Response Surface Methodology for 30 kW PEMFC stack characterization

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier to allow the reach of the zero-emission targets established for the next years. Polymeric Electrolyte Membrane FC are studied inside the HI-SEA laboratory of the University of Genoa, to assess the opportunities of this technology on marine applications. Here, 8 PEMFC stacks, sized 30 kW each for a total power installation of 240 kW, have been tested to draw guidelines for the best system design onboard ships and to deepen the know-how on the experimental management of the technology. During the tests, it was possible to observe the reciprocal influence of some parameters, which may influence the system efficiency. In this work, a statistical investigation is developed to quantify the cell voltage variation correlated to the values of temperature and current. This has been possible thanks to Design Expert (DE), a software developed by Stat-EASE, Inc. Through the Design of Experiment approach, it is possible to evaluate the significance of variables in the FC system, called factors. The experiment under consideration is also characterized by non-controllable factors, cause of disturbances that induce further variability in the response. Eventually, it was possible to analyse the significance of the parameters involved, to build a regression model by performing the analysis of variance with which the significant values are identified, and to assess the presence of outliers.

Novel Conditions in Conservation Translocations: A Conservative-Extrapolative Strategic Framework

In response to anthropogenic threats, conservation translocations are increasingly used to combat species' population and range declines. However, moving animals outside of their current distribution can mean introducing them to novel conditions, even in the case of reintroductions to formerly inhabited areas due to ecosystem changes following extirpation. This exposure to novel conditions introduces uncertainty that can undermine decision making for species conservation. Here we propose two strategies, which we define as conservative and extrapolative, for approaching and managing novelty and the resulting uncertainty in conservation translocations. Conservative strategies are characterised by the avoidance and removal of novel conditions as much as possible, whereas extrapolative strategies are more experimental, allowing exposure to novel conditions and monitoring outcomes to increase understanding of a species' ecology. As each strategy carries specific risks and opportunities, they will be applicable in different scenarios. Extrapolative strategies suit species in recovery which can afford some experimental management, or species facing novel and emerging threats which require less traditional translocations, such as assisted colonisations. We provide examples, applying our framework to two endemic New Zealand species with long histories of translocation management: tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), a reptile and takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri), a flightless bird.

Management system of smart warehouses using IIoT for optimize inventory control

In the industry, the supply chain develops activities related to the flow of goods. A nerve point of this chain is warehouses, whose operational efficiency allows to minimize product losses and reduce overall costs. This work proposes the automation of a goods warehouse through its integration and interoperation with emerging technologies based on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), with the aim of knowing and planning the stock in real time to optimize its management, since a recurring problem is having outdated inventories, which impact on the lack of traceability of the product. A methodology based on the design of an experimental management system is propose, through RFID devices and a microcontroller allows to monitor the inputs and outputs of goods, the second part of the system is a web application with a user interface where information about inventories could be viewed and analyzed in real time. This research will allow to lay the foundations of automation through IIoT of a warehouse with the purpose of turning it into an intelligent unit that provide strategic information.

The study and analysis of the sustainable and experimental management of the drying of menton lemon using baffle solar collectors

The application of solar drying of lemon by solar air sensors to determine the ideal temperature of the lemon drying air in order to preserve the quality such as the freshness and flavor of the lemon and therefore all the properties of the lemon. lasting way and the freshness of the skin. Fiber rich in white fibers are rich in antioxidants and reduce cholesterol. The lime is not ripe on the other hand, the lemon get ripe. Lime is smaller than a lemon, its bark is green, and it is less juicy but still sour. The fruit that is not ripe can not be dried by the variable baffle solar air sensor.

EU COHESION POLICY: DESIGN, EVOLUTION AND CRITICS

The article reflects the results of critical analysis of the content, objectives and stages of EU cohesion policy evolution. The objectives of the article are: 1) identification of the content and prerequisites for EU cohesion policy modernization in the period of programme periods change; 2) summarizing the results of critical assessment of policy effectiveness aimed at reducing disparities between the levels of regional development; 3) identification the features of adaptation of political initiatives and practical action areas focused on ensuring solidarity between European countries populations under pandemic conditions. It is established that the main policy changes for the new programme period (2021-2027) will be aimed at ensuring effectiveness, overall simplification of instruments and differentiation of regions-beneficiaries, as well as support its urban profile. It is argued that critique of cohesion policy is due to the problem of cost management mechanisms, contradictions in the interaction between national and European policy initiatives, communication challenges in experimental management, that limit the potential for regional development in EU. Based on the results of sociological survey, it is argued that the current format of Cohesion policy provides an insufficient level of solidarity in European society. In the context of pandemic challenges it is reoriented to fighting Covid-19, in particular by support of health system, expanding the capabilities of educational institutions for distance learning, etc. The practical significance of the research results lies in their perceptiveness as a philosophical and methodological basis for formation and implementation of regional development policy and ensuring social cohesion in Ukraine in the context of its eurointegrational aspirations.

Grassland irrigation and fertilisation alter vegetation height and vegetation within temperature and negatively affect orthopteran populations

European mountain meadows are hosting an exceptionally rich biodiversity. While they have long been exposed to land abandonment, they are nowadays additionally threatened by agriculture intensification through aerial irrigation and slurry application. The consequences of this intensification on arthropods are not well documented and studies are needed to fulfil this knowledge gap. Six experimental management treatments combining a full factorial design and a gradual level of fertilisation and irrigation were implemented in 2010 in twelve different montane and subalpine Swiss meadows. In 2013, orthopterans were sampled to assess the influence of the management practices on their population. In addition changes in vegetation height and temperature induced by intensification were recorded in order to better appraise underlying mechanisms. Intensification had a negative impact on Caelifera (grasshoppers); with decreases of up to 70% in densities and 50% in species richness in the most intensively managed treatment plots. In parallel intensification induced an increase in mean vegetation height and a cooling of up to 4.2 °C (10 cm aboveground) within most intensively managed plots. These microhabitat and microclimate changes are likely to have affected Caelifera development, in particular thermophilous species. In contrast, Ensifera (bush crickets) densities and species richness did not respond to the management treatments. The use of irrigation (without fertilisation) had limited impacts on orthopterans and microclimate. In conclusion, orthopterans, in particular Caelifera, are relatively sensitive to grassland intensification and to conserve the full community, mountain agricultural systems need to maintain extensively managed meadows.