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This work investigates the design optimization of aggregated energy systems (multi-energy systems, microgrids, energy districts, etc.) with (N-1) -reliability requirements. The problem is formulated as a two-stage stochastic Mixed Integer Linear Program which optimizes design (first stage variables) and operation variables (second stage variables) simultaneously considering a set of typical and extreme days. The analysis proposes and compares different approaches to include the (N-1) reliability requirement in the optimization problem. Moreover, the paper proposes two effective decomposition algorithms to solve the large-scale Mixed Integer Linear Program suitable for design problems with and without (N-1) reliability requirements. Depending on the instance, such decomposition algorithms allow reducing the computational time by one or more orders of magnitude (from days to a few hours, in the worst cases tested in this work). The proposed methodology is tested to design the aggregated energy system for a real case study considering both a grid-connected and off-grid installation. Results indicate that the actual reliability of the design solutions depends by the profiles of energy demand and renewable production considered in the failure scenarios included in the design problem. Including N-1 reliability requirements causes an increase in the total annual cost in the range 15–20%, due to the increase in capital costs. • N-1 reliability is included in MILP for the optimal design of Aggregated Energy Systems. • Different approaches to include reliability constraints are proposed and compared. • Two decomposition algorithms allow reducing the computational time considerably. • Including N-1 reliability results in a 15–20% Total Annual Cost increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rolling horizon algorithm for the seasonal and day-ahead operational optimization. • Affine Adjustable Robust Optimization MILP optimizes day-ahead and correction rules. • Long-term targets allow managing seasonal storages and yearly constraints. • Tests show that the optimized solutions are always feasible. • The operational cost of the robust solutions is 6–22% higher than the ideal solution. This work proposes an approach for the robust operational optimization of Aggregated Energy Systems (AES) on three key time scales: seasonal, day-ahead and real-time hourly operation. The evaluation of all the three time-scales is fundamental for AESs featuring seasonal storage systems and/or units (such as combined heat and power plants) with yearly-basis constraints on relevant performance indexes or emissions. The approach consists in a rolling horizon algorithm based on an Affine Adjustable Robust Optimization model for optimizing both day ahead schedule (commitment and economic dispatch) and the decision rules to adjust the real-time operation. The robust optimization model takes as input (i) the day-ahead forecasts of renewable production and energy demands with their corresponding uncertainty, (ii) past and future expected performance of the units with yearly constraints, and (iii) target end-of-the-day charge levels for the seasonal storage system. These long-term targets are estimated by optimizing the operation over representative years defined on the basis of the past measured data. The proposed methodology is tested on three real-world case studies, featuring up to four short-term uncertain parameters (energy demands and non-dispatchable generation), yearly constraints and seasonal storage. Results shows that the proposed methodology meets the yearly constraints and safely manages the seasonal storage without shortages, while always meeting the energy demands (no shedding). In addition, the cost of short- and long-term uncertainty were evaluated by comparing the results of the robust rolling horizon with other two deterministic approaches, proving a limited increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress-related psychiatric disorders and the stress system show prominent differences between males and females, as well as strongly divergent transcriptional changes. Despite several proposed mechanisms, we still lack the understanding of the molecular processes at play. Here, we explore the contribution of cell types to transcriptional sex dimorphism using single-cell RNA sequencing. We identify cell-type-specific signatures of acute restraint stress in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, a central hub of the stress response, in male and female mice. Further, we show that a history of chronic mild stress alters these signatures in a sex-specific way, and we identify oligodendrocytes as a major target for these sex-specific effects. This dataset, which we provide as an online interactive app, offers the transcriptomes of thousands of individual cells as a molecular resource for an in-depth dissection of the interplay between cell types and sex on the mechanisms of the stress response. [Display omitted] • ARS elicits a cell-type- and sex-specific transcriptional response in the PVN • Exposure to CMS influences the ability of different cell types to respond to ARS • Oligodendrocytes are highly stress susceptible in a sex-specific way • Male oligodendrocytes in the PVN have an altered maturation state after stress Brivio et al. generated a rich single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of the