bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunity Analysis of Cogeneration and Trigeneration Solutions: An Application in the Case of a Drug Factory
Authors: Atănăsoae Pavel , Pentiuc Radu Dumitru , Milici Laurențiu Dan
Published: April 2022

Increasing the energy efficiency of a drug factory is the main purpose of this paper. Different configurations of cogeneration systems are analyzed to meet most of the heat demand and to flatten the heat load duration curve. Due to the variable nature of heat demand, there is a need for heat storage, but there is also a need for the fragmentation of power into two units of cogeneration to increase the operational flexibility in these plants. When the heat produced by the combined heat and power (CHP) unit is insufficient to meet the heat load, the heat stored can then be used to meet that demand. Heat storage plays a significant role in managing the heat supply and demand profiles in the CHP system, and in reducing its capacity and size. Trigeneration and heat storage are used as options to increase the operating time of cogeneration units and, implicitly, the amounts of heat and electricity generated in cogeneration. The results of this study demonstrate the economic and technical viability of the cogeneration and trigeneration solutions proposed. For the values of electricity and natural gas prices at the time of the analysis (2021), Scenario 4 is characterized as the optimal economical and technical option for the current rate of consumption, as it ensures the highest values of heat and electricity production and the shortest investment payback period (5.06 years). Compared with separate heat and power generation, we highlight a primary energy saving of 25.35% and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 241,138 kg CO2/year.
Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of a Novel Hybrid Offshore Wind and Wave Energy System
Authors: Petracca Ermando , Faraggiana Emilio , Ghigo Alberto , Sirigu Massimo , Bracco Giovanni , Mattiazzo Giuliana
Published: April 2022

In the past few years, advanced technologies such as floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) and wave energy converters (WECs) have been developed. As demonstrated by the innovative hybrid platform Poseidon, the feasibility of combining floating wind turbines and wave energy converters has already been explored. Furthermore, diversification of offshore renewable energy technologies reduces power fluctuations and lowers investment costs. This paper focuses on the development of an integrated wind and wave platform and the creation of a numerical model to evaluate the system performance for the Belmullet site. The novel concept consists of the semi-submersible Nautilus platform, integrated with four-point absorbers. A hydro-servo-aero time-domain model, combining WEC-Sim with an in-house wind turbine model, simulated the device motion and estimated the power generated. The performance of the Wave Energy Converters (WECs) was optimised based on their Power Take Off (PTO) damping. Finally, the hybrid concept was compared with the simple FOWT concerning the energy produced, Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and hydrodynamic stability. The hybrid configuration proved to be a promising solution with 10% lower LCOE and improved hydrodynamic stability evaluated in terms of nacelle acceleration and platform pitch motion. These results show that wind and wave could be one of the best solutions for the future of the marine energy sector and the energy transition.
Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets for Planning and Optimizing Maintenance Logistics of Small Hydroelectric Power Plants
Authors: Melani Arthur Henrique de Andrade , Michalski Miguel Angelo de Carvalho , Murad Carlos Alberto , Caminada Netto Adherbal , de Souza Gilberto Francisco Martha
Published: April 2022

Maintenance plays a crucial role in the availability of an asset. In particular, when a company’s assets are decentralized, logistical aspects directly impact maintenance management and, consequently, productivity. In the energy generation sector, this scenario is common in enterprises and projects in which distributed energy resources (DERs), such as small hydroelectric power plants (SHPPs), are considered. Hence, the objective of this work is to propose an application of generalized stochastic Petri nets (GSPN) for the planning and optimization of the maintenance logistics of a DER enterprise with two SHPPs. In the presented case study, different scenarios are modeled considering logistical aspects related to the availability of spare parts and the sharing of maintenance teams between plants. From the financial return resulting from the estimated energy generation and the operating cost of each simulated scenario, the most profitable one can be estimated. The results demonstrate the ability of GSPNs to estimate the influence of the number of spare parts and maintenance teams on the availability of DERs, allowing the optimization of costs related to maintenance logistics.
Technical Control and Optimal Dispatch Strategy for a Hybrid Energy System
Authors: Uwineza Laetitia , Kim Hyun-Goo , Kleissl Jan , Kim Chang Ki
Published: April 2022

