Real Behavior Research Articles

Charge Diffusion and Repulsion in Semiconductor Detectors

Semiconductor detectors for high-energy sensing (X/γ-rays) play a critical role in fields such as astronomy, particle physics, spectroscopy, medical imaging, and homeland security. The increasing need for precise detector characterization highlights the importance of developing advanced digital twins, which help optimize the design and performance of imaging systems. Current simulation frameworks primarily focus on modeling electron–hole pair dynamics within the semiconductor bulk after the photon absorption, leading to the current signals at the nearby electrodes. However, most simulations neglect charge diffusion and Coulomb repulsion, which spatially expand the charge cloud during propagation due to the high complexity they add to the physical models. Although these effects are relatively weak, their inclusion is essential for achieving a high-fidelity replication of real detector behavior. There are some existing methods that successfully incorporate these two phenomena with minimal computational cost, including those developed by Gatti in 1987 and by Benoit and Hamel in 2009. The present work evaluates these two approaches and proposes a novel Monte Carlo technique that offers higher accuracy in exchange for increased computational time. Our new method enables more realistic performance predictions while remaining within practical computational limits.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF DOUBLE SKIN FACADES IN WINTER CLIMATES

The presented study reveals the analysis of the thermal behaviour of double skin facades (DSF) in winter conditions, using numerical simulation tools. The aim of the study is the development of a 3D simulation model, capable to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the modular elements in the DSF systems. This is essential requirement in the prediction and visualization of the facade’s thermal behaviour in the design stage and in the assessment of the real behaviour of such facade, when the specified modular elements are changed by the customer. The presented numerical simulation model aims to adequately reproduce the resulting set of thermal characteristics of the modular elements, to determine with sufficient accuracy their distribution in the real objects, implemented inthe models in DSF systems. An algorithm is developed in the study and graphical visualization of three models of double facade systems with and without DSF are analysed under winter conditions, using data from a meteorological station located in North-Eastern Bulgaria. A software product was used to represent the processes of heat and mass transfer, in which the corresponding boundary and initial conditions were set, based on which the results and analyses were obtained. The use of such numerical modelling is effective enough to predict the expected thermal behaviour of DSF systems. Thus, when selecting a DSF facade system, awareness of the thermal behaviour is ensured, and the financial efficiency of the project is more easily determined. Such a customized approach not only improves the sustainability and efficiency of buildings, but also satisfies the unique preferences and requirements of the customers.

Thermal Wave and Pennes’ Models of Bioheat Transfer in Human Skin: A Transient Comparative Analysis

The primary focus of this study is to analyze comparative heat transfer in a two-dimensional (2D) multilayered human skin using thermal waves and Pennes' bioheat transfer models. The model comprises the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis tissue, and inner cells, and aims to understand their response to microwave (MW) power and electromagnetic (EM) frequency. The system of equations involves EM wave frequency and bioheat equations and uses the finite element method (FEM) for solving. It encompasses a range of microwave power levels (4-16 W), frequencies (0.9-4 GHz), and exposure durations (0-180 s). It examines how MW power and frequency affect temperature predictions due to different relaxation times. The results are visually represented, illustrating microwave power dissipation, isothermal profiles within the skin tissue, temperature trends at several locations, relaxation times, specific absorption rate (SAR), and the mean surface temperature of the multilayered dermal cell. Thermal analysis shows that Pennes' equation predicts higher temperatures than the thermal wave model of bioheat transfer (TWMBT). A notable disparity in temperature evolution is observed between the two models, especially in high-frequency transient heating scenarios. The TWMBT forecasts a delay in heat transfer, offering valuable insights into the more realistic short-term thermal behavior that the classical Pennes' model fails to capture. This comparative study underscores the significance of selecting an appropriate bioheat transfer model for precise thermal analysis in biomedical applications, such as hyperthermia treatment and thermal diagnostics. The findings emphasize the potential of the TWMBT to enhance the accuracy of thermal treatments in clinical settings.

