The characterization and modeling of the Low Voltage (LV) distribution grid as a transmission medium for Power Line Communications (PLC) has been a focus of research over the years. So far, there are several studies in the literature centered on Narrowband PLC (NB-PLC) frequencies. Recently, the interest of some Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in Broadband PLC (BB-PLC) technologies for the LV distribution grid has increased. The efficient deployment of BB-PLC requires a comprehensive and exhaustive characterization of the medium characteristics in terms of impedance, Non-Intentional Emissions (NIEs) and attenuation or channel frequency response. This paper presents a detailed and in-depth characterization of the LV grid access impedance in the MHz band based on extensive measurement campaigns. The results presented in this paper provide valuable insights for the accurate modeling of the LV distribution grid access impedance.
Abstract Background Interventions that use nature contact to promote health and well-being exist at the societal/infrastructural level (incl. nature-based solutions) and the individual/group level (incl. nature-based therapies). One way nature-based therapies promote health is by fostering resilience to manage stressors. Nature-based biopsychosocial resilience theory (NBRT) provides a framework to explain how nature plays a role in how resilience-related adaptive resources are built and maintained but this has yet to be tested. Methods The current paper outlines a four-year multi-country (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK) research programme that tests the NBRT framework and explores how nature-based therapies can build and maintain individual and community resilience. As well as reviewing and mapping existing interventions globally, nine case studies across Europe are exploring how nature promotes resilience across: (1) whole populations (three case studies); (2) individuals at-risk of metabolic syndrome (three case studies); and (3) individuals with existing issues such as chronic stress, mobility challenges, or cognitive impairments (three case studies). Three case studies use longitudinal cohorts, five use randomised controlled trials, and one a practitioner shared-experience approach. The determinants and impacts of nature-based therapies are also considered beyond effects on individual participants, by assessing distributional issues (e.g., health equity), environmental impacts, financial implications, broader societal acceptability and engagement, as well as the barriers and enablers to successful implementation. In three specific case studies (Barcelona, Padua and Salzburg), this is done through multi-sectoral social innovation actions we refer to as ‘Resilience Hubs’. Results will be summarised in academic publications, a series of sector-specific guides, and an overall ‘What works’ guide for practitioners, policy makers, and the public. Discussion We use a novel theoretical framework to structure a research and innovation programme to inform the implementation of nature-based therapies across Europe and globally. Challenges include the integration of terminology and research practices from multiple disciplinary perspectives, participant recruitment and attrition, especially among marginalised groups, a potential lack of local stakeholder time and interest, potentially small effect sizes of time-limited interventions, and difficulties in identifying distinct causal mechanisms. Mitigation strategies are discussed. Trial registration Of nine case studies (CSs), five are intervention trials and have been registered: a) CS4 doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN74582097 (22.07.2024); b) CS5 doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14169596 (10.06.2024); c) CS6 clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06622629 (30.09.2024); d) CS7 doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN93192592 (29.05.2024); e) CS8 clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06205940 (15.05.2024). All nine case studies have received ethical approval (see Declarations section).
