Comprehensive Performance Assessment Research Articles

Comprehensive evaluation of part-load exergy performance of a supercritical carbon dioxide recompression cycle controlled by various strategies

This study seeks to provide guidance for the efficient operation of a supercritical carbon dioxide recompression cycle (sCO2-RC) by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the exergy performance under various load-following strategies. As the load decreases, we analyze the operational characteristics of the compressor and identify the components with higher irreversible proportions for the single strategy-controlled system. When the load diminishes to 10%, specific components exhibit significant irreversibility, excluding the compressor, as follows: 14.48% for the turbine under inventory control, 12.64% for the bypass mixer under turbine bypass control, and 22.10% for the bypass mixer under intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) bypass control. Owing to the compressor's near-surge operation, the turbine throttle control only minimally reduces the system load to 30%, with the throttle valve incurring the highest loss proportion of 26.33% at that point. To both ensure safe compressor operation and enhance system efficiency, auxiliary strategies such as inventory and turbine bypass are recommended to implement hybrid control. The assisted inventory improves the exergy efficiency of the system under turbine bypass control and IHX bypass control by 4.14% and 7.16% at 10% load, respectively. However, the adoption of auxiliary strategies may introduce additional losses while improving the performance of existing components. Although the assisted turbine bypass widens the adjustable load range of the turbine throttle-controlled system, it decreases the system's exergy efficiency by 3.65% at 30% load due to the introduction of a bypass mixer with higher exergy loss.

Comparing Classical and Quantum Generative Learning Models for High-Fidelity Image Synthesis

The field of computer vision has long grappled with the challenging task of image synthesis, which entails the creation of novel high-fidelity images. This task is underscored by the Generative Learning Trilemma, which posits that it is not possible for any image synthesis model to simultaneously excel at high-quality sampling, achieve mode convergence with diverse sample representation, and perform rapid sampling. In this paper, we explore the potential of Quantum Boltzmann Machines (QBMs) for image synthesis, leveraging the D-Wave 2000Q quantum annealer. We undertake a comprehensive performance assessment of QBMs in comparison to established generative models in the field: Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DDPMs). Our evaluation is grounded in widely recognized scoring metrics, including the Fréchet Inception Distance (FID), Kernel Inception Distance (KID), and Inception Scores. The results of our study indicate that QBMs do not significantly outperform the conventional models in terms of the three evaluative criteria. Moreover, QBMs have not demonstrated the capability to overcome the challenges outlined in the Trilemma of Generative Learning. Through our investigation, we contribute to the understanding of quantum computing’s role in generative learning and identify critical areas for future research to enhance the capabilities of image synthesis models.

Effects of cellular crossing paths on mechanical properties of 3D printed continuous fiber reinforced biocomposite honeycomb structures

3D printing continuous fiber reinforced composite (CFRC) has the advantages of manufacturing complex shapes and short production cycles. Due to the anisotropic mechanical properties of continuous fibers, the printing path of the fibers determines the properties of the printed CFRCs. In this paper, a series of novel cellular crossing paths were proposed to print continuous ramie fiber reinforced biocomposite honeycomb structures (CFHSs). The compression, bending, and tensile tests were performed to analyze the effects of cellular crossing paths on the mechanical properties of CFHSs. An assessment method was presented for analyzing the comprehensive mechanical properties of CFHSs printed by different printing paths. The results showed that the CFHSs printed by no-crossing path (Path-1), single-crossing path (Path-3), and double-crossing path (Path-4) exhibited better compression, bending, and tensile properties, respectively. In addition, the samples printed by Path-3 were the most outstanding in the assessments of comprehensive mechanical properties, the comprehensive performance assessment score was 1.5 times that of the single-crossing path (Path-2, minimum score). Thus, an appropriate cellular crossing path could be selected according to the structural load-bearing state, thereby providing higher mechanical properties.

Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Laterally Loaded Single- and Double-Paddled H-Piles in Clay

An efficient foundation system of single- or double-paddled H-piles (PHPs), which comprises steel H-piles fitted with specially configured steel plates (paddles), is proposed to support sound walls subjected to wind loading. The lateral responses of single-paddled (SPHPs) and double-paddled H-piles (DPHPs) installed in clay is evaluated using a comprehensive assessment of the foundation performance via a full-scale lateral load testing program, alongside extensive three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis. The comparison between the calculated and measured responses of the PHPs demonstrates that the developed numerical model accurately depicts the response of the PHPs under lateral load. The validated numerical model is then used to evaluate the effect of the soil consistency on the lateral response and capacity of the PHPs. The influence of the paddles’ configuration on the lateral response and capacity of the PHPs is also evaluated. Furthermore, the change in the PHP lateral stiffness due to adding a second paddle is also examined. Finally, the influence of the plates on the surrounding soil is investigated by analyzing the formation of the strain field around the pile and evaluating the extent of the soil influence zone at different plate-width-to-pile-flange-width ratios (Wp/Wf). The result of this study indicates that adding plates contributes significantly to the lateral capacity of PHPs in clay and reduces the maximum bending moment. The parametric study reveals that the top 5–6 Wp of the soil have a significant effect on the lateral response of the proposed H-pile. Based on the outcomes of the field tests and numerical analysis, optimal geometrical parameters for paddles are proposed.

Sustainable synthesis: High-efficiency ZrO2/KIT-6 catalyst to hydroprocess waste plastics into fuels

Synthetic plastic pollution devastates the environment, human health, biodiversity, and economics of livelihood. Amid various emerging strategies, pyrolysis and subsequent catalytic hydroprocess stand out as promising methods. This upgradation path presents a practical and sustainable approach to transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, and lessening environmental impact. This study aims to produce a higher yield of diesel from mixed plastic trash that satisfies regulatory requirements. The ZrO2/KIT-6 catalyst for hydroprocess accomplished this task and provided the highest yield of chemically equivalent diesel. HDPE, LDPE, and PP waste plastics were independently pyrolyzed using a ZSM-5 catalyst and the pyrolyzed oil of each constituent was mixed to obtain mixed plastic pyrolysis oil. The mixed plastic pyrolysis oil was further upgraded through hydroprocess. Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy of the obtained fuel revealed a composition comprising aromatics, n-alkanes, and isoalkanes, with each constituent displaying a 95% correlation with commercial diesel. The produced fuel is blended with diesel, followed by comprehensive engine performance assessments to gauge combustion efficiency, overall functionality, and emissions. The evaluation of engine performance outcomes revealed a 93% similarity in emissions. The viability of obtaining clean energy from waste plastics while adhering to legal constraints is presented in this study.

Comprehensive Exploration and Performance Assessment of SDN Controller

Comprehensive Exploration and Performance Assessment of SDN Controller

Battle for the Lead: Analysis of Coca-Cola and Pepsi from Financial Performance

This paper comprehensively assesses the financial performance of two industry giants, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, in the carbonated beverage industry. With their rich histories, distinct business strategies, and longstanding competition, these two companies have drawn significant attention from researchers. This paper aims to delve deeper into their financial performance, examining key aspects such as profitability, efficiency, liquidity, solvency, and market value. Drawing on financial statements from 2019 to 2021, this paper employs various matrices to evaluate the performance of both companies on a year-on-year and a like-for-like basis. The findings indicate that Coca-Cola possesses a robust portfolio of soda brands, surpassing PepsiCos billion-dollar soft drink brands. However, PepsiCo showcases a superior ability to innovate and navigate risks within the industry. Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the financial performance of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo can significantly enrich the existing body of research.

Assessing the Durability and Acoustic Performance of a Novel Two-Layer Pavement System

In the quest for more sustainable pavement solutions, this study demonstrates the successful strengthening of a unique noise-reducing two-layer road surface. While existing noise-reducing pavements reveal high acoustic efficiency, they lack mechanical strength, and earlier research efforts addressed the optimization of the individual components of this system, and a comprehensive perspective on its integrated performance remained elusive. Therefore, this research bridges this knowledge gap through an in-depth laboratory evaluation, in which the requirements for the realization of a full-scale demonstrator were defined, followed by a comprehensive performance assessment in terms of acoustic and mechanical strength. The post-construction assessment reveals the system’s multifaceted strengths, considering noise reduction, resilience under heavy traffic, pavement deflections, and skid resistance, assessed by CPX measurements, accelerated pavement tests using the MLS 30, skid resistance tests employing the pendulum test, as well as the slow-moving longitudinal friction test (MicroGriptester) and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements. Although the optimized system implies lower noise-reduction potential, it exhibits great strength compared to previous noise-reducing pavements. In general, the system offers viable noise mitigation solutions for urban highways, particularly in settings where traditional noise abatement measures are constrained by space. The insights from this study serve as a valuable reference for the development and evaluation of innovative road engineering materials and technologies.

