the viable EBC industrialization process for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract harbours a highly complex ecosystem composed of a variety of micro- (bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans) and macro-organisms (helminths). Although most microbiota research focuses on the variation of single gut components, the crosstalk between components is still poorly characterized, especially in hosts living under natural conditions. We investigated the gut micro-biodiversity (bacteria, fungi and helminths) of 158 individuals of two wild non-human primates, the Udzungwa red colobus (Procolobus gordonorum) and the yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus). These species have contrasting diets and lifestyles, but live sympatrically in both human-impacted and pristine forests in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. Using non-invasive faecal pellets, helminths were identified using standard microscopy while bacteria and fungi were characterized by sequencing the V1–V3 variable region of the 16S rRNA gene for bacteria and the ITS1–ITS2 fragment for fungi. Our results show that both diversity and composition of bacteria and fungi are associated with variation in helminth presence. Although interactions differed by habitat type, in both primates we found that Strongyloides was negatively associated and Trichuris was positively associated with bacterial and fungal richness. To our knowledge, this is one of the few studies demonstrating an interaction between helminth and gut microbiota communities in wild non-human primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a large‐area nanofabrication process is proposed for flexible, ultrathin, and ultrasmooth gold films with extraordinary electro‐optical performance, making them competitive as transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). The approach circumvents the thermodynamic constraints associated with the physical deposition of thin film electrodes, where 3D growth and metal dewetting delay stable percolation until the deposited film thickness exceeds 8–10 nm. It is demonstrated that a postgrowth ion irradiation procedure of compact gold films with Ar+ beam at very low energies, around 100 eV, predominantly induces ballistic smoothing and grain boundary restructuring. This process finally leads to the formation of ultrasmooth and ultrathin gold films that remain compact even at a thickness of 4 nm, with a sheet resistance in the range of 60 Ω sq−1 and an optical transparency around 80%. Remarkably, the films remain percolated even at thicknesses as low as 3 nm, with a transparency exceeding 90% and a sheet resistance of 190 Ω sq−1. These figures are comparable to those of commercial TCEs and enable simple, scalable, all‐metal transparent contacts on both rigid and flexible substrates, with significant potential for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC) are a well-developed and commercial technology that can operate also as an electrolyzer producing hydrogen from steam. In this study, a system for the production of hydrogen based on Molten Carbonate Electrolyzer (MCE) is presented. The system receives, as an external input, water and recovers internally the additional gas streams required as input to the electrolyzer. The system products are, separately, pure oxygen and hydrogen. A calculation sheet was implemented to analyze the energy equilibrium and gas mix compositions. The system can produce 0.074 Nl h−1 cm−2 of hydrogen with an inlet power density of 0.213 W cm−2 for an energy consumption of 3.40 kWh Nm H2 −3. Sensitivity studies on current density, utilization factors of both steam and CO 2 were analyzed considering energy equilibrium of the stack unit and the post processing processes. Results show how current density has higher impact on system equilibrium compared to the other parameters. • A molten carbonate electrolyzer is presented as technology for H 2 production. • A system design is integrating the electrolyzer and an external shift reactor. • Hydrogen is produced by the system with a specific consumption of 3.40 kWh Nm H2 −3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-waste embeds an extraordinary renewable potential, and it becomes a source of energy savings when transformed into a valuable resource, like biogas. Cogeneration (CHP) from biogas employing high-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) scores a high sustainability level, thanks to improved environmental and energy performances. The synergy between the niche market of small/micro biogas producers and SOFCs might act as a springboard to open market opportunities for both SOFC commercialization and business upgrade of small farms. However, local regulations, waste management, renewable energy subsidies and, above all, availability of eligible sites, determine real chances for on-the-ground implementation. Through a detailed analysis of the application scenario, this research aims at investigating opportunities for the experimentation of SOFC–CHP in small biogas plants and identifying the possible bottlenecks for future deployment. When it becomes relevant, energy conversion of livestock (especially cattle and swine) and agriculture waste requires SOFC modules from 10 kW e to 35 kW e. This is in line with the current status of SOFC suppliers. Moreover, considering the fuel cell market roll-out, the average levelized cost of electricity is expected to decrease from 0.387 €/kWh to 0.115 €/kWh, when electricity is produced from livestock waste available on-site. • The livestock sector embeds a high and unexploited biogas energy potential. • The majority of livestock farms requires small and micro-scale cogeneration systems. • Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) improve the