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In ecological risk assessment, exposure is generally modelled assuming static conditions, herewith neglecting the potential role of emission, environmental and biomass dynamics in affecting bioavailable concentrations. In order to investigate the influence of such dynamics on predicted bioavailable concentrations, the spatially-resolved dynamic model "ChimERA fate" was developed, incorporating macrophyte and particulate/dissolved organic carbon (POC/DOC) dynamics into a water-sediment system. An evaluation against three case studies revealed a satisfying model performance. Illustrative simulations then highlighted the potential spatio-temporal variability of bioavailable concentrations after a pulsed emission of four chemicals in a system composed of a pond connected to its inflow and outflow streams. Changes in macrophyte biomass and POC/DOC levels caused exposure variations which were up to a factor of 4.5 in time and even more significant (several orders of magnitude) in space, especially for highly hydrophobic chemicals. ChimERA fate thus revealed to be a useful tool to investigate such variations and to identify those environmental and ecological conditions in which risk is expected to be highest.

Originally developed and validated at the Cabauw (Netherlands) topographically flat onshore location, the alpha-I wind resource extrapolating method was tested at the FINO3 offshore site in the North Sea (Germany). The aim was to prove its validity also when applied over a substantially different environment in terms of surface characteristics and stability conditions. Data from local mast at 30, 80, and 100 m were used, with extrapolations to 80-m and 100-m turbine hub heights accomplished based on 30-m turbulence intensity observations. Trained over a 2-year period (2011-2012), the method was validated on year 2013. Similarly to the onshore application, the method was reliable in extrapolating wind speed to both 80 m and 100 m, with bias within 5%, NRMSE = 0.20 and r = 0.94. Conversely, scores were largely better than at the onshore site in predicting the annual energy yield, biased by 0.41-1.02% at 80 m, and 1.12-1.36% at 100 m. The method proved to be highly sensitive to the stability classification, as not considering this option increased its biases to 4.51-5.93% at 80 m, and 7.46-8.23% at 100 m. Method's reliability might suitably help reduce the number of masts installed throughout a large offshore area.

The present paper exhibits a real time assessment of a robust Energy Management Strategy (EMS) for battery-super capacitor (SC) Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS). The proposed algorithm, dedicated to an electric vehicular application, is based on a self-gain scheduled controller, which guarantees the H∞ performance for a class of linear parameter varying (LPV) systems. Assuming that the duty cycle of the involved DC-DC converters are considered as the variable parameters, that can be captured in real time, and forwarded to the controller to ensure both; the performance and robustness of the closed-loop system. The subsequent controller is therefore time-varying and it is automatically scheduled according to each parameter variation. This algorithm has been validated through experimental results provided by a tailor-made test bench including both the HESS and the vehicle traction emulation system. The experimental results demonstrate the overall stability of the system, where the proposed LPV supervisor successfully accomplishes a power frequency splitting in an adequate way, respecting the dynamic of the sources. The proposed solution provides significant performances for different speed levels.

Synopsis Climate change can directly and indirectly affect species distribution. Warming may allow for invasive species, such as apple snails, to migrate to higher latitudes where temperatures are more conducive to their survival and invasion success. Higher temperatures and lower pH ranges have been previously documented to affect the form and function of calcium carbonate shells, which serve many functions, including protection from predators and thermoregulation. This study aimed to quantify differences in the morphology and mechanical properties of invasive apple snail, Pomacea maculata, shells after altering temperature and pH. We mechanically tested shells among three five-week treatments: control, higher temperature, and lower pH. Ultimate Strength increased in shells that were exposed to higher temperatures, but Young’s Modulus and Peak Load did not differ among control, temperature, and pH treatments. Apple snails in higher temperature tanks increased their shell length over the five-week trials. Although snail morphometrics did not differ between sexes, male shells exhibited a higher Peak Load, Young’s Modulus, and Ultimate Strength compared to female shells. Our findings are consistent with previous gastropod studies, in that a lower pH is associated with a decrease in shell size, and higher temperatures yield larger snail shells with a higher ultimate strength. Peak Load did not significantly differ among treatments, which suggests that the cross-sectional area is relatively important when considering this species mechanical performance today and in future climates. Due to the intense nutritional and calcium demands of egg production, female snails may be more susceptible to weakened shells due to low pH environments caused by climate change.

The search for affordable high performance electrode materials in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production by solar water splitting is an ongoing quest. Hematite is a photoanode material with an electronic band gap suitable for efficient absorption of visible light in a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC). Although its poor electronic structure makes hematite a controversial candidate for PEC, it remains promising because it is an earth abundant, chemically stable and low cost material – necessary prerequisites for PEC to become a competitive cost-efficient solar fuel economy. In addition to reviewing some recent PEC research on hematite and its relevant physical and chemical characteristics, we show how hematite obtained by a low cost synthesis can be refined by hydrothermal treatment and further functionalized by coating with phycocyanin, a light harvesting protein known for photosynthesis in blue-green algae.

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In the anodisation of Nb in acidic fluoride solutions or warm aqueous alkali, and in that of Mo in concentrated phosphoric acid, impedance spectroscopy provides evidence that 3D film growth proceeds already during the active–passive transition. Indeed, linear potential dependences of both the inverse of the high-frequency capacitance and of the product of the high-frequency resistance times the steady-state current are observed already below the peak potential. Simultaneously, a pseudo-inductive loop at intermediate frequencies is detected in the impedance spectra. In the present paper, we propose a kinetic model for the interpretation of these data. The model assumes that the metal is covered with a non-stoichiometric oxide containing at least two oxidation states of the cation. The processes of oxidative dissolution of the lower valence cations and their transformation to cations of higher valence, leading to passivation, explain the shape of the I–E curve. These processes are limited by both charge transfer at the film–solution (F/S) interface and transport of cation vacancies through the film. Thickening of the oxide film is assumed to proceed simultaneously, and is limited by transport of oxygen vacancies accelerated by an interfacial charge of cation vacancies.

Sul mercato esistono molti materiali adsorbenti (prevalentemente a base di carboni attivi eventualmente impregnati, zeoliti, alcuni ossidi metallici) per la desolforazione e la rimozione di VOC anche a temperatura e pressione ambiente. Tuttavia questi materiali mostrano capacità relativamente basse e/o cinetiche di cattura lente a temperatura ambiente, che inevitabilmente si traducono nella necessità di utilizzare grandi volumi di impianto. La ricerca svolta dall'IRC-CNR Napoli e DSC-UNINA, in stretta collaborazione, parte dalla considerazione che lo sviluppo di nuovi materiali e processi ad alta efficienza per la desolforazione (in particolare attraverso adsorbimento) rappresenta un traguardo cruciale per l'impiego vantaggioso di una fonte energetica rinnovabile e residuale quale il biogas, anche su piccola scala in un'ottica di generazione distribuita di energia. La ricerca è stata indirizzata allo sviluppo di materiali adsorbenti ad alte prestazioni e basso costo in grado di far fronte a condizioni operative assai diversificate in termini di temperature (già a partire da temperatura ambiente) e composizioni dei gas da trattare (es. presenza di altri inquinanti).