Optimal design and techno-economic analysis of an autonomous small isolated microgrid aiming at high RES penetration

peer reviewe

Modeling the Fate and Distribution of Floating Litter Particles in the Aegean Sea (E. Mediterranean)

A circulation model is coupled to a Lagrangian particle-tracking model to simulate the transport floating litter particles in the Aegean Sea, Greece (Eastern Mediterranean). Considering different source regions and release dates, simulations were carried out to explore the fate and distribution of floating litter over 1990–2009, taking into account the seasonal and interannual variability of surface circulation. Model results depicted recurrently high concentrations of floating litter particles in the North Aegean plateau, the Saronikos Gulf, and along Evia and Crete islands. Modeled transport pathways of floating litter demonstrated that source regions are interconnected, with Saronikos Gulf being a main receptor of litter from other sources. Notably higher percent of litter exit (~35%) than enter the model domain (~7%) signified that Aegean Sea seems to act as a source rather than receptor of floating litter pollution in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Beached litter was found around 10%, mostly located in the western part of the Aegean Sea. This is the first modeling study to explore the transport of floating marine litter in Greek waters

Optimal operation of an energy management system for a grid-connected smart building considering photovoltaics' uncertainty and stochastic electric vehicles' driving schedule

peer reviewe

Smoking cessation strategies in pregnancy: Current concepts and controversies

Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite the fact that these outcomes are well known, a considerable proportion of pregnant women continue to smoke during this critical period. This paper evaluates critically smoking cessation interventions targeting pregnant women. We describe the findings of key published studies, review papers and expert statements to report the efficacy and safety of strategies for smoking cessation in pregnancy, including counselling and pharmacotherapy. Counselling appears to improve quit rates but mainly when used in combination with pharmacological therapy. Pharmacotherapy is recommended for women who are heavy smokers and are unable to quit smoking on their own. Nicotine replacement therapy is a reasonable first-line drug option. It is recommended that women who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, should be informed of potential risks for the foetus before considering smoking cessation therapy with bupropion or varenicline. Pregnant women view electronic nicotine delivery systems as being safer than combustible cigarettes, and this indeed may be the case; however, further evidence is required to assess their effectiveness as a smoking cessation aid and their safety for the mother and the child. Postpartum relapse is a significant problem, with approximately one out of two quitters relapsing in the first 2 months after delivery. These women should be considered ‘at risk’ and provided with ongoing support. Keywords: Pregnancy, Smoking, Smoking cessation, Counselling, Pharmacotherap

Glassy Carbon Electrochemical Sensor for Gallic and Vanillic Acid Detection in Aqueous Solutions

In the present study, an inexpensive and practical way to detect phenolic compounds in wastewater was investigated. By using a simple one compartment three-electrode cell and performing cyclic voltammetry measurements, it was possible to quantitatively determine the presence of gallic and vanillic acid in acidic aqueous solutions due to their electrooxidation upon potential scanning. In the case of gallic acid, two oxidation peaks were observed whereas the vanillic acid cyclic voltammograms consisted of two oxidation and one reduction peaks. Correlation of the observed electrooxidation current density value with the concentration of each phenolic compound led to a linear relationship. Following the above methodology for a 1:1 mixture of these phenols, it was found that only a qualitative analysis was possible rather than a quantitative one