Article
Agricultural Engineering
Huan Zhang, Jingwei Wu, Xiaoling Zhao, Puxiang Yan, Ruimin Yang, Jing Yan, Xufeng Yuan, Zongjun Cui
Summary: This study investigated the effect of different lactid acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants on the fermentation pattern, aerobic stability, and methane production of maize stover. The results showed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum enhanced homofermentation, Lentilactobacillus buchneri improved hetero-fermentation of hexose with higher dry matter loss, and Limosilactobacillus fermentum enhanced pentose hetero-fermentation with minor dry matter loss. All inoculants reduced dry matter loss, improved aerobic stability, and increased methane yield, with Limosilactobacillus fermentum performing the best.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xian Cui, Hui Sun, Xiaoyu Wen, Mostafa Sobhi, Jianbin Guo, Renjie Dong
Summary: This study applied a synergistic regulation of sucrose and increasing levels of urea during the ensiling process of maize stover to enhance biological activity and substrate biodegradability. The addition of urea led to higher organic acid content, degradation ratios for lignocellulose, and specific methane yield. The simultaneous addition of urea and sucrose increased methane yield by 11.2%-21.1% and showed potential cost advantages as an efficient storage strategy for methane production.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Noemi Gesteiro, Ana Butron, Rogelio Santiago, Leonardo D. Gomez, Ana Lopez-Malvar, Lorena Alvarez-Iglesias, Pedro Revilla, Rosa Ana Malvar
Summary: The improvement of maize double cropping is important for sustainable production. A genome-wide association study and metabolic pathway analysis were conducted to understand the correlations and identify QTL and pathways. Energetic and developmental pathways were found to be key for stover utilization, while no specific pathways were identified for grain yield. Phenotypic selection is suitable for improving both yields, while genomic selection models are recommended for saccharification efficiency. Dual-use breeding strategies will contribute to sustainable maize production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Liu, Hui Gong, Ying Xu, Chen Cai, Yu Hua, Lei Li, Lingling Dai, Xiaohu Dai
Summary: The study found that raising the digestion temperature of corn stover from mesophilic to 42 degrees Celsius can increase the biomethane potential without the need for additional acid, and also lead to a change in the metabolic pathways of methanogens. Therefore, the transition temperature from mesophilic to thermophilic micro-organisms may be a promising option for anaerobic digestion of corn stover.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Liangcheng Yang, Trevar Moran, Alicia Han
Summary: A unique removable cartridge anaerobic digester was built and tested using corn stover as the feedstock, overcoming challenges such as biomass floating and effluent discharge. Three operating methods were tested, with different retention times and methane yields. The study provided new knowledge in operating and optimizing this cartridge digester for the anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. A. Ajayi-Banji, S. Sunoj, C. Igathinathane, S. Rahman
Summary: Long lag phase and reactor instability pose challenges for describing and predicting methane yield in upset solid-state anaerobic digestion. Seven kinetic models were used for treatment evaluation, with different models best describing methane yield for different treatments. Predicting optimal hydraulic retention time for the least inhibited treatment can aid in reactor design and methane yield simulation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. A. Tawfik, W. E. Abd Allah, Atiya Ezzat, M. K. Afify, Ahmed Mahdy
Summary: By co-digesting corn stover with quail manure and alkaline pretreatment, using NaOH, the challenges of low carbon/nitrogen ratio, recalcitrant nature, and enhanced methane production are overcome. The best results were obtained with 50/50 mixture and 2.5% NaOH pretreated corn stover, showing significant lignin reduction, organics solubilization, and methane yield enhancement. The synergistic effect of C/N ratio and hydrolysis rate acceleration was identified as the key contributing factor.
