ECONOMICS OF BIOMASS GASIFICATION/COMBUSTION AT FUEL ETHANOL PLANTS

Published in Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 25(3): 391‐400Ethanol, Biomass, Economics, CHP, Emissions, Process heat, Electricity production, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

INTEGRATING BIOMASS TO PRODUCE HEAT AND POWER AT ETHANOL PLANTS

Published in: Applied Engineering in Agriculture, Vol. 25(2): 227‐244Biomass, Renewable, Sustainable, Model, Gasification, Combustion, Emissions, Ethanol production, Combined heat and power, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

The oceanic cycles of the transition metals and their isotopes

The stable isotope systems of the transition metals potentially provide constraints on the current and past operation of the biological pump, and on the state of ocean redox in Earth history. Here we focus on two exemplar metals, nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn). The oceanic dissolved pool of both elements is isotopically heavier than the known inputs, implying an output with light isotope compositions. The modern oceanic cycle of both these elements is dominated by biological uptake into photosynthesised organic matter and output to sediment. It is increasingly clear, however, that such uptake is associated with only very minor isotope fractionation. We suggest that the isotopic balance is instead closed by the sequestration of light isotopes to sulphide in anoxic and organic-rich sediments, so that it is ocean chemistry that controls these isotope systems, and suggesting a different but equally interesting array of questions in Earth history that can be addressed with these systems

Sum-frequency generation of 589 nm light with near-unit efficiency

We report on a laser source at 589 nm based on sum-frequency generation of two infrared laser at 1064 nm and 1319 nm. Output power as high as 800 mW are achieved starting from 370 mW at 1319 nm and 770 mW at 1064 nm, corresponding to converting roughly 90% of the 1319 nm photons entering the cavity. The power and frequency stability of this source are ideally suited for cooling and trapping of sodium atoms

On the origin of the marine zinc–silicon correlation

The close linear correlation between the distributions of dissolved zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) in seawater has puzzled chemical oceanographers since its discovery almost forty years ago, due to the apparent lack of a mechanism for coupling these two nutrient elements. Recent research has shown that such a correlation can be produced in an ocean model without any explicit coupling between Zn and Si, via the export of Zn-rich biogenic particles in the Southern Ocean, consistent with the observation of elevated Zn quotas in Southern Ocean diatoms. Here, we investigate the physical and biological mechanisms by which Southern Ocean uptake and export control the large-scale marine Zn distribution, using suites of sensitivity simulations in an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) and a box-model ensemble. These simulations focus on the sensitivity of the Zn distribution to the stoichiometry of Zn uptake relative to phosphate (PO4), drawing directly on observations in culture. Our analysis reveals that OGCM model variants that produce a well-defined step between relatively constant, high Zn:PO4 uptake ratios in the Southern Ocean and low Zn:PO4 ratios at lower latitudes fare best in reproducing the marine Zn–Si correlation at both the global and the regional Southern Ocean scale, suggesting the presence of distinct Zn-biogeochemical regimes in the high- and low-latitude oceans that may relate to differences in physiology, ecology or (micro-)nutrient status. Furthermore, a study of the systematics of both the box model and the OGCM reveals that regional Southern Ocean Zn uptake exerts control over the global Zn distribution via its modulation of the biogeochemical characteristics of the surface Southern Ocean. Specifically, model variants with elevated Southern Ocean Zn:PO4 uptake ratios produce near-complete Zn depletion in the Si-poor surface Subantarctic Zone, where upper-ocean water masses with key roles in the global oceanic circulation are formed. By setting the main preformed covariation trend within the ocean interior, the subduction of these Zn- and Si-poor water masses produces a close correlation between the Zn and Si distributions that is barely altered by their differential remineralisation during low-latitude cycling. We speculate that analogous processes in the high-latitude oceans may operate for other trace metal micronutrients as well, splitting the ocean into two fundamentally different biogeochemical, and thus biogeographic, regimes

Experimental and simulation efforts in the astrobiological exploration of exooceans

The icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn are perhaps the most promising places in the Solar System regarding habitability. However, the potential habitable environments are hidden underneath km-thick ice shells. The discovery of Enceladus’ plume by the Cassini mission has provided vital clues in our understanding of the processes occurring within the interior of exooceans. To interpret these data and to help configure instruments for future missions, controlled laboratory experiments and simulations are needed. This review aims to bring together studies and experimental designs from various scientific fields currently investigating the icy moons, including planetary sciences, chemistry, (micro-)biology, geology, glaciology, etc. This chapter provides an overview of successful in situ, in silico, and in vitro experiments, which explore different regions of interest on icy moons, i.e. a potential plume, surface, icy shell, water and brines, hydrothermal vents, and the rocky core

Characterization of Ground Albedo Materials for Bifacial Solar Farms

Bifacial photovoltaics can collect solar energy from both sides, unlike regular one-sided solar panels. With the ability to collect energy from both sides, the energy production of bifacial photovoltaic farms is about 2-6% more efficient than typical solar farms. However, the increase in efficiency is highly dependent on the reflectivity of the ground material. This project explores six different materials to determine which material would be best to implement as a ground material for a bifacial photovoltaic farm, based on their mechanical properties and albedo value. Albedo refers to the ratio between the reflected solar radiation to the incident solar radiation, and ranges between 0 and 1. The tested sheet samples were: Unreinforced Polyethylene (PE), Scrim Reinforced Polyethylene (SR-PE), Woven Polyethylene (W-PE), White Road Paint with reflective glass beads (RPB), Mylar (M), and Woven Polypropylene (W-PP). The samples had their albedo recorded three days a week, during morning and afternoon readings, at specific angles as dictated in the ASTM E1918-21 standard. This is to observe the environmental factors\u27 effect on the albedo. Also, some samples were placed in an accelerated weathering machine which exposed the samples to high levels of UV radiation to mimic extended periods of sun exposure. The samples were then tensile tested after the UV exposure to record impact in mechanical properties. The results concluded that if the requirement is to have a high albedo, RPB and M are the best option. M is the best option if cost is also considered. If ease of installation and maintenance is a high priority SR-PE becomes a top choice

Barriers in the HCV treatment cascade after confirmed diagnosis

Background: Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the United States with an estimated prevalence of 2.4 million people[1]. Oklahoma has an estimated 54,000 chronic cases of hepatitis C and has the highest exposure rate of all 50 states[2]. Even with increased screening and access to medications, gaps exist in the cascade of care for patients with hepatitis C with approximately 40% of diagnosed patients not having been prescribed antiviral treatment[3]. Treatment of hepatitis C has been associated with a reduction in liver failure, a reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma, and a reduction in all-cause mortality.Aim: With increased access to curative medications and better treatment options for hepatitis C, our goal is to determine the barriers to treatment for those who have been diagnosed with hepatitis C. By removing barriers to hepatitis C treatment, we can decrease the incidence and prevalence of this disease. Furthermore, by decreasing the disease burden of hepatitis C, we can decrease rates of liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and associated morbidity and mortality.Method: We conducted a retrospective review of lab data from the electronic health record for patients seen by the OSU Family Medicine department. Patients who had a detectable HCV viral load lab drawn between January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 was generated. From this list we identified those patients who were not actively being treated for HCV. Our intervention was contacting these patients to assess any barriers which may have delayed treatment, and evaluate how effective this phone call is in connecting patients with the proper resources to proceed to the next step in work up and treatment