P2-type layered sodium transition-metal oxides are promising high-energy cathodes for sodium-ion batteries but suffer from structural degradation and irreversible redox reactions particularly in the high-voltage region, resulting in rapid capacity fade. This study investigates how Cu substitution affects the structural evolution, redox mechanisms, and electrochemical performance of P2-type Na2/3Mn2/3Ni1/3-yCuyO2 (y = 0, 1/6, 1/3) cathodes for sodium-ion batteries. Cu substitution not only raises the average voltage of the practically delivered capacity upon extended cycling, thereby increasing energy density, but also shifts the undesired high-voltage plateau, associated with irreversible Ni4+/Ni3+ and/or oxygen redox, to potentials beyond the practical operating window. This enables the partially substituted Na2/3Mn2/3Ni1/6Cu1/6O2 to deliver 94.8 mAh g-1 at an average voltage of 3.45 V (320 Wh kg-1) with 92% capacity retention after 100 cycles in half cells. Operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction reveals that this enhanced stability arises from a distinct phase evolution: while Na2/3Mn2/3Ni1/3O2 develops a P2 to O2 transition together with a loss of crystallinity in the form of stacking faults, the partially Cu-substituted sample forms a more reversible OP4 structure above 4.0 V with less pronounced interlayer-spacing changes. Operando X-ray absorption reveals sequential Ni2+ and Cu2+ oxidation to Ni3+ and Cu3+, respectively. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, shows that in Na2/3Mn2/3Ni1/6Cu1/6O2 NiO6 and CuO6 octahedra undergo almost-simultaneous opposite Jahn-Teller-distortion trends. This phenomenon reduces the effective overall Jahn-Teller-related lattice strain during (de)sodiation, compared to Na2/3Mn2/3Ni1/3O2 and Na2/3Mn2/3Cu1/3O2. Full-cell tests vs. hard carbon demonstrate the practical relevance, with Na2/3Mn2/3Ni1/6Cu1/6O2 retaining 80% of its initial energy after 310 cycles and 50% after 1130 cycles at 100 mA g-1, establishing partial Cu substitution as an effective route to stabilize high-voltage P2-type layered oxides for durable sodium-ion batteries.
Urban trees and bushes generally require periodic pruning to address various issues such as visibility on roads and housing, public safety, and clearing power lines. However, managing the resulting biomass poses challenges like high handling costs, waste management overload, and the risk of fires and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the growing demand for renewable products and eco-friendly processes is driving interest in using materials that are often discarded or have low added value. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass, such as tree pruning residues (branches, leaves, and bark), has emerged as a possible source of chemicals and materials that could replace the ones coming from fossil resources. Thus, taking the aforementioned into account, this work aimed to assess the potential of the woody part of tree pruning wastes of two tree-species (pine and cedar) for their valorisation through a multi-product biorefinery. For this aim, two valorisation pathways were studied. The first included a pre-treatment step (ethanol/water extraction) to recover extractives, followed by an organosolv delignification step. The second pathway focused only on organosolv delignification step. Using both approaches, high percentages of hemicellulose and lignin were successfully removed from the solid, resulting in cellulose-rich solids and lignin with high purity (> 95
Post-harvest agricultural residues in Latin America are commonly underutilized, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and lost opportunities for bio-based value creation. This study tests the hypothesis that decentralized, farmer-scale pyrolysis technologies can deliver comparable agronomic benefits while exhibiting distinct techno-economic and climate performance under field conditions. Two biochar production technologies, top-lit up-draft (TLUD) and Kon-Tiki kilns were evaluated using corn cob residues as soil-amending bioproducts at a 1%(w/w) application rate. Both biochars were non-phytotoxic, exhibiting radish germination rates above 90% and no inhibition of radicle elongation. The TLUD biochar developed 21% higher microporosity than Kon-Tiki, indicating enhanced surface functionality for soil-plant interactions. Field application significantly improved soil properties relative to the control, increasing pH by 1.9 units, electrical conductivity by 1.8-fold, organic matter by 1.3-fold, and cation exchange capacity by 1.6-fold. These changes resulted in higher plant nutrient uptake, with foliar potassium and phosphorus concentrations increasing by 1.3- and 1.7-fold, respectively. The TLUD-derived biochar consistently outperformed Kon-Tiki in nutrient delivery, consistent with its higher surface area and fixed-carbon content. Integrating agronomic outcomes with net CO(2)e-based techno-economic performance reveals trade-offs between biochar quality, nutrient delivery, capital requirements, and climate benefits that cannot be inferred from laboratory-scale experiments. Techno-economic analysis showed that both technologies generate positive net CO(2)e benefits in situ, with TLUD requiring lower initial investment (>900 & euro; less than Kon-Tiki), while both systems converge in profitability after the first production cycle. These findings demonstrate that integrated field-scale assessment is essential to identify decentralized biochar systems that are agronomically effective, economically viable, and climate relevant.
