Evaluation Of Benefits Research Articles

The Application and Benefit Evaluation of Digital Enterprise Resource Planning System in Supply Chain Management

Because of the lack of effective quantitative benefit evaluation methods for applying digital enterprise resource planning systems in supply chain management, this paper proposes a supply chain management benefit evaluation method after implementing the ERP system. This method starts from the two aspects of ERP implementation cost and quantitative income, establishes the evaluation index system of supply chain management benefit, then normalizes each index, uses the Delphi method to determine the weight of each quantitative income, constructs the evaluation model of enterprise supply chain management benefit after ERP implementation, and finally obtains the evaluation score in the form of the ratio of quantitative income to ERP implementation cost. In order to verify the feasibility of the model, the data of CM company from 2015 to 2022 are selected for simulation experiments. The calculated benefit evaluation score is consistent with the actual situation of the company's operation. Therefore, the model can effectively evaluate the benefits of applying digital enterprise resource planning system in supply chain management and provide strong support for enterprise management to plan ERP implementation and follow-up maintenance decision-making.

Validation of Constant Work Rate Cycling Endurance Time for Use in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Clinical Trials.

Rationale: A COPD Foundation working group sought to identify measures of exercise endurance, a meaningful aspect of physical functioning in everyday life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is not fully accepted in regulatory decision making, hampering drug development. Objectives: To demonstrate, as we previously asserted (Casaburi COPD 2022;9:252), that constant work rate cycling endurance time is an appropriate exercise endurance measure in patients with COPD. Methods: To validate this assertion, we assembled an integrated database of endurance time responses, including 8 bronchodilator (2,166 subjects) and 15 exercise training (3,488 subjects) studies (Casaburi COPD 2022;9:520). Results: Construct validity was demonstrated: 1) peak physiologic and perceptual responses were similar for constant work rate and incremental cycling; 2) after bronchodilator therapy, there were greater increases in endurance time in patients with more severe airflow limitation; 3) after exercise training, endurance time increases were similar across airflow limitation severities; and 4) there were correlations between changes in endurance time and changes in mechanistically related physiologic and perceptual variables. Test-retest reliability was demonstrated, with consistency of changes in endurance time at two time points after the intervention. Responsiveness was confirmed, with significant increases in endurance time after active (but not placebo) bronchodilator therapy, with greater increases seen with more severe airflow limitation and after exercise training. On the basis of regression analysis using multiple anchor variables, the minimum important difference for endurance time increase is estimated to be approximately 1 minute. Conclusions: Constant work rate cycling endurance time is a valid exercise endurance measure in COPD, suitable for contributing to the evaluation of treatment benefit supporting regulatory decision making and evidence-based therapeutic recommendations.

A spiculated mass target model for clinical image quality control in digital mammography.

Quality assurance of breast imaging has a long history of using test objects to optimize and follow up imaging devices. In particular, the evaluation of new techniques benefits from suitable test objects. The applicability of a phantom consisting of spiculated masses to assess image quality and its dependence on dose in flat field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis systems (DBT) is investigated. Two spiculated masses in five different sizes each were created from a database of clinical tumour models. The masses were produced using 3D printing and embedded into a cuboid phantom. Image quality is determined by the number of spicules identified by human observers. The results suggest that the effect of dose on spicule detection is limited especially in cases with smaller objects and probably hidden by the inter-reader variability. Here, an average relative inter-reader variation of the counted number of 31% was found (maximum 83%). The mean relative intra-reader variability was found to be 17%. In DBT, sufficiently good results were obtained only for the largest masses. It is possible to integrate spiculated masses into a cuboid phantom. It is easy to print and should allow a direct and prompt evaluation of the quality status of the device by counting visible spicules. Human readout presented the major uncertainty in this study, indicating that automated readout may improve the reproducibility and consistency of the results considerably. A cuboid phantom including clinical objects as spiculated lesion models for visual assessing the image quality in FFDM and DBT was developed and is introduced in this work. The evaluation of image quality works best with the two larger masses with 21 spicules.