energy performances of micro biogas plants. • The economic assessment for SOFC in small livestock farms is presented. • SOFCs can contribute to raising the share of bio-waste used for electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius (Asteraceae), is an oilseed plant with good adaptability to warm and dry climatic conditions. It is used for biodiesel production, human food, animal feed, and in the pharmaceutical industry. Recently, the crop has been highlighted, mainly for its oil quality and for biofuel production. We compared 124 safflower genotypes, which are a part of the State University of Mato Grosso germplasm collection, based on their agronomic characteristics, to provide the initial guidelines for a breeding program. Evaluations were carried out during the crop cycle and parameters were defined according to the descriptions recommended by International Board for Plant Genetic Resources and by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the divergence among genotypes, by using Average Euclidean Distance, which ranged from 0.07 to 0.57, showing considerable genetic diversity among safflower genotypes for the agronomic characteristics that were evaluated (flowering, plant cycle, number of branches per plant, plant height, number of chapters per plant, number of seeds per chapter, chapter diameter, stem diameter, weight of 100 seeds, seed size and plant yield. Tocher and Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) clustering methods were partially consistent in ordering similar genotypes. The agronomic characteristics: plant yield, number of chapters per plant and plant height provided the greatest contribution to genetic divergence among the genotypes. According to the groupings established with each methodology and depending on the variation structures within each group, several genotypes stood out in terms of agronomic performance and may be indicated for future crosses aiming to obtain improved safflower cultivars for Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that influence the diversity and composition of raw milk and fecal microbiota in healthy commercial dairy herds are not fully understood, partially because the majority of metataxonomic studies involve experimental farms and/or single factors. We analyzed the raw milk and fecal microbiota of 100 healthy cows from 10 commercial alpine farms from the Province of Trento, Italy, using metataxonomics and applied statistical modelling to investigate which extrinsic and intrinsic parameters (e.g. herd, diet and milk characteristics) correlated with microbiota richness and composition in these relatively small traditional farms. We confirmed that Firmicutes, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families dominated the fecal and milk samples of these dairy cows, but in addition, we found an association between the number of observed OTUs and Shannon entropy on each farm that indicates higher microbiota richness is associated with increased microbiota stability. Modelling showed that herd was the most significant factor affecting the variation in both milk and fecal microbiota composition. Furthermore, the most important predictors explaining the variation of microbiota richness were milk characteristics (i.e. percentage fat) and diet for milk and fecal samples, respectively. We discuss how high intra-herd variation could affect the development of treatments based on microbiota manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of the current biodiversity crisis, investigating the human impact on non-human primate gut biology is important to understanding the ecological significance of gut community dynamics across changing habitats and its role in conservation. Using traditional coproscopic parasitological techniques, we compared the gastrointestinal protozoan and metazoan symbiont richness of two primates: the Udzungwa red colobus (Procolobus gordonorum) and the yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus). These species live sympatrically in both protected and unprotected forests within the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania with distinct ecological adaptations and diets. Our results showed that terrestrial and omnivorous yellow baboons had 2 (95% CI 1.47–2.73) and 3.78 (2.62–5.46) times higher gut symbiont richness (both including and excluding rare protozoans) compared to the arboreal and leaf-eating Udzungwa red colobus in unprotected and protected forest, respectively. We also found a consistent depletion of symbiont richness in red colobus living in the unprotected forest fragment compared to the continuous protected forests [the latter having 1.97 times (95% CI 1.33–2.92) higher richness], but not in yellow baboons. Richness reduction was particularly evident in the Udzungwa red colobus monkeys, confirming the pattern we reported previously for gut bacterial communities. This study demonstrates the impact of human activities even on the microbiodiversity of the intestinal tract of this species. Against the background of rapid global change and habitat degradation, and given the health benefits of intact gut communities, the decrease in natural gut symbionts reported here is worrying. Further study of these communities should form an essential part of the conservation framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive metal‐based storage systems are a new alternative to support the clean energy transition. Herein, the cases of Al and Na are presented, both preliminarily fulfilling the constraints regarding sustainability, but employing two rather different processes. Both, the steam combustion of molten Al for H2 and heat production, and a new rechargeable battery, which makes use of seawater and sodium as electrodes, show promising round‐trip efficiencies. The