Solution Conditions Research Articles

Rethinking informal workplace learning in times of complexity

PurposeFast-changing global environment, hybrid and virtual work, today’s workplace is confronted to an unprecedented level of complexity. This conceptual paper aims to explore ways to re-think and adapt informal workplace learning to those recent changes and important dimensions to consider when designing successful learning strategies in the future.Design/methodology/approachTo let emerge interesting tensions and explore new ways to approach informal workplace learning, the authors first look at recent trends in the workplace environment, then go back to some key concepts and ideas from the literature on informal learning. The authors then present two real-life cases they experimented with as scholar-practitioners that demonstrate the importance of a relational learning environment that encompasses virtuality, adaptive challenges and vertical development.FindingsThe new environment calls for new ways to think about informal workplace learning and how to support it. More than ever, organisations should support a culture that promotes collaboration and interactions across areas of expertise, a key condition for finding solutions to complex problems. In this complex environment, where there is no one right solution, organisations will need to rely on leaders who can become role models and show others how to overcome the silo mentality, engage into collaborative reflections, generate alternatives, experiment and learn quickly from what does or does not work.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature about workplace learning. It extends the understanding of some benefits that informal workplace learning provides to employees in an attempt to become agile practitioners as the work environment quickly changes and becomes more complex.

Optimal control of a dengue model with cross-immunity

Mathematical modelling of a dengue epidemic with two serotypes including a temporary cross-immunity yields a nonlinear system consisting of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). We investigate an optimal control problem, where the integral of the infected humans is minimised within a time interval. The controls represent human actions to decrease the number of mosquitos in the model. An integral constraint is added, which takes a limitation on the sum of the human actions into account. On the one hand, we derive and apply a direct approach to solve the optimal control problem. Therein, a discretisation of the controls is constructed using spline interpolation in time. Consequently, a finite-dimensional constrained minimisation problem can be solved. On the other hand, we employ an indirect approach, where necessary conditions for an optimal solution are considered. This technique yields a multipoint boundary value problem of a larger system of ODEs including adjoint equations. We present results of numerical computations, where the two methods are compared.

Two Schemes of Impulsive Runge–Kutta Methods for Linear Differential Equations with Delayed Impulses

In this paper, two different schemes of impulsive Runge–Kutta methods are constructed for a class of linear differential equations with delayed impulses. One scheme is convergent of order p if the corresponding Runge–Kutta method is p order. Another one in the general case is only convergent of order 1, but it is more concise and may suit for more complex differential equations with delayed impulses. Moreover, asymptotical stability conditions for the exact solution and numerical solutions are obtained, respectively. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to confirm the theoretical results.

Proposed simplified methodological approach for designing geopolymer concrete mixtures

The development of geopolymer concrete offers promising prospects for sustainable construction practices due to its reduced environmental impact compared to conventional Portland cement concrete. However, the complexity involved in geopolymer concrete mix design often poses challenges for engineers and practitioners. In response, this study proposes a simplified approach for designing geopolymer concrete mixtures, drawing upon principles from Portland cement concrete mix design standards and recommended molar ratios of oxides involved in geopolymer synthesis. The proposed methodology aims to streamline the mix design process while optimizing key factors such as chemical composition, alkali activation solution, water content, and curing conditions to achieve desired compressive strength and workability. By leveraging commonalities between Portland cement concrete and geopolymer concrete, this approach seeks to facilitate the adoption of geopolymer concrete in practical construction applications. The proposed mix design guidelines have been validated through examples for concrete cured under different conditions, including outdoor and oven curing. Future research should focus on validating the proposed methodology through experimental studies and exploring cost-effective alternatives for alkali activation solutions to enhance the feasibility and scalability of geopolymer concrete production. Overall, the proposed simplified approach holds promise for advancing the utilization of geopolymer concrete as a sustainable alternative in the construction industry.

