Diverse Demands Research Articles

Location-Routing Optimization for Two-Echelon Cold Chain Logistics of Front Warehouses Based on a Hybrid Ant Colony Algorithm

Diverse demands have promoted the rapid development of the cold chain logistics industry. In the paper, a novel approach for calculating the comprehensive carbon emission cost was proposed and the front warehouse mode was analyzed under the background of energy conservation and emission reduction. To solve the two-echelon low-carbon location-routing problem (2E-LCLRP), a mathematical model considering operating cost, total transportation cost, fixed cost, refrigeration cost, cargo damage cost, and comprehensive carbon emission cost was proposed to determine the minimum total cost. A hybrid ant colony optimization (HACO) algorithm based on an elbow rule and an improved ant colony optimization (IACO) algorithm was proposed to solve the 2E-LCLRP. According to the elbow rule, the optimal number of front warehouses was determined and an IACO algorithm was then designed to optimize vehicle routes. An adaptive hybrid selection strategy and an optimized pheromone update mechanism were integrated into the HACO algorithm to accelerate convergence and obtain global optimal solutions. The proposed model and algorithm were verified through the case study of the 2E-LCLRP in Nanjing, China. The HACO algorithm outperformed the original ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm in terms of convergence rate and solution quality. This study provides significant insights for enhancing heuristic algorithms as well as valuable research methods. Furthermore, the results can help cold chain logistics companies in balancing economic costs and environmental benefits and address cold chain distribution of agricultural products.

Multi-protocol updating for seamless key negotiation in quantum metropolitan networks

Quantum key distribution (QKD) can provide long-term security for numerous users. Currently, quantum networks are still in the early stages of small-scale deployment, most of which can only support a single QKD protocol (QKDP). However, with the advancement of various QKDPs, a single-protocol quantum network is no longer sufficient to meet the demands of multiple users, prompting the emergence of multi-protocol quantum networks. Nevertheless, the transition from a single-protocol to a multi-protocol quantum network still faces many challenging issues, such as key negotiation interruptions due to device initialization and channel calibration during protocol updating. To address the quantum key negotiation interruption problem, we propose a seamless key negotiation oriented multi-protocol updating algorithm in this work, which can fulfill the protocol updating requests of different users in quantum metropolitan networks. Furthermore, to better improve network performance while meeting diverse user demands, we propose four heuristic algorithms for optimal QKDP recommendation, focusing on their applications for multi-protocol updating in different types of typical networks. We perform the simulations with different QKDP recommendation algorithms to analyze the impact of the cache time of the key cache area on the key negotiation interruption probability and the time resource utilization. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can reduce the key negotiation interruption probability by 77.7% while increasing the time resource utilization by 15.3% compared to no key cache area.

Analysis of demand and influencing factors for smart senior care among older adults in underdeveloped regions of western China: a case study of Lanzhou

IntroductionWith the rapid development of artificial intelligence and Internet-of-Things technology, internal support systems among families are gradually weakening, which can no longer satisfy the current demands of older adults. In this context, smart senior care has become a new development direction. However, existing studies on the demand for smart senior care are primarily concentrated in economically developed provinces and mega-cities in eastern China; their research results or conclusions may not apply to underdeveloped areas in the Western region. Therefore, our study selects Lanzhou as a representative city in an underdeveloped western region to investigate the demand of older adults for smart senior care and analyze the influencing factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 4,815 older adults from Lanzhou, China. A structured questionnaire was designed to investigate the demands of the older adults for smart senior care and analyze thie influencing factors. The Chi-square test was used for single factor analysis of each variable. The logistic regression model included the statistically significant variables to analyze factors influencing older adults’ demand for smart senior care. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAmong the surveyed older adults, 1,625 (33.75%) expressed a demand for smart senior care. The finding indicated that participants’ age, level of education, marital status, monthly income, number of children, type of endowment insurance, and knowledge of smart senior care were significantly associated with their demands for smart senior care (p < 0.05). Notably, medical care emerged as the smart senior care service with the highest demand rate (79.45%).ConclusionIn Lanzhou, older adults show a low level of knowledge but a high demand for smart senior care. Their demand is influenced by personal, family, health conditions, senior care security, and other factors. To advance smart senior care, government departments should accelerate the improvement of the laws and regulations on smart senior care while vigorously enhancing the service’s publicity to raise knowledge about it. Additionally, the service contents for smart senior care should be expanded to meet the diversified demands of older adults.

Enhancing Sustainable Urban Intermodal Systems: Simulating the Effects of Key Parameters in Integrated Ride-Pooling and Public Transport

Mobility as a service, and its associated variants, has been proposed as a method to improve the sustainability of transport systems; however, most of the approaches that have been proposed so far have been unsuccessful or have worsened the situation. The work presented in this paper investigates an intermodal system that combines a ride-pooling service with a public transport network. The system is composed of a dedicated simulator that evaluates the transport scenario and an intermodal dispatcher that optimises the service according to requests, accounting for their time windows. This intermodal approach considers trips with multiple legs, for which either ride-pooling or public transport are used. This study investigates how the batch size and the early dispatching of the last leg, supported by a vehicle reservation strategy, impact diverse demand profiles that range from single-passenger to multiple-passenger requests, while also addressing the critical aspect of fleet size. The experimental setting used in this work is the metropolitan area of Barcelona; the experimentation results yield valuable insights into the functionality of the proposed intermodal system.

Flexi-BOPI: Flexible granularity pipeline inference with Bayesian optimization for deep learning models on HMPSoC

To achieve high-throughput deep learning (DL) model inference on heterogeneous multiprocessor systems-on-chip (HMPSoC) platforms, the use of pipelining for the simultaneous utilization of multiple resources has emerged as a promising solution. Nevertheless, current research faces two primary challenges: determining the optimal pipeline partitioning granularity, which directly influences the inference performance, and addressing the high time overhead of the search algorithms. To address these challenges, we propose Flexi-BOPI, a pipeline inference method for DL models of HMPSoCs. Flexi-BOPI offers flexible pipeline partitioning granularity down to a minimum size of a single core, enhancing the performance by better adapting to the diverse computational demands of different layers in DL models. Flexi-BOPI employs a Bayesian optimization-based search algorithm to significantly reduce the search overhead. In addition, we propose a surrogate model based on the heteroscedastic Gaussian process (HGP) to address the challenge of sample noise during the evaluation process. This approach can further reduce search overhead. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves significant improvements in inference performance and search overhead compared to existing methods.

Porous polyaniline/flower-like hybrid phase MoS2/phosphorus-doped graphene ternary nanocomposite for efficient room temperature ammonia sensors

Ammonia, a ubiquitous gas with diverse industrial applications, demands reliable and cost-effective sensing technologies for monitoring and control. In this context, this study presents the development of a novel ternary nanocomposite comprised of porous polyaniline (PANI), hybrid phase molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and phosphorus-doped graphene (PGO) for the realization of highly efficient room temperature ammonia sensors. The synergistic combination of these three materials leverages their individual properties, such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and enhanced catalytic activity, to create a robust sensing platform. The PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO nanocomposites were synthesized by a combination of solvothermal processing and in-situ polymerization techniques. The morphological and structural characteristics of the PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO nanocomposites were conducted using advanced analytical techniques, that include, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET). The enhanced surface area of PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO (54.72 m2/g) compared to PANI (31.8 m2/g) has a positive impact on the sensing characteristics of PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO. The PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO nanocomposite sensor has shown sensing response values of ∼1070 %, response time of 12 s, recovery time of 30 s towards 100 ppm of NH3, and detection limit is 0.01 ppm (10 ppb). A highly linear gas response of the PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO sensor is observed in a range of 10–100 ppm ammonia concentration. The development of the PANI/1 T-2 H MoS2/PGO nanocomposite sensor aims to meet the increasing need for temperature-efficient, cost-effective, and energy-efficient gas sensing technologies that can be used in various fields including environmental monitoring and industrial safety.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF TEACHER’S EXPERIENCE AND WORKLOAD ON EMOTIONAL CONNECTION AND ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