Optimal dispatch is a major concern in the optimization of hybrid energy systems (HESs). Efficient and effective dispatch models that satisfy the load demand at the minimum net present cost (NPC) are crucial because of the high capital costs of renewable energy technologies. The dispatch algorithms native to hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources (HOMER) software, cycle-charging (CC) and load-following (LF), are powerful for modeling and optimizing HESs. In these control strategies, the decision to use fuel cell systems (FCs) or battery energy storage systems (BESs) at each time step is made based on the lowest cost choice. In addition, the simultaneous operation of a FC with a BES reduces the operating efficiency of the FC. These deficiencies can affect the optimal design of HESs. This study introduces a dispatch algorithm specifically designed to minimize the NPC by maximizing the usage of FCs over other components of HESs. The framework resolves the dispatch deficiencies of native HOMER dispatch algorithms. The MATLAB Version 2021a, Mathworks Inc., Natick, MA, USA Link feature in HOMER software was used to implement the proposed dispatch (PD) algorithm. The results show that the PD achieved cost savings of 4% compared to the CC and LF control dispatch strategies. Furthermore, FCs contributed approximately 23.7% of the total electricity production in the HES, which is more than that of CC (18.2%) and LF (18.6%). The developed model can be beneficial to engineers and stakeholders when optimizing HESs to achieve the minimum NPC and efficient energy management.
Influence of Natural Convection and Volume Change on Numerical Simulation of Phase Change Materials for Latent Heat Storage
Authors: Moench Sabine , Dittrich Robert
Published: April 2022

For the numerical simulation of a heat storage based on phase change materials (PCMs) an enhanced model is presented, considering the physical effects of convection flow in the liquid phase as well as the volume change during phase change. A modified heat capacity is used to realize the phase change. The phase change material is initially defined as a liquid with temperature-dependent material properties. A volume force is added to the Navier-Stokes equations to allow a circulating flow field in the liquid phase and prevent flow motion in the solid phase. The volume change is implemented with the Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method. A laboratory phase change experiment was performed using the PCM RT42 with a melting temperature of 42 °C. The laboratory experiment was calculated numerically using the enhanced model to evaluate the numerical model and to investigate the influence of the simulation parameters on the thermal behavior of the PCM. The thermal conductivity is determined as the main influencing parameter. A good agreement of the simulated melting front throughout a major part of the laboratory experiment has been shown. COMSOL Multiphysics provides a default model for phase change, which neglects convection flow and volume change. Compared to the default model, the enhanced model achieves more accurate results but requires more computational cost for complex latent heat storage systems. Using the default model without convection can be reasonable, considering that the heat storage design is either over-dimensioned or a suitable correction factor must be applied.
Dual Battery Storage Technique for Remote, Location-Based Solar PV System and Standalone Applications
Authors: Thurai Raaj Vellarivelli Balasubramani , Gorantla Srinivasa Rao , Karunanidy Dinesh , Dumka Ankur , Singh Rajesh , Rashid Mamoon , Albagory Yasser , Alshamrani Sultan S.
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, the usage of renewable energy resources (RER) is growing rapidly, but at the same time, the effective utilization of RER is also a challenging task. For the better usage of RER and the reduction of loss, the dual battery storage is proposed. The main aim of this work is to focus on the design and implementation of a reliable and renewable power generating system under a robust situation, along with a battery storage system. The perturb and observe (P&O) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique has been applied to improve the solar photovoltaic power production. In addition, the dual battery storage system is being introduced to improve the life cycle of the primary storage system. The proposed dual storage system is highly preferable for remote, location-based application systems, space applications and military operations. In the dual battery storage system, the batteries are working effectively with a good lifespan, when compared with the existing methods. To determine the state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOC), those batteries’ input charging and discharging levels were monitored closely. MATLAB Simulink (R2013) is used for simulation; finally, a real-time, three-phase inverter was designed and validated. Under this dual battery storage mode, the life time of battery is improved.
A Review on Integrated Battery Chargers for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Sousa Tiago J. C. , Pedrosa Delfim , Monteiro Vitor , Afonso Joao L.
Published: April 2022

Electric vehicles (EVs) contain two main power electronics systems, namely, the traction system and the battery charging system, which are not used simultaneously since traction occurs when the EV is travelling and battery charging when the EV is parked. By taking advantage of this interchangeability, a single set of power converters that can perform the functions of both traction and battery charging can be assembled, classified in the literature as integrated battery chargers (IBCs). Several IBC topologies have been proposed in the literature, and the aim of this paper is to present a literature review of IBCs for EVs. In order to better organize the information presented in this paper, the analyzed topologies are divided into classical IBCs, IBCs for switched reluctance machines (SRMs), IBCs with galvanic isolation, IBCs based on multiple traction converters and IBCs based on multiphase machines. A comparison between all these IBCs is subsequently presented, based on both requirements and possible functionalities.
Environmental Effects among Differently Located and Fertile Sites on Forest Basal-Area Increment in Temperate Zone
Authors: Samec Pavel , Rychtecká Petra , Zeman Miroslav , Zapletal Miloš
Published: April 2022