Instabilities of standing waves and positivity in traveling waves to a higher‐order Schrödinger equation

The aim of this paper is to explore a Schrödinger equation that incorporates a higher‐order operator. Traditional models for electron dynamics have utilized a second‐order diffusion Schrödinger equation, where oscillatory behavior is achieved through complex domain formulations. Incorporating a higher‐order operator enables the induction of oscillatory spatial patterns in solutions. Our analysis initiates with a variational formulation within generalized spaces, facilitating the examination of solution boundedness. Subsequently, we delve into the oscillatory characteristics of solutions, drawing upon a series of lemmas originally applied to the Kuramoto–Sivashinsky equation, the Cahn–Hilliard equation, and other equations that employ higher‐order operators. Specific solution types, such as standing waves, are numerically investigated to illustrate the oscillatory spatial patterns. The discussion then extends to the theory of traveling waves to establish general conditions for positive solutions. A contribution of this work is the precise evaluation of a critical traveling wave speed, denoted as , above which the first minimum remains positive. For values of the traveling wave speed significantly greater than , the solutions can be entirely positive.

METHOD OF TRUCK CREW WORK COORDINATION ON INTERNATIONAL ROUTES

The article deals with the problem of increasing the productivity of trucks in the performance of international road freight transportation in Eastern Europe and the European Union. There are restrictions on cabotage transportation (domestic cabotage), as well as time limits for the execution of orders and penalties for the execution of the entire volume of transportation in this case in addition to the restrictions of the European Agreement E/ECE/TRANS/564. The task of optimizing the required number of vehicles, drivers/driving crews, and route configuration was formulated and solved by mathematical programming with time constraints. At the same time, a variable method of organizing the work of drivers on adjacent routes was applied, by which drivers/crews are not assigned to a specific vehicle but are changed after a certain number of work hours. This minimized the non-productive idling of trucks, ensured compliance with the work and rest regulations of drivers, and minimized truck mileage on routes. In contrast to known methods and research results, the problem is solved with a guaranteed achievement of the optimum in an acceptable search time. This result was achieved due to the appropriate formulation of the solution conditions. The results can be applied in the logistic planning of transport processes.

Elucidation of the Reversible Self-Association Interface of a Diabody-Interleukin Fusion Protein Using Hydrogen-Exchange Mass Spectrometry and In Silico Modeling.

Reversible self-association (RSA) of therapeutic proteins presents major challenges in the development of high-concentration formulations, especially those intended for subcutaneous administration. Understanding self-association mechanisms is therefore critical to the design and selection of candidates with acceptable developability to advance to clinical trials. The combination of experiments and in silico modeling presents a powerful tool to elucidate the interface of self-association. RSA of monoclonal antibodies has been studied extensively under different solution conditions and have been shown to involve interactions for both the antigen-binding fragment and the crystallizable fragment. Novel modalities such as bispecific antibodies, antigen-binding fragments, single-chain-variable fragments, and diabodies constitute a fast-growing class of antibody-based therapeutics that have unique physiochemical properties compared to monoclonal antibodies. In this study, the RSA interface of a diabody-interleukin 22 fusion protein (FP-1) was studied using hydrogen-deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) in combination with in silico modeling. Taken together, the results show that a complex solution behavior underlies the self-association of FP-1 and that the interface thereof can be attributed to a specific segment in the variable light chain of the diabody. These findings also demonstrate that the combination of HDX-MS with in silico modeling is a powerful tool to guide the design and candidate selection of novel biotherapeutic modalities.

P-adaptive hybridized flux reconstruction schemes

This paper presents p-adaptive hybridized flux reconstruction schemes to reduce the computational cost of implicit discretizations. We first introduce spatial and temporal discretization and discuss the adaptation algorithm via a nondimensional vorticity indicator for hybridized methods with globally continuous and globally discontinuous numerical traces. At each adaptation level, projection operations are applied to determine the new space based on the element-wise projected solution and transmission conditions. We validate our implementation and analyze performance via numerical examples. Specifically, we show via an isentropic vortex that p-adaptive hybridization of both HFR and EFR methods results in comparable numerical error to standard p-adaptive and p-uniform FR discretizations with a fraction of degrees of freedom. Results for a cylinder at Re=150 showcase speedup factors in excess of 6 for hybridized methods in comparison with p-adaptive standard FR schemes and up to 40 against p-uniform FR discretizations. Similarly, results for a NACA 0012 airfoil at Re=10,000 demonstrate speedup factors close to 6 against p-adaptive FR discretizations and up to 33 against p-uniform conventional FR. Hence, combining hybridization with adaptation yields a significant reduction in computational cost compared with standard implicit discretizations.

Unraveling concrete's interfacial transition zone vulnerability under erosive environments: A molecular dynamics study

The Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) in concrete is considered to be the weakest region of the mechanical properties of concrete, owing to the prevalence of microcracks induced by various external factors. These microcracks facilitate the ingress of corrosive solution into the ITZ through pores or crevices, ultimately impacting its mechanical integrity. This study aims to investigate the effects of different erosive environments on the mechanical properties of concrete ITZ and to analyze the intrinsic weakening mechanism via molecular dynamics simulations. The effects of different water contents and different ionic solutions are individually discussed in this study. Simulation results demonstrate a distinct trend in the mechanical properties of ITZ, exhibiting an initial increase followed by a decrease with the rise of water content under various conditions. Moreover, the magnitude of the mechanical properties of ITZ exhibits a hierarchy under different ionic solution conditions, ranked as follows: dry >10 wt% Na2SO4+NaCl >5 wt% Na2SO4 > 5 wt% NaCl >5 wt% Na2SO4+NaCl > H2O. The mechanical properties of ITZ are significantly influenced by its internal chemical bonds, which are susceptible to erosion from the infiltrating solution, resulting in the rupture of original chemical bonds and consequent reduction in ITZ's mechanical strength.

Structural design and surface networking analysis of a truss antenna based on hexagonal frustum deployable mechanism units

With the development of space technology, deployable mechanism has been widely applied in large aperture space antennas. In this paper, a hexagonal frustum deployable antenna unit and an innovative modular assembling concept are proposed for large parabolic truss antenna. Screw topology diagram and screw constraint matrix are established to solve degree of freedom (DOF) of the antenna mechanism. By separating column vectors of screw constraint matrix, whole actuations of antenna mechanism are obtained according to unique solution condition. A new hexagon antenna network method based on hexagon frustum units and rotation transformation matrix is proposed, and correctness and efficiency of the modeling principle are proved by simulation. Finally, a prototype of the proposed hexagonal frustum truss deployable antenna mechanism is constructed, and a deployment experiment is conducted, which demonstrate the mobility and deployment performance of the mechanism. The mechanism proposed in this paper provides a theoretical reference for the parabolic truss deployable antenna mechanism, which is potentially valuable in the application of large aperture deployable antennas.

Ultrasonic-assisted nanofiltration separation recovering salvianolic acid B from ethanol wastewater