latter technology also allows CO2‐trapping, desalination, Na metal, and chlorine production. It is argued that further research efforts are needed to verify the sustainability and ability of reactive metal‐based technologies to compete with other storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial community in the plant rhizosphere is vital to plant productivity and disease resistance. Alterations in the composition and diversity of species within this community could be detrimental if microbes suppressing the activity of pathogens are removed. Species of the insect-pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium, commonly employed as biological control agents against crop pests, have recently been identified as plant root colonizers and provide a variety of benefits (e.g. growth promotion, drought resistance, nitrogen acquisition). However, the impact of Metarhizium amendment on the rhizosphere microbiome has yet to be elucidated. Using Illumina sequencing, we examined the community profiles (bacteria and fungi) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) rhizosphere (loose soil and plant root) after amendment with M. robertsii conidia, in the presence and absence of an insect host. Although alpha diversity was not significantly affected overall, there were numerous examples of plant growth-promoting organisms that significantly increased with Metarhizium amendment (Bradyrhizobium, Flavobacterium, Chaetomium, Trichoderma). Specifically, the abundance of Bradyrhizobium, a group of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, was confirmed to be increased using a qPCR assay with genus-specific primers. In addition, the ability of the microbiome to suppress the activity of a known bean root pathogen was assessed. The development of disease symptoms after application with Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli was visible in the hypocotyl and upper root of plants grown in sterilized soil but was suppressed during growth in microbiome soil and soil treated with M. robertsii. Successful amendment of agricultural soils with biocontrol agents such as Metarhizium necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the effects on the diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome. Such research is fundamentally important towards sustainable agricultural practices to improve overall plant health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal parasites colonizing the mammalian gut influence the host immune system and health. Parasite infections, mainly helminths, have been studied intensively in both humans and non-human animals, but relatively rarely within a conservation framework. The Udzungwa red colobus monkey (Procolobus gordonorum) is an endangered endemic primate species living in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, a global biodiversity hotspot. Since this endemic primate species is highly sensitive to human disturbance, here we investigate whether habitat type (driven by natural and human-induced factors) is associated with helminth diversity. Using standard flotation and sedimentation techniques, we analyzed 251 fecal samples belonging to 25 social groups from four different forest blocks within the Udzungwa Mountains. Five parasitic helminth taxa were recovered from Udzungwa red colobus, including Trichuris sp., Strongyloides fulleborni, S. stercoralis, a strongylid nematode and Colobenterobius sp. We used Generalized Linear Mixed Models to explore the contribution of habitat type, altitude and fecal glucocorticoid levels (as biomarkers of stress) in predicting gut parasite variation. Although some parasites (e.g., Trichuris sp.) infected more than 50% of individuals, compared to others (e.g., Colobenterobius sp.) that infected less than 3%, both parasite richness and prevalence did not differ significantly across forests, even when controlling for seasonality. Stress hormone levels also did not predict variation in parasite richness, while altitude could explain it resulting in lower richness at lower altitudes. Because human activities causing disturbance are concentrated mainly at lower altitudes, we suggest that protection of primate forest habitat preserves natural diversity at both macro- and microscales, and that the importance of the latter should not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies propose dry reforming as a potential alternative to steam reforming. A number of advantages come mainly from the substitution of steam with CO 2 , representing a potential strategy for CO 2 and waste heat reuse in both carbon-intensive industry (e.g. steel) and power generation applications (e.g. dry reforming coupling to solid oxide fuel cells). The objective of this study is the development, by means of an ultrasound assisted synthesis technique, of a novel 15%Ni -6%ZrO 2 –3%CaO -Al 2 O 3 catalyst with high surface area and metal dispersion, to achieve high values of methane conversion and stable performance, obtained by significantly limiting carbon deposition at temperature in the range 700–750 °C. In this range, compatible with the dry reformer-SOFC thermal integration, conventional catalysts seriously suffer from coking tolerance issues. The catalyst exhibited very promising results with high methane conversion rates of 93% at 750 °C and 1.25 CO 2 /CH 4 ratio at the reactor inlet (dilution: in SiC 4:1 in volume), stable over 450 h of operation, with no significant changes in outlet gas composition and relevant modifications on material structure as revealed by SEM/EDX, XRD and Raman, analysis. • Ni–5%CaO–5%ZrO 2 /Al 2 O 3 with high Ni dispertion thanks to US-assisted synthesis. • High Methane conversion. • Long time stability in the range at 750 °C. • Low carbon coke deposition due to effects of CaO and ZrO 2. • System