Technological Conditions Research Articles

CRYSTALS GROWTH OF AND CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF SOLID SOLUTIONS IN THE Ag8SiS6 HOMOGENEITY REGION

Compounds with an argyrodite structure are a family of complex chalcogenides that demonstrate a wide range of properties: superionics, thermoelectrics, sensors, and photovoltaic materials. For sulfur-containing representatives, the main field of application is solid-state ionics. However, the formation of solid solutions is used to modify and improve the functional parameters of individual argyrodites. When solid solutions are formed by iso- or heterovalent substitution, an additional deformation of the crystal structure occurs, which increases the efficiency of ion transport. For the growth of single crystals, the method of direct crystallization by melt-solution technique was used. Based on the results of DTA, technological conditions for growing single crystals of solid solutions of Ag7.75P0.25Si0.75S6 and Ag7.5P0.5Si0.5S6 were developed. The temperature of the melt zone (Tmelt) was 50 K higher than the melting point of the solid solutions, and the temperature of the annealing zone (Tann) was 2/3 of their crystallization temperature determined by the DTA method. As a result, single crystals of dark gray color with a metallic luster were obtained. The crystal structure of the solid solutions of Ag7.75P0.25Si0.75S6 and Ag7.5P0.5Si0.5S6 was determined by the Rietveld method. Both solid solutions crystallize in a rhombic crystal system, SG Pna21, with lattice parameters: a = 15.06 Å, b = 7.44 Å, c = 10.54 Å (Ag7.75P0.25Si0.75S6) and a = 15.06 Å, b = 7.44 Å, c = 10.54 Å (Ag7.5P0.5Si0.5S6).

TOE Configuration Analysis of Smart City Construction in China Under the Concept of Sustainable Development

The construction of smart cities is an effective path for sustainable urban development. Determining how to build smart cities and choose effective development models has attracted attention from all walks of life. Consequently, determining how to promote the development of smart cities and how to choose effective development models has also attracted attention. This paper takes 77 prefecture-level cities in China as case studies to explore the impact of technology, organization, and environment on the high-level development of smart cities. In this study, the fsQCA (fuzzy set-based qualitative comparative analysis) method was used to explore the configuration effects of three types of factors. The main findings are as follows: Firstly, no single factor among the three categories is a necessary condition for the high development level of smart cities, indicating that relying solely on technological conditions cannot build high-level smart cities. Secondly, the path of development of a smart city can be summarized into three modes: Both organizational and industrial environment type, both governance and cultural environment type, and balanced development type. Finally, among the three modes, the government’s digital governance capability and industrial environment play a crucial role in achieving a high level of development in smart cities. This article examines the development of smart cities from a systems perspective and provides useful, practical insights for the construction of smart cities.

Digital Twin in the Design and Dynamic Assessment of Energy Performance of Multi-Family Buildings

The article explores the potential of Digital Twin (DT) technology in the design and dynamic assessment of the energy performance of multi-family buildings. Traditional approaches to building energy assessment provide static data that do not account for changing operational conditions and lack continuous energy consumption-monitoring capabilities. The use of Digital Twin enables monitoring and analyzing of the building’s energy parameters at every stage of its life cycle. The article presents the application of DT technology for assessing energy performance at the conceptual stage and in the early phases of design. These parameters must meet legal requirements. Validation conducted on four multi-family buildings demonstrated high accuracy, with the average difference between predicted and actual energy performance (EP) values below 3.5%. Thanks to the DT model, it is possible to determine energy parameters already at the conceptual stage, which helps avoid costly changes in later project phases. Early determination of these parameters also allows for accurate estimation of design and investment costs. Tests of the proposed solution were conducted on several multi-family buildings, comparing preliminary data with final results. The research results show that DT technology allows for precise planning of energy performance at the conceptual and preliminary design stages. This reduces operational costs, increases energy efficiency, and better adapts buildings to changing technological and legal conditions.

Factors Shaping Organizational Contingency Plans: Insights into Risk Management and Preparedness

Contingency planning is vital for organizations to sustain operations amidst unforeseen challenges, particularly in the volatile and uncertain business landscape of today. This study explores the factors influencing the contingency planning process, focusing on internal elements such as leadership and organizational culture, alongside external factors like technological advancements and market conditions. Using a quantitative methodology, data were collected from 139 participants in IT companies based in Erbil, Kurdistan. The findings reveal significant relationships between organizational culture, leadership, risk management strategies, and external factors in shaping effective contingency plans. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance preparedness and resilience in the IT sector. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on risk management and business continuity, offering actionable insights for organizations striving to navigate complexities in a dynamic environment.