Optimal replicator dynamic controller for semi active control of long span cable stayed bridge with considering special variability of seismic excitations

Cable-stayed bridges are lifeline infrastructures. However, due to their design and structural characteristics, they are sensitive to the vibrations. Thus, vibration control in these structures is essential. Semi-active control systems have gained significant attention due to their high performance and adaptability. However, the implementation of these systems has always faced serious challenges particularly when it comes to developing appropriate control algorithms because semi active devices have complex and non-linear characteristics. Inspired by evolutionary game theory, the author utilizes the replicator dynamic controller concept to optimize the performance of MR dampers to improve the vibration reduction of cable-stayed bridges. Two key parameters in the proposed control methodologies using replicator dynamics are the total population (total available resources or the sum of actuator forces) and the growth rate. Instead of using the sensitivity analysis that has been done in previous studies for vibration reduction of highway bridges using a replicator controller, the author used an evolutionary algorithm named the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to create an optimal replicator dynamic controller for more effective vibration reduction. The proposed methodology is evaluated through its numerical application to a second-generation benchmark example based on the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, which considers a more realistic behavior of the cable-stayed bridge by accounting for multiple support excitations. The study indicates that the optimal replicator dynamic controller improves the vibration reduction performance of MR dampers. Specifically, deck displacement is reduced by 46 % compared to passive control system and shear forces at the tower base are reduced by 33 % compared to active control systems for the El Centro earthquake. The results indicate that the proposed Replicator Dynamic Controller optimized through NSGA-II provides a robust and effective solution for improving seismic resilience of cable-stayed bridges.

IMPACT OF BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE ON RISK PERCEPTION, PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR, AND FINANCIAL DECISIONS OF MOROCCAN INVESTORS

The paper deals with behavioural finance as a stream of finance challenging the principles of classical finance by adding psychology to the reasons that could explain observed anomalies within financial markets and which, at the same time, are caused by real human behaviour. The aim of this paper is to explore investors' behavioural, biases and their disturbances of rationality, focusing mostly on the factors of loss aversion, cultural influences, and overconfidence, and how these elements influence investment decisions.It is based on empirical data and behavioural experiments, which help to show how such biases deviate from efficient market theories; this work also tests some methods that can mitigate these negative effects, therefore providing insights on how to integrate the teaching of behavioural finance more effectively into the decision-making process of investors and experts within finance. Precisely, this work is aimed at attempting to provide a model of psychological behaviour for Moroccan investors, based on an investigation carried out in the field among 93 regular investors in the Casablanca Stock Exchange.The main findings of the study underline how behavioural biases deviate from predictions by efficient market theories. This paper has only focused on the specific context of Moroccan investors, yet giving insight into how psychological factors impact investment decisions through new insights into life where these financial behaviours take place.There is, hence, uniqueness to the research through the theoretical and practical approaches integrated therein, with the use of empirical data and behavioural experiments that sustain the discussion on behavioural finance. Presenting the case of Moroccan investors adds a significant contribution to proposing a context-specific model, which may bring important implications for financial decision-making within the region.

Numerical fluid structure simulation analysis of temperature-dependent dynamic viscosity with a simplified deep drilling model

ABSTRACT This paper simulates the temperature-dependent dynamic viscosity of the cutting fluid’s flow, thus analysing the approximated real behaviour in a simplified model. In order to take the heat transfer between the workpiece and the cutting fluid into account, the Finite Element Method (FEM) was bidirectionally coupled. A mathematical formula for determining the dynamic viscosity of the cutting fluid as a function of temperature was used for the temperature evolution. Simulations were performed using the standard k-ω-SST, k-ω-SST-SAS, and k-ω-SST-DES turbulence models for comparison. The results show that the influence of dynamic viscosity and temperature plays an important role and should therefore not be neglected in process simulations. For example, increasing the temperature from T = 25 °C to T = 150 °C reduced viscosity by 95%. The modelling approach presented here is suitable for future analysis simulations and can be applied not only to different drill geometries but also to numerous machining processes where dynamic viscosity plays an important role.

Comparative Historical Analysis in Political Theory

AbstractTwo important methodological debates in political theory concern (i) the place of historical research and interpretation in normative inquiry; and (ii) the importance of comparing different cultural traditions of political thought. The first question animates a long-standing controversy over the relative importance of ‘history of political thought’ versus ‘philosophy’ in political theory, while the second has been central to the recent growth of ‘comparative political theory’. Despite both debates being concerned, in fundamental ways, with history and comparison, they have remained surprisingly disconnected from broader debates in the humanities and social sciences about the use of comparative history and, in particular, of the prominent methodological approach in political science known as ‘comparative historical analysis’. This may reflect the fact that the debates over history of political thought and comparative political theory have fundamentally revolved around thought—history as the history of thought and comparison as the comparison of thought—whereas comparative historical analysis is more centrally focused on the study of political behaviour. In this paper I suggest that this neglect of comparative historical analysis in political theory represents a missed opportunity. Like other forms of social scientific inquiry, comparative historical analysis can yield important empirical knowledge for political theorists. But I wish to more ambitiously suggest that comparative historical analysis can also be adapted for conducting normative political theory itself. I summarise the key features of comparative historical analysis for political theorists, and explain how its use of historical cases can supplement both the use of imaginary thought experiments and the study of contemporary politics. I then delineate three specific ways in which comparative historical analysis might be used to support normative inquiry: deductive testing, inductive construction, and casuistic elaboration. All three, I argue, can help meet recent calls to bring the study of real political behaviour more centrally into political theory research.