Transitional care model for older adults with multiple chronic conditions: An evaluation of benefits utilising an umbrella review.

To synthesise and describe the combined evidence from systematic reviews of interventions using elements from the Transitional Care Model, on the content and timeframe of the interventions and the related improvement of outcomes for older patients with multiple chronic conditions. The population of older patients with multiple chronic conditions is increasing worldwide and trajectories are often complicated by risk factors. The Transitional Care Model may contain elements to support transitions between hospital and home. An umbrella review. A comprehensive search in five electronic databases was performed in April 2021 based on the search terms: 'Patients ≥60 years,' 'multi-morbidity,' 'Transitional care model,' 'Transitional care,' and 'Systematic review.' PRISMA guidelines was used. Five systematic reviews published from 2011 to 2020 comprising 62 intervention studies (59 randomised controlled trials and three quasi-experimental trials) were included in the review. The synthesis predominantly revealed significant improvements in decreasing re-admissions and financial costs and increasing patients' quality of life and satisfaction during discharge. The results of the review indicate that multiple elements from the Transitional Care Model have achieved significant improvements in older patients' transitions from hospital to home. Especially a combination of coordination, communication, collaboration and continuity of care in transitions, organised information and education for patients and pre-arranged structured post-discharge follow-ups. The transition from hospital to home is a complex process for older patients with multiple chronic conditions. A specific focus on coordination, continuity, and patient education should be implemented in the discharge process. Nurses with specialised knowledge in transitional care are needed to ensure safe transitions. The umbrella review is part of a larger research program which involved a patient expert advisory board, which participated in discussing the relevance of the elements within the umbrella review.

Thermal runaway propagation in automotive lithium-ion batteries with NMC-811 and LFP cathodes: Safety requirements and impact on system integration

Thermal runaway propagation mitigation is a prerequisite in battery development for electric vehicles to meet legal requirements and ensure vehicle occupants’ safety. Thermal runaway propagation depends on many factors, e.g., cell spacing, intermediate materials, and the entire cell stack setup. Furthermore, the choice of cell chemistry plays a decisive role in the safety design of a battery system. However, many studies considering cell chemistry only focus on the cell level or neglect the energetic impacts of safety measures on system integration. This leads to a neglect of the conflict of objectives between battery safety and energy density. In this article, a comprehensive analysis of the thermal runaway propagation in lithium-ion batteries with NMC-811 and LFP cathodes from a Mini Cooper SE and Tesla Model 3 SR+ is presented. The focus is set on the identification of differences in battery safety, the derivation of safety requirements, and the evaluation of their impact on system integration. A comparative analysis identified significantly higher safety requirements for Graphite | NMC-811 than for Graphite | LFP cell chemistries. Regarding cell energy, thermal runaway reaction speed is nine times faster in NMC-811 cells and five times faster considering the whole propagation interval than LFP cells. However, since LFP cell chemistries have significantly lower energy densities than ternary cell chemistries, it must be verified whether the disadvantages in energy density can be compensated by advanced system integration. An analysis of cell-to-pack ratios for both cell chemistries has revealed that, based on average values, the gravimetric disadvantages are reduced to 16%, and the volumetric disadvantages can be completely compensated for at the pack level. However, future research should further focus on this issue as an accurate safety-related design depending on cell chemistry could enable a cost–benefit evaluation under the constraints of safety standards in the development of batteries for electric vehicles.

