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Energy management is an enabling technique to guarantee the reliability and economy of hybrid electric systems. This paper proposes a novel machine learning-based energy management strategy for a hybrid electric bus (HEB), with an emphasized consciousness of both thermal safety and degradation of the onboard lithium-ion battery (LIB) system. Firstly, the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is combined with an expert-assistance system, for the first time, to enhance the “cold start” performance and optimize the power allocation of HEB. Secondly, in the framework of the proposed algorithm, the penalties to over-temperature and LIB degradation are embedded to improve the management quality in terms of the thermal safety enforcement and overall driving cost reduction. The proposed strategy is tested under different road missions to validate its superiority over state-of-the-art techniques in terms of training efficiency and optimization performance.

omega-Conotoxin and ethanol produce similar actions on in vitro calcium channel functions. The present study was designed to determine their possible behavioral interaction. omega-Conotoxin injected ICV at either 0.1 microgram or 0.3 microgram, produced an increase in spontaneous and evoked tremor activity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The tremor was present at 30 min and continued at least 4 h after injection. At 4 h post ICV injection, animals were given an IP injection of ethanol (3 g/kg body weight). Although no blood alcohol differences were observed between groups, rats injected with omega-conotoxin showed a concentration-dependent increase in sleep times: Saline controls slept for an average of 84.7 +/- 16.7 min, 0.1 and 0.3 microgram conotoxin treated animals slept for 121.3 +/- 16.2 and 211.1 +/- 30.7 min, respectively. These results extend the class of calcium channel blockers capable of producing a behavioral interaction with ethanol.

Aeroengine manufacturers must continuously develop new high-performance engines, in terms of both specific fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. During the combustion of kerosene, CO 2 and lower amounts of SO 2 , CO, NO x and hydrocarbons are produced; those gases are directly or indirectly responsible for greenhouse effect. Large emission of NO x is produced by engines during the aircraft operation in airport. In the near future, the target in Europe for the aviation sector provides a reduction of SO% of NO x and 50% of CO 2 . For this reason, the hybrid-electric propulsion systems (HEPS) are becoming a viable alternative propulsion technology in the field of aviation, useful to guarantee a massive reduction of pollution. In the paper, the authors analyze and simulate a hybrid turbine/electric engine for a passengers regional aircraft, comparing the results in terms of pollutant and fuel consumption with the conventional thermal engine ones.

Abstract A recent field survey provided eight typical soffits used in the residential houses within the typhoon-prone coastal region of southeastern China. Their aerodynamic effects in alleviating rooftop extreme wind pressures were evaluated via wind tunnel testing on a series of 1/20 gable roof house models. Local pressures, area-averaged pressures and uplift forces acting on roofs were examined. Results showed that in contrast to the model without soffits, the presence of these gutters or eaves gives a rise to a significant reduction of negative peak wind pressures at edges and corners near them. However, they hardly impact wind loads on the other roof surface. Some minor simple architectural elements attached to eaves, such as cantilevered spoiler and semicircular gutter, were observed to facilitate the reduction of extreme wind pressure at edges and corners. Additionally, the reduction rate of spatially averaged wind pressures with area was found to be dependent on the size of tributary area, rather than the shape of tributary area.

Abstract Bioenergy crops are one of the renewable energy options available to decarbonise the energy sector in Scotland and help to achieve the overall planned target of 80% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. A process-based model for poplar and willow developed for simulating the effect of different environmental and management options on growth and biomass yield was used to estimate the GHG abatement potential (GHG-AP) under different crop management options in Scotland. The model results of annual wood yield did not show a strong relation with any of the environmental factors except that of initial soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Increasing plant density and decreasing harvest frequency increased GHG-AP. Application of N-fertilizers at a rate of 50–100 kg N ha−1 resulted in the buildup of carbon in soils with less than 180 Mg C ha−1. However, in soils with greater SOC contents, annual emissions resulting from N fertilizer application were greater than the carbon saving through marginal increases in wood yield and SOC changes. The best management scenario in terms of economic and environmental objectives depends on identifying an optimum plant density based on the site specific conditions with a fertilizer application of 20–100 kg ha−1 y−1 and a five year harvest interval. Even under the best economic scenarios, SRC willow and poplar have a GHG-AP ranging from 9.9 to 11.6 and 8.8–10.0 Mg CO2 eq. ha−1 y−1, respectively. Under the best environmental scenarios this range increases to 10.5- 13.2 and 9–11.1 Mg CO2 eq. ha−1 y−1 for willow and poplar, respectively.