integration between a dry reforming reactor and a SOFC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present work investigates the advantages of integrating a hybrid energy storage system in a residential micro-grid, coupled to a PV plant. Specifically, battery hybridization with mechanical flywheel is considered. A suitable code, implementing a dedicated logic of power management, is developed to investigate several design conditions and features, simulating the behavior of both storage devices along one year of operation with 1 min time step. The energy performances of the different micro-grid configurations are presented and discussed. Moreover, based on the simulated yearly trends of the battery state of charge, the effects of flywheel on the battery life are determined resulting in a significant improvement with respect to non-hybrid configurations. In particular, life battery almost triples in the case lead-gel technology is adopted, while the life gain reaches a mean value of 3.6 for lithium-ion battery packs. This result is validated through suitable aging tests on LiFePO 4 cells over three equivalent years of operation. Highlights • Hybrid storage systems are investigated for micro-grids. • Improvement of battery life thanks to flywheel is evaluated. • Interactions between RES plant, battery pack, flywheel and user are analyzed. • Self-consumption increases with storage installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determinate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in order to find cut-off values in the evaluation of treatment response. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken on MRIs of three groups of patients: 17 with histologically proven cervical carcinoma (group 1), 16 with complete regression after chemo-radiotherapy (group 2), and 46 without pathology (group 3). Three non-overlapping ROIs were manually drawn through neoplastic tissue and normal cervical areas,. regions of interest (ROIs) median values were calculated. Student t-test, ANOVA test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and Youden Index were performed. Results: The most important data was obtained by ROC curve and Youden index calculated between free from disease merged group (groups 2+3) and ill patients (group 1): 1.18 x10-3 mm²/s (94% sensibility ,100% specificity), was the cut-off ADC value. Values below this cut-off could be considered as recurrent pathology with high accuracy. Conclusions: ADC represents a fundamental quantitative tool in follow-up of chemo-radiant treatment response in advanced cervical carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe has committed to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 to boost the clean energy transition. Renewable electricity will be the key energy medium for decarbonization and a huge increase in renewable energy sources (RES) exploitation is expected. Due to RES stochastic character, an extensive energy storage integration in the energy system is needed to avoid the mismatch between generation and demand profiles. Reactive metals are promising energy carriers and storage media characterized by high volumetric energy densities and circularity, due to ease of storage and transportation, material availability and low cost. Among them, sodium is a largely available element since it can be extracted from seawater and exploited through the innovative sodium-seawater battery (SWB). Sodium cations are transferred from SWB's open cathode to the anode side during charging. Upon discharge, Na metal is oxidized to Na+ ions, which are discarded in seawater. This study assesses the impact of SWB technology focusing on Sardinia Island as a case study. For short-term application, SWB integration to wave energy converters allows a potential reduction of greater than 85% of generated power fluctuations, largely improving the quality of power injected into the grid. Regarding the long-term scenario, SWBs implementation in the energy system allows coverage of the Sardinia annual energy demand thanks to the integration of ∼340,000 cubic meter of Na metal, corresponding to a 12-m height Na reservoir under 4 soccer fields. SWB application to Sardinia also produces CO 2 sequestration while covering ∼29% of desalinated water requirements for the Sardinian population. • Na-seawater battery is proposed as energy storage technology. • Na use allows 1:4 storage volume reduction with respect to H 2 at 700 bar. • Applications from short term to seasonal storage are highlighted. • Desalinated water and chlorine by-products are assessed for the Sardinia case study. • CO 2 capture auxiliary functionality results in 37.3 g CO2 per stored kWh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 13X zeolite modified with Cu ions (13X Ex-Cu) by means of an innovative technique was employed as adsorbent for H 2 S removal from biogas, to obtain a desulfurized fuel suitable for molten carbonate fuel cell systems. Sorbent performance was characterized over a wide range of operating conditions typical of biogas mixtures (high H 2 S content - 200 and 1000 ppm v ; CH 4 (60%)/CO 2 (40%) matrices) and compared to several conventional sorbents. A sensitivity performance analysis was conducted, varying parameters as space velocity, reactor temperature, gas matrix composition and particles size, finalized to identify the optimal conditions for the studied application. 