Toronto Metropolitan University Open Journals
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Hybrid Quantum-Classical Modeling Framework for Multiscale and Multiphysics Optimization of Nanotechnology-Driven Advanced Energy Systems
No full textRecent developments in quantum computing have triggered a paradigm shift extending from algorithmic theory to applied engineering fields, particularly in the modeling and optimization of complex energy systems. This study presents a hybrid quantum-classical computational framework designed for the multiscale and multiphysics modeling of nanotechnology-driven energy systems. The illustrative case involves a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) utilizing nanostructured materials, governed by electrochemical reactions, transport phenomena, degradation mechanisms, and adaptive control dynamics.
The proposed framework integrates classical numerical solvers with quantum algorithms such as the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE), Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), and Harrow-Hassidim-Lloyd (HHL) solver. A modular orchestration layer ensures data interoperability and coherence between quantum and classical components. This integration improves computational efficiency in high-dimensional, nonlinear problems and opens a path toward domain-specific quantum advantage in energy systems engineering.
The results demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating quantum computing into classical modeling pipelines and suggest promising directions for future research in adaptive, scalable, and high-fidelity simulation environments
Thermoelectric Convertor for the Autonomous Operation of a Pellet Boiler
No full textIn the current context of concerns on Global Warming and the need of mitigation of GHG emissions, the biomass boilers in general, and the pellet boilers in special, raised a very high interest. There is a wide range of possible applications from residential heating in urban agglomerations to the thermal energy production in remote areas. Most of the modern pellet boilers have ancillaries and automation that require electric power. For this reason, the use of pellet boilers is restricted based on the access to power grids or battery systems.
The paper synthetizes the results of the research project MULTISCALE, that is carried out in partnership between a university research group and industrial companies for the development of innovative products and services. The grouping of industrial companies includes a manufacturer of high-performance pellet boilers, and the application has been dedicated to the development of a system for on-board electricity generation in pellet boilers using a thermoelectric converter. There are presented the specific aspects of the processes that are involved, the alternative solutions that have been tested and the results that have been obtained for the specific case of a pellet boiler, manufactured in Romania using an original patent
Wind Speed Dependent Models for Computing the Cell Temperature of a Photovoltaic Module – Review and Discussions
No full textThis paper presents a discussion on different models proposed in technical literature to calculate the cell temperature of a photovoltaic panel, mainly as a function of wind speed. It is known that this temperature influences the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel, and in this regard, researchers are actively looking for simple and low-cost methods to cool these panels. The first part of the paper focuses on a review of such mathematical models to compute the cell temperature. An analysis was also carried out related to the influence of several characteristic aspects of these models on the results. In the second part of the paper, few different formulae were selected, based on criteria described in the paper, with which simulations have been performed for the PV cell temperature, in windy and calm days according to meteorological data recorded for Bucharest, Romania. The results emphasize the conditions in which the formulae give quite similar results, contrary to those in which the results differ even by 20°C. A general conclusion could be drawn after comparing the numerical obtained values with experimental ones. Further extensions of this work are envisaged in this regard
Renewable Energy Optimization with Dual Storage Systems using Hydrogen and Lithium-Ion Batteries
No full textThe transition towards sustainable energy systems needs efficient energy storage and management solutions to reduce the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. This study presents a hybrid energy system which integrates solar PV, wind turbines, and biomass systems with hydrogen storage and lithium-ion batteries to address the renewable energy intermittency issue. The surplus energy is utilized for hydrogen production using electrolysis processes which is stored for long-term use, while batteries manage short-term fluctuations. The system is optimized to minimize costs, maximize renewable energy utilization, and ensure the supply of reliable energy. The simulation results demonstrate a non-biomass renewable energy utilization rate of 93%, with surplus energy generating 1,200 kg of hydrogen daily during peak periods. The Lithium-ion batteries maintained a 95% efficiency in managing load fluctuations, while hydrogen storage provided long-term energy reliability. The levelized cost of energy was calculated at $0.12/kWh, which shows that the system is economically competitive for community-scale applications. This design combines advanced optimization techniques and real-time dynamic dispatch to provide a sustainable, cost-effective energy solution. Furthermore the study highlights its potential to accelerate the global energy transition toward a socio economic and environmentally friendly renewable energy infrastructure
Catalytic Filters for Emission Control in the Incineration of Pelletized Solid Wastes in High Temperature Boilers
No full textIn the context of concerns related to Climate Change, the problem of mitigation of CO2 emissions by neutralization of waste biomass is becoming an increasing concern. A solution for neutralization consists of incineration in pellet boilers, that is done with equipment having a very high energy efficiency and high combustion temperatures.
The proposed paper is synthetizing the results of a research project, that was carried out in partnership between a university research group and industrial companies for developing highly competitive innovative products and services. Particularly, the paper refers to the innovation partnership with a manufacturer of high-performance pellet boilers, developing solutions for the neutralization of waste biomass.