Environmental properties differently influence the growth of forest tree species. The antagonistic effects of variable environmental properties classify the forest response according to various tree compositions among different sites. The division of the forest response was assessed in 52 stands arranged into 26 types of 13 site management populations (MPs) in 5 areas in the Czech Republic territory. The assessment was performed using time-series multiple regressions of basal-area increment from pure immature stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), oaks (Quercus sp.), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and willows (Salix sp.) dependent on the interpolated average temperatures, annual precipitation, atmospheric concentrations of SO2, NOx and O3 and soil properties over the period 1971–2008 at p < 0.05. Site MPs differentiated the forest response to a greater extent than tree species. The response of the forests was significantly distributed by means of the montane, upland and waterlogged sites. The multiple determination index (r2) ≥ 0.6 indicated an adaptable tree increment but an interval of r2 between 0.80–0.92 implied forest sensitivity to variability in environmental properties on non-waterlogged sites. The index r2 < 0.6 suggested a fluctuating forest increment that reflects environmental variability inconsistently. The fluctuating increment most affected the spruce and pine stands grown from upland to submontane locations. Montane spruce stands, as well as rock pines, appeared to be one of the most sensitive ones to environmental change. Floodplain forests seemed as adaptable to variable environmental properties.
Nutritional Quality and Oxidative Stability during Thermal Processing of Cold-Pressed Oil Blends with 5:1 Ratio of ω6/ω3 Fatty Acids
Authors: Kmiecik Dominik , Fedko Monika , Siger Aleksander , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz
Published: April 2022

The growing awareness of consumers means that new products are sought after, which, apart from meeting the basic demand for macronutrients and energy, will have a positive impact on our health. This article is a report on the characteristics of the new oil blends with a nutritious ω6/ω3 fatty acid ratio (5:1), as well as the heat treatment effect on the nutritional value and stability of the oils. Prepared oil blends were heated at 170 and 200 °C. The fatty acid composition and the changes in tocochromanols content during heating were analyzed, as well as the formation process of polar compounds and triacylglycerol polymers. During heating the highest loss of tocochromanols was characteristic of α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol. The total content of tocopherols after heating was reduced to 1–6% of the original content in the unheated oil blends. The exception was the blend of oil with wheat germ oil, in which a high content of all tocopherols was observed in unheated and heated samples. The content of the polar fraction during heating increased on average 1.9 and 3.1 times in the samples heated at 170 and 200 °C, respectively, compared to the unheated oils. The level of the polar fraction was related to the high content of tocopherols or the presence of tocopherols and tocotrienols in the heated sample. The polymerization of triacylglycerols led mainly to the formation of triacylglycerol dimers. Trimers were observed in a small number of heated samples, especially those heated at 200 °C. Regardless of the changes in heated oils, none of the prepared blends exceeded the limit of the polar fraction content, maintaining the programmed ratio of ω6 to ω3 acids. The principal component analysis (PCA) used to define the clusters showed a large variety of unheated and heated samples. An outlier in all clusters was a blend of oil with wheat germ oil. In these samples, the degradation of tocopherols molecules and the increase of triacylglycerol polymers and the polar fraction content were the slowest.
On a Class of Partial Differential Equations and Their Solution via Local Fractional Integrals and Derivatives
Authors: Abdelhadi Mohammad , Alhazmi Sharifah E. , Al-Omari Shrideh
Published: April 2022

This article investigates the local fractional generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation and the local fractional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili-modified equal width equation. It presents traveling-wave transformation in a nondifferentiable type for the governing equations, which translate them into local fractional ordinary differential equations. It also investigates nondifferentiable traveling-wave solutions for certain proposed models, using an ansatz method based on some generalized functions defined on fractal sets. Several interesting graphical representations as 2D, 3D, and contour plots at some selected parameters are presented, by considering the integer and fractional derivative orders to illustrate the physical naturality of the inferred solutions. Further results are also introduced in some details.
Characteristics of Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) That Are Resistant and Susceptible to Oriental Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel) Infestation
Authors: Syamsudin Tati Suryati , Kirana Rinda , Karjadi Asih Kartasih , Faizal Ahmad
Published: April 2022

The response of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) to oriental fruit fly infestation (Bactrocera dorsalis) is highly variable among varieties. The differences in the resistance level of chili to oriental fruit fly infestation are presumed to be determined by the characteristics of chili fruit. This study aims to evaluate the morphochemical characteristics of different resistance levels of chili fruits to oriental fruit fly infestation in field conditions. The field test was carried out at the research station of the Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (IVEGRI), West Java, Indonesia. Six essential derivatives of C. annuum from IVEGRI, consisting of three resistant and three susceptible varieties, were established in a prior investigation. The test population included 132 plants, with 22 plants planted for each variety. The resistance parameters observed were oviposition incidence, yield loss, fitness index, and chili fruit characteristics (morphology, nutrition, volatile compounds). The results showed that there were morphological and chemical differences between the varieties resistant and susceptible to oriental fruit fly infestation. The morphological characteristics of the fruit (width, weight, and thickness of fruit flesh) and fruit shape at pedicel attachment had an impact on the resistance level of fruit flies. Meanwhile, volatile compounds, water content, carbohydrates, and fiber content were among the chemical features that influenced oriental fruit fly infestation.
Kinetic Studies on Delignification and Heavy Metals Uptake by Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Mushroom Cultivated on Agro-Industrial Wastes
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Eid Ebrahem M. , Al-Huqail Arwa A. , Širić Ivan , Adelodun Bashir , Abou Fayssal Sami , Valadez-Blanco Rogelio , Goala Madhumita , Ajibade Fidelis O. , Choi Kyung Sook , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the sustainable production of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom using agro-industrial wastes. The substrate of Shiitake (80% rice straw + 20% sugar cane bagasse) was moistened with 0 (freshwater as control), 50, and 100% concentrations of secondarily treated dairy plant and sugar mill wastewaters (DPW and SMW). After proper sterilization, the cultivation was carried out under controlled environmental conditions using the bag log method for 100 days. The results revealed that DPW and SMW moistening significantly (p < 0.05) increased the nutrient levels of the formulated substrate which later gave better mushroom yield. The highest Shiitake mycelial coverage (90.70 ± 1.47 and 88.65 ± 1.82%), yield (186.00 ± 3.10 and 176.09 ± 4.12 g/kg fresh substrate), biological efficiency (80.00 ± 0.58 and 75.73 ± 0.93%), total phenol (2.84 ± 0.03 and 2.69 ± 0.03 mg/g), ascorbic acid (0.34 ± 0.03 and 0.32 ± 0.02 mg/g), and β-carotene (2.48 ± 0.06 and 2.29 ± 0.02 μg/g) contents with the minimum time taken for spawn running (60 ± 1 days) was observed using a 50% concentration treatment of both DPW and SMW, respectively. Besides this, the kinetic studies using a first-order-based model showed acceptable accuracy in predicting the rate constant for substrate delignification and heavy metal uptake by Shiitake mushroom. These findings suggest a novel approach for sustainable mushroom cultivation using agro-industrial wastes. The concept can be used for the production of high-quality mushrooms for edible and medicinal purposes while contributing toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 12) on responsible consumption and production of superfoods.
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Binding of Glycated Serum Albumin—Its Potential Role in the Pathogenesis of the COVID-19 Clinical Syndromes and Bias towards Individuals with Pre-Diabetes/Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Iles Jason , Zmuidinaite Raminta , Sadee Christoph , Gardiner Anna , Lacey Jonathan , Harding Stephen , Ule Jernej , Roblett Debra , Heeney Jonathan , Baxendale Helen , Iles Ray K.
Published: April 2022

The immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection requires antibody recognition of the spike protein. In a study designed to examine the molecular features of anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies, patient plasma proteins binding to pre-fusion stabilised complete spike and nucleocapsid proteins were isolated and analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation–time of flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry. Amongst the immunoglobulins, a high affinity for human serum albumin was evident in the anti-spike preparations. Careful mass comparison revealed the preferential capture of advanced glycation end product (AGE) forms of glycated human serum albumin by the pre-fusion spike protein. The ability of bacteria and viruses to surround themselves with serum proteins is a recognised immune evasion and pathogenic process. The preference of SARS-CoV-2 for AGE forms of glycated serum albumin may in part explain the severity and pathology of acute respiratory distress and the bias towards the elderly and those with (pre)diabetic and atherosclerotic/metabolic disease.
ERG and Behavioral CFF in Light-Damaged Albino Rats
Authors: Rubin Glen R. , Wen Yuquan , Loop Michael S. , Kraft Timothy W.
Published: April 2022

The full-field ERG is useful for index rod- or cone-mediated retinal function in rodent models of retinal degeneration. However, the relationship between the ERG response amplitudes and visually guided behavior, such as flicker detection, is not well understood. A comparison of ERG to behavioral responses in a light-damage model of retinal degeneration allows us to better understand the functional implications of electrophysiological changes. Flicker-ERG and behavioral responses to flicker were used to determine critical flicker frequency (CFF) under scotopic and photopic conditions before and up to 90 d after a 10-day period of low-intensity light damage. Dark- and light-adapted ERG flash responses were significantly reduced after light damage. The a-wave was permanently reduced, while the b-wave amplitude recovered over three weeks after light damage. There was a small, but significant dip in scotopic ERG CFF. Photopic behavioral CFF was slightly lower following light damage. The recovery of the b-wave amplitude and flicker sensitivity demonstrates the plasticity of retinal circuits following photopic injury.
Opioidergic Signaling—A Neglected, Yet Potentially Important Player in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Ádám Dorottya , Arany József , Tóth Kinga Fanni , Tóth Balázs István , Szöllősi Attila Gábor , Oláh Attila
Published: April 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases, the prevalence of which is especially high among children. Although our understanding about its pathogenesis has substantially grown in recent years, and hence, several novel therapeutic targets have been successfully exploited in the management of the disease, we still lack curative treatments for it. Thus, there is an unmet societal demand to identify further details of its pathogenesis to thereby pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches with favorable side effect profiles. It is commonly accepted that dysfunction of the complex cutaneous barrier plays a central role in the development of AD; therefore, the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of this quite complex process are likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease and can provide novel, promising, yet unexplored therapeutic targets. Thus, in the current review, we aim to summarize the available potentially AD-relevant data regarding one such signaling pathway, namely cutaneous opioidergic signaling.
Identifying Adverse Drug Reaction-Related Text from Social Media: A Multi-View Active Learning Approach with Various Document Representations
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Yue , Huang Lihua , Zhang Chenghong , Zhao Songzheng
Published: April 2022