Assessing the impact of geometrical and geodetic parameters of equipment on technological conditions of cold rolling on a multi-stand mill

Assessing the impact of geometrical and geodetic parameters of equipment on technological conditions of cold rolling on a multi-stand mill

Quantum Privacy-Preserving Range Query Protocol for Encrypted Data in IoT Environments.

With the rapid development of IoT technology, securely querying sensitive data collected by devices within a specific range has become a focal concern for users. This paper proposes a privacy-preserving range query scheme based on quantum encryption, along with circuit simulations and performance analysis. We first propose a quantum private set similarity comparison protocol and then construct a privacy-preserving range query scheme for IoT environments. By leveraging the properties of quantum homomorphic encryption, the proposed scheme enables encrypted data comparisons, effectively preventing the leakage of sensitive data. The correctness and security analysis demonstrates that the designed protocol guarantees users receive the correct query results while resisting both external and internal attacks. Moreover, the protocol requires only simple quantum states and operations, and does not require users to bear the cost of complex quantum resources, making it feasible under current technological conditions.

Evaluation of the characteristics of ferrite garnet films for magneto-optical control of materials

A setup based on a polarization microscope was developed to study the characteristics of two types of ferrite-garnet films with the chemical composition Lu1.51Ho0.56Bi0.93Fe4.1Al0.9O12. The parameters of the hysteresis loop, values of residual magnetization, and the saturation field of the studied films were determined experimentally. The domain structure period was estab-lished, and a compact device for visualizing defects in steel samples was created. Using this device, a series of experiments were conducted on test samples with cracks of various sizes, and magneto-optical images of the cracks were obtained. The hysteresis loop of the two types of ferrite-garnet films was constructed in the “magnetiza-tion coefficient-magnetic field induction” coordinates. The magnetization coefficient was cal-culated based on the relative change in the area of bright and dark domains when the external magnetic field, directed perpendicular to the film plane, was varied. The efficiency of using two types of films, grown under different technological conditions but having the same chemical composition, in non-destructive testing methods was analyzed. It was found that the investigated films had the same domain period, but their residual magnetization and saturation field values varied significantly. Diagrams of the experimental setup and the developed device, as well as the characteristics of some of their components, are presented. To generate the magnetic field in the test samples, a coil wound on a U-shaped ferrite core was used, pressed against the sample surface on the opposite side relative to the crack location. The experiments were conducted under constant magnetic fields of varying intensity. The device was tested on specially prepared test samples with pre-grown cracks of known sizes. The tests demonstrated that films with higher residual magnetization and saturation field values were more sensitive to detecting defects such as enclosed cracks.

Investigating the adoption of building information modeling of small-medium sized organizations in the construction industry: from a configuration perspective

ABSTRACT Building Information Modeling (BIM) is considered to be one of the most promising innovations in the construction industry, and the building industry is beginning to use and benefit from it. However, the full adoption of BIM in the construction industry is still challenging as small and medium-sized organizations (SMOs) are lagging in BIM adoption. Although existing studies have explored many influencing factors of BIM adoption, most of them are focused on a single relationship and cannot explain why certain factor that works for one organization fails in others. This study aims to respond to the research gap in previous studies on BIM adoption in SMOs by highlighting the importance of the combination of influencing factors rather than single correlations, thereby clarifying the realization mechanisms of BIM adoption in SMOs. Using the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach and fsQCA3.0, this study connects the factors from technological, organizational, and environmental aspects under the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, five configurations leading to the high BIM adoption and two configurations leading to the low BIM adoption are identified with 36 SMO cases through the configurational lens. As one of the earliest attempts to investigate SMOs’ BIM adoption decisions using the QCA method, this study expects to offer a holistic understanding of BIM adoption in SMOs and contribute to the full BIM diffusion in the construction industry by providing valuable suggestions to industry practitioners. Highlights BIM adoption in SMOs results from a combination of technological, organizational, and environmental conditions, and no necessary conditions lead to BIM adoption behavior. More than one configuration is leading to high or low BIM adoption in SMOs. Under specific contexts, BIM capability can substitute for financial capability, while financial capability will substitute for government pressure. When conditions are missing on both the technological and organizational aspects, government or market pressure alone cannot lead to BIM adoption behavior in SMOs.