Onsite Seismic Monitoring Behavior of Undamaged Dams During the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes (M7.7 and M7.6)

On 6 February 2023, two major earthquakes struck Türkiye, with their epicenters in the Pazarcık (M7.7; focal depth: 8.6 km) and Elbistan (M7.6; focal depth: 7 km) districts of Kahramanmaraş city. Most of the dams in the earthquake region remained structurally safe and stable. However, 17 dams in Türkiye and 1 dam in Syria were damaged during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The main objective of this study was to better understand the real seismic behaviors of the dams during the two mainshocks and significant aftershocks. An earthfill dam, a concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD), and a roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dam constructed in the disaster area were selected to identify the real seismic behaviors of different types of dams during strong earthquakes. Acceleration records measured at the crest, right and left abutments, and foundations of the selected dams during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were taken into account to determine the real seismic behavior of the dams before, during, and after the earthquakes. The results of this investigation provide valuable insights into the real seismic behaviors of different types of dams in the vicinity of fault lines during strong earthquakes.

Bridging consumer behavior and green marketing in Czech retail chains: Applying insights from Davari & Strutton research

Presented article takes a study done by researchers Davari & Strutton in the US in 2014 and replicated the same approach and methodology in evaluating how green marketing mix elements (product, price, promotion, place) influence brand associations, grand loyalty, perceived brand quality, and brand trust, in the context of retail chain stores in Czechia. The reason for this is the fact that the issue of reconciling pro-environmental beliefs of consumers with their real behavior is still topical. Businesses need to be careful with their green claims and focus on authentic green marketing in order to attract and retain the trust of environmentally conscious consumers in the long term. The research employs quantitative data analysis, drawing data from the survey, which was run online for five weeks and collected 4700 responses. The respondents are people who live in Czechia and have shopped in one of five stores at least during the last month. The reason for focusing on the Czechia is primarily the fact that green marketing is basically only on the rise here, while greenwashing still remains a significant problem. Six hypothesis were formulated, and linear regression analysis was used to test them. Key findings of the research revealed that green products and promotions positively influence brand associations and perceived brand quality, while green promotions significantly enhance brand loyalty and trust. Additionally, there was observed influence of consumers´ environmental concerns and consideration of future consequences significantly moderating the relationship between green marketing and brand equity. The findings provide insight for businesses to integrate green marketing strategies to increase brand trust, loyalty, and perceived quality while environmentally conscious consumers.

Long-term viscoelastic behavior and evolution of the Schapery model for mirror epoxy

Abstract Mirror epoxy, used in its pure form with a resin-to-hardener ratio of 100:50, is emerging as an innovative material widely used in modern flooring. Its appeal lies in its smooth, shiny surface, offering a unique and contemporary aesthetic. However, understanding its long-term viscoelastic behavior is essential to ensure the durability and performance of floor coverings under various conditions of use. This study examines the evolution of the Schapery model for mirror epoxy, focusing on its long-term viscoelastic behavior. Creep tests at constant loads and ambient temperature are carried out in order to numerically determine the static nonlinearity factors g and g 0 formulated in the Schapery model. To validate this model, other relaxation tests at constant deformations are carried out under the same conditions, which allowed us to determine the nonlinearity factors h and h 0 formulated in this model using the same method. A remarkable consistency between the variations in the experimental and numerical values of the model programmed on MATLAB allows us to conclude that the Schapery model describes the real behavior of the mirror epoxy in a satisfactory manner.

Questioning the Representativeness of Damage Mechanisms in Single-Fiber Composites via In Situ Synchrotron X-Ray Holo-Tomography.