13X Ex-Cu zeolite showed high potentiality for H 2 S uptake, specifically lowering space velocity, increasing reactor temperature and in presence of high methane concentration in the gas mixture, with adsorption capacity of 40 mg/g under specific and optimized conditions. By means of B.E.T. and XRD analyses, it was demonstrated that the obtained enhanced performance is due to the presence of a large amount of Cu 2+ ions, guaranteed by the innovative synthesis procedure, able to realize an efficient physical-chemical adsorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We improve previously known lower bounds for the minimum distance of certain two-point AG codes constructed using a Generalized Giulietti–Korchmaros curve (GGK). Castellanos and Tizziotti recently described such bounds for two-point codes coming from the Giulietti–Korchmaros curve. Our results completely cover and in many cases improve on their results, using different techniques, while also supporting any GGK curve. Our method builds on the order bound for AG codes: to enable this, we study certain Weierstrass semigroups. This allows an efficient algorithm for computing our improved bounds. We find several new improvements upon the MinT minimum distance tables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their promising features, adverse economic feasibility still hamper SOFCs wide implementation and this effect is emphasized as long as the system size is reduced. According to previous investigations, the biogas pre-treatment section represents a burden for the economic viability. Aiming at reducing the extent of installation costs in SOFC-based configurations, biogas partial upgrading through CO 2 gas-separation membranes is put forth as innovative solution against reforming. This innovative system concept is expected to make SOFCs more cost-effective, yet resulting feeding gas might cause a quicker SOFC performance decay. Besides solving this trade-off, the economic viability results strongly sensitive to subsidiary electricity prices in force according to the regulatory framework. This paper presents a comparative economic assessment regarding biogas-to-electricity conversion via Solid Oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and mature technologies as internal combustion engines (ICEs). Results highlighted that, the innovative SOFC system is far more viable than reforming-based one, exhibiting a reasonable payback time, with an adequate subsidized electricity sale price (4 and 5 years for small/medium and large-size plants respectively when subsidy is 0.28 €/kWh), up to 1% 1000h degradation rate. On the other hand, whilst considering a SOFC degradation rate of 0.03% 1000h , the reforming-based system appears feasible only on large-size plants, yet recovering the initial capital expenditure in 9 years. Moreover, once the break-even point is reached, the gain in the net revenue produced by the innovative system is amplified in the event of small-size installation. This allows the possibility to undertake the risk of higher degradation rates (up to 2% 1000h ) without jeopardizing the economic profitability. Therefore, in the present regulatory framework and under current capital costs projections, the innovative SOFC system appears as much profitable as ICE mature technology. Such effort in the design of the fuel pre-treatment unit can lever SOFC broad spreading into the market of small biogas producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the general and specific combining abilities of common bean cultivars and varieties and tested promising hybrid combinations for the development of productive strains. Two cultivars (IPR Uirapuru and IPR Campos Gerais) and five local varieties (BGU-1, BGU-7, BGU-13, BGU-25 and BGU-36) were planted in a full diallel cross. Treatments were assessed based on a randomized block design, with 10repetitions. The following variables were assessed: mean number of days still emergence, mean number of days till blooming, mean insertion height of the first pod, mean final plant height, mean stem diameter, mean length of the pods, mean number of pods per plant, mean number of seeds per pod, mean number of seeds per plant, mean weight of 50 seeds and grain yield. A Griffing statistical analysis was performed. Cultivar IPR Uirapuru and the local variety BGU-36 were promising for most variables in the general combining ability. Combinations IPR Uirapuru x BGU-7, IPR Uirapuru x BGU-1, BGU-7 x BGU-1, BGU-25 x BGU-13 and BGU-13 x BGU-36 were the most promising in the specific combining ability to generate highly productive strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide electrolyzer are the electrolysis technology that can achieve higher efficiency and power densities. This study aims to analyze the role of air when used as a sweep gas in the oxygen electrode of a SOE. Based on experimental activity on a SOE stack, both polarization and constant utilization tests were performed changing the air flow rate in the stack. Due to air reduction, oxygen concentration of off gasses was increased from 25% up to 50%. All experimental results indicated that, reducing air flow down to 9% of nominal value, the effect on performances is negligible and variation of voltage is maintained below 2%. Thermoneutral condition was achieved at 500 mA cm −2 . Advantages of air reduction in SOE operation stand in both capital and operation costs. System design is simplified, ancillary consumptions are reduced and, in view of oxygen as a by-product, high oxygen concentrated off gases are produced with lower energy request for possible O 2 separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays energy storage is strongly needed to allow grid safety and stability due to the wide penetration of renewable plants. Mainly economic and technological issues impede a relevant integration of conventional storage devices in the energy system. In this scenario, the hybridization of different storage technologies can be a techno-economic solution useful to overcome these issues and promote their diffusion. Hybridization allows multi-operation modes of the Energy Storage System (ESS), merging the positive features of