Extraction of gold from gravity-flotation concentrates via surfactant and oxidation reagents

The focus of this work is to establish a hydrometallurgical technique for efficiently extracting gold from the aggregated gold-rich concentrate produced by a mining facility in one of Kazakhstan's deposits. The leaching techniques applied to gravity-flotation concentrates include hydrometallurgical gold recovery processes using the surfactant sulfanol and the oxidizing reagent trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA). The findings indicate the effectiveness of leaching gravity-flotation concentrates with oxidizing (accelerating) reagents. Gold extraction through cyanidation of the blended concentrate, ground to 89–90% passing 10 µm with TCCA, averaged 84.0%, compared to 65.76–67.8% with conventional direct cyanidation. The advantage of employing chlorine-based oxidants, such as TCCA, in hydrometallurgical processing lies in their applicability in both acidic and alkaline environments, whereas other oxidants are constrained by specific technological conditions. Technical trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), a chlorine-containing oxidizer with the formula C3O3N3Cl3, containing 25–30% calcium hypochlorite as an impurity, proved to be the most effective in enhancing gold leaching techniques. Apart from improving the efficiency of the leaching process, the use of TCCA is economically viable. The wholesale cost of technical TCCA is ~ $700 per ton, significantly lower than many other oxidants commonly used in gold hydrometallurgical production. With its higher active chlorine content, TCCA consumption per ton of gold-bearing raw material is nearly half that of hypochlorite or peroxide. Additionally, TCCA use minimizes the formation of unwanted impurities in both the pulp and the productive solution.

Analysis of Variability of Water Quality Indicators in the Municipality Water Supply System—A Case Study

This study investigated the variability of water quality indicators in four municipal water distribution systems near a medium-sized city. Despite the proximity of water intakes, water quality in different distribution systems can vary significantly due to local factors such as infrastructure conditions, treatment technology, and specific environmental conditions affecting water in each water supply network. Water samples were collected from multiple points in each system and analyzed for physicochemical properties. The results showed significant differences in total carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and ammonium nitrogen, indicating variability in water quality between systems. These results emphasize the need for integrated management strategies, innovative technologies, and real-time monitoring to maintain water quality. The study also highlights challenges such as aging infrastructure, pollution, and financial constraints in managing water supplies.

Effect of SiC particles on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix composite brazed joint

The impact of SiC particles on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture morphology of magnesium alloy brazed joints was investigated. The brazing experiments of AZ91+AZ91, AZ91+SiCp/AZ91, and SiCp/AZ91+SiCp/AZ91 were carried out under the same technological conditions by using the self-designed special filler metal for magnesium matrix composites. The impact of SiC particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of brazed joints was analyzed. The addition of Ti can effectively enhance the wettability of filler metal on SiC particles. The shear strength of SiCp/AZ91+SiCp/AZ91 joints is 76.0MPa. The shear strength of the joint is 43.4% higher than that of AZ91+ AZ91.

Piecewise-linear MILP optimization for energy system design onboard hybrid ships

Abstract In recent decades the share of GHG (Green House Gases) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), and local pollutants as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulphur oxides (SOx) produced by shipping has significantly increased. In the case of CO2, the IMO (International Maritime Organization) has estimated that emissions will increase by a range of 90-130% in 2050 as compared to 2008. In this scope, penetration of new technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BES) can reduce the share of emissions, giving more flexibility to the ship’s system. In this work, an optimization algorithm based on Mixed-Integer-Linear-Programming (MILP) approach has been developed to define the best environmentally sustainable technology mix to be installed on board. The model is based on Demand-Driven optimization, where the main goal is to satisfy electrical and thermal energy demand, which is achieved by using linear constraints. The objective function is defined to minimize on-board energy production costs considering the CAPEX and OPEX of each technology, choosing the best technology mix and giving the schedule of working conditions for each installed technology. The non linearity of the components’ characteristic curves is tackled through piecewise-linearization approach. In this way, the algorithm can optimize the real operating conditions for technologies with higher accuracy of partial load conditions. The case study is based on real energy demand profiles of a cruise ship sailing between Stockholm and the island of Åland, in the Baltic Sea.

Crystallization and Optical Behaviour of Nanocomposite Sol-Gel TiO2:Ag Films.

Sol-gel spin coating method was employed for depositing TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 films. The effects of Ag doping and the annealing temperatures (300-600 °C) were studied with respect to their structural, morphological, vibrational, and optical properties. Field Emission Scanning Electron microscopy (FESEM) investigation exhibited the grained, compact structures of TiO2-based films. Ag incorporation resulted in a rougher film surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the formation of Ag nanoparticles and AgO phase, along with anatase and rutile TiO2, strongly depending on Ag concentration and technological conditions. AgO fraction diminished after high temperature annealing above 500 °C. The vibrational properties were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was found that silver presence induced changes in IR bands of TiO2 films. UV-VIS spectroscopy revealed that the embedment of Ag NPs in titania matrix resulted in higher absorbance across the visible spectral range due to local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Ag doping reduced the optical band gap of sol-gel TiO2 films. The optical and plasmonic modifications of TiO2:Ag thin films by the number of layers and different technological conditions (thermal and UV treatment) are discussed.

Feasibility Study of Snail Farming in Indonesia

This study evaluates the economic feasibility of snail cultivation in Indonesia by analyzing the impact of market demand, cultivation technology, and environmental conditions. A quantitative approach was employed, surveying 150 respondents using a Likert scale (1-5), with data analyzed via SPSS version 26. The results reveal that market demand is the most significant factor influencing economic feasibility, followed by cultivation technology and environmental conditions. All three variables positively and significantly affect the viability of snail farming. These findings suggest that increasing market demand, adopting modern farming technologies, and maintaining favorable environmental conditions are essential for promoting snail cultivation in Indonesia. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and farmers interested in developing snail farming as a sustainable agricultural business.

Penerapan Inovasi Teknologi dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Tangkapan Ikan bagi Nelayan di KUB Bugel

Service activities were conducted in the Bugel Peni II and III Joint Business Group (KUB) in Bugel Village, Kulonprogo Regency. Fishermen who join this group often do not get maximum catches because they face various obstacles, such as limited technology and unpredictable weather conditions. This community service aims to provide portable FAD innovations and determine the success of using portable FADs in fishermen's catches. Portable FADs are proposed for this service activity to provide a solution to minimize losses due to these obstacles. Portable FADs are an innovation that stimulates fish behavioral responses using sound waves with a specific frequency on an attractor, developing from the concept of conventional FADs. The implementation method begins with outreach to fishermen in the Bugel Peni II and III Joint Business Group (KUB) regarding the concept and benefits of portable FADs. Practical training was carried out on the installation and use of these tools and education regarding their positive impact on fish catches. In addition, data collection was carried out through direct observations in the field to understand fish responses to portable FADs. The positive impact of this service activity is that the application of portable FADs provides in-depth insight into the urgency of using technology to increase fish catches by fishermen. Apart from that, this service activity also provides important insight regarding the natural factors fishermen face in implementing portable FADs, such as weather uncertainty, increasingly scarce fish resources, and natural conditions, namely high waves, which are the main obstacles in achieving the expected results.

Automation of the Oil Extraction Process Performed by Means of A Screw Press

Abstract The continuous development of the oil-manufacturing industries causes the necessity of improving extraction technologies. In this case, the specific interest is focused on the control systems of screw presses. Among a great variety of such machines, the small household presses are in significant demand among consumers. Various seeds and kernels require different technological conditions to be provided in order to maximize the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the extracted oil. Therefore, the main objective of this research is developing and testing the control system allowing for automation of the oil extraction process. Particularly, the temperature parameters of the pressing chamber, extracted oil, and electric motor are to be monitored and limited. In addition, the consumer should be able to predefine the mass of the oil to be extracted. Considering the small household screw press LiangTai LTP200, the general algorithm (block diagram) of the control system operation is proposed and the corresponding experimental prototype is developed. The latter is based on the Arduino Mega microcontroller and is equipped with three temperature sensors, two coolers (fans), one heater, and one mass sensor. The proposed control system allows for continuous monitoring and limiting of the pressing chamber, oil, and electric motor temperatures, as well as the mass of the extracted oil. The experimental data show that the pressing chamber preheating process lasts for about 3 min (170…190 s) and its maximal temperature does not exceed 44°C. The temperature of the extracted oil does not rise over 61°C. The motor temperature changes within the range of 69...71°C. The oil extraction productivity is as follows: 1.2 kg/h (sunflower seeds), 1.06 kg/h (walnut kernels), 0.9 kg/h (almond kernels), and 0.78 kg/h (peanut kernels). The obtained results can used in further investigations focused on analyzing the influence of these parameters on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the extracted oil.

Negative impact of vibration on process pipelines of a compressor station with electrically driven gas pumping units