In fiber-reinforced polymer composites, the fiber-matrix interface controls stress transfer mechanisms, thereby affecting mechanical performance. Interfacial properties are often extracted via single-fiber composite tests. In these tests, the load is transferred from the polymer to the fiber through interfacial shear stresses, necessitating the evaluation of interfacial shear properties. To adopt these properties in the design of industrially relevant composites, one must assume that the damage mechanisms in single-fiber composites are representative of those in multi-fiber composites, consisting of highly aligned, unidirectional plies with high fiber volume fractions. That assumption, however, has never been validated. In this paper, the real-time damage development is monitored in single-fiber and multi-fiber composites using in situ X-ray holo-tomography at 150-nm pixel size. The technique enables the first-ever 3D detection of longitudinal interfacial debonding in carbon and glass single-fiber composites. This mechanism is not detected in multi-fiber composite specimens, suggesting that single-fiber composites are intrinsically unrepresentative of realistic composite behavior.

Semi-active vibration control via a magnetorheological damper and active disturbance rejection control

This work provides an alternative for the semi-active vibration control problem via state feedback plus an active disturbance rejection control (K-ADRC) for a multistory building structure equipped with one magnetorheological damper (MRD) located between the ground and the first story. This control law introduces a disturbance observer (DOB) to estimate the total disturbance in real time, produced by the earthquake perturbation, unmodeled dynamics, and parametric uncertainties, and then cancel their effect using a part of the control signal. Moreover, using a diffeomorphism, the K-ADRC provides a proportional derivative (PD) controller designed to improve internal stability. A prominent feature of the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) algorithm is that the value of the DOB gain is selected according to the system bandwidth. The stability of the system is verified via Lyapunov analysis. Moreover, the building structure model and the MRD are accomplished by incorporating a nonlinearity state that represents the hysteresis effect to perform real behavior in addition to assuming that acceleration is the only available measurement of building structures. Thus, integral filters are provided based on the appropriate cut-off frequency to estimate displacement and velocity, avoiding bias, offset, and phase shifts. Experimental results from a reduced-scale two-story building prototype demonstrate that the proposed K-ADRC is promising for real applications, and it has better performance than the state feedback (K) and the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control techniques.

Pedestrian safety behavior modeling method in human-vehicle-intelligence shared road space

In the context of the development of autonomous vehicles sharing road resources with traditional traffic participants in the future, modeling the safe behavior of pedestrians in the shared road space between people, vehicles and intelligence is crucial for the simulation development and reliability and safety testing of autonomous vehicles. To meet this demand, the safe movement behavior of pedestrians is first analyzed, and on this basis, the traditional pedestrian social force model is improved to construct a momentum model for the interactive movement of pedestrians with other pedestrians, traditional vehicles and autonomous vehicles in the shared road space; then, the safety parameters of the model are calibrated using a data set of human-vehicle interactive movement and a genetic algorithm, and a typical shared road space scenario is built to verify the effectiveness of the model. The simulation results show that the model can simulate the real safe movement behavior of pedestrians, and has better simulation effects when used in tasks such as human-vehicle-intelligence shared road space simulation.

Analysis of multi-term arbitrary order implicit differential equations with variable type delay

Due to their capacity to simulate intricate dynamic systems containing memory effects and non-local interactions, fractional differential equations have attracted a great deal of attention lately. This study examines multi-term fractional differential equations with variable type delay with the goal of illuminating their complex dynamics and analytical characteristics. The introduction to fractional calculus and the justification for its use in many scientific and technical domains sets the stage for the remainder of the essay. It describes the importance of including variable type delay in differential equations and then applying it to model more sophisticated and realistic behaviours of real-world phenomena. The research study then presents the mathematical formulation of variable type delay and multi-term fractional differential equations. The system’s novelty stems from its unique combination of variable delay, generalized multi terms fractional differential operators (n and m), and integral implicit parameters, and studying the stability of the the newly formulated system as compared to the work in the existing literature. While the variable type delay is introduced as a function of time to describe instances where the delay is not constant, the fractional order derivatives are generated using the Caputo approach. The existence, uniqueness, and stability of solutions are the main topics of the theoretical analysis of the suggested differential equations. In order to establish important mathematical features, the inquiry makes use of spectral techniques, and fixed-point theorems. The study finishes by summarizing the major discoveries and outlining potential future research avenues in this developing field. It highlights the potential contribution of multi-term fractional differential equations with variable type delay to improving the control and design of complex systems. Overall, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge in the field of fractional calculus and provides insightful information about the investigation of multi-term fractional differential equations with variable type delay, making it pertinent for academics and practitioners from a variety of fields.