Article
Plant Sciences
Cosmas Wacal, Daniel Basalirwa, John Byalebeka, Mitsuri Tsubo, Eiji Nishihara
Summary: This study demonstrates that maize stover biochar can improve soil chemical properties, promote growth and increase yield of tomatoes without the use of inorganic fertilizers. Particularly, applying 27.6 t ha-1 of biochar significantly increased soil pH, N, P, and K content, resulting in higher tomato yields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paolo S. Calabro, Filippo Fazzino, Domenica Pangallo
Summary: Italy has developed an efficient separate collection system, but still a significant portion of municipal solid waste ends up in landfills. The use of Dynamic Respirometric index (DRI) is essential for evaluating waste biological stability before landfilling. Through experimental data, it is found that enhanced separate collection can decrease putrescible content in mixed waste, but implementing both aerobic and anaerobic indices is necessary to optimize the treatment of waste for overall sustainability of the system.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Magdalena Wozniak, Izabela Ratajczak, Dawid Wojcieszak, Agnieszka Waskiewicz, Kinga Szentner, Jacek Przybyl, Slawomir Borysiak, Piotr Golinski
Summary: The study found that maize stalks are the most suitable fraction for biogas production, with high cellulose content and crystallinity.
Article
Agronomy
Sergio E. Medina-Cuellar, Deli N. Tirado-Gonzalez, Marcos Portillo-Vazquez, Sergio Orozco-Cirilo, Marco A. Lopez-Santiago, Juan M. Vargas-Canales, Carlos A. Medina-Flores, Abdelfattah Z. M. Salem
Summary: The study in central Mexico found that applying nitrogen fertilizers at a rate of N-190 and N-240 was beneficial for maize yield and ratios, increasing the proportion of grains to forage without negatively impacting grain production compared to excessive nitrogen application.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaomeng Yin, Guoyong Leng, Linfei Yu
Summary: The study finds that temperature and precipitation have mutual impacts on maize yield, and there is significant uncertainty in evaluating these impacts across different climate models. Increasing temperature and precipitation can mitigate the negative temperature effects, with precipitation having a greater impact on yield than temperature. The assessment of global-scale impacts is more uncertain under drier conditions, and there are diverse uncertainty patterns among the top maize-producing countries.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
V. Riau, L. Burgos, F. Camps, F. Domingo, M. Torrellas, A. Anton, A. Bonmati
Summary: The study found that planting catch crops can reduce nitrogen leaching caused by maize fertilization, with catch crops showing high nutrient uptake. Ensiling is an effective storage method that can increase methane production, and catch crops can also serve as a good co-substrate to achieve nutrient recycling closure.
Article
Agronomy
Aldo Dal Pra, Roberto Davolio, Alessandra Immovilli, Andrea Burato, Domenico Ronga
Summary: Permanent grasslands are important terrestrial ecosystems that provide a wide range of benefits to humans and ecosystems as a reservoir of biodiversity. The botanical composition of permanent meadows affects their potential nutritive value for feeding dairy cows. This study conducted a field trial in five farms in Northern Italy and found that the herbage dry matter yield was influenced by factors such as year, farm, and nitrogen fertilization. The presence of Fabaceae plants had a positive impact on the Pastoral Value index, indicating higher feed value.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ewa Strzalkowska
Summary: The article detailed the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of magnetic particles formed during energetic combustion of hard coal and lignite, aiming to assess their suitability as raw materials for new technologies. Various analytical methods were used to test hard coal and lignite fly ash, as well as the magnetic fractions separated from them. The research confirmed the enrichment of various elements in the magnetic fractions, with concentrations of Cu and Ni in lignite magnetic fraction significantly higher than average concentration in ash.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Wozniak, Agnieszka Waskiewicz, Izabela Ratajczak