This study explores the impact of a teacher’s experience and workload on their emotional connection and engagement within an educational institution. Drawing on extensive empirical data, the research investigates how varying levels of experience and diverse workload demands influence teachers’ emotional investment and active participation in their work environment. This study adopts a quantitative research design to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), teacher burnout, and work engagement among school teachers in the Saugor district of Madhya Pradesh. A cross-sectional survey method is used to collect data from a sample of teachers. The results indicate a significant association between emotional attachment to the institution and the level of experience among respondents. Organizations need to strike a balance, ensuring that employees are challenged but not overwhelmed. This study also adds to the growing body of literature on teacher burnout and engagement, providing significant knowledge for administrators, and educators looking to improve teacher well-being and institutional success. KEYWORDS: Teacher’s experience, Workload, Saugor, Madhya Pradesh.

Resident demand-oriented selection and spatial layout strategy for public sports facilities

In response to elevated living standards and evolving recreational values, public sports facilities have become a focal point. This study, targeting the central districts of Yiyang City across 17 neighborhoods, integrates questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and geographic information system analysis to address the diversified needs in sports infrastructure. It reveals a discrepancy characterised by uniform facility types and flawed layouts, notably in Heshan and Ziyang, that fail to satisfy the diversified demands of residents. Consequently, the research introduces a bottom-up strategy, emphasising the need for facility selections and spatial layouts informed by community needs. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of demographic factors such as age, income, and education in guiding facility placement strategies to accommodate a broad spectrum of users. By doing so, the study contributes a novel, resident-focused framework to the discourse on public sports facilities, promoting sustainable and inclusive urban sports environment development.

Industrial Park low-carbon energy system planning framework: Heat pump based energy conjugation between industry and buildings

The accelerating urbanization, rapid industrial development, and excessive consumption of fossil fuels pose survival challenges such as energy depletion and environmental degradation for humanity. In the context of industrial park development, constructing a low-carbon energy system, increasing the proportion of renewable energy, enhancing energy-level matching, and utilizing heat pumps for deep waste heat recovery are effective approaches to reduce fossil energy consumption and alleviate environmental pressures. Addressing issues such as diverse thermal flows in industrial sites, complex electricity-heat-cooling energy demands, and unclear industrial-building energy coupling mechanisms, this paper proposes a two-stage planning framework, comprising the following five steps: (1) constructing a waste heat utilization system centered around heat pumps, (2) establishing a mechanism for matching heat sources, equipment, and thermal sinks, (3) establishing an energy conversion model and energy quality quantification system, (4) optimizing waste heat utilization path allocation, and (5) conducting a system energy flow analysis. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed system achieves optimized matching of multiple heat sources and sinks in industrial and building scenarios through thermal integration, meeting diverse energy demands in the park, including electricity, cooling, and multi-grade heat. After coupling with traditional steam pipeline networks, the annual total cost and annual steam power consumption decrease by 33% and 39% respectively, with a waste heat contribution rate of up to 26% and a renewable energy penetration rate of up to 25%, and a waste heat recovery system payback period of 6 years. By establishing an energy quality quantification system and conducting multi-objective optimization considering losses and economic costs, this paper provides Pareto frontier solutions, offering references for engineering proposals. The proposed networked waste heat recovery system is characterized by low energy consumption and high economic efficiency, effectively integrating the energy characteristics of industrial parks and demonstrating engineering applicability.

Technology Updates on Plate Bending Machines with Hydraulic Systems

The swift progression of industrial technology has profoundly influenced the manufacturing sector, especially in the domain of sheet metal manipulation. Hydraulic plate bending machines hold a pivotal role in contemporary production due to their precision in shaping sheet metal components. This study aims to elevate the versatility and efficiency of hydraulic plate bending machines through innovative modifications. Key components underwent substantial alterations, including punch substitution, installation of dual punch locking plates, and integration of a pressure gauge. An evaluation ensued to determine the optimal parameters duration and force requisite for bending sheet metals ranging from 1 mm to 4 mm in thickness, aimed at assessing machinery efficacy. Test outcomes unveiled the modified machine's adeptness in accurately bending sheets of varying thicknesses, affirming its intended functionality. Moreover, the machine's enhanced adaptability allowed for seamless interchangeability of punches with diverse sizes and shapes. These empirical findings provide invaluable insights for enterprises striving to streamline manufacturing processes and boost overall productivity. Notably, this study highlights the pivotal role of technological advances in hydraulic plate bending machines, offering firms an efficient avenue to cater to diverse sheet metal shaping demands, thereby amplifying productivity and adaptability in industrial operations.

DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION PROFICIENCY: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS OF LANGUAGE COMPETENCIES

This study delves into the multifaceted nature of communication proficiency, exploring the diverse language competencies essential for effective interpersonal and professional interactions. Through a multidimensional analysis, it is being investigated how linguistic, sociolinguistic, and strategic competencies interplay to shape an individuals communicative abilities. Drawing from contemporary linguistic theories and empirical research, the study identifies key components of language proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary, pragmatics, and discourse management. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative assessments of language skills with qualitative interviews to capture nuanced insights into the participants communication strategies and challenges. Findings reveal that proficiency extends beyond mere linguistic accuracy, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness, context sensitivity, and adaptability in real-world communication scenario. The study also highlights the role of continuous practice and feedback in enhancing language skills, proposing practical frameworks for educators and learners to foster holistic communicative competence. Ultimately, this analysis underscores the need for an integrated approach to language education that prioritizes functional and adaptive use of language, preparing individuals for the dynamic and diverse communication demands of contemporary society.

Flexible wearable sensors for crop monitoring: a review.

Crops were the main source of human food, which have met the increasingly diversified demand of consumers. Sensors were used to monitor crop phenotypes and environmental information in real time, which will provide a theoretical reference for optimizing crop growth environment, resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, and improve crop yield. Compared with non-contact monitoring methods such as optical imaging and remote sensing, wearable sensing technology had higher time and spatial resolution. However, the existing crop sensors were mainly rigid mechanical structures, which were easy to cause damage to crop organs, and there were still challenges in terms of accuracy and biosafety. Emerging flexible sensors had attracted wide attention in the field of crop phenotype monitoring due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The article introduced the key technologies involved in the preparation of flexible wearable sensors from the aspects of flexible preparation materials and advanced preparation processes. The monitoring function of flexible sensors in crop growth was highlighted, including the monitoring of crop nutrient, physiological, ecological and growth environment information. The monitoring principle, performance together with pros and cons of each sensor were analyzed. Furthermore, the future opportunities and challenges of flexible wearable devices in crop monitoring were discussed in detail from the aspects of new sensing theory, sensing materials, sensing structures, wireless power supply technology and agricultural sensor network, which will provide reference for smart agricultural management system based on crop flexible sensors, and realize efficient management of agricultural production and resources.

Optimal bus service frequency setting and limited-stop operation with varying vehicle capacity limit

With the advancement of Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) technology, it becomes feasible to perceive the diverse needs of various passengers with sensory equipment, offering potential for further enhancing the quality of bus services. Vehicle capacity limit is a pivotal factor for both bus operators and passengers, wherein higher capacities are associated with increased profitability but potentially compromise passenger comfort. The significance of establishing optimal vehicle capacity limits cannot be overstated. Nevertheless, existing researches usually use a fixed vehicle capacity, neglecting the varied needs of passengers at different stations. Notably, the strong demand of elderly and long-distance travelling passengers for seating are frequently ignored. This study introduces a novel framework for determining flexible vehicle capacity limits, which considers the percentage of elderly and long-distance passengers, as informed by station-specific sensor data and historical origin-destination data. Furthermore, it optimizes bus service frequencies to minimize operational costs while enhancing the level of service offered by buses. The quality of public transportation services is improved, addressing the diverse demands of passengers.