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a huge public health issue. Identifying text that mentions ADRs from a large volume of social media data is important. However, we need to address two challenges for high-performing ADR-related text detection: the data imbalance problem and the requirement of simultaneously using data-driven information and handcrafted information. Therefore, we propose an approach named multi-view active learning using domain-specific and data-driven document representations (MVAL4D), endeavoring to enhance the predictive capability and alleviate the requirement of labeled data. Specifically, a new view-generation mechanism is proposed to generate multiple views by simultaneously exploiting various document representations obtained using handcrafted feature engineering and by performing deep learning methods. Moreover, different from previous active learning studies in which all instances are chosen using the same selection criterion, MVAL4D adopts different criteria (i.e., confidence and informativeness) to select potentially positive instances and potentially negative instances for manual annotation. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of MVAL4D. The proposed approach can be generalized to many other text classification tasks. Moreover, it can offer a solid foundation for the ADR mention extraction task, and improve the feasibility of monitoring drug safety using social media data.
Colombian Caribbean Bathymetry for an OTEC System Location
Authors: Herrera Jorge , Hernández-Hamón Hernando , Fajardo Laura , Ardila Néstor , Franco Andrés , Ibeas Asier
Published: April 2022

This article presents the creation of bathymetric cartography for San Andrés, Providencia, Santa Catalina, and the Colombian Caribbean to find suitable areas for implementing an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system. The methodology to obtain the bathymetry uses data collection, digitization, and interpolation. The data are processed using the Surfer® software; in this way, the digital terrain model (DTM) maps are generated for each sector. The objective is to find the minimum distance to reach a depth of 1000 m since this is the distance where a temperature difference of 20 ∘C is obtained. Thus, it is possible to identify suitable areas to locate an onshore or offshore plant in Santa Marta, Barranquilla, southwestern and northwestern San Andrés, the western part of Santa Catalina, and the southwestern part of Providencia.
Integrating Coronary Plaque Information from CCTA by ML Predicts MACE in Patients with Suspected CAD
Authors: Dou Guanhua , Shan Dongkai , Wang Kai , Wang Xi , Liu Zinuan , Zhang Wei , Li Dandan , He Bai , Jing Jing , Wang Sicong , Chen Yundai , Yang Junjie
Published: April 2022

Conventional prognostic risk analysis in patients undergoing noninvasive imaging is based upon a limited selection of clinical and imaging findings, whereas machine learning (ML) algorithms include a greater number and complexity of variables. Therefore, this paper aimed to explore the predictive value of integrating coronary plaque information from coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) with ML to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients who underwent CCTA due to suspected coronary artery disease with a 30-month follow-up for MACEs were included. We collected demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and information on coronary plaques by analyzing CCTA information (plaque length, plaque composition and coronary artery stenosis of 18 coronary artery segments, coronary dominance, myocardial bridge (MB), and patients with vulnerable plaque) and follow-up information (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and unstable angina requiring hospitalization). An ML algorithm was used for survival analysis (CoxBoost). This analysis showed that chest symptoms, the stenosis severity of the proximal anterior descending branch, and the stenosis severity of the middle right coronary artery were among the top three variables in the ML model. After the 22nd month of follow-up, in the testing dataset, ML showed the largest C-index and AUC compared with Cox regression, SIS, SIS score + clinical factors, and clinical factors. The DCA of all the models showed that the net benefit of the ML model was the highest when the treatment threshold probability was between 1% and 9%. Integrating coronary plaque information from CCTA based on ML technology provides a feasible and superior method to assess prognosis in patients with suspected coronary artery disease over an approximately three-year period.
India’s Greening Trend Seems to Slow Down. What Does Aerosol Have to Do with It?
Authors: Hari Manoj , Tyagi Bhishma
Published: April 2022