Comprehensive performance assessment on LBE-helium heat exchangers for the ADS based on extension theory

Researches about comprehensive, systemic and multi-level assessment methods are limit. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment method of heat exchangers based on extension theory is proposed. Heat transfer, pressure drop, mechanism, safety and reliability, economy, structure, mechanism and production performance are considered and evaluated in detail. By using this method, the comprehensive performances of the shell-tube and printed circuit heat exchangers as the intermediate heat exchanger of the accelerator driven sub-critical system are evaluated for comparison. The results show that the economy performance and pressure drop for the shell-tube heat exchanger attain the highest grades because the processing technology is mature and flow velocity is lower. However, the structure performance parameter is the lowest level due to its large volume and mass. For the printed circuit heat exchanger, the safety and reliability performance attains the lowest grade due to its easily blocked mini-channels and the manufactured thin plate. However, the mechanism performance shows the highest grade. In addition, the pressure drop performance also attains the highest grade due to its large cross-sectional area and low flow velocity. In conclusion, the comprehensive performance of the printed circuit heat exchanger is theoretically better than the shell-tube heat exchanger.

Development of an Innovative Media Design Assessment Model in Junior High School Chemistry Learning

An innovative assessment model comprises a set of procedures aimed at gathering information regarding both teacher-led learning and the learning outcomes delivered through technology, such as Quizizz and Google Forms. This research aims to develop an assessment model for junior high school chemistry courses and focus on designing innovative learning materials. This research uses the R&D method with a design thinking approach, this research employed three questionnaires. The questionnaire was dedicated to assessing the validity of the assessment model framework, the validity of the assessment design, and to conduct field trials involving both educators and students. The analysis outcomes demonstrated a notably high level of validity. The assessment model framework achieved an average CVI score of 0.99, "highly valid” grade. Similarly, the assessment design exhibited a high level of validity, securing a score of 0.918, "highly valid" grade. Teachers and students responded favorably to this assessment model, with satisfaction levels exceeding 90%, thus confirming its validity and practicality. Consequently, this assessment model can be readily adopted by junior high school chemistry lecturers for a comprehensive assessment of student performance in chemistry classes. This is especially beneficial in the context of creating innovative learning materials, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of chemistry education in junior high schools and aligning it with the demands of the 21st century.

Comprehensive Performance Assessment for Sponge City Construction: A Case Study

Sponge City Construction (SCC) can effectively solve urban areas’ water problems. Green infrastructure (GI), the core of SCC, exhibits a multifaceted capacity to deliver many co-benefits, while grey infrastructure primarily serves the single function of controlling rainfall runoff. However, existing assessment indicator systems fail to either consider or evaluate comprehensive impacts. In this work, a comprehensive indicator system has been established to assess the co-benefits of five different GI measures. The system includes twelve indicators from four aspects, i.e., disaster reduction, economic, environmental, and social benefits. This newly established assessment system is applied to Jinan as a case study. Six out of twelve indicators are evaluated using the self-developed Flood Risk Analysis Software and empirical equations. The results show that the inundation reduction ratios are 11.02%, 9.32%, and 8.02% under the 24-h design rainfall with a 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year return period, respectively. In addition, the corresponding direct flood loss reduction rates are 13.86%, 4.28%, and 4.09%. That is, as the rainfall return periods increase, the disaster reduction benefits become less pronounced. On the contrary, other benefits, e.g., groundwater recharge volumes, are more obvious. The corresponding groundwater recharge volumes are 2.23 million m3, 2.86 million m3, and 2.87 million m3, respectively. The proposed indicator system can be adopted to assess the performances of the different GI combinations, which provides effective support and reference to decision-makers in SCC at the planning and design stages.

Life cycle comprehensive performance assessment of the TiAlN coated tool based on surface treatment

The optimal surface treatment process can availably improve tool surface properties, and meet the requirements of low-carbon manufacturing. In this work, based on tool surface modification technology and tool life cycle carbon emission system, TiAlN coated tools are carried out micro-blasting treatment (MBT), cryogenic treatment (CT) and heat treatment (HT). The effects of surface treatment processes on the surface integrity (morphology, roughness, micro-hardness, residual stress) of the coated tool are studied. The high-speed dry finishing turning experiments of cobalt-based superalloy are carried out to investigate the tool wear morphology and wear mechanism. The carbon emissions of the tool life cycle are analyzed. Finally, the comprehensive performance of the coated tool within life cycle is evaluated. The results show that the highest level of surface integrity of coated tool is achieved by MBT, while the lowest carbon emission of environmental is impacted by HT. Compared with the untreated (UT) tool, the micro-blasted tool has the most significant improvement in surface roughness with a 28.6% reduction. The cryogenic treated tool has the greatest improvement on the surface hardness which is increased by 44.4%. The effect of HT on the surface residual stress is the most obvious. The surface stress of the heat-treated tool has increased by 59.4%. Moreover, the flank wear VB of the micro-blasted tool, cryogenic treated tool and heat-treated tool is reduced by 25.17%, 24.50% and 32.12%, respectively. The main wear mechanisms of the treated tool are adhesive wear, oxidation wear and abrasive wear. According to comprehensive performance assessment, the performance of surface treatment process during the coated tool life cycle is: HT > MBT > CT > UT.

