Fabrication of polythiourea-copper complex composite membrane and its anti-fouling property

© 2020 IOP Publishing Ltd. A Composite Flat Sheet Membrane Containing Polythiourea-Copper (PTU-Cu) Complex was fabricated through a two-step phase separation involving complexation and/or crosslinking of the polymer by copper ions (Cu2+) on the first step and non-solvent induced phase separation on the second step. The surface topography of the membrane was analysed using Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) in non-contact mode. The incorporation of copper at the surface was confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping wherein other elements such as Sulfur (S), Carbon (C) and Oxygen (O) of the polymer were conducted. The fabricated membrane was rigid as shown by high value (about 2.15 GigaPascal) of measured Young\u27s modulus using the Pinpoint Nanomechanical Analysis Mode of AFM. In addition, the surface charge and hydrophobicity were measured using the Electrostatic Force Microscope (EFM) and water contact angle respectively. The antifouling characteristics of the membrane was evaluated through antimicrobial membrane surface contact test wherein E. coli was used as test microorganism. Other membrane properties such as pore size distribution and pure water flux were measured using a porometer and a filtration apparatus

Optimal multi-criteria selection of energy storage systems for grid applications

Currently, a wide variety of energy storage alternatives are available, each with a unique set of characteristics advantageous on selective applications. Current studies focus only on levelized costs on predicting the best-fit technology for specific applications. The study addresses this limitation by considering multiple factors on the selection process among technologies for specific applications. A systematic approach on the selection of energy storage technologies based on multiple and possible conflicting factors was proposed in this study for two specific applications: frequency regulation and load levelling. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process was utilized to generate the relative importance of each criterion. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to reflect the effect of battery characteristics and operating parameters uncertainties on the resulting scores of technologies. Grey Relational Analysis was used to aggregate the performance attributes of alternatives into a single score reflecting the desirability of alternatives. The levelized costs dominated all other criteria for both applications. Lithium ion battery dominated all technologies for both applications resulting from its well-rounded performance across all considered attributes. Results emphasized the importance of considering socio-economic indicators alongside techno-economic parameters on selecting the technology for future deployment. Thorough analysis on the results is important not only for decision-makers but for developers and innovators as well to direct future research. Copyright © 2019, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l

P-graph approach for GDP-optimal allocation of resources, commodities and capital in economic systems under climate change-induced crisis conditions

Climate change impacts may manifest via multiple pathways, often leading to a shortage of resources, reduction in production capacities, or reduction in available labor inputs that are vital for economic activities. Effective climate change adaptation strategies are needed to determine the optimal allocation of scarce resources, commodities or capital under crisis conditions to minimize the economic consequences. In such cases, it is necessary to account for structural properties of economic systems to ensure that rational distribution policies are implemented. Input-output models are used to illustrate interdependencies among economic sectors and to assess both direct and indirect effects of disruptive events. Alternatively, these interdependencies may be exploited for developing effective recovery efforts to minimize the ripple effects of a crisis. In this paper, a process graph representation of the input-output model is developed to generate a rational procedure for the allocation of scarce resources, commodities or capital during crisis conditions. The process graph model is a graph-theoretic approach originally developed for chemical process design applications. The analogous problem structure allows it to be used for the input-output system. The method is demonstrated through several case studies to identify allocation policies geared towards reducing the impact of disruptions attributed to critical resources, commodities, or capital. Results show that depending on the economic structure, the optimal allocation of scarce resources, commodities or capital will satisfy the final demands of some economic sectors and reduce the production capacity of others in order to minimize the reduction of total gross domestic product. Though similar results can be obtained through traditional mathematical programming models, the process graph platform has the advantage to visually present the distribution of scarce resources, commodities or capital within the system. This work is a first attempt to implement the process graph approach in the fields of economics and climate change adaptation. In conclusion, the process graph based approach developed in this work can be used to provide policymakers with insights in developing appropriate risk mitigation plans associated with climate change-induced crisis conditions. Potential applications include both the development of disaster preparedness measures for anticipated disruptions, as well as the implementation of real-time emergency response in the midst of a crisis. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

An Integrated Approach for Supporting the Evaluation of Transport Scenarios: The Area of Bellinzona (CH)

Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is a widely-used tool to support decision processes when a choice between different options is needed. This approach is particularly useful in situation characterized by an inter-connected range of environmental, social and economic issues. Moreover the presence of many actors with different backgrounds and knowledge constitutes a further level of complexity due to the difficulty in interpreting and reading outputs. The present application is one response to tackle these difficulties. It is an innovative approach integrating Analytic Network Process ANP) and Interactive Visualization Tool (InViTo) which creates a common language among the actors involved and a shared basis for generating discussion. The methodological framework is applied to a Swiss section of the transport corridor Genoa—Rotterdam, within the Interreg IVB NWE Project ‘‘Code24'' in order to demonstrate the potential of the 24 joint use of the two tools mentioned for the selection of a suitable strategy for transport improvement within territorial transformatio