base-technologies and extending their application ranges. This paper provides a dynamic analysis of a hybrid energy storage system (H-ESS) consisting of a flywheel and a battery pack coupled to a photovoltaic generation plant and a residential load up to 20 kW. A dynamic model of the overall micro-grid (MG) was developed implementing the H-ESS preliminary sizing and a suitable management algorithm. The instantaneous behavior of each component was evaluated. A brief summary of the MG performance at different weather and load conditions was provided together with a characterization of the impact of power fluctuations on the battery current and on the power exchange with the grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (RSOFC) can perform both power production and electricity storage with high efficiency and reduced cost using the same device for both functions. Within the frame of a small scale application and distributed generation, RSOFC systems operate connected to the grid switching from electrolysis to fuel cell and vice versa depending on load and grid peculiarities. The study aims to investigate the behavior of RSOFC in the two operation modes and in the transition phase. The analysis moves from the thermal equilibrium and electrical performances data gathered during the test of a six cells SOFC short stack. In particular, the effect of gas composition was deeply investigated. A mapping of performances was realized through polarization curves. Dilution of reactants, both in SOFC and SOE brings to reduction in performances while different compositions during SOE-SOFC transition did not give any significant effect to stack voltages. The dynamic model was derived from experimental results; thermal and electrical transient response to current variation was determined under several operating conditions and related transfer functions were identified characterizing the device dynamic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine genetic correlations of agronomic traits and to evaluate direct and indirect effects, through path analysis, between variables analyzed with grain yield. Forty accessions of common bean, cultivated at Caceres County were evaluated, by using randomized complete blocks design with three repetitions. Coefficient magnitudes of genotypic correlations were superior to phenotypic and environmental ones for most correlations, suggesting greater influence of genetic factor than environmental factors. In order to determine the importance of direct and indirect effects, path analysis was performed, which provided greater reliability in interpretations of cause and effect between studied traits, indicating that grain yield may be explained by the effects of analyzed traits. Number of seeds per plant (0.801) and grain weight (0.641) showed higher favorable effect over grain yield, allowing its use in direct or indirect selection for grain yield in common bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from a reflection on the role of city planning policies at a European and local level in enabling socially innovative regeneration actions, we present the first results of a research project focusing on Le Vallette, a residential district in Turin, which aims to define how the district could be transformed by a regeneration project for its central area. While our work is limited by a tight deadline, it has been undertaken after constant dialogue with the communities and associations active in the area, and one of its main aims is to identify physical and functional strategies to reconnect and promote the sharing of introflexed and strongly degraded spaces and buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose to do a lecture tour of a limited stretch of Nietzsche's corpus to put into dialogue the ideas of The Birth of Tragedy with Human, All Too human. The work's aim is to provide the scan lines that justify the following interpretation: Although Nietzsche, in the late seventies, abandons the possibility of accessing to reality itself from the Dionysian immediacy, he maintains the aspiration of advancing in a deep knowledge of himself and reality, that contrasts with the inherited errors of artistic and metaphysical times in the past; and he retains the interest in a form of self-experimental knowledge to serve as an initiation process for new philosophical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of a systematic experimental campaign to verify the impact of real operating conditions on the performance of a complete Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) are presented. In particular, the effects of ageing and composition of water, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the cathodic feeding stream are studied through the analysis of current-voltage curves and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Based on a proposed equivalent electrical circuit model and a fitting procedure, a correlation is found among specific operating parameters and single EIS coefficients. The obtained results suggest a new performance monitoring approach to be applied to MCFC for diagnostic purpose. Particular attention is devoted to operating conditions characteristic of MCFC application as CO 2 concentrators, which, by feeding the cathode with exhaust gases, is a promising route for efficient and cheap carbon capture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at designing biogas-to-electricity advanced systems, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are promising candidates. They benefit from scalability on plant sizes that suit anaerobic digesters potentialities. For biogas-Solid Oxide Fuel Cells applications, the implementation of an external pre-reformer is usually considered. However, the possibility to perform direct fuel feeding to