Investigation of test methods for QC in dual-energy based contrast-enhanced digital mammography systems: II. Artefacts/uniformity, exposure time and phantom-based dosimetry

Part II of this study describes constancy tests for artefacts and image uniformity, exposure time, and phantom-based dosimetry; these are applied to four mammography systems equipped with contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) capability. Artefacts were tested using a breast phantom that simulated breast shape and thickness change at the breast edge. Image uniformity was assessed using rectangular poly(methyl)methacrylate PMMA plates at phantom thicknesses of 20, 40 and 60 mm, for the low energy (LE), high energy (HE) images and the recombined CEM image. Uniformity of signal and of the signal to noise ratio was quantified. To estimate CEM exposure times, breast simulating blocks were imaged in automatic exposure mode. The resulting x-ray technique factors were then set manually and exposure time for LE and HE images and total CEM acquisition time was measured with a multimeter. Mean glandular dose (MGD) was assessed as a function of simulated breast thickness using three different phantom compositions: (i) glandular and adipose breast tissue simulating blocks combined to give glandularity values that were typical of those in a screening population, as thickness was changed (ii) PMMA sheets combined with polyethylene blocks (iii) PMMA sheets with spacers. Image uniformity was superior for LE compared to HE images. Two systems did not generate recombined images for the uniformity test when the detector was fully covered. Acquisition time for a CEM image pair for a 60 mm thick breast equivalent phantom ranged from 3.4 to 10.3 s. Phantom composition did not have a strong influence on MGD, with differences generally smaller than 10%. MGD for the HE images was lower than for the LE images, by a factor of between 1.3 and 4.0, depending on system and simulated breast thickness. When combined with the iodine signal assessment in part I, these tests provide a comprehensive assessment of CEM system imaging performance.

Exploring objective measures for assessing team performance in healthcare: an interview study

IntroductionEffective teamwork plays a critical role in achieving high-performance outcomes in healthcare. Consequently, conducting a comprehensive assessment of team performance is essential for providing meaningful feedback during team trainings and enabling comparisons in scientific studies. However, traditional methods like self-reports or behavior observations have limitations such as susceptibility to bias or being resource consuming. To overcome these limitations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of team processes and performance, the assessment of objective measures, such as physiological parameters, can be valuable. These objective measures can complement traditional methods and provide a more holistic view of team performance. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of the use of objective measures for evaluating team performance for research and training purposes. For this, experts in the field of research and medical simulation training were interviewed to gather their opinions, ideas, and concerns regarding this novel approach.MethodsA total of 34 medical and research experts participated in this exploratory qualitative study, engaging in semi-structured interviews. During the interview, experts were asked for (a) their opinion on measuring team performance with objective measures, (b) their ideas concerning potential objective measures suitable for measuring team performance of healthcare teams, and (c) their concerns regarding the use of objective measures for evaluating team performance. During data analysis responses were categorized per question.ResultsThe findings from the 34 interviews revealed a predominantly positive reception of the idea of utilizing objective measures for evaluating team performance. However, the experts reported limited experience in actively incorporating objective measures into their training and research. Nevertheless, they identified various potential objective measures, including acoustical, visual, physiological, and endocrinological measures and a time layer. Concerns were raised regarding feasibility, complexity, cost, and privacy issues associated with the use of objective measures.DiscussionThe study highlights the opportunities and challenges associated with employing objective measures to assess healthcare team performance. It particularly emphasizes the concerns expressed by medical simulation experts and team researchers, providing valuable insights for developers, trainers, researchers, and healthcare professionals involved in the design, planning or utilization of objective measures in team training or research.