On (Possible) Traumatic Language of Video Games - Adults' Perspective

This study explores adults' perspectives on the potential traumatic language encountered in video games. It follows a prior investigation into the gamers' viewpoints on aggressive language within gaming environments. The research identifies aggressive language as a significant phenomenon that can distress users, particularly those without adequate coping mechanisms. Despite the negative aspects, video games are acknowledged for their entertainment value and contribution to social and communicative skill development, provided these environments are properly regulated. The current study addresses the escalating issue of video game addiction, especially among teenagers, signalling the associated behavioural, mental health, and social consequences. It delves into the elements that contribute to gaming addiction, such as escapism, reward systems, and social interactions within games. The research employs a questionnaire distributed to 54 adults, including parents, teachers, and psychologists, to measure their views on the impact of aggressive language in video games on children's development. Findings indicate that while many adults recognise the developmental benefits of video games, there is significant concern over the aggressive language children are exposed to, which can influence their real-life behaviour and language use. The study highlights the importance of parental monitoring and proactive engagement to mitigate the harmful effects of aggressive language in video games. It calls for comprehensive strategies, including stricter regulatory measures and educational interventions, to foster a safer and more beneficial gaming environment for young players.

WRF-HEATS coupling: Incorporating human behaviors and city topography into urban heat stress evaluation

Urban human thermal stress can be inaccurately estimated along with less-understood heat heterogeneity due to the absence of high-resolution meteorological information and realistic human behavior representation. To this end, we coupled a regional climate model (weather research and forecasting model, WRF) and a human energy balance model (human-environment adaptive thermal stress model, HEATS) to predict pedestrian's dynamic thermal stress at a neighborhood scale. The WRF-human coupling system resolves human-environment heat exchanges based on meteorological and topographical information with the consideration of dynamic human activities. The coupling system has been tested and utilized to study dynamic heat stress in a typical hot, humid, and mountainous city, Hong Kong. Our results revealed widespread heat heterogeneity with up to 7 °C difference in Physiological Subjective Temperature (PST) in the core urban area, and extreme heat exposure (up to 45 °C PST) in calm-wind zones at noon. Heat stress can be further aggregated considering realistic human behaviors such as extra clothing (e.g., protective facemask during pandemics) and physical exercise (e.g., walking along inclined terrain). Optimal-thermal-comfort routes have been designed and suggested based on the simulated neighborhood-scale heat stress map.

Prediction of mass adhesive damage based on the Rousselier model: Experimental and numerical analysis

The study of the mechanical strength of adhesives remains an important area of research for researchers. These adhesives must be prepared in the form of mass test pieces to characterize them under different mechanical stresses. However, during the preparation of the test pieces several defects are likely to be present, namely air bubbles, cavities, or impurities. The behavior of the adhesive differs depending on the presence of one of these defects and, in most cases, the real behavior of the adhesive is not precisely known. For this purpose, several tests are necessary to have a close estimate of the adhesive's behavior. To numerically model the behavior of the adhesive it is necessary to consider the presence of these types of defects. This paper proposes a damage criterion based on the Rousselier model, which describes the damage due to crack growth from the presence of cavities in an adhesive, assumed as a ductile material. The proposed damage model was developed and implemented in a user-defined subroutine in the ABAQUS finite element code. Other damage models integrated into ABAQUS were used. In addition, the extended finite element method (XFEM) was used in the numerical simulations to study automatic damage modelling by the appearance and propagation of cracks in highly stressed areas. The main objective of this work is an analysis by the finite element method to determine the elastoplastic behavior coupled with the damage in the mass adhesive, considering the size, position, and shape of the defect (porosities) by the proposed models. Initially, experimental tests were carried out on mass specimens of adhesive to characterize the tensile response and to determine their mechanical properties depending on the position and size of the defect, which may exist in the specimen following its fabrication. The numerical results were validated by uniaxial tensile tests on the mass adhesive. Comparisons with the damage models integrated into ABAQUS have proven their effectiveness in predicting the behavior of the adhesive in the presence of a cavity.