The transformation of salvianolic acid B brought on by heat treatment recovery of ethanol eluent, which is a difficult problem in pharmaceutical technology, affects the purity of raw material when the medicinal raw material salvianolic acid B is purified by resin. Ultrasonic-assisted nanofiltration separation (UANS) was first employed to improve efficiency of resource utilization by regulating rejection and separating salvianolic acid B and rosmarinic acid from organic pharmaceutical wastewater. The rejection was related to three variables: ultrasonic power, pH, and ethanol concentration. But there were differences in the effects of variables on the rejections of salvianolic acid B and rosmarinic acid. The rejections of rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B showed a decreasing trend with an increase in ultrasonic power or a decrease in pH; however, when the concentration of ethanol was increased from 5 % to 35 %, the salvianolic acid B rejection increased from 84.96 % to 96.60 % and the rosmarinic acid rejection decreased from 35.09 % to 17.51 %. On the basis of response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal UANS parameters for solution conditions involving different ethanol concentrations are as follows: 10 % ethanol solution (ultrasonic power 500 W and pH 6.15), 20 % ethanol solution (ultrasonic power 500 W and pH 6.54), and 30 % ethanol solution (ultrasonic power 460 W and pH 6.34). The molecular proportions of salvianolic acid B were 10.75 %, 7.13 %, and 8.27 % in 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % ethanol wastewater, while the molecular proportions of rosmarinic acid were 40.52 %, 33.83 %, and 69.87 %, respectively. And the recoveries of salvianolic acid B in 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % ethanol wastewater were 93.56 %, 95.04 %, and 97.30 %, respectively, while the recoveries of rosmarinic acid were 3.19 %, 2.27 %, and 0.56 %. The molecular proportion and the rejection are correlated exponentially. In comparison with conventional nanofiltration separation (CNS), UANS is able to resolve the conflict between rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B in pharmaceutical wastewater, as well as enhance resource recycling and separation efficiency to prevent pollution of the environment from pharmaceutical wastewater. Experiments using UANS at different power intensities suggest that the ultrasonic at a power intensity of 46–50 W/L and the power density of 0.92–1.00 W/cm2 may resolve the separation conflict between rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B. This work suggests that UANS may be a significant advancement in the field of ultrasonic separation and has several potential uses in the water treatment industry.

Some New Estimations of Left and Right Interval Fractional Pachpatte’s Type Integral Inequalities via Rectangle Plane

Inequalities involving fractional operators have been an active area of research, which is crucial in establishing bounds, estimates, and stability conditions for solutions to fractional integrals. In this paper, we initially presented a new class that is known as coordinated left and right ℏ-pre-invex interval-valued mappings (C·L·R-ℏ-pre-invex Ι·V-M), as well classical convex and nonconvex are also obtained. This newly defined class enabled us to derive novel inequalities, such as Hermite–Hadamard and Pachpatte’s type inequalities. Furthermore, the obtained results allowed us to recapture several special cases of known results for different parameter choices, which can be applications of the main results. Finally, we discussed the validity of the main outcomes.

Analysis of liquid sloshing frequencies in a partially filled 3D rectangular tank

This research investigates liquid sloshing in a 3D rigid rectangular tank. The impact of rigid baffle on sloshing frequencies has been studied. The mathematical modal has been developed using potential theory. The boundary value problem has an analytical solution in terms of velocity potential with undetermined frequency. We get a system of homogeneous algebraic equations using boundary and free surface conditions. The frequencies are calculated using the non-trivial solution condition. Frequencies of baffled tank are computed for various filling levels. The effects of filling level on frequencies are identified. ANSYS software is used to report the liquid domain and rigid baffle mode forms.

Dual pathways of aragonite-to-calcite transformation in stalagmites: Implications for paleoclimate reconstructions

Multiple geochemical proxies (e.g., trace elements, δ18O and δ13C) and precise 230Th ages in speleothems are crucial for conducting robust paleoclimatic reconstructions, but the impact of diagenesis on these proxies and 230Th ages is not well-established. In this study, we investigate the petrography and geochemical composition of six aragonite-calcite stalagmites from Shennong Cave in southeastern China to analyze the transformation from aragonite to calcite (primary versus secondary) and its effects on geochemical proxies and 230Th ages. No aragonite relics are observed in columnar calcite in four aragonite-calcite stalagmites (SN55, SN49, SN104 and SNB1), although traces of aragonite exist between the calcite crystals or grow parallel at the aragonite-calcite borders. This is different from the obvious aragonite relics preserved in secondary mosaic calcite in the other two aragonite-calcite stalagmites (SN3 and SN15). Both mosaic and columnar calcite show various changes in geochemical proxies and 230Th ages compared with primary aragonite. The trend in the geochemical proxies analyzed (trace elements, δ18O and δ13C) of columnar calcite remains consistent with those of aragonite, despite significant differences in their absolute values within the overlapping periods. These differences are due to the different fractionation coefficients of isotopes and trace elements in aragonite and calcite formed under the same solution conditions rather than late diagenesis. The 230Th ages of columnar calcite are similar to those of primary aragonite, and the values of subsamples from the same calcite layer are consistent. In contrast, the trace elements and δ13C values of mosaic calcite are similar to those of primary aragonite, while its 230Th age significantly differs from that of primary aragonite, exhibiting no consistent patterns. Therefore, these geochemical characteristics of columnar calcite are significantly different from secondary mosaic calcite, indicating that the columnar calcite in these four aragonite-calcite stalagmites is primary. A comparison of trace elements and δ13C records between aragonite-calcite and pure aragonite stalagmites during the overlapping period further confirms that these columnar calcites are primary. Their geochemical proxies can be used for paleoclimate reconstruction after careful evaluation, and the transformation from aragonite to columnar calcite is caused by increased precipitation. However, due to age and geochemical proxies change, secondary mosaic calcite is unsuitable for paleoclimate reconstruction, unlike columnar calcite. This study provides competent evidence to identify whether calcite in aragonite-calcite stalagmites is primary versus secondary and whether it can be used for paleoclimatic reconstruction.

75As Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Investigation of the Thioarsenate Speciation in Strongly Alkaline Sulfidic Leaching Solutions

Copper ores and concentrates thereof feature an increasingly notable content of impurities such as arsenic and other hazardous elements. As an alternative to the state-of-the-art partial roasting process, arsenic could be removed by the alkaline sulfide leaching of the copper concentrates. In order to optimize and understand the processes, knowledge of the speciation and oxidation states is essential. In addition to methods such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, chromatography and ICP/MS methods, 75As NMR spectroscopy may be useful for the differentiation and quantification of the various species. Although arsenate(V) has been characterized by 75As NMR some time ago, to our knowledge, there are no data on tetrathioarsenate(V) AsS43− and the mixed oxygen/sulfur substituted mono-, di- and trithioarsenates(V) AsOxS4−x3−, x = 3, 2, 1, respectively. Therefore, we investigated several model solutions and samples from Cu-As leaching with 75As NMR. The strongly alkaline conditions of the leaching solution proved to be very advantageous for that purpose. Both the tetrathioarsenate(V) and the mixed species AsOxS4−x3− (x = 1–3) could be characterized and provide valuable data for the quantification of the material flows in the leaching process.

Nitrogen-functionalized catalyst synthesized using spent coffee ground biochar-cobalt hybrid for oxygen reduction reaction via pyrolysis and ball-milling

In this work, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts were developed from a precursor of spent coffee ground-based biochar. Nitrogen doping was achieved via urea addition preceding a pyrolysis synthesis process, yielding nitrogen-doped biochar (NDB). Cobalt was deposited onto the NDB surface using a non-conventional ball-milling procedure. The microstructure of the synthesized samples was studied through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), where a rather distorted surface, highlighted by prominent wrinkles (which doubled the surface area at 50.58 m2/g), was shown for nitrogen-doped samples. Moreover, the high energy ball-milling technique shows an almost perfect coverage of cobalt nanoparticles on the biochar surface through SEM/EDS and Raman results. Additionally, electrochemical testing was conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic voltammetry measurements conducted under nitrogen (inert) and oxygen-saturated alkaline solution (0.1 M KOH) conditions showed that nitrogen doping enhances the oxygen reduction reaction current (-1 vs -0.59 mA.cm−1 at -0.3 V vs Hg/HgO) and slightly reduces the onset potential compared to pristine biochar. Depositing cobalt onto the NDB surface had a minor adverse effect on the onset potential, but significantly increased the oxygen reduction reaction current, reaching a value of -2.09 mA.cm−2 at -0.3 V vs Hg/HgO. All catalysts were compared to a commercial carbon supported platinum catalyst (Pt10%C) to showcase the potential room of improvement for the developed catalysts.

