Domain Area Research Articles

Solar absorptivity analysis of nanostructure perovskite solar cell

Perovskite solar cell is a promising alternative to silicon solar cells; it is cheaper and more environmentally friendly to fabricate with comparable power conversion efficiency. This research investigated the enhancement of the solar absorptivity of a planar structure perovskite solar cell by implementing various nanostructures. Four different glass nanostructure architectures, including nanocone, nanopyramid, nanotube, and nanorod placed at the initial top layer of the cell, were simulated using the three-dimensional finite element method. We studied the effects of nanostructure architecture's varying height and domain area on solar absorptivity. The result showed that the tapered shapes had higher solar absorptivity with increased height. The nanocone with a domain area of 300 nm × 300 nm at the tallest height of 200 nm had the most significant solar absorptivity enhancement with 407 W/m2 of integrated irradiance, 3.3% higher compared to the planar structure. In addition, the analysis of integrated irradiance using AM 1.5 G of different nanocone domain areas revealed various local maxima and minima. These findings suggest an alternative design option to increase efficiency without texturing the active perovskite cell layer.

ANALYSIS OF UNIVERSITY HELPDESK INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GOVERNANCE USING COBIT 2019 AND FUZZY AHP

University Helpdesk as an information system service provider provided by PTIPD University assists students, staff, and lecturers in solving problems using information systems and networks, as well as updating information online and offline. Based on the Regulation Minister of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2013 to improve the quality of university delivery and services, and GUG (Good University Governance) implementation, governance framework is needed to align the vision, mission, and objectives. IT governance framework covering management, operational, maintenance, monitoring, and evaluation processes. The analysis of IT governance with COBIT 2019 resulted in the preparation of recommendations based on the mapping of the domain (area) of the 2019 COBIT design factors. These recommendations are needed for an analysis of the maturity level of PTIPD university helpdesk information technology governance. The research data were taken from annual reports and Key Performance Indicators, observations, and interviews. Based on Design Factors 1-11 to determine domain area, the result is needing improved governance perspective APO12-Managed Risk and DSS05-Managed Security Services. The focus area is risk management and service security management in terms of data and information. The expected ability level is at level 4, while the current ability level analysis is at level 2, the gap level analysis is 2 levels different. The result is to get 12 recommendations and 2 main recommendations using the Fuzzy-AHP method based on the weighting of the criteria of Regulation number 12 of 2012 the management of information technology in university.

Review on optimization techniques used for smart grid

Smart grids provide many benefits to the technological era, although they need to be optimized. The smart grid uses many optimizing methods to save energy, reduce costs, and address security issues in the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy in each domain area. The smart grid can be optimized by controlling cost minimization, distribution side, