Toronto Metropolitan University Open Journals
Not a member yet
1204 research outputs found
Sort by
Numerical Thermal Analyses for Educational and Research Purposes
No full textPurely thermal simulations receive little attention next to mechanical and fluid dynamics tasks, which is typical because thermal simulation problems often appear as related tasks in other areas. The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen, considers it a critical mission to give thermal simulations the appropriate weight in both education and research. This work provides an overview of the educational and research results related to thermal simulations in the recent period and the software background supporting them
Simulation of Sorption Thermal Energy Storage Unit Performance for Different Carrier Gases
No full textThe development of thermal energy storage (TES) technology is dynamic, with a focus on sorption/thermochemical energy storage (TChES). There are many lab-scale TES prototypes reported in the literature, which were developed with the use of numerical modeling. Therefore, more sophisticated models are still needed to advance the TChES technology further. In this paper, the innovative numerical model is presented. The distinguishing feature of this model is its complex approach to the fundamental physical processes occurring within the TES unit. Specifically, the model considers local thermal and moisture non-equilibrium within the reaction bed. The model was employed to analyze how various heat and moisture carrier gases affect a lab-scale sorption TES unit. The examined gases were air, carbon dioxide, and argon. The analysis was carried out for both TES charging and discharging. Three TES feeding methods were examined: constant volumetric flow rate, constant mass flow rate, and constant enthalpy supply. The study showed that argon was the most effective gas for the charging phase, achieving an instantaneous effectiveness of 20.27%. In addition, argon provided the highest heating potential during discharging, achieving a temperature of 40.5°C, compared to 36°C for air
Waste Heat Recovery in Quebec: Potential, Opportunities and Challenges
No full textWaste heat recovery (WHR) has become a well-established practice in Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries, in the United States, Japan or China. However, in Canada and especially in the province of Quebec, the large territory and relatively low energy costs have fostered individualistic behaviours towards energy consumption and resource planning. These individualistic behaviours have resulted in high infrastructure expenditures, as well as a lack of regulation regarding waste heat recovery. A government mandated report produced in 2021 covered the potential of waste heat recovery projects in Quebec. The report guided the creation of an interactive map designed to match waste heat emitters with demanders. The current study aims to analyze the theoretical framework based on the potential reuse of waste heat in Quebec’s industrial sector. The pulp and paper sector holds the greatest potential of waste heat reuse, followed by the steel industry and the agri-food sector. Depending on the energy quality, high-temperature heat pumps and organic Rankine cycles could be integrated to efficiently electrify these sectors. The current paper also considers financial policies, which could favour a circular heat economy. Quebec’s policies and financial programs are compared to those of the most proactive countries
Freezing of Sessile Water Droplets under Different Airflow Velocities and Temperatures
No full textFreezing of sessile water droplets under shear airflow on low-temperature surfaces is widespread in nature and engineering fields, and understanding its characteristics holds scientific and engineering importance. In this work, visual experiments on droplet freezing under shear airflow are conducted to systematically investigate the effects of airflow temperature and velocity. The results show that the shear airflow at temperatures above 0°C significantly slows the freezing stage, with the ice-water interface propagating more slowly on the windward side than on the leeward side. In contrast, for airflow temperatures below 0°C, the opposite effects are observed. The distinct movement rate results in an inclined ice-water interface and a deflected freezing tip. Increasing airflow velocity enhances the influence of airflow temperature on the freezing process. Based on the heat transfer analysis, a theoretical model is proposed to predict the freezing time. The findings provide insights into the physical mechanisms of droplet freezing under shear airflow and may improve the prediction accuracy of frosting and icing
Enhancing Sustainability: Investigating the Impact of Seashell Powder Reinforcement on Clay Composites\u27 Properties During Drying Process
No full textTo reduce environmental impact and preserve natural resources, it is important to use appropriate materials of natural origin. One promising solution is the use of seashell-based composites, which can promote environmental preservation, human health and well-being. This paper aims to study the behavior of clay and kaolin reinforced with seashell powder composites during infrared drying, and to compare their physical and mechanical properties. This research focused on two types of clays: natural and commercial clay (kaolin). The study delves into the drying rate, moisture diffusivity, volumetric shrinkage, apparent density and porosity of clay and kaolin composites that are reinforced with the same amount of seashell powder (20%by weight) at different moisture levels. An evaluation of the drying rate and moisture ratio evolution has been conducted. The physical characteristics of kaolin and clay reinforced with seashell powder composites were examined. At various drying conditions, the length of the drying process, the final moisture content, the moisture diffusivity data, the activation energy, Shrinkage, density and porosity were recorded and compared. The findings show that raising the drying air temperature increases the bio-composites\u27 effective moisture diffusivity coefficient. Based on the obtained results, the increase of the seashell content leads to a reduction in volumetric shrinkage. The study\u27s insights could lead to advanced, eco-friendly composite materials acss various fields
Effect of Gasoline Injection Pressure and CO2 Dilution on the Hydrogen Knock Limit Extension in a Hydrogen–Gasoline Dual-Fuel Engine
No full textThis study explores the combined effects of gasoline injection pressure (GIP) and carbon dioxide (CO2) dilution
on hydrogen knock limit extension in a hydrogen–gasoline dual-fuel engine. GIPs of 80, 110, and 140 bar are tested alongside CO2 dilution rates of 2, 4, and 6 L/min (LPM). Hydrogen is introduced into the intake manifold in 2-LPM steps until knock onset is observed. Increases in GIP and CO2 dilution lead to reductions in brake mean effective pressure and brake thermal efficiency. The in-cylinder pressure drops from 28.26 bar to 26.11 and 25.18 bar at a GIP of 140 bar and CO2 dilution rate of 6 LPM, respectively. High hydrogen flow rates improve combustion and performance characteristics. While NOX emissions decrease at high GIP and CO2 dilution levels, they increase after hydrogen addition. GIP and CO2 dilution extend the hydrogen knock limit to a flow rate of 20 LPM. Notably, cyclic variations increase significantly with increasing GIP and CO2 dilution levels but decrease with hydrogen addition