Summary: Edible nuts are an important part of a healthy diet, and their consumption has a positive impact on human health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The phenolic profile and mineral elements content of nine tree nut types and peanuts commonly available on the Polish market were evaluated. The results showed significant variation in the phenolic compounds and mineral concentrations among the different types of nuts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Magdalena Piernik, Magdalena Wozniak, Grzegorz Pinkowski, Kinga Szentner, Izabela Ratajczak, Andrzej Krauss
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the duration of heat treatment on the color, chemical and mechanical properties of Scots pine sapwood. Results showed that longer heat treatment duration led to darker wood and reduced impact strength and tensile strength parallel to the grain. It was also found that heat treatment caused changes in wood composition and elemental composition. These changes explained the significant variations in mechanical properties and color of heat-treated wood.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marta Babicka, Magdalena Wozniak, Monika Bartkowiak, Barbara Peplinska, Hanna Waliszewska, Magdalena Zborowska, Slawomir Borysiak, Izabela Ratajczak
Summary: This paper presents a method for obtaining cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from agricultural residues and evaluates the influence of different ionic liquids in the solvolysis process. The CNC obtained from Miscanthus and Sorghum biomass showed viable nanometric size and lower crystallinity.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jakub Kawalerczyk, Joanna Walkiewicz, Magdalena Wozniak, Dorota Dziurka, Radoslaw Mirski
Summary: The study investigated the effect of propylamine addition to urea-formaldehyde resin on plywood properties. The results showed that propylamine adversely affected adhesive reactivity and increased pH. It successfully reduced free formaldehyde content and hazardous emissions, but deteriorated the bonding quality, delamination, bending strength, and modulus of elasticity of plywood. Therefore, the amount of propylamine added should not exceed 1% of solid UF resin.
JOURNAL OF ADHESION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Wozniak
Summary: The biodegradation of wood caused by fungi is a significant global problem. To protect the environment, the development of environmentally friendly wood preservatives is essential. This review paper provides information on natural substances, synthetic compounds, and their combinations that have low environmental impact and show antifungal properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Magdalena Piernik, Magdalena Wozniak, Grzegorz Pinkowski, Kinga Szentner, Izabela Ratajczak, Andrzej Krauss
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the mechanical properties and color of modified wood. The results showed that thermal modification of wood increased the modulus of elasticity but decreased the elasticity and compressive strength. The color parameters were found to be linear functions of the modification temperature, and the chemical composition of the wood was also affected by the modification temperature.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michal Rybak, Kinga Drzewiecka, Magdalena Wozniak, Safa Oksuz, Michal Krueger, Tadeusz Sobczynski, Izabela Ratajczak, Tomasz Joniak
Summary: Accelerated lakes eutrophication is a major challenge nowadays. Large-scale restoration treatments for lakes are carried out worldwide, but little research has been done on the impact of these treatments on water organisms and ecosystem homeostasis. This microcosm study investigates the effects of a phosphorus coagulant on a model macrophyte species and reveals that chemical lake restoration treatments may have far-reaching consequences for the biogeochemical cycle and food web functioning.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Wozniak, Anna Sip, Lucyna Mrowczynska, Justyna Broniarczyk, Agnieszka Waskiewicz, Izabela Ratajczak
Summary: The study focused on determining the chemical composition and biological properties of propolis extracts from different regions of Poland. The total content of phenols and flavonoids in the extracts varied based on their geographic origin. Chromatographic analysis confirmed the presence of certain compounds in the propolis samples. The extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity, limited antifungal activity, and varying activity against pathogenic bacteria and HPV.