Evaluation of benefits due to adoption of enablers of unimodal road to intermodal railroad freight transportation

The adverse environmental consequences arising from road-based logistics operations have prompted stakeholders, including transport service providers, logistics managers, and shippers, to initiate a modal shift from unimodal road to intermodal railroad (IRR) freight transportation. However, the adoption pace of IRR in developing nations is slow. Modal shift enablers (MSEs) facilitate IRR adoption, while modal shift benefits (MSBs) signify favorable performance outcomes from MSEs' application. The main objective of this study is to rank the MSBs resulting from the adoption of MSEs in IRR freight transportation. This study proposes an integrated multi-criteria decision-making framework utilizing the spherical fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (SF-AHP) to evaluate MSEs' weights and the spherical fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (SF-TOPSIS) to rank the MSBs. The case study performed in the Indian logistics sector reveals that ‘government policies and legislation enablers’, ‘infrastructural enablers’ and ‘strategic and management enablers’ are the most significant MSEs, whereas reduction in vehicular pollution and related negative externalities as well as reduction of the freight transport costs including storage and handling charges are most crucial MSBs realized due to adoption of MSEs. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the stability of the ranking. The results help decision-makers in implementing MSEs for MSBs and develop effective IRR adoption strategies. This study also promotes sustainable freight transportation and provides logistics practitioners, researchers, and policymakers with a precise, systematic, and practical decision-support tool.

Improving the ecological benefits evaluation on urban street trees: Development of a living vegetation volume quantifying framework with multi-source data

The rate of urbanization is increasing, and solutions to the pollution issue are desperately needed. Urban street trees are an essential factor in improving the environmental quality of cities. Quantifying precise ecological benefits of individual trees is important for monitoring urban ecology. However, since street tree surveys are time-consuming and expensive, it is challenging to assess the ecological benefits of street trees. Besides, there is still a need for more investigation into the advantages of multi-source data for ecological benefits estimates. Effective living vegetation volume (eLVV) as an urban green space indicator is beneficial for providing the vertical structure of street trees and offering a possibility for estimating the ecological benefits. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accurate ecological benefits of street trees by calculating eLVV. We developed and validated a framework for evaluating the ecological benefits of urban vegetation using point cloud and image processing techniques. Terrestrial laser scanning and unmanned aerial vehicle data were used to predict indicators at the single tree scale and road scale. Models based on game theory were applied to score all the indicators and assess the ecological benefits. The results showed that: (1) The proposed framework demonstrated that multi-source data allowed for the exact indicators of ecological benefits. (2) The eLVV of the street trees on two roads was less on the north side than on the south side, reflecting the difference in the ecology of the street trees in terms of orientation. This paper explores the advantages of multi-source data in measuring detailed ecological benefits, which support the digital management of street trees and the sustainability of regional ecology.

The level of climate risk reporting performance and firm characteristics: Evidence from the Saudi Stock Exchange

In recent decades, stakeholders have begun to place a greater emphasis on sustainability-related issues, including climate change. Furthermore, the implementation of climate change initiatives has prompted companies to disclose information regarding their evaluation and handling of climate-related risks and potential benefits. However, there is a lack of existing literature that investigates this issue in less developed markets, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the capital market is rapidly developing. The objective of this study is to assess the degree of performance in reporting climate risk and investigate potential correlations between climate risk reporting performance and firm characteristics among non-financial firms in Saudi Arabia during the period from 2018 to 2021. To achieve the objectives of the study, a total of 515 firm-year observations were utilized, representing 140 non-financial firms in the context of Saudi Arabia. The study’s findings illustrate that the climate risk reporting performance level has steadily improved in Saudi companies over the years. In addition, the findings reveal that firm size and industry exhibit a positive correlation with climate risk reporting performance. Conversely, firm leverage and profitability do not demonstrate such associations. The results are in line with alternative measures of climate risk reporting performance, as well as when climate risk reporting performance is broken down into the four core elements. Policymakers and market regulators could use these results to promote awareness of the factors that influence climate risk reporting performance and to enhance sustainable practices.

Predicting anticipated benefit from an extended consultation to personalise care in multimorbidity: a development and internal validation study of a prioritisation algorithm in general practice.

Persons with multimorbidity may gain from person-centred care compared with the current protocolised chronic-disease management in Dutch general practice. Given time constraints and limited resources, it is essential to prioritise those most in need of an assessment of person-centred chronic-care needs. To develop and validate a prioritisation algorithm based on routine electronic medical record (EMR) data that distinguishes between patients with multimorbidity who would, and those who would not, benefit from an extended person-centred consultation to assess person-centred chronic-care needs, as judged by GPs. A mixed-methods study was conducted in five general practices in the north-west region of the Netherlands. Four out of the five practices were situated in rural areas. Multivariable logistic regression using EMR data to predict the GPs' judgement on patients' anticipated benefit from an extended consultation, as well as a thematic analysis of a focus group exploring GPs' clinical reasoning for this judgement were conducted. Internal validation was performed using 10-fold cross-validation. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of ≥3 chronic conditions. In total, EMRs from 1032 patients were included in the analysis; of these, 352 (34.1%) were judged to have anticipated benefit. The model's cross-validated C-statistic was 0.72 (95% confidence interval = 0.70 to 0.75). Calibration was good. Presence of home visit(s) and history of myocardial infarction were associated with anticipated benefit. Thematic analysis revealed three dimensions feeding anticipated benefit: GPs' cause for concern, patients' mindset regarding their conditions, and balance between received care/expected care needed. This algorithm may facilitate automated prioritisation, potentially avoiding the need for GPs to personally triage the whole practice population that has multimorbidity. However, external validation of the algorithm and evaluation of actual benefit of consultation is recommended before implementation.

An Overview on the Hallucinogenic Peyote and Its Alkaloid Mescaline: The Importance of Context, Ceremony and Culture.

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a cactus that contains various biologically active alkaloids-such as pellotine, anhalonidine, hordenine and mescaline. Here, mescaline induces the psychoactive effects of peyote through the activation of the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor and the subsequent release of calcium (Ca2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, an evaluation of the therapeutic benefits of mescaline is also currently the subject of research. It is important to consider that the outcome of taking a psychedelic drug strongly depends on the mindset of the recipient and the context (set and setting principle), including ceremonies and culture. This overview serves to summarise the current state of the knowledge of the metabolism, mechanism of action and clinical application studies of peyote and mescaline. Furthermore, the benefits of the potential of peyote and mescaline are presented in a new light, setting an example for combining a form of treatment embedded in nature and ritually enriched with our current highly innovative Western medicine.

Association of bariatric surgery with indicated and unintended outcomes: An umbrella review and meta-analysis for risk-benefit assessment.

Bariatric surgery can cause numerous functional changes to recipients, some of which are unintended. However, a systematic evaluation of wide-angled health benefits and risks following bariatric surgery has not been conducted. We systematically evaluated published systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials and observational studies reporting the association between bariatric surgery and health outcomes. We performed subgroup analyses by surgery type and sensitivity analysis, excluding gastric band. Thirty systematic reviews and 82 meta-analyzed health outcomes were included in this review. A total of 66 (80%) health outcomes were significantly associated with bariatric surgery, of which 10 were adverse outcomes, including suicide, fracture, gastroesophageal reflux after sleeve gastrectomy, and neonatal morbidities. The other 56 outcomes were health benefits including new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) (odds ratio [OR] =0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.19-0.79), hypertension (OR =0.36; 95% CI =0.33-0.40), dyslipidemia (OR =0.33; 95% CI =0.14-0.81), cancers (OR =0.65; 95% CI =0.53-0.80), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and women's health. Surgery is associated with reductions in all-cause mortality and death due to cancer, DM, and CVD. Bariatric surgery has both beneficial and harmful effects on a broader than expected array of patients' health outcomes. An expansion of the indication for bariatric surgery could be discussed to include a broader population with metabolic vulnerabilities.

A review of the photothermal-photovoltaic energy supply system for building in solar energy enrichment zones

The application of solar PT-PV technology is an important way to achieve clean energy supply and energy conservation and emission reduction in building field. Simultaneously meeting the thermal and electric need of building is one of the main development directions of solar PT-PV energy supply system. The core objective is to build the efficient and stable energy supply system and effectively evaluate their benefit. The major objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive literature review to classify, analyze the performance and evaluate the benefit of different solar PT-PV energy supply system for building. This review summarized the latest research result on solar PT, solar PV, solar PT-PV comprehensive utilization, solar thermal/electric energy supply system based on HES, and the system composition, system characteristic, system optimization and technical innovation were also discussed. Additionally, a detailed discussion was conducted on the efficiency optimization of solar PT-PV energy supply system, as well as the current efficiency situation and the method for improving the efficiency. Sequentially, the economic and environmental benefit evaluation standard and calculation method of solar PT-PV energy supply system was summarized, specifically in terms of operating cost, energy cost, and carbon emission reduction in common building. Finally, the challenge of optimizing the performance for solar PT-PV energy supply system in solar energy enrichment zones was summarized, and the development direction and application prospect of the system in building field was proposed.

Late life learning, dementia, and overall health in underresourced settings: an investigation of the University for Seniors in Beirut, Lebanon

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying modifiable factors that reduce Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) risk is a global public health priority. Several key social determinants of ADRD, such as years of education, are completed earlier in life, and thus are unamenable to change in older age. Evidence on the protective benefits of engaging in cognitively stimulating activities suggests that late life learning (“LLL”, non‐formal educational activities outside formal credentialed learning) may provide a unique window of opportunity, in older age, to mitigate ADRD risk by providing prospects for intellectual stimulation and social engagement. Yet, studies assessing assessed the benefits of LLL are scarce. Evaluations of cognitive and social benefits for LLL are particularly relevant for low‐resourced settings, where opportunities for engaged aging are limited.MethodWe designed a prospective cohort study (the LLL and Cognition 3LC study), capitalizing on an established and ongoing LLL program at the American University of Beirut, The U niversity f or S eniors (UfS). The UfS has been running for over 11 years, allowing to assess shorter‐ and longer‐term LLL influences on cognitive and overall health. Living in Lebanon, our population of older adults have endured multiple lifecourse and recent adverse psychosocial exposures. Our project will also examine the role of LLL in older age in mitigating the impacts of earlier psychosocial adversities on health.ResultOur project is embedded within a capacity building program and close collaborations between researchers in the US and Lebanon, providing an infrastructure for research on dementia and psychosocial disparities in Lebanon and the region. We aim to recruit 500 previously enrolled UfS participants, 200 newly/prospectively enrolled UfS participants, and 700 age‐ and sex‐matched non‐UfS‐participating community residents (Figure 1). We plan to conduct cognitive assessments at baseline and a follow‐up visit using cognitive batteries designed aligned with the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP). For a formal program evaluation of LLL on cognition and related outcomes, we will implement advanced analytical techniques (e.g., difference‐in‐difference estimation) (Figure 2).ConclusionOur project aims to build a longitudinal cohort study, together with research and infrastructure capacities, to delineate LLL opportunities for dementia prevention in Lebanon and neighboring countries.

Theoretical and experimental evaluation of electric coolant pump benefits in real driving cycles

Engine thermal management is a promising option to reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions of Internal Combustion Engines. This is particularly suitable to support the transition towards a carbon-neutral transportation sector, considering that the role of combustion engines is expected to persist in the near and medium future. In this study, a prototype pump electrically actuated was compared to a mechanical pump of a downsized gasoline engine that propels a real vehicle. In the first phase of the analysis, the cooling circuit was tested from a hydraulic point of view on all its branches using an engine mounted on a bench equal to that working on the vehicle. The hydraulic circuit was fully characterized via pressure transducers and flow meters in all branches for different thermostat lifts, representing different coolant temperatures. On the same bench, the OEM pump and an electrically actuated one, suitably redesigned on an operating point more representative of the real operating conditions, were tested. A vehicle propelled with the same tested engine (having a conventional mechanically actuated pump) was run on the road following three different driving cycles. The engine revolution speeds were registered, as well as the temperature of the cooling fluid. The electric and mechanical pumps were compared using the performance maps previously obtained. The electric pump speed was set to deliver the same coolant flow rate as the OEM pump, following the same sequence of thermostat lifts. The results show that a 60 % average reduction of the pump energy consumption is possible, leading to an average specific CO2 emission reduction of 1 g/km. This result is even more relevant during urban driving, with emission savings hitting 2.5 g/km.

Benefit evaluation analysis of new energy power consumption information collection with basic steady-state harmonic characteristics

Abstract In this paper, firstly, the load monitoring characteristics of new energy power consumption are studied and analyzed in terms of both steady-state and transient characteristics, and suitable characteristic values are selected for different types as the basis of load decomposition. A comparative analysis of various types of load imprints is conducted to highlight the advantages of steady-state harmonic features as load monitoring feature data. Then, an evaluation model of the demand response potential of electricity information collection is established based on a multi-objective optimization algorithm, and technical and economic analysis of electricity information collection is carried out to evaluate the response potential of power companies collecting customer data. Finally, the situation and benefits of collecting electricity consumption information for new energy power are analyzed. The daily maximum load moments of typical users are all cut by more than 10%, the peak load portion cut by more than 97% is also more obvious, and the maximum moments of valley filling response are all more than 11%. D Power saved a total of 3.759 billion yuan in labor costs by reducing labor costs by 400 million yuan after adopting electricity consumption information collection. The indices of excellent and qualified management benefit and social benefit evaluation of electricity consumption information collection are above 0.8. Overall, the benefits of electricity consumption information collection for new energy power with basic steady-state harmonic characteristics are significant and effective.

Effect of reed straw on the performance of recycled brick aggregate concrete and evaluation of economic benefits

In this study, brick aggregate reed straw concrete (BARSC) was prepared by utilizing reed straw with brick aggregate. Reed straw was soaked in NaOH solution and H2SO4 solution to test the water absorption, moisture absorption and tensile strength of the treated straw. The thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and tensile strength before and after the high temperature of BARSC were investigated, and the compressive strength-tensile strength conversion formula was established. Damage patterns were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests. The results showed that the tensile strength of the straw soaked in NaOH solution increased, the water absorption increased and a significant shrinkage occurred, and after the test, the NaOH-soaked reed straw was not suitable to be added to the concrete. The thermal conductivity of BARSC at room temperature decreased by 15.9% compared with that of brick aggregate concrete (BAC) without reed straw, and the thermal conductivity gradually decreased with the increase of temperature. The tensile strength of BARSC increased by a maximum of 21.2% over that of BAC, with the 2% content of reed straw contributing the most to the tensile strength. Reed straw negatively affected the compressive strength, which decreased by a maximum of 20.2%. The compressive and tensile strengths of BARSC decreased significantly after high temperature. According to scanning electron microscopy analysis, the interfacial transition zone of the reed straw with the matrix was the weak point in the BARSC. The BARSC produced in this study provides a new idea for protecting the watershed environment and promoting green and sustainable development.

Reducing Maternal Mortality Rate Through Utilization of Agricultural Products and Antenatal Care with Agronursing Perspective

In Indonesia, the number of deliveries assisted by health personnel is still relatively low. Pregnancy checks (Antenatal Care = ANC) can motivate pregnant women to give birth to health workers. This study aims to determine the role of ANC in selecting birth attendants. This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the KKG Project Benefit Evaluation Survey (Family Health and Nutrition)—efforts to Reduce Maternal Mortality Rate Through Utilization of Agricultural Products and Antenatal Care in Agronursing Areas. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is the death of a woman during pregnancy or 42 days after giving birth. Indonesia is a country with a significant increase in the number of maternal mortalities of 359/100,000. This achievement still needs to catch up to the 2024 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target, which is 183/100,000 KH, so this has made Indonesia experience a crisis in maternal health services. The low readiness of the mother to fulfill nutritional quality and conduct antenatal care can be a big problem in the birth process. Therefore, it is important to carry out socialization to reduce the maternal mortality rate by utilizing agricultural products to improve maternal nutrition through antenatal care. The purpose of doing community service for pregnant women is to reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate in Indonesia. Community empowerment is carried out by conducting lectures between researchers and participants.