mouse paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) to show that the response to acute stress is encoded differently in cell types and sexes. This approach identified oligodendrocytes as cells susceptible to stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos-mineral fibres can be associated with lung diseases. The pathogenic effects are related to the dimension, biopersistence and chemical composition of the fibres. In addition to the major mineral elements, mineral fibres contain trace elements and their content may play a role in fibre toxicity. To shed light on the role of trace elements in asbestos carcinogenesis, knowledge on their concentration in asbestos-mineral fibres is mandatory. It is possible that trace elements play a synergetic factor in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by the inhalation of mineral fibres. In this paper, the concentration levels of trace elements from three chrysotile samples, four amphibole asbestos samples (UICC amosite, UICC anthophyllite, UICC crocidolite and tremolite) and fibrous erionite from Jersey, Nevada (USA) were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For all samples, the following trace elements were measured: Li, Be, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Pb, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, U. Their distribution in the various mineral species is thoroughly discussed. The obtained results indicate that the amount of trace metals such as Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn is higher in anthophyllite and chrysotile samples, whereas the amount of rare earth elements (REE) is higher in erionite and tremolite samples. The results of this work can be useful to the pathologists and biochemists who use asbestos minerals and fibrous erionite in-vitro studies as positive cyto- and geno-toxic standard references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The international standard ISO 140-5 for the measurement of the sound insulation of building facades has been recently replaced by the new standard ISO 16283-3. The revised standard includes the procedure for measurements at low frequencies down to 50 Hz. The uncertainty of facade sound insulation, in particular at low frequencies, was evaluated by a Round Robin Test, conducted in a full-scale experimental building at the Construction Technologies Institute of the National Research Council of Italy (ITC-CNR). Each of the 10 teams involved in the RRT replicated the tests 5 times, for a total of 50 measurements. The different measurement positions inside the receiving room were compared. In particular, all the teams involved in the RRT followed the low-frequency procedure, assessing corner and center room positions; the energy average values according to ISO 16283-3 were considered and the relative uncertainty, in terms of repeatability and in situ reproducibility standard deviations, was compared with the ones measured and calculated following the default measurement procedure. It was found that the uncertainty of the low-frequency procedure is higher than that of the default procedure. This would suggest the need to investigate further the reliability of the low-frequency procedure. At high frequency, the significant uncertainty values found are probably caused by the loudspeakers directivity and position; this aspect need to be investigated in greater detail, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the sound absorption properties of two types of plants for indoor applications are analyzed. The aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using Nephrolepis Exaltata (Boston Fern) and Helxine soleirolii (Baby Tears) in green walls for indoor applications, in order to improve the acoustic quality of indoor environments. The normal incidence sound absorption coefficient of ten specimens of Fern and three of Baby Tears was measured in presence and in absence of a substrate. The chosen substrate is made of coconut and perlite soil, commonly used in hydroponics; its composition allows to obtain high porosity values. The sound absorption coefficient spectra were measured in the frequency range of 50–1600 Hz using a vertically mounted impedance tube with a diameter of 100 mm; measurements were carried out in accordance with ISO 10534-2 method. After measuring the normal incidence sound absorption coefficient with impedance tube, the equivalent fluid model for sound propagation proposed by Miki was used to deduce non-acoustical properties of the samples. The inverted Miki's model allowed to find the theoretical tortuosity ( α ∞ ) and the flow resistivity ( σ ). These non-acoustic properties were then related to morphological characteristics of specimens. It is shown that the leaf area density is closely related to flow resistivity, at least for Boston Fern; the data allowed to identify a semi-empirical relation between them. Finally an application of the developed green system for the acoustic treatment of a real case study is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MILP model for co-optimization of operation of MES, DHN and thermal comfort. • Heat capacity of buildings and DHN can be exploited as additional storages. • Weekly management strategies for overall integrated system are optimized. • Tests on 16 case studies show energy cost savings in the range 5–80%. The ongoing decarbonization of the energy sector spurs the employment of distributed generation and