Thermodynamic Analysis and Performance Assessment of a Novel Solar-Based Multigeneration System for Electricity, Cooling, Heating, and Freshwater Production

Abstract This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the thermodynamic performance of a novel solar-based multigeneration system, which caters to the energy needs of a sustainable community by producing electricity, cooling, heating, and freshwater. The solar-based multigeneration system is comprised of four main components: the thermal subsystem of the parabolic trough collector (PTC) employing CO2 as a heat transfer fluid, a single-effect absorption refrigeration cycle (ARC), a supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) cycle, and an adsorption desalination (AD) cycle with heat recovery employing aluminum fumarate metal–organic framework (MOF) adsorbent material. A comprehensive parametric study was performed on the proposed solar-based multigeneration system by varying key parameters to evaluate its performance. It is found that the thermal and exergy efficiencies of a PTC were evaluated to be 68.35% and 29.88%, respectively, at a fixed inlet temperature of 225 °C and solar irradiation of 850 W/m2 and also a slight reduction in the ARC cycle when examining the variation in the thermal and exergetic COPs for the generator temperature. Additionally, the thermal and exergy efficiencies of electricity, cooling, and heating were determined to be 20.41% and 21.93%, 41.34% and 3.51%, and 7.14% and 3.07%, respectively, at the operating condition. The maximum specific daily water production (SDWP) value of 12.91 m3/ton/day and a gain output ratio (GOR) of 0.64 were obtained under steady operating conditions in the AD cycle.

Energy and exergy assessment of 750 MW combined cycle power plant: A case study

As global energy demand continues to rise, the imperative to explore and enhance energy generation from existing resources intensifies. Combined cycle power plants (CCPPs) have emerged as a promising solution to improve efficiency and electricity production. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the thermodynamic performance of a 750 MW CCPP located in Assiut, Egypt, with a focus on its energy and exergy efficiency. Our investigation reveals critical insights into the CCPP's operational dynamics. Notably, the combustion chambers emerge as the primary contributors to exergy destruction, accounting for 53.3 % of the total exergy loss. Heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) follow closely at 32 %, while compressors, steam turbines, gas turbines, and cooling systems contribute 5.3 %, 5 %, 2.3 %, and 1.7 %, respectively. These findings pinpoint specific areas where exergy losses are most significant, offering valuable guidance for targeted improvements in CCPP performance. Furthermore, we report that the overall energy efficiency of the entire plant stands at 34.6 %, with an exergy efficiency of 33.5 %. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive scientific assessment of the thermodynamic performance of a 750 MW CCPP. The specific insights into exergy destruction and efficiency metrics not only contribute to our understanding of CCPPs but also offer actionable recommendations for optimizing the operation of gas turbine based CCPPs. These findings hold significance in the broader context of energy sustainability and environmental considerations.

A comprehensive assessment of energetic and exergetic performance for the dehumidification system of a processed pistachio production unit

AbstractThe present study aims to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the energetic and exergetic performance of a dehumidification system utilized in the processing of raw pistachios. The assessment involved the application of the first and second laws of thermodynamics to calculate the exergy aspects of each component of the system, including input and output exergy rates, output/input exergy efficiency, product/fuel exergy efficiency, exergy destruction rate, exergy loss rate, exergy improvement potential rate, and specific exergy consumption. Furthermore, the effect of variations in reference state temperature on the exergy parameters was also investigated. The results indicated that the pre‐dryer chamber had the highest input exergy rate among all the components of the dehumidification system. The product/fuel exergy efficiency is specified to be 35.10%, 9.47%, and 60.43%, for the electro‐fan, heater, and pre‐dryer chamber, respectively, while their output/input exergy efficiency are 87.87%, 22.10%, and 56.28%, respectively. The values of the exergy destruction rate of these components are 0.83, 147.14, and 1.12 kW whereas the exergy loss rate values are found to be 0.03, 4.12, and 9.24 kW, respectively. The improvement potential rate values of these components are obtained to be 0.10, 117.83, and 4.53 kW, while the amount of specific exergy consumption for the dehumidification system is determined as 481.85 kJ/kg. The study also reveals that the exergy parameters vary with changes in reference state temperature and that the exergy efficiencies decrease linearly as reference state temperature rises. Therefore, the findings of this investigation demonstrate the potential for using exergy analysis as an effective tool to improve the performance of dehumidification systems in industrial settings, specifically in the production of pistachios.Practical applicationsPistachio nut known as green gold because of its high economical value, is one of the popular nuts over the world. Dehumidification system based on drying technology could be used in food industry with many distinct advantages for processing of particulate crops like pistachios. For a comprehensive assessment of this system, analysis of the first and second laws of thermodynamics is applied. Exergy aspect based on the thermodynamic analysis the is an important stage for designing, modeling, optimizing, and performance assessment of the dehumidification system to produce processed pistachio. The results of this study show that the performance of dehumidification system could be improved by incorporating a steam compressor, a secondary heat exchanger, self‐heat recuperation technology, and a pinch method. It is believed that such a study would contribute to the industrial exploitation of pistachio which can provide insight into decreasing energy consumption and reducing capital costs for engineers and factory owners.