Multiple drivers perturb the terrestrial carbon cycle, which ultimately reshapes the fertilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and reorientates the climate. One such driver is atmospheric aerosols, which cascade the ecosystem’s productivity in a large proportionality. Investigating this relation is non-conventional and limited across the globe. With the abundance of heterogenetic terrestrial ecosystems, India’s primary productivity has a large proportion of the global carbon balance. Under climate change stress, India’s unique spatial and climatological features perturb atmospheric aerosols from natural sources to anthropogenic sources. In light of that, this study utilizes the Carnegie–Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model to elucidate the consequence by examining the potential effect of aerosol load on the ecosystem productivity (Net Primary Production; NPP) for various agroclimatic zones of India from 2001–2020. CASA reveals a negative decadal amplitude with an overall increase in the NPP trend. In contrast, aerosol loadings from MODIS highlight the increasing trend, with definite seasonal intensities. Employing the CASA model and earth observations, the study highlights the increase in NPP in forest-based ecosystems due to relatively lower aerosols and higher diffuse radiation. Critically, strong dampening of NPP was observed in the agroecological and sparse vegetation zones inferring that the aerosol loadings affect the primary productivity by affecting the photosynthesis of canopy architecture. Spatial sensitivity zones across different ecological regions result in a non-homogenous response because of different phenological and canopy architecture that is mediated by the radiation intensities. Based on the analysis, the study infers that AOD positively influences the canopy-scale photosynthesis by diffuse radiation, which promotes NPP but is less likely for the crop canopy ecosystems. Barring the limitations, enhancement of NPP in the forest ecosystems offset the demand for carbon sink in the agroecosystems. Findings from this study reveal that a more precise provenance of aerosol effects on carbon fluxes is required to understand the uncertainties in the terrestrial carbon cycle.
Integrating Ecosystem Services into Planning Practice: Situation, Challenges and Inspirations
Authors: Qiu Linrun , Dong Yuxiang , Liu Hai
Published: April 2022

Ecosystem services (ES)-related decision-making is important to promote sustainable conservation and urban development. However, there is limited information regarding the use of ES research in a planning context. We explored this gap between ES research and planning practice by evaluating whether and to what extent the ES concept is explicitly used in planning and decision-making processes. This paper selected 101 pieces of target literature, reviewed their research status and characteristics, discussed the motivation and interests, and summarized the research content. In particular, we discussed the contributions that demonstrated the significance of incorporating ES into planning and achieved beneficial results. A series of abstract strategic methods and quantitative methodological approaches were used for subsequent reference research. The ES concept existed earlier than the perception in early-stage planning documents, while its practical application was superficial, with insufficient depth, which was a challenge worthy of attention. To identify the research paradigm in previous planning related to ES, we found that ES analyses for planning were largely theory-inspired, rather than practice-inspired, and used the Schön–Stokes model of the wicked and tame to theorize problems in socio-ecological systems. Our study highlighted that Pasteur’s paradigm may be an essential and useful research style for maintaining and improving ES in socio-ecological practice.
Formal and Informal Planning-Dominated Urban Village Development: A Comparative Study of Luojiazhuang and Yangjiapailou in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2022

Urban villages, namely villages encircled by urban environments, are unique phenomena that proliferated during China’s rapid urbanization process, as well as important development issues for many Chinese cities at present. This article focuses on two planning approaches for urban villages, dominated by the government’s uniform and formal planning and villagers’ spontaneous and informal planning practices, aiming to examine which planning approach is more conducive to urban village development. The two planning approaches for urban villages have simultaneously appeared in Hangzhou, a Chinese metropolis with a combination of high-speed economic growth, a unique geological environment, and a long cultural history, providing appropriate comparative study cases for this research. Two urban villages, Luojiazhuang and Yangjiapailou, located in plain and hilly areas in Hangzhou, respectively, and developed through the two planning approaches were selected as study cases. Primary data were collected based on field investigations, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaire surveys. The villagers’ rental income, shopkeepers’ business benefits, and tenants’ residential satisfaction were investigated to compare the development of the two urban villages. Results indicate that compared with the formal planning-dominated approach, the informal planning-dominated approach achieves continuously rising rental income, more stable business benefits, and higher residential satisfaction, better suited to urban village development. This study contributes to coordinated urban–rural interaction in the urbanization process and enriches the formality–informality debates from a spatial planning perspective.
Computer-Aided System for Parametric Design of Ship Hull Structures—CADS-Hull
Authors: Ryumin Sergey , Tryaskin Vladimir
Published: April 2022

The problem of the parametric design of ship hull structures is considered here. The parametric design of ship hull structures is intended to determine the dimensions of structural elements that meet the requirements of regulatory documents (Rules of Classification Societies/Strength Standards). It is shown that, in all existing shipbuilding CAD-CAM systems, the problems of the parametric design of ship hull structures are essentially not affected. A modern methodology for the parametric design of hull structures is proposed, which defines a set of principles for the structural and logical organization of the design process, methods, and technical means for implementing design procedures. The most characteristic methodological principles of the parametric design of ship hull structures and other offshore engineering structures are identified: A systematic approach; modeling as one of the main methods for solving design problems; and a rational design strategy based on iterative search procedures that implement the methodological principle of successive complication of models and procedures for designing structures. The article considers the architecture and methodological foundations of the system for automated parametric design of ship hull structures (CADS-Hull), developed at the Saint Petersburg State Marine Technical University, Russia. The system is intended for use in design bureaus when designing civil ship hull structures on the basis of regulatory requirements of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and IACS General Rules in terms of large-capacity tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships.
Effects of the Wiener Process on the Solutions of the Stochastic Fractional Zakharov System
Authors: Al-Askar Farah M. , Mohammed Wael W. , Alshammari Mohammad , El-Morshedy M.
Published: April 2022