the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell offers new opportunities towards the realization of lean systems, which are competitive especially on small-scale installations (i.e. on-farm biogas-to-electricity conversion). In this frame, scientific literature is rather poor and, to cover this gap, system simulations are called for two reasons: first, to demonstrate the potential efficiency gain of new concepts; second, to provide a meaningful support for long-term experimental investigation on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells operated upon direct feeding of unreformed biogas. For that, the current study compares two system designs for biogas utilization into Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. The conventional one realizes biogas steam reforming prior the fuel cell, while the novel concept is based on direct feeding of partially upgraded biogas by means of carbon dioxide-separation membranes. As main outcome of the study, the system equipped with carbon dioxide-separation membranes achieves better performances than its conventional competitor does, scoring 51.1% energy efficiency and 52.3% exergy efficiency (compared to 37.2% and 38.6% respectively exhibited by the reformer-based system). Because of the lack a high endothermic process steps, the membrane-based system is also convenient whether heat recovery is required, producing a combined heat-and-power efficiency of 74.8% versus 47.0% obtained in the other system. Moreover, the results of a sensitivity analysis of the impact of membrane and reforming operating parameters on the overall system performances justify the convenience of adopting the solution of biogas direct feeding. Even in the hypothesis of a poorly performing membrane and an optimized reformer, the membrane-based system exhibits a gain in the system energy and combined heat-and-power efficiency of 25.2% and 34.9% respectively, with regard to the reforming-based concept. The forcefulness of this result is reinforced by a preliminary evaluation of capital expenditures, which represents a further economic advantage beside the economic revenue coming from a higher energy conversion efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study proposes an innovative CHP system based on the coupling of carbon dioxide dry reforming (CDR) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. To supply CO 2 at the CDR unit, increasing at the same time the overall utilization factor, SOFC anode off-gases are recycled for fuel reforming. In the CDR unit, in fact, the CO 2 in the anodic exhausts reacts with feeding low carbon fuels (in this case natural gas) producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the SOFC feeding, thus allowing an internal CO 2 reuse. In particular, the SOFC, characterized by high operating temperatures and significant recoverable heat, guarantees suitable temperature of the CDR process, highly endothermic. Moreover, compared to traditional CDR applications, lower temperatures are acceptable because SOFC tolerates feeding gas containing limited amounts of CO and CH 4 . According to this concept, the SOFC stack can be conveniently fed by a dry reformer reactor. The present study addresses the experimental characterization of SOFC short-stacks performance, in terms of produced power and thermal behavior, when fed by different fuel mixtures produced through dry reforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbons (ACs) treated with KOH-KI are very effective sorbents for deep H 2 S removal, as required by biogas use in high temperature fuel cell systems. For this application, the performance of a commercial KOH-KI treated AC was investigated through a systematic study based on dynamic adsorption tests. With reference to the composition of a real biogas produced in a wastewater treatment plant located in Barcelona, the present work presents a sensitivity performance analysis on singular and synergetic effects of gas matrix, humidity and oxygen on AC KOH-KI performance. The results revealed a positive role of water (up to 90% of relative humidity (R.H.)) for different gas matrices, enhanced by the simultaneous presence of small percentages of oxygen (2% v ). A relevant influence of gas matrix composition was found (except for the case of oxygen addition to dry inlet streams), specifically in terms of a marked negative effect of CO 2 and a significant sorption capacity increase for high percentage of methane. Sulfur dioxide was not detected in the outlet gas-phase for the investigated operating parameters (O 2 2% v , R.H. 0–90%, H 2 S 100 ppm v , temperature 45 °C). Therefore, even in the case of further oxidation of adsorbed elemental sulfur to SO 2 , this product could be completely removed by AC KOH-KI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf swallowing behavior, known as a form of self-medication for the control of nematode and tapeworm infection, occurs widely in all the African great apes ( Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, P. t. troglodytes, P. t. verus, P. t. vellerosus, Pan paniscus, Gorilla gorilla graueri), except mountain gorillas. It is also reported to occur in a similar context across a wide array of other animal taxa including, domestic dogs, wolves, brown bears, and civets. Despite long-term research on Asian great and small apes, this is the first report of leaf swallowing in an Asian species, the white-handed gibbon ( Hylobates lar) in Khao Yai National Park, central Thailand. We present the first evidence of leaf swallowing ( Gironniera nervosa Planch CANNABACEA) behavior ( N = 5 cases) and parasite ( Streptopharagus pigmentatus) expulsion ( N = 4 cases), recorded during 4,300 hr of direct animal observations during two distinct research projects. We recovered 4-18 rough, hairy, and