Assessment for Learning (AFL) and its Effect on University Students Public Physical Education Program

This study aims to explore the implementation of public physical education courses in universities in western Guangdong Province, China, as well as the learning effect and feelings of students in physical education courses, so as to improve the ability of teaching public physical education courses and the physical quality of students' physical education courses. This paper used questionnaire survey and SPSS statistics to survey non-PE students from three universities in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, Results Summary:1. The demographic profile of students reveals a predominance of male freshmen, mostly below 21 years old, and primarily enrolled in arts, design, and language courses. This suggests specific implications for learning applications that ultimately enhance student outcomes. 2. Physical education courses demonstrate a high manifestation of domains related to Assessment for Learning (AFL) in teaching public physical education courses. 3. Significant differences exist in goal clarification, creative scaffolding, and process experiences, emphasizing the need for demographic evaluation to ensure inclusivity and fairness. 4. Learning effects are influenced by assessment for learning schemes, underscoring their importance in accommodating diverse demands. 5. Learning effects encompass sense of cooperation, sense of competitiveness, and psychological well-being, all crucial in accommodating authentic activities. 6. There is a close and direct association between assessment for learning and the domains of effects on learning in physical education courses, contributing to improved student performance. Recommendations: 1. Provide support for academic activities among students to enhance equity and equal opportunities, catering to diverse demographic profiles. 2. Offer training integrated with technologies to explore their potential for further development. 3. Provide varied activities designed to empower individual preferences.

Transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into muscle cells to constitute cultured meat with tunable intramuscular fat deposition

Current studies on cultured meat mainly focus on the muscle tissue reconstruction in vitro, but lack the formation of intramuscular fat, which is a crucial factor in determining taste, texture, and nutritional contents. Therefore, incorporating fat into cultured meat is of superior value. In this study, we employed the myogenic/lipogenic transdifferentiation of chicken fibroblasts in 3D to produce muscle mass and deposit fat into the same cells without the co-culture or mixture of different cells or fat substances. The immortalized chicken embryonic fibroblasts were implanted into the hydrogel scaffold, and the cell proliferation and myogenic transdifferentiation were conducted in 3D to produce the whole-cut meat mimics. Compared to 2D, cells grown in 3D matrix showed elevated myogenesis and collagen production. We further induced fat deposition in the transdifferentiated muscle cells and the triglyceride content could be manipulated to match and exceed the levels of chicken meat. The gene expression analysis indicated that both lineage-specific and multifunctional signalings could contribute to the generation of muscle/fat matrix. Overall, we were able to precisely modulate muscle, fat, and extracellular matrix contents according to balanced or specialized meat preferences. These findings provide new avenues for customized cultured meat production with desired intramuscular fat contents that can be tailored to meet the diverse demands of consumers.

Transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into muscle cells to constitute cultured meat with tunable intramuscular fat deposition.

Current studies on cultured meat mainly focus on the muscle tissue reconstruction in vitro, but lack the formation of intramuscular fat, which is a crucial factor in determining taste, texture, and nutritional contents. Therefore, incorporating fat into cultured meat is of superior value. In this study, we employed the myogenic/lipogenic transdifferentiation of chicken fibroblasts in 3D to produce muscle mass and deposit fat into the same cells without the co-culture or mixture of different cells or fat substances. The immortalized chicken embryonic fibroblasts were implanted into the hydrogel scaffold, and the cell proliferation and myogenic transdifferentiation were conducted in 3D to produce the whole-cut meat mimics. Compared to 2D, cells grown in 3D matrix showed elevated myogenesis and collagen production. We further induced fat deposition in the transdifferentiated muscle cells and the triglyceride content could be manipulated to match and exceed the levels of chicken meat. The gene expression analysis indicated that both lineage-specific and multifunctional signalings could contribute to the generation of muscle/fat matrix. Overall, we were able to precisely modulate muscle, fat, and extracellular matrix contents according to balanced or specialized meat preferences. These findings provide new avenues for customized cultured meat production with desired intramuscular fat contents that can be tailored to meet the diverse demands of consumers.