Synergy effects of pH and thermal localization on membrane-based salinity gradient energy harvesting

Salinity gradient power generation receives increasing attention due to its availability in nature. However, membrane surface charge is not fixed value in isolation but strongly dependent of various conditions. Here, a coupled ion transport model is proposed to study the synergy effects of pH and thermal localization on membrane-based salinity gradient energy conversion. The research illustrates that the surface charge is regulated by solution environment, membrane properties and thermal conditions. Specially, the surface charge sign can be even reversed at certain case that induces distinct ion transports behaviors. Consequently, Al2O3 membrane achieves the better energy conversion performance at low pH with negative temperature difference. While SiO2 membrane obtains the best output performance at high pH with negative temperature difference. Such is ascribed to pH-regulated surface charge and thermal up-diffusion enhancement. The maximum output power of 10 pW with efficiency of 16 % is achieved for individual membrane channel. As a proof of concept, it shows significant deviations between the single and coupling model on power generation. The findings of this study can help for better understanding the coupling mechanisms of solution, membrane and thermal conditions during the energy conversions, thereby providing a reasonable design route for membrane-based energy devices.

Rice Bran Valorization through the Fabrication of Nanofibrous Membranes by Electrospinning

The high production rate of fossil-based plastics, coupled with their accumulation and low degradability, is causing severe environmental problems. As a result, there is a growing interest in the use of renewable and natural sources in the polymer industry. Specifically, rice bran is a highly abundant by-product of the agro-food industry, with variable amounts of protein and starch within its composition, which are usually employed for bioplastic development. This study aims to valorize rice bran through the production of nanofiber membranes processed via electrospinning. Due to its low solubility, the co-electrospinning processing of rice bran with potato starch, known for its ability to form nanofibers through this technique, was chosen. Several fiber membranes were fabricated with modifications in solution conditions and electrospinning parameters to analyze their effects on the synthesized fiber morphology. This analysis involved obtaining micrographs of the fibers through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fiber diameter analysis. Potato starch membranes were initially investigated, and once optimal electrospinning conditions were identified, the co-electrospinning of rice bran and potato starch was conducted. Attempts were made to correlate the physical properties of the solutions, such as conductivity and density, with the characteristics of the resulting electrospun fibers. The results presented in this study demonstrate the potential valorization of a rice by-product for the development of bio-based nanofibrous membranes. This not only offers a solution to combat current plastic waste accumulation but also opens up a wide range of applications from filtration to biomedical devices (i.e., in tissue engineering).

Regioselective 1,4-/1,3-Difunctionalization of 1,3-Enynes with Selenosulfonates in Water.

1,4-/1,3-Regioselective bifunctionalization of 1,3-enynes with selenosulfonates in water under catalyst-free conditions for the construction of sulfonyl allene and 1,3-disulfonyl-conjugated dienes respectively have been developed. The reactions feature mild reaction conditions in aqueous solution and remarkable regioselectivity controlled by substrates.

G-structures for black hole near-horizon geometries

We derive necessary and sufficient conditions for warped AdS2 solutions of Type II supergravity to preserve N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 1 supersymmetry, in terms of bispinors. Such solutions generically support an SU(3)-structure on their internal manifold M8, which can experience an enhancement to a G2-structure. We perform an SU(3)-structure torsion classes analysis and express the fluxes and other physical fields in terms of these, in general. We use our results to derive two new classes of AdS2 solutions. In (massive) Type IIA supergravity we derive an N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 1 supersymmetric class for which M8 decomposes as a weak G2-manifold foliated over an interval and which is locally defined in terms of a degree three polynomial. In Type IIB supergravity we find a class of AdS2 × S2 × CY2 × Σ2 solutions preserving small N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{N} $$\\end{document} = 4 supersymmetry, governed by a harmonic function on Σ2 and partial differential equations reminiscent of D3-D7-brane configurations.