The major problem, in terms of environmental impact, in the process of incineration of pelletized waste biomass, consists of emissions of pollutant fractions in start-up phase, transient load and composition intermittence of the biomass in the operation of such boilers. To address this challenge, it has been conceived an innovative catalytic filter, that is able to rapidly modify the operation temperature for adapting to intermittent composition of stack gases. The filtering elements integrates nanostructured catalysts and innovative solutions for improving the response time to the variation of composition of gases
Examining the complementarity between biomedicine and ethnomedicine in Mozambique: A qualitative research approach
No full textBackground: In Mozambique, Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) emerges as a fundamental element in promoting neonatal health, lying at the intersection of health care policies and the effectiveness of their implementation in communities. Given the complexity of barriers to exclusive breastfeeding, the objective of this study was to identify the assumptions for the complementarity between biomedicine and ethnomedicine aiming to strengthen the national health system policy in the Mozambique context. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was carried out in Mozambique. A total of 30 lactating mothers (aged 18 to 43) ; 15 health care professionals ( aged 23-57) and 9 traditional medicine practitioners (healers/elders) aged (28 to 69) participated in the study; and data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: The study identified that EBF emerged not only as a globally recommended nutritional practice but also as a mandatory practice with hard social and cultural beliefs. Additionally key findings showed that the practice of healers needs to be seen as a gift that goes beyond the domain and execution of biomedical technique, emphasizing the importance of relationships and symbolism in social life. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the relevance of traditional practices not only as cultural heritage but also as vital elements for understanding contemporary Mozambican society
A way forward with intersectionality: An integrative review of women’s experiences with intimate partner violence
No full textIntimate partner violence is uniquely posited as both a public health challenge and an affront to human rights that spares no social group with women, as victims, constitute two thirds of all instances worldwide. Intimate partner violence is a ‘wicked’ problem that requires an upstream approach that demonstrates awareness of the multitude of intersections experienced by women. This study utilized an integrative review methodology to examine the application of intersectionality as a framework to women’s experiences of intimate partner violence. The search identified primary research papers from five databases during March 2022 and April 2024. A total of 3123 articles were distilled into a final five articles. The major themes included: (a) returning to the roots of intersectionality; (b) intersections of women’s lived experience; and (c) intersections with intimate partner violence. The need for an intersectional approach to IPV is agreed upon and, given the urgency of this issue, the findings establish a way forward for intersectional research and presents connections between intersectionality and IPV. This integrative review underscores the critical need for integrating intersectionality into both research and interventions to address intimate partner violence, ensuring that responses are inclusive, nuanced, and effectively tailored to the diverse realities of women’s lived experiences
Exploring the dimensions of success in health crisis management: An exploratory qualitative study in Guinea
No full textThe management of health crises entails a comprehensive spectrum of actions, spanning from prevention and preparedness planning, through resource allocation, communication strategies, stakeholder coordination, community involvement, intervention implementation, and culminating in recovery and rehabilitation phases, with additional complexities in developing countries. This article aims to explore the concept of success in health crisis management by conducting a literature review and analyzing qualitative data collected in Guinea in 2022. The study seeks to identify key dimensions that contribute to the comprehensive evaluation of success in health crisis response and recovery. The research design employed for this study is a qualitative approach, specifically utilizing semi-structured interviews with international, national, and local stakeholders involved in health crisis management in Guinea. Effective crisis management is crucial for public health but lacks comprehensive research identifying key success factors. This gap limits evidence-based guidelines for crisis preparedness, response, and recovery. While some literature covers aspects like timely actions and resource mobilization, detailed studies on success conditions are rare. More empirical research is needed to guide policymakers and healthcare professionals in developing robust health crisis management frameworks. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of successful health crisis management, emphasizing elements like timeliness, resource mobilization, transparent communication, socio-economic impacts mitigation, experiential learning, governance integration, community engagement, and interdisciplinary coordination. Ultimately, robust and resilient health systems are essential for effectively managing health crises, as they enable rapid disease surveillance, efficient resource allocation, and timely delivery of medical interventions to mitigate the spread and impact of outbreaks
Examining changes in self-reported mental health among selected Asian and White populations in Canada between 2019 to 2022: A retrospective study
No full textIntroduction: Research has shown that the mental health of Canadians has been negatively impacted during the pandemic, particularly within racialized populations. This impact may be especially true among Chinese (due to xenophobia) and South Asian people (due to high COVID-19 infection) in Canada. This study examines the change in self-reported mental health among Chinese, South Asian, and Other Southeast and East Asian populations compared to the White population by immigration status before and during the pandemic. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study used four cycles (2019 to 2022) of the Canadian Community Health Survey. Differences in high levels of mental health were compared using logistic regression, taking into consideration immigrant status and duration since landing, and controlled for demographic, socio-economic factors, and sense of belonging. Results: The overall Asian and White populations reported similar prevalence of high mental health. This was followed by a widening of the Asian-White differential, advantaging the Asian population. The Chinese sub-group had the lowest prevalence of high mental health pre-pandemic compared to their White counterparts, but the differential disappeared by 2022. Conclusion: Study results support an overall deterioration in mental health during the pandemic, especially among White and non-immigrant Asian populations, while highlighting a healthy immigrant effect among recent Asian immigrants. The low mental health level of the Other Southeast and East Asian non-immigrant group in 2022 warrants further exploration
Examining the profile of couples attending a violence prevention intervention: A dyadic latent profile analysis
No full textObjective: Existing research points to how increasing male engagement in public health interventions without addressing gender inequities can perpetuate power imbalances in a relationship which may lead to increased stress and anxiety for women. The aim of this study was to identify profiles of couples who attended a violence prevention intervention based on their attitudes toward gender norms and power sharing within a couple, determine if these profiles have different women’s mental health outcome and examine whether male engagement moderates this relationship. Methods: Using data from a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, we conducted a latent profile analysis to categorize different profiles amongst couples in the intervention (n=202) and conduct logistic regression to examine the study aims. Results: The latent profile analysis identified three profiles of couples: (1) discordant dyads, (2) concordant high gender equity dyads, and (3) concordant average dyads. There were no differences in women’s depression symptoms at the end of the intervention amongst the three profiles. Male engagement, measured through attendance data, did not moderate the relationship between the couple’s relationship profile and women’s mental health. Conclusion: Small sample size, measurement sensitivity, and potential response bias to the scales assessing gender norms, power dynamics and mental well-being might have led to the null results we see. Yet, future studies should further explore the potential for differences in mental health outcomes and the impact of interventions on these outcomes based on intercouple dynamics in understanding and expression of power and gender norms