A Study of Creative Management and Innovative Strategies in the Film Production Process

With the vigorous development of the movie market and the increasingly diversified demands of the audience, the importance of creative management and innovation strategy in the process of movie production has become more and more prominent. This paper discusses the practice of creative management in the process of film production, and through systematic theoretical analysis and practical research, it reveals how to scientifically and effectively stimulate the creativity of the team, explore the creativity of the film, and transform it into highquality film content. At the same time, this paper also focuses on the application of creative strategies in the film market and film marketing production, and analyzes in detail how to enhance the popularity and market influence of the film through innovative marketing strategies, so as to attract more audiences and create higher box office revenues. Through the research of this paper, we aim to provide strong theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of the film industry, to promote the continuous development of the film industry, and to bring the audience more exciting and colorful movie works.

Embracing tensions throughout crises: The case of an Italian university hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previous research has identified some tensions that public organizations may encounter during crises. However, there remains a scarcity of research examining how public health care organizations effectively navigate these tensions to reconcile the diverse interests, needs, and demands from various stakeholders. The study seeks to shed light on the dynamics underlying the tensions experienced by public hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. It illustrates how different hospitals' actors have navigated these tensions, identifying solutions and approaches that fostered collaborative endeavors among internal and external stakeholders. The study draws on qualitative analyses of 49 semistructured interviews and the notes from two focus groups involving key informants at one of the largest university hospitals in Italy. We also rely on the verbatim transcripts from meetings involving the members of the temporary emergency team constituting the taskforce. The results highlight the tensions that emerged throughout the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and how various actors have managed them in a way to reconcile opposing forces while unleashing adaptability and creativity. Hospital managers would benefit from developing a paradoxical mindset for crisis preparedness, allowing them to embrace existing tensions and devise creative solutions to favor resilience and change.

MicroRNA169 integrates multiple factors to modulate plant growth and abiotic stress responses.

MicroRNA169 (miR169) has been implicated in multi-stress regulation in annual species such as Arabidopsis, maize and rice. However, there is a lack of experimental functional and mechanistic studies of miR169 in plants, especially in perennial species, and its impact on plant growth and development remains unexplored. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) is a C3 cool-season perennial turfgrass of significant environmental and economic importance. In this study, we generated both miR169 overexpression and knockdown transgenic creeping bentgrass lines. We found that miR169 acts as a positive regulator in abiotic stress responses but is negatively associated with plant growth and development, playing multiple critical roles in the growth and environmental adaptation of creeping bentgrass. These roles include differentiated spatial hormone accumulation patterns associated with growth and stress accommodation, elevated antioxidant activity that alleviates oxidative damage induced by stress, ion-channelling membrane components for maintaining homeostasis under saline conditions, and potential cross-talks with stress-regulating transcription factors such as AsHsfA and AsWRKYs. Our results unravel the role of miR169 in modulating plant development and stress responses in perennial grass species. This underlines the potential of manipulating miR169 to generate crop cultivars with desirable traits to meet diverse agricultural demands.

Organizing logic multiplicity in hybrid organizations: The role of organizational culture

AbstractHybrid organizations must deal with institutional complexity and find ways to manage conflicting demands in their organizational environment to engage in their required, day‐to‐day activities. The objective of this qualitative research is to elaborate on the mechanisms that hybrid organizations use to mitigate the destabilizing effects of such institutional logic multiplicity in their value creation processes. By combining value configuration analyses and the hybrid organizing concept as a theoretical background, the authors conduct a case study with 14 nonprofit microfinance organizations (MFOs) that illustrates the importance of an integrative organizational culture as a core foundation that can align and integrate social and economic demands. Successful nonprofit MFOs align competing institutional logics in a hierarchy of goals, explicitly defining their means and objectives. Independent of the type of logic multiplicity they face, they use the hierarchy to define their organizational identity and transfer it to a corresponding organizational culture that can balance diverse institutional demands. From a theoretical perspective, this study advances institutional logic approaches; it also identifies effective mechanisms hybrid organizations can use to cope with logic multiplicity by applying a value configuration perspective.