efficient load control approaches (demand side management). This work tackles the optimal operation of a Multi Energy System and thermal comfort management for buildings with an integrated approach. The dynamic thermal energy balance of the buildings is included in the Mixed Integer Linear Programming scheduling problem to exploit the heat capacity of buildings and increase the operational flexibility of the generators. The method is firstly applied to a single building served by different energy systems, comprising renewable energy sources, cogeneration units and heat pumps. Then, the methodology is further extended by integrating in the formulation the model of the district heating/cooling network. This method is tested in a group of 12 buildings of the Campus of University of Parma, featuring different thermal properties. By enabling a variation within ± 2 °C around the indoor temperature setpoint and by optimizing water delivery temperature, it is possible to achieve savings on operating costs over the baseline up to 80%. Results show that the load shift capability of buildings plays a major role when thermal demand mismatches renewable energy availability or low electricity price periods. Moreover, district heating network can be exploited as an additional short-term heat storage by varying water delivery temperature profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ports are noisy areas that are often located near populated centers, leading to disturbances for citizens. Neglecting these issues can result in health problems and committees that can impede the natural development of port economic activity, which is growing rapidly. Attention to the sector has increased in recent years, but mainly with studies devoted to the general impact on the population. There is currently insufficient information available regarding the inputs required to conduct noise mapping and assess its effects. This is due to the high quantity and diversity of sources present in the port area. Basing on measurements conducted following established and standardized procedures, the present work reports a database of sound power levels, third-octave band spectra, average duration, and source height for various types of equipment, including reach stackers, dock tractors, front lifts, forklifts, transtainers on wheels, container cranes, mobile cranes, and dry load handling scrapers, during their movements and cargo handling activities. Acousticians are expected to benefit from this detailed input data for noise mapping and environmental acoustic impact assessments. • The study improves technical knowledge about noise from port sources. • Sound power level and spectrum for port equipment in different activities are provided. • Sources include reach stackers, tractors, front and fork lifts, transtainers, cranes and scrapers. • Data are collected through measurements in ports, following established methodologies. • The detailed dataset is useful for acousticians as input values especially for noise mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant number of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyses of renewable energy technologies is available in the literature, even though there is a lack of consistent conclusions about the life cycle impacts of the different technologies. The reported results vary consistently, according to the size and the technology of the considered plant, thus limiting the utility of LCA to inform policy makers and constituting a barrier to the deployment of a full awareness on sustainable energies. This variability in LCA results, in fact, can generate confusion regarding the actual environmental consequences of implementing renewable technologies. The article reviews approximately 50 papers, related to more than 100 different case studies regarding solar energy (Concentrated Solar Power, Photovoltaic), wind power, hydropower, and geothermal power. A methodology for the harmonization of the results is presented. The detailed data collection and the results normalization and harmonization allowed a more reliable comparison of the various renewable technologies. For most of the considered environmental indicators, wind power technologies turn out to be the low end while geothermal and PV technologies the high end of the impact range where all the other technologies are positioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports a kinetic study of the formation of magnesium-potassium phosphate cements accomplished using in-situ synchrotron powder diffraction. The reaction: MgO + KH 2 PO 4 + 5H 2 O → MgKPO 4 · 6H 2 O was followed in situ in the attempt of contributing to explain the overall mechanism and assess the influence of periclase (MgO) grain size and calcination temperature (1400-1600 °C) on the reaction kinetics. Numerical kinetic parameters for the setting reaction have been provided for the first time. The best fit to the kinetic data was obtained using a weighted nonlinear model fitting method with two kinetic equations, representing two consecutive, partially overlapping processes. MgO decomposition could be described by a first order (F1) model followed by a Jander diffusion (D3) controlled model. Crystallization of the product of reaction was modelled using an Avrami model (A n ) followed by a first order (F1) chemical reaction. A reaction mechanism accounting for such results has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]