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Practices of RDNs in the US Providing Care for Clients with Eating Disorders: Results of a Survey
No full textPurpose: Demand for treatment of eating disorders (EDs) increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this research was to examine changes observed or initiated by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) who treated patients with EDs during this time. Methods: Members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians (IFEDD) were emailed an invitation to complete an anonymous online survey. Inclusion criteria were practicing as an RDN who lived in the United States and provided Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to individuals with EDs from March 2020 through March 2022. One-sample z-tests were conducted to identify statistically significant results. Results: Of 147 RDNs who met the inclusion criteria, almost all (94.56%, n=139, p = 0.00) reported an increase in the number of new patients requesting MNT for EDs. Of note, 80.69% (n=117, p = 0.00) reported an increase in newly diagnosed adolescent patients. More than half 68.28% (n=99, p =0.00) began providing MNT via telehealth for the first time. Participants reported that features of the pandemic had both negative and positive impacts on their patients’ ED symptoms and shared specific examples of difficulties both patients and RDNs experienced during this time period. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, RDNs providing MNT for EDs experienced the same increases in demand and severity as reported in other areas of healthcare. Because EDs are chronic and often lifelong conditions, individuals will continue to need care. To meet this need, training and education for future RDNs should include much more attention to ED prevention, MNT and referral strategies, as well as the importance of advocacy for insurance coverage and improved access to ED MNT
Feeding the Fire – and the Future
No full textThese days, equity can feel like a fragile flame, a mere concept flickering against strong, relentless, and brutal political winds or the unpredictable gusts of resistance from entrenched traditions. The flame might also flicker under the pressure of misinformation, institutional barriers, or even the silent doubt that change is truly possible. In the dietetics profession, that same flame flickers—sometimes fighting to survive, other times burning brighter—mirroring the broader challenges and hope in society. This issue highlights the systemic barriers, entrenched biases, and innovative solutions shaping the path forward for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field. Every article keeps this flame alive, nurturing it with knowledge, advocacy, and collective action, ensuring it never dims but instead spreads—igniting the idea that transformation is both urgent and attainable
Addressing Hemodialysis Nurse Cannulation Anxiety
No full textIntroduction: While existing literature primarily addresses patient cannulation anxiety, the anxiety experienced by hemodialysis (HD) nurses is frequently overlooked. HD nurse cannulation anxiety occurs when HD nurses experience nervousness prior to and during cannulation procedures. Enhancing understanding of this phenomenon can facilitate the identification of its causative factors and support the development of effective strategies to address this critical issue. Method: This commentary was informed by a comprehensive literature review and insights gathered from informal dialogue with nurses possessing 1 to 27 years of experience in HD. Results: Cannulation anxiety among HD nurses negatively impacts their mental well-being and performance, potentially resulting in adverse patient outcomes. Causative factors of HD nurse cannulation anxiety include deficiencies in training and education, patient cannulation anxiety, limited availability of arteriovenous accesses in the clinical setting, and socio-demographic factors specific to HD nurses. Strategies to address HD nurse cannulation anxiety include prioritizing ongoing cannulation training throughout HD nurses’ careers, the utilization of virtual reality-based cannulation training programs, enhancing HD nurses’ proficiency with point-of-care ultrasound machines, and the implementation of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of socio-demographic factors on the development of HD nurse cannulation anxiety. Conclusion: Given the severity of its implications, addressing HD nurse cannulation anxiety should be a top priority for dialysis centers globally. Mitigating HD nurse cannulation anxiety can lead to substantial improvements in the overall care of HD patients and greater utilization of arteriovenous accesses, thereby enhancing HD patients’ health outcomes
Brazilian teenagers’ perspective of sexual education programs in schools: A qualitative participatory study
No full textEvidence points to the worsening of sexual health problems in adolescents due to the lack of sexual education in the family and at school. Sexual education programs with an approach to empowerment, emphasizing gender, rights and their active participation are more effective. This study aims to understand what a school program on sexuality education should be like from the perspective of Brazilian high school adolescents. Qualitative participatory research was operationalized through a Freirean Thematic Investigation, conducted in a public school within a low-income community in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Forty-two high school adolescents, aged between 15 and 18 years, participated throughout the year 2022. The data collected through participant observation and focus groups were analyzed using the Method of Interpreting Meanings. The consequences caused by the scarcity of sexuality education, the lack of dialogue, and the fragility of intergenerational relationships are highlighted. It is reflected that sexuality education is a possible path to transforming reality if initiated in the family environment and continuously extended to the school, with the active participation of adolescents, covering a broad range of contextualized, practical, stimulating topics with gradual complexity, promoted in a relaxed setting, and small groups. A proposal for Critical and Emancipatory Sexuality Education was outlined as an educational action developed by integrating Freirean references, Comprehensive Sexuality Education, and the collective construction of adolescents. A dialogical process of awareness is proposed, to experience safe sexuality in the defense and guarantee of citizenship with a commitment to changing reality towards humanization