Relevance. In gas industry, the amount of equipment that has outlived its intended service life is increasing every year. In accordance with the law “On Industrial Safety of Hazardous Production Facilities,” compressor stations are dangerous objects, the reliable operation of which largely determines the condition of main gas pipelines. Technological pipelines of a compressor station are important objects of this system. They are subject to strict requirements due to the action of static and dynamic loads on them. Reliability of compressor stations is based on the results of a study of the condition of the object and the main factors affecting increased wear of equipment. The solution to wear problem is timely monitoring of equipment, in particular level measurement and determining the causes of pipeline vibrations using vibration diagnostics methods, and frequency and modal analysis methods. Aim. To study the causes of increased dynamic loads on the technological piping that arise during the operation of electric and gas pumping units at a compressor station using vibration monitoring methods. Methods. Vibration monitoring methods to analyze the causes of increased vibration values in the process piping of a compressor station with an electric gas pumping unit. Results and conclusions. The authors have measured vibration in a wide frequency band and assessed the technological condition of the main equipment of the compressor station with EGPA-6.3/8200-56/1.44-R based on the regulatory documentation STO Gazprom 2-2.3-324-2009. The main frequencies of the root-mean-square value of the vibration velocity, at which the highest vibration values were observed, were identified, and a modal analysis was performed using ANSYS software. Based on the results of natural studies and modal analysis, it was concluded about the occurrence of resonant high-frequency oscillations, multiple of the rotor rotation frequency.

Capture and in-situ conversion of low-concentration CO2 over robust poly(ionic liquid)@porous carbon nanocomposites under green, co-catalyst- and solvent-free conditions

The development of advanced materials with dual functionalities for the capture of low-concentration CO2 and its in-situ conversion into value-added chemicals under mild and green conditions holds significant practical importance. In this study, we present a facile pyrolysis of fluid precursors followed by an in-situ polymerization strategy for preparing poly(ionic liquid)@porous carbon nanocomposites (PIL-Brx@Zn-CTM), which possess multiple active sites including Lewis acidic Zn2+, Lewis basic N, and nucleophilic Br– groups. Subsequently, we investigate their potential application in the efficient capture and conversion of low-concentration CO2 into cyclic carbonates. The influence of PIL-Brx@Zn-CTM structures and technological conditions on the cycloaddition reaction between low-concentration CO2 (15 % CO2 and 85 % N2) and epichlorohydrin was examined. The PIL-Br1.0@Zn-CTM nanocomposite was determined to be the most suitable catalyst, resulting in a 94 % yield of chloropropene carbonate with 99 % selectivity under mild, co-catalyst-, and solvent-free conditions. Furthermore, the reusability of PIL-Br1.0@Zn-CTM and its substrate scope were investigated. The PIL-Br1.0@Zn-CTM exhibited sustained high activity without a significant decrease after seven cycles of reuse, and it also demonstrated excellent catalytic activity for cycloaddition reactions involving low-concentration CO2 with various substituted epoxides. Finally, a mechanism for the cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by the PIL-Brx@Zn-CTM nanocomposite was proposed.

Maintaining Agricultural Production Profitability—A Simulation Approach to Wheat Market Dynamics

Profitability is a complex notion, intertwined with theoretical, socio-economic, and modern economic considerations. While traditionally linked to monopoly advantages, contemporary views broaden this to include shareholder value creation. In agriculture, profitability faces impediments such as rising input costs, market volatility, and economic disparities, emphasizing technological innovation, market conditions, and policy as crucial determinants. This study presents an econometric simulation model to analyze and forecast wheat production profitability in Poland from 2023 to 2027, providing insights into production efficiencies, market dynamics, and policy impacts. Using a system of recursive equations, the model forecasts profitability, integrating econometric techniques with expert insights. It examines variables like resource use, production levels, and price changes, validated through FADN data. The findings reveal that price relations and production efficiencies are the key to profitability. The model highlights market volatility, particularly through “price scissors”, as the main factor influencing profitability. Favorable price conditions significantly boost profitability and incentivize production. The model is a critical tool for analyzing wheat profitability, highlighting the influence of market and policy changes. Future work could extend the model’s use to other regions or crops, incorporating advanced technologies to improve accuracy. This study offers valuable insights for agricultural economics, aiding stakeholders in strategic decision-making.

A hybrid approach to investigating major management factors for effective highway preventive maintenance

To resolve the problem of the low management capacity of highway preventive maintenance (HPM), this paper identified and evaluated the major HPM management factors to improve management effectiveness and achieve sustainable highway development. The study conducted a literature review and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the major HPM management factors. Social network analysis (SNA) was used to distinguish the degree of importance of these factors. A system dynamics (SD) model was developed to explore their patterns of influence. The research identified six dimensions of HPM management, including the management system, management resources, management cognition, management decisions, management technology, and external conditions, along with 26 major management factors. Moreover, information acquisition, system perfection, etc., are key factors; system execution, manager capability, etc., are hub factors; and route selection, machinery allocation, etc., are non-key factors. These factors have a positive impact on HPM management, leading to an upward trend in management effectiveness. The main innovation provided a hybrid and comprehensive approach to identify and evaluate the major management factors for effective HPM. This study can guide managers in developing effective HPM plans, allocating resources more efficiently, improving the overall quality of highway maintenance and forming a sustainable transportation system.