0-D Dynamic Performance Simulation of Hydrogen-Fueled Turboshaft Engine

In the last few decades, the problem of pollution resulting from human activities has pushed research toward zero or net-zero carbon solutions for transportation. The main objective of this paper is to perform a preliminary performance assessment of the use of hydrogen in conventional turbine engines for aeronautical applications. A 0-D dynamic model of the Allison 250 C-18 turboshaft engine was designed and validated using conventional aviation fuel (kerosene Jet A-1). A dedicated, experimental campaign covering the whole engine operating range was conducted to obtain the thermodynamic data for the main engine components: the compressor, lateral ducts, combustion chamber, high- and low-pressure turbines, and exhaust nozzle. A theoretical chemical combustion model based on the NASA-CEA database was used to account for the energy conversion process in the combustor and to obtain quantitative feedback from the model in terms of fuel consumption. Once the engine and the turbomachinery of the engine were characterized, the work focused on designing a 0-D dynamic engine model based on the engine’s characteristics and the experimental data using the MATLAB/Simulink environment, which is capable of replicating the real engine behavior. Then, the 0-D dynamic model was validated by the acquired data and used to predict the engine’s performance with a different throttle profile (close to realistic request profiles during flight). Finally, the 0-D dynamic engine model was used to predict the performance of the engine using hydrogen as the input of the theoretical combustion model. The outputs of simulations running conventional kerosene Jet A-1 and hydrogen using different throttle profiles were compared, showing up to a 64% reduction in fuel mass flow rate and a 3% increase in thermal efficiency using hydrogen in flight-like conditions. The results confirm the potential of hydrogen as a suitable alternative fuel for small turbine engines and aircraft.

Activation of persulfate by a layered double oxide supported sulfidated nano zero-valent iron for efficient degradation of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether in soil

The nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) activated persulfate (PS) is recognized as a promising approach to degrade 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), which is ubiquitous in the soil at electronic waste sites. However, all the reported studies were performed in liquids, gaps in the real behaviour and microbial contribution to the degradation of BDE-47 in soil media need to be urgently filled. The removal efficiency of BDE-47 is low using traditional nZVI as activator because of its aggregation and corrosion. Herein, we designed a novel layered double oxide supported sulfidated nano zero-valent iron (S-nZVI@LDO) composite and explored the performance of S-nZVI@LDO/PS to remediate BDE-47 contaminated soil. The results showed that S-nZVI@LDO has excellent stability and superior reduction capability. It could couple PS to achieve a rapid and efficient degradation of BDE-47, and the removal efficiency reached 92.31 % (5 mg/kg) within 6 h, which was much higher than that of n-ZVI/PS (53.38 %) or S-nZVI/PS (75.69 %). The kinetic constant of BDE-47 degradation by S-nZVI@LDO/PS was 23.6 and 3.7 times higher than that by single S-nZVI@LDO and nZVI/PS, respectively. It is attributable to the efficient production of SO4•-, •OH, O2•-, and 1O2 in the system, in which SO4•- and •OH dominated. The bioinformatic analysis demonstrate that soil remediation by S-nZVI@LDO/PS significantly enriched aromatic compounds-degrading bacteria and increased the abundance of hydrocarbon degradation functions. Microbial degradation may play important roles in the BDE-47 degradation and soil quality recovery. The identification of degradation pathways suggests that BDE-47 was degraded to very low-toxic products based on GHS toxicity prediction through a series process of debromination, hydroxylation, cleavage central oxygen, and ring opening, or even completely mineralized. The findings may provide significant implications for the in-situ clean-up of brominated flame retardants in contaminated soil using S-nZVI@LDO/PS Fenton-like system.

Deployment of Public Charging Stations for BEVs Using an Agent-Based Modeling Approach

A low utilization rate of public chargers and unmatched deployment of public charging stations (CSs) are partly attributed to inappropriate modeling of charging behavior and biased charging demand estimation. This study proposes an optimization methodology for public CS deployment, considering real charging behavior and interactions between battery electric vehicle (BEV) users and CSs. Realistic charging choice behavior is modeled based on surveys, and a dynamic charging decision chain is simulated, allowing interactions between BEV users and CSs through an agent-based modeling (ABM) approach. The charging-related activities are triggered by state of charge (SOC) levels randomly generated from distributions derived from real BEV operating data, including the random SOC levels at the start of a trip, the SOC level that prompts the user to charge the BEV, and the SOC level at which the user stops charging the BEV. A bi-level programming model is proposed to optimize the deployment schemes for building new CSs considering the existing CSs, to determine the location and the capacity of new CSs. The objective is to minimize the total time cost per BEV user, including travel time, charging time and waiting time in the queue. An application is conducted, for the deployment of fast CSs in Washington State, USA. The results show that our method could provide effective guidance for allocating new CSs that are good supplements to the existing heavy-load CSs to share their charging load and relieve their serious queuing problems. The optimized deployment scheme can efficiently alleviate long waiting times at existing CSs and leads to a more balanced utilization among CSs. The proposed approach is expected to contribute to better planning and deployment of public CSs, satisfaction of the booming charging demand and increased utilization of public CSs.