The extent of absorption and the intravascular itinerary of plasma-scalpel operating gas have been investigated by monitoring the intravascular and exhaled argon partial pressures during canine hepatic surgery. The blood-gas analysis was performed continuously, using a mass spectrometer to measure dissolved argon, and, periodically, using a gas chromatograph to quantify all argon ingested, including emboli. To quantify the amount of argon lost through the pulmonary circulation, monitoring took place in the right atrium and the aorta. Experimental results show that the amount of argon absorbed at the incision site and transported through the bloodstream may increase the dissolved argon concentration in the right atrium by as much as 150%. The results also indicate that argon may be present as emboli in the bloodstream, but that argon storage in the tissues is insignificant. The argon concentration in the aorta does not noticeably increase; hence the excess argon is exhaled within one circulation through the pulmonary circuit. These observations were substantiated by the use of an ultrasonic Doppler flowmeter to check for the presence of gas emboli at various locations.

Abstract Fouling is one of the most significant problems for internally enhanced tubes installed in the shell and tube condensers. Due to the lack of long-term test data, current fouling models are developed based on accelerated particulate fouling tests that have the low precision and hence are inapplicable for predicting combined fouling in most practical cooling tower systems. In addition, the constant values of fouling resistance (factor) recommended by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) are extremely limited under different operating conditions. To overcome these challenges, this research developed and validated two fouling prediction models based on experimental long-term tests. One of the models was in the form of a ratio of asymptotic fouling resistance of the enhanced tube to that of the plain tube ( R f ∗ / R f , p ∗ ), and the other one was in the form of the asymptotic fouling resistance of the directly enhanced tube ( R f ∗ ). Both models considered water quality, water velocity, and the tube geometries as the variables with the acceptable accuracy for prediction. 1) For the water quality, the parameter of valid concentration ( C com ) of cooling water was defined in this study, which reflected the potential amount of valid components to form the fouling. 2) For the water velocity, its impacts on the two critical parameters of the fouling process: sticking probability ( P ) and deposit bond strength ( ξ ) were investigated using experimental studies. Test results showed that in enhanced tubes with the increased water velocity the sticking probability ( P ) decreased continuously while the deposit bond strength (ξ) initially increased, and then, decreased. 3) For the tube geometries, by taking the parameters of tube geometries as variables the multi-variable correlations of the sticking probability ( P ) and deposit bond strength ( ξ ) were developed. From the results the generalized fouling prediction model as a ratio of asymptotic fouling resistance ( R f ∗ / R f , p ∗ ) was recommended for the application in HVAC&R industry due to its suitability and accuracy in practical project applications.

In 2016, the "First World Ocean Assessment" stated that most of the ocean is now seriously degraded, with change in structure, functions and benefits from marine systems. Meanwhile, the earth surface warming due to anthropic impacts and climate change is one of the driving causes of loss of oxygen from oceans and eutrophisation. During the past 50 years, the open oceans have been losing approximately 1-2% of oxygen, while the extension of oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) has been quadrupling, covering an area approximately the size of the Europe. The IPCC 5th Assessment Report forecasts a gradual decrease of oxygen concentration, by 3-6% during the 21th century, which is detrimental to several marine organisms and terrestrial ecosystems too. Conversely, well-oxygenated oceans and coastal waters provide regulating and supporting services. The Ecosystem Services (ES) are goods and services but also conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems sustain and fulfill human life. The deoxygenation damages goods and services delivered by marine ecosystems to humans. In the context of integrated and transdisciplinary ES framework, which combines ecological, economic and social dimensions, four forms of assets (built, human, social and natural) contribute to human well-being through synergies and trade-offs. Since a complete and structured knowledge is the first step to conceive strategies for a sustainable management of the marine areas, increasing investments in this sector is crucial. In Italy, the 1.3% of Research and Development (R&D) funds have been allocated for the oceanographic research, nevertheless a gap of knowledge about the complex phenomena affecting the marine and coastal areas remains. Considering the sea resources supply and regulate a series of goods and services (e.g. rainwater, drinking water, climate, food, air and water oxygenation), the "SDGs, Agenda 2030" goal 14 aims to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources" as a key feature of a sustainable future.