We consider in this article the stochastic fractional Zakharov system derived by the multiplicative Wiener process in the Stratonovich sense. We utilize two distinct methods, the Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE method and Jacobi elliptic function method, to obtain new rational, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and elliptic stochastic solutions. The acquired solutions are helpful in explaining certain fascinating physical phenomena due to the importance of the Zakharov system in the theory of turbulence for plasma waves. In order to show the influence of the multiplicative Wiener process on the exact solutions of the Zakharov system, we employ the MATLAB tools to plot our figures to introduce a number of 2D and 3D graphs. We establish that the multiplicative Wiener process stabilizes the solutions of the Zakharov system around zero.
A Branch-and-Bound Algorithm for Minimizing the Total Tardiness of Multiple Developers
Authors: Su Chung-Ho , Wang Jen-Ya
Published: April 2022

In the game industry, tardiness is an important issue. Unlike a unifunctional machine, a developer may excel in programming but be mediocre in scene modeling. His/her processing speed varies with job type. To minimize tardiness, we need to schedule these developers carefully. Clearly, traditional scheduling algorithms for unifunctional machines are not suitable for such versatile developers. On the other hand, in an unrelated machine scheduling problem, n jobs can be processed by m machines at n × m different speeds, i.e., its solution space is too wide to be simplified. Therefore, a tardiness minimization problem considering three job types and versatile developers is presented. In this study, a branch-and-bound algorithm and a lower bound based on harmonic mean are proposed for minimizing the total tardiness. Theoretical analyses ensure the correctness of the proposed method. Computational experiments also show that the proposed method can ensure the optimality and efficiency for n ≤ 18. With the exact algorithm, we can fairly evaluate other approximate algorithms in the future.
On a High-Precision Method for Studying Attractors of Dynamical Systems and Systems of Explosive Type
Authors: Pchelintsev Alexander N.
Published: April 2022

The author of this article considers a numerical method that uses high-precision calculations to construct approximations to attractors of dynamical systems of chaotic type with a quadratic right-hand side, as well as to find the vertical asymptotes of solutions of systems of explosive type. A special case of such systems is the population explosion model. A theorem on the existence of asymptotes is proved. The extension of the numerical method for piecewise smooth systems is described using the Chua system as an example, as well as systems with hysteresis.
Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains: A Hybrid Trade Credit Policy
Authors: Ruan Ping , Huang Yung-Fu , Weng Ming-Wei
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all sectors of the world’s economy and society. Firms need to have disaster recovery and business sustainability plans and to be able to generate profits in order to develop. Trade credit may be a good way for firms to free up cash flow and finance short-term growth. Extensions of payment will provide firms with low-cost loans under the COVID-19 credit guarantee scheme. Implementation of hybrid trade credit activities has been shown to improve the financial crisis of many firms, and the effects are particularly evident within two-echelon supply chains. An economic order quantity (EOQ) model is derived under conditions of deteriorating items, an upstream full trade credit or cash discount, and downstream partial trade credit in a supply chain. A computer program is developed to provide a numerical solution and a numerical example is used to show the solution’s form and verify that the solution gives the minimum total cost per unit time.
Are These Requirements Risky: A Proposal of an IoT-Based Requirements Risk Estimation Framework
Authors: Gupta Chetna , Gupta Varun
Published: April 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) systems are revolutionizing traditional living to a new digital living style. In the past, a lot of investigations have been carried out to improve the technological challenges and issues of IoT and have focused on achieving the full potential of IoT. The foremost requisite for IoT software system developers seeking a competitive edge is to include project-specific features and meet customer expectations effectively and accurately. Any failures during the Requirements Engineering (RE) phase can result in direct or indirect consequences for each succeeding phase of development. The challenge is far more immense because of the lack of approaches for IoT-based RE. The objective of this paper is to propose a requirements risk management model for IoT systems. The method regarding the proposed model estimates requirements risk by considering both customers’ and developers’ perceptions. It uses multiple criteria using intuitionistic fuzzy logic and analytical technique. This will help to handle the uncertainty and vagueness of human perception, providing a well-defined two-dimensional indication of customer value and risk. The validity of the approach is tested on real project data and is supported with a user study. To the best of our understanding, literature lacks the trade-off analysis at the RE level in IoT systems and this presented work fills this prerequisite in a novel way by improving (i) requirements risk assessment for IoT systems and (ii) handling developers’ subjective judgments of multiple conflicting criteria, yielding more concrete and more observable results.
Limiting Distributions of a Non-Homogeneous Markov System in a Stochastic Environment in Continuous Time
Authors: Vassiliou P. -C. G.
Published: April 2022