Impacts of electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor on phenol wastewater treatment: Performance, synergistic mechanism, antibiotic resistance genes, and eco-environmental benefit evaluation

A novel electric field-magnetic powder coupled membrane bioreactor (EM-MBR) was constructed, which was superior on improvement of phenol treatment performance and sludge characteristics, and mitigation of membrane fouling. EM-MBR enhanced the phenol degradation via the improvement activity of phenol degrading enzymes. The EPS contents and SVI of EM-MBR were significantly reduced by 49.3 % and 58.7 % than that of the conventional MBR, respectively. Moreover, EM-MBR successfully reduced fouling rate by 57.0 %, delaying the membrane resistance. The EPS contents were positively correlated with the SVI and fouling rate, implying that the sludge settleability was strengthened by improving the properties of EPS with the assistance of electromagnetic, thus mitigating the membrane fouling. Microbial co-occurrence network demonstrated that EM-MBR enriched phenol-degrading and EPS-degrading genera correlated to Fe redox cycle. Furthermore, the activation of the antioxidant system in the EM-MBR resulted in the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, consequently impeding the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Co-occurrence patterns of MGEs and ARGs revealed that intercellular binding facilitated by ist and Integrase may account for the horizontal transfer of ARGs. The reduction of unit capital costs (15.63 %), running costs (53.00 %), and total average carbon emissions (15.18 %) indicated that EM-MBR was environmentally beneficial.

Enhancing energy flexibility of building clusters via supervisory room temperature control: Quantification and evaluation of benefits

The electric grid faces increasing challenges in the context of electrification and renewable energy integration, gradually evolving into a smart grid. Buildings could facilitate this energy transition by providing flexibility services to the grid. Existing research on building energy flexibility has mostly focused on single buildings due to the difficulty of modelling buildings at the urban scale. This paper adopts an archetype-based approach to model generic building clusters, targeting various building types, compositions, and cluster sizes. We applied this approach to a case study cluster of 54 buildings. With the cluster model, we then characterized its operational flexibility associated with two rule-based room temperature controls. Simulation results show that the building cluster achieves 22–27% peak demand reduction on average against its regular operation throughout a series of flexibility events. We also evaluated the financial benefits of the flexibility service in an incentive program from a Canadian utility; an economic return of over $40,000 per winter was obtained for the building cluster. This work demonstrates the operational energy flexibility value in building clusters, benefiting not only the grid operator but also building owners.

An evaluation of the economic benefits of rooftop distributed photovoltaic projects in the whole county in China

To promote the realization of the “dual carbon target”, the implementation of rooftop distributed photovoltaic (RDPV) projects in the whole county will usher in large-scale development in China. However, comprehensive investigations into the economic benefits of RDPV projects in the whole county are still rare. This paper thus aims to evaluate the economic benefits of RDPV projects when considering multiple factors. The net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback period (PBP) were used to analyze the financial feasibility of RDPV projects. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was adopted to optimize the economic benefits of RDPV projects by calculating the different installation ratios of different building types, including industrial and commercial buildings, government buildings, public buildings, and residential buildings. A case study verified the feasibility of the optimization model of the economic benefits of RDPV projects in the whole county in China. The results revealed that the self-use ratio of power generation greatly impacted the economic benefits of RDPV projects and a single RDPV project became economically feasible when the self-use ratio of power generation was greater than 87.753%. When considering the limitations of the self-use ratio of power generation, installed capacity, and grid connection mode of different building types, compared to the single RDPV project, the economic benefits of RDPV projects on a county scale were not financially feasible based on the optimization model, which had an NPV of about −10.35 million yuan. Industrial and commercial buildings had the highest proportion of RDPV systems installed among the four building types, while residential buildings had the lowest proportion. The current results demonstrate the economic benefits of RDPV projects in the whole county, which will promote the development of RDPV projects and reduce carbon emissions in China. Therefore, this study is expected to provide investors of RDPV with recommendations for both decision-making and making scientific plans for the government.