Rubber- and emulsion-based impact-absorbing paving material produced with cold and dry processes: Laboratory and in-situ study

Impact-absorbing pavements (IAPs) may be used as novel sidewalks and bike lanes surface layers to decrease fall-related injuries among vulnerable road users (VRUs). Therefore, a cold-made, highly rubberised asphalt mixture (56% recycled rubber in the total volume of the mix) was developed in the laboratory, and the process was then upscaled, permitting its construction on a trial site. Both laboratory and on-site tests facilitated the evaluation of the material's mechanical properties, impact-absorption capabilities, and frictional behaviour. The field trial enabled a comprehensive assessment of the material's performance after six months of usage by pedestrians and cyclists on a hybrid segment. Additionally, evaluations were conducted after six, fifteen, and twenty months. The results confirmed the possibility to produce and lay a cold, highly rubberised paving material with valuable impact-attenuation performances. The mechanical analysis has shown the material’s elastic behaviour and its capability to carry uniaxial compression stress leading to a 5% strain of the total height without losing its properties. Furthermore, the critical fall height (CFH) values exhibited a sixfold increase compared to conventional asphalt, thereby reducing the severity of potential injuries. In terms of durability, the pavement's overall effectiveness remained significant even after six, fifteen, and twenty months of use. The study demonstrated the capability to cover and fill holes and damaged portions using the same rubberised and cold mixture, a crucial aspect concerning the material's future and maintenance considerations.

Performance evaluation of steel hollow box piers under bidirectional lateral cyclic loading to enhance the existing seismic verification framework

This study comprehensively evaluates the lateral performance and behaviour of stiffened steel hollow box piers under axial and lateral cyclic bidirectional loading using Finite Element (FE) analysis to develop a reliable performance-based seismic verification framework. In the first phase of the analysis, various bidirectional lateral loading patterns are examined to identify the pier's worst inelastic behaviour regarding strength, ductility, energy absorption, and failure patterns. Among these loading patterns, it was found that the circular-shaped bidirectional lateral cyclic loading (BICI) yielded the worst inelastic behaviour of the pier. Then, in phase two, an extensive comparative parametric study was conducted between the BICI and unidirectional loading pattern to evaluate the significance of important design parameters on lateral performance. Results revealed that the width-to-thickness ratio Rf, slenderness ratio λ¯ and axial load P showed significant influence under both the load patterns, whereas the modified stiffener's slenderness ratio λs′, and aspect ratio α showed more significant influence only under the BICI load pattern. Subsequently, the existing formulae proposed by authors for predicting strength and ductility under unidirectional lateral loading were reviewed and modified to incorporate the bidirectional effect. Moreover, a novel set of formulae was proposed for the BICI load pattern. Finally, an enhanced performance-based seismic verification method was developed by examining the relationship between the ductility factors of steel hollow piers under both BICI and unidirectional loading patterns. This method integrates the bidirectional effect into the existing unidirectional framework, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the piers' performance and enhancing seismic resilience.

Molecular Engineering of Redox Couples for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have attracted significant attention as a promising electrochemical energy storage technology, offering various advantages such as grid-scale electricity production with variable intermittent electricity delivery, enhanced safety compared to metal-ion batteries, decoupled energy and power density, and simplified manufacturing processes. For this review, we exclusively focus on organic, non-aqueous redox flow batteries. Specifically, we address the most recent progress and the major challenges related to the design and synthesis of robust redox-active organic compounds. An extensive examination of the synthesis and characterization of a wide spectrum of redox-active molecules, focusing particularly on derivatives of posolytes such as quinone, nitroxyl radicals, dialkoxybenzenes, and phenothiazine and negolytes such as viologen and pyridiniums, is provided. We explore the incorporation of various functional groups as documented in the references, aiming to enhance the chemical and electrochemical stability, as well as the solubility, of both the neutral and radical states of redox-active molecules. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive assessment of the cell-cycling performance exhibited by these redox-active molecules.