The stochastic process non-homogeneous Markov system in a stochastic environment in continuous time (S-NHMSC) is introduced in the present paper. The ordinary non-homogeneous Markov process is a very special case of an S-NHMSC. I studied the expected population structure of the S-NHMSC, the first central classical problem of finding the conditions under which the asymptotic behavior of the expected population structure exists and the second central problem of finding which expected relative population structures are possible limiting ones, provided that the limiting vector of input probabilities into the population is controlled. Finally, the rate of convergence was studied.
Atomistic Insights into the Competition between Damage and Dynamic Recrystallization Stimulated by the Precipitate Mg17Al12 in Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Tang Yan , Xie Chao , Chen Jianbin , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2022

Precipitates are closely related to ductile damage and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) in magnesium alloys. Using molecular dynamics simulation and the embedded atomic method, the competition between damage and DRX stimulated by the precipitate of magnesium alloys is investigated. The effects of precipitate distribution and dimensions on the void nucleation, dislocation emission, void growth, and DRX of magnesium alloys are quantitatively discussed. It is found that compared to the system with a pre-existing void, the system with a single precipitate has two extra stages during damage evolution, namely atomic disorder and void nucleation, and its strength is clearly better. Void growth is attributed to the dislocation emission from void tips. Keeping the same volume fraction and varying the dimensions and spacings of the precipitates, the results show that the refinement and densification can increase the deformation compatibility of the system, hindering void nucleation and elevating the toughness. This can be attributed to the reduction in stress concentration and the prevalence of the particle-stimulated DRX.
Designing a Mixed Texture in Mg/Mg Laminated Composite via Bimetal Co-Extrusion to Ameliorate the Mechanical Anisotropy
Authors: Zhai Haowei , Wang Qinghang , Jiang Bin , Song Yan , Xue Guangjie , Jin Zhaoyang
Published: April 2022

Room-temperature (RT) mechanical anisotropy limits the broad applications of wrought magnesium (Mg) alloys. To weaken the anisotropy, here, we proposed a design idea to create a mixed texture. In the present study, we successfully fabricated the Mg-3Y/Mg-5Li (W3/L5, wt.%) laminated composite, having a mixed texture with a closely orthotropic shape, consisting of an ED-split component in the W3 layer and a TD-split in the L5 layer, via bimetal co-extrusion (ED and TD represent the extrusion and transverse directions, respectively). The mechanical results show that the W3/L5 laminated composite demonstrates a better isotropy at RT, indicating that forming a mixed texture is an effective method to reduce the anisotropy of wrought Mg alloys by bimetal co-extrusion. However, extremely poor interface shear strength, induced by rich O element voids on the interface, triggered poor interface bonding, leading to worse ultimate strength and elongation -to-failure. In future works, controlling co-extrusion parameters or implementing a suitable heat-treatment after extrusion will be necessary to further ameliorate the mechanical properties of the Mg/Mg laminated composites with mixed texture.
Process Control Monitor (PCM) for Simultaneous Determination of the Piezoelectric Coefficients d31 and d33 of AlN and AlScN Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Yang , Wang Lihao , Liu Yichen , Chen Hao , Wu Zhenyu
Published: April 2022

Accurate and efficient measurements of the piezoelectric properties of AlN and AlScN films are very important for the design and simulation of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors and actuator devices. In this study, a process control monitor (PCM) structure compatible with the device manufacturing process is designed to achieve accurate determination of the piezoelectric coefficients of MEMS devices. Double-beam laser interferometry (DBLI) and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) measurements are applied and combined with finite element method (FEM) simulations, and values of the piezoelectric parameters d33 and d31 are simultaneously extracted. The accuracy of d31 is verified directly by using a cantilever structure, and the accuracy of d33 is verified by in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction; the comparisons confirm the viability of the results obtained by the novel combination of LDV, DBLI and FEM techniques in this study.
eGFP Gene Integration in HO: A Metabolomic Impact?
Authors: Bordet Fanny , Romanet Rémy , Eicher Camille , Grandvalet Cosette , Klein Géraldine , Gougeon Régis , Julien-Ortiz Anne , Roullier-Gall Chloé , Alexandre Hervé
Published: April 2022

Integrating fluorescent genes including eGFP in the yeast genome is common practice for various applications, including cell visualization and population monitoring. The transformation of a commercial S. cerevisiae strain by integrating a cassette including a gene encoding an EGFP protein in the HO gene was carried out using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Although this type of integration is often used and described as neutral at the phenotypic level of the cell, we have highlighted that under alcoholic fermentation (in a Chardonnay must), it has an impact on the exometabolome. We observed 41 and 82 unique biomarkers for the S3 and S3GFP strains, respectively, as well as 28 biomarkers whose concentrations varied significantly between the wild-type and the modified strains. These biomarkers were mainly found to correspond to peptides. Despite similar phenotypic growth and fermentation parameters, high-resolution mass spectrometry allowed us to demonstrate, for the first time, that the peptidome is modified when integrating this cassette in the HO gene.