Article
Plant Sciences
Magdalena Wozniak, Karolina Hoppe, Kinga Drzewiecka
Summary: This study aims to determine the contamination of lavender, parsley, and mint with PAHs collected from backyard gardens in Poland. The highest concentration of 11 PAHs was found in mint collected from a mining and energy production complex, with anthracene being the most abundant compound. Parsley from another city showed the highest content of benzo[a]pyrene, indicating strong carcinogenicity.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Karolina Stefanowska, Magdalena Wozniak, Renata Dobrucka, Izabela Ratajczak
Summary: Recently, there has been a development in materials based on natural polymers due to increasing environmental degradation and consumer expectations. Chitosan, a commonly used biopolymer, has been studied for its suitability in food packaging, given its non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. By modifying the chitosan matrix with natural additives, its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities can be enhanced. This suggests that chitosan-based materials could be a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic packaging. The article also discusses the effects of natural additives on various properties of chitosan materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksandra Banaszak, Magdalena Wozniak, Dorota Dziurka, Radoslaw Mirski
Summary: This study examined the properties of particleboards made from annual plant straws and three polymers: polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polylactic acid (PLA). The boards were tested for their density, thickness swelling, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and thermal degradation characteristics. The addition of HDPE showed the best results, while PLA-containing boards did not have favorable properties. Triticale-based boards performed slightly better than rye-based boards.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Karolina Stefanowska, Magdalena Wozniak, Anna Sip, Lucyna Mrowczynska, Jerzy Majka, Wojciech Kozak, Renata Dobrucka, Izabela Ratajczak
Summary: This study focused on the production of chitosan-based materials for medical applications. Caffeine and ethanolic propolis extract (EEP) were added to chitosan to enhance the bioactivity of the obtained films. Citric acid and acetic acid were used as solvents. The results demonstrated that the chitosan-based films with caffeine and EEP exhibited excellent antiradical and antibacterial activities.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yong Cheng, Fukai Song, Lei Fu, Saishuai Dai, Zhiming Yuan, Atilla Incecik
Summary: This paper investigates the accessibility of wave energy absorption by a dual-pontoon floating breakwater integrated with hybrid-type wave energy converters (WECs) and proposes a hydraulic-pneumatic complementary energy extraction method. The performance of the system is validated through experiments and comparative analysis.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jing Gao, Chao Wang, Zhanwu Wang, Jin Lin, Runkai Zhang, Xin Wu, Guangyin Xu, Zhenfeng Wang
Summary: This study aims to establish a new integrated method for biomass cogeneration project site selection, with a focus on the application of the model in Henan Province. By integrating Geographic Information System and Multiple Criterion Decision Making methods, the study conducts site selection in two stages, providing a theoretical reference for the construction of biomass cogeneration projects.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mert Temiz, Ibrahim Dincer
Summary: The current study presents a hybrid small modular nuclear reactor and solar-based system for sustainable communities, integrating floating and bifacial photovoltaic arrays with a small modular reactor. The system efficiently generates power, hydrogen, ammonia, freshwater, and heat for residential, agricultural, and aquaculture facilities. Thermodynamic analysis shows high energy and exergy efficiencies, as well as large-scale ammonia production meeting the needs of metropolitan areas. The hybridization of nuclear and solar technologies offers advantages of reliability, environmental friendliness, and cost efficiency compared to renewable-alone and fossil-based systems.
Editorial Material
Thermodynamics
Wojciech Stanek, Wojciech Adamczyk
Article
Thermodynamics
Desheng Xu, Yanfeng Li, Tianmei Du, Hua Zhong, Youbo Huang, Lei Li, Xiangling Duanmu
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of hybrid mechanical-natural ventilation for smoke control in complex metro stations. The results show that atrium fires are more significantly impacted by outdoor temperature variations compared to concourse/platform fires. The gathered high-temperature smoke inside the atrium can reach up to 900 K under a 5 MW train fire energy release. The findings provide crucial engineering insights into integrating weather data and adaptable ventilation protocols for smoke prevention/mitigation.
Article
Thermodynamics
Da Guo, Heping Xie, Mingzhong Gao, Jianan Li, Zhiqiang He, Ling Chen, Cong Li, Le Zhao, Dingming Wang, Yiwei Zhang, Xin Fang, Guikang Liu, Zhongya Zhou, Lin Dai
Summary: This study proposes a new in-situ pressure-preserved coring tool and elaborates its pressure-preserving mechanism. The experimental and field test results demonstrate that this tool has a high pressure-preservation capability and can maintain a stable pressure in deep wells. This study provides a theoretical framework and design standards for the development of similar technologies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Aolin Lai, Qunwei Wang
Summary: This study assesses the impact of China's de-capacity policy on renewable energy development efficiency (REDE) using the Global-MSBM model and the difference-in-differences method. The findings indicate that the policy significantly enhances REDE, promoting technological advancements and marketization. Moreover, regions with stricter environmental regulations experience a higher impact.
Article
Thermodynamics
Mostafa Ghasemi, Hegazy Rezk
Summary: This study utilizes fuzzy modeling and optimization to enhance the performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). By simulating and analyzing experimental data sets, the ideal parameter values for increasing power density, COD elimination, and coulombic efficiency were determined. The results demonstrate that the fuzzy model and optimization methods can significantly improve the performance of MFCs.
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhang Ruan, Lianzhong Huang, Kai Wang, Ranqi Ma, Zhongyi Wang, Rui Zhang, Haoyang Zhao, Cong Wang
Summary: This paper proposes a grey box model for fuel consumption prediction of wing-diesel hybrid vessels based on feature construction. By using both parallel and series grey box modeling methods and six machine learning algorithms, twelve combinations of prediction models are established. A feature construction method based on the aerodynamic performance of the wing and the energy relationship of the hybrid system is introduced. The best combination is obtained by considering the root mean square error, and it shows improved accuracy compared to the white box model. The proposed grey box model can accurately predict the daily fuel consumption of wing-diesel hybrid vessels, contributing to operational optimization and the greenization and decarbonization of the shipping industry.
Article
Thermodynamics
Huayi Chang, Nico Heerink, Junbiao Zhang, Ke He
Summary: This study examines the interaction between off-farm employment decisions between couples and household clean energy consumption in rural China, and finds that two-paycheck households are more likely to consume clean energy. The off-farm employment of women is a key factor driving household clean energy consumption to a higher level, with wage-employed wives having a stronger influence on these decisions than self-employed ones.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hanguan Wen, Xiufeng Liu, Ming Yang, Bo Lei, Xu Cheng, Zhe Chen
Summary: Demand-side management is crucial to smart energy systems. This paper proposes a data-driven approach to understand the relationship between energy consumption patterns and household characteristics for better DSM services. The proposed method uses a clustering algorithm to generate optimal customer groups for DSM and a deep learning model for training. The model can predict the possibility of DSM membership for a given household. The results demonstrate the usefulness of weekly energy consumption data and household socio-demographic information for distinguishing consumer groups and the potential for targeted DSM strategies.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xinglan Hou, Xiuping Zhong, Shuaishuai Nie, Yafei Wang, Guigang Tu, Yingrui Ma, Kunyan Liu, Chen Chen
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of utilizing a multi-level horizontal branch well heat recovery system in the Qiabuqia geothermal field. The research systematically investigates the effects of various engineering parameters on production temperature, establishes mathematical models to describe their relationships, and evaluates the economic viability of the system. The findings demonstrate the significant economic feasibility of the multi-level branch well system.
Article
Thermodynamics
Longxin Zhang, Songtao Wang, Site Hu
Summary: This investigation reveals the influence of tip leakage flow on the modern transonic rotor and finds that the increase of tip clearance size leads to a decline in rotor performance. However, an optimal tip clearance size can extend the rotor's stall margin.
Article
Thermodynamics
Kristian Gjoka, Behzad Rismanchi, Robert H. Crawford
Summary: This paper proposes a framework for assessing the performance of 5GDHC systems and demonstrates it through a case study in a university campus in Melbourne, Australia. The results show that 5GDHC systems are a cost-effective and environmentally viable solution in mild climates, and their successful implementation in Australia can create new market opportunities and potential adoption in other countries with similar climatic conditions.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jianwei Li, Guotai Wang, Panpan Yang, Yongshuang Wen, Leian Zhang, Rujun Song, Chengwei Hou
Summary: This study proposes an orientation-adaptive electromagnetic energy harvester by introducing a rotatable bluff body, which allows for self-regulation to cater for changing wind flow direction. Experimental results show that the output power of the energy harvester can be greatly enhanced with increased rotatory inertia of the rotating bluff body, providing a promising solution for harnessing wind-induced vibration energy.