hispid surfaced leaves from each sample, undigested and folded, from the freshly evacuated feces of five different individuals (2 males, 3 females, 5 to 34+ years old) living in three different social groups, between the hours of 06:00 to 10:30. Based on close inspection of the leaves, as observed in chimpanzees, it was clear that they were taken into the mouth, one at a time, folded and detached from the stem with the teeth before swallowing them whole. All instances occurred during the rainy season, the time when nematode worms were also found in the feces, although they were not found together with leaves in the same feces. These striking similarities in the details of leaf swallowing between white-handed gibbons and African great apes, and other animal species, suggest a similar self-medicative function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: What is known and objective: The exponential increase in chronic opioid consumers resulted in more challenges regarding post‐operative pain management. Considering the usual hyperalgesic response to pain and the increased opioid‐tolerance, a multidrug approach should be desirable. Case description: We described the strategy in pain management of a patient receiving methadone maintenance treatment, who underwent surgery associated with moderate post‐operative pain. The combination of balanced general anaesthesia and intraoperative continuous low‐dose infusion of ketamine assured an appropriate control of post‐operative pain without increasing opioid consumption. Besides, it was not associated with psychomimetic effects. What is new and conclusion: Ketamine can effectively reduce opioid requirements in chronic opioid users on methadone maintenance therapy and should therefore be considered promptly as part of a multimodal perioperative analgesia management in this category of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel sorbent (SCX) composed of mixed iron oxides and hydroxides was studied to assess its suitability for H 2 S removal from biogas finalized to high temperature fuel cell systems. From an industrial point of view, the potential usage of this product would have a beneficial impact on operational costs, since it is less expensive than activated carbons. Moreover, it is a non-hazardous landfilled product with a reduced environmental impact and it can be easily regenerated. Sorbent SCX was tested in different operative conditions, evaluating the influence on sorption capacity of gas hourly space velocity (GHSV), gas composition (inlet H 2 S concentration, gas matrix, humidity), reactor temperature and filter geometry. As main outcomes, the experimentation highlighted: i) a hyperbolic increase in adsorption capacity as GHSV decreased, ii) a parabolic performance enhancement with increasing temperature and iii) a negative effect of humidity. Moreover, a comparison with commercial activated carbons typically used for the same purpose (Cu–Cr or KOH–KI treated) was performed, identifying the optimal operative parameters to obtain higher H 2 S sorption capacity for SCX sorbent. Specifically, SCX showed its potential in terms of H 2 S removal for GHSV lower than 330 h −1 , values of particular interest for many practical applications. In this case, an improved removal capability is obtained with respect to the ones exhibited by the considered carbons. Moreover, quantitative evaluations provided for unitary installed power (1 kW e fuel cell-based systems) highlighted the possibility to have more compact (volume reduction of about 50%) and cheaper (cost reduction up to six times) filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SOFC/GT hybrid systems (HS) thanks to their high performance, in term of efficiency, emissions and fuel flexibility can represent a remarkable solution for Micro-Grids power range. In particular, due to the synergistic effect of using a high temperature fuel cell such as Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and a recuperative gas turbine (GT), the integrated system efficiency and flexibility can be significantly increased during load following operation. Specifically, the goal of this paper is to demonstrate the enhanced flexibility of the hybrid plant obtained through the development of a suitable main control strategy to regulate both GT and SOFC, following a daily load demand typical of a Micro-Grid. In particular, in the model, thanks to the implemented thermal SOFC management, also SOFC takes part to the partialization process. In this way, the developed model permits to guarantee high HS efficiency performance (54.5% mean efficiency on daily basis), short time response and a wide part-load degree (up to 42.8% of nominal HS power), proving the feasibility of SOFC/GT hybrid system integration in Micro-Grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) energy systems, the development of an appropriate thermal management is a fundamental issue. Specifically SOFC, during load following operation, could face thermal stresses that can lead to performance degradation and to a consequently strong reduction of their lifetime. In this research work, SOFC dynamic model, based on electrochemical reaction and enthalpy balance equations, was developed. The modelling activity and the consequent model validation were carried out basing on experimental data obtained from a test campaign on a short stack. The implemented tool permits, in load following operation, to regulate SOFC temperature at a fixed value, adjusting instantaneously the cathodic air flow rate varying the air utilization factor ( U ox ). At the same time, the model allows the evaluation of the transient behaviour of the main system parameters as: equivalent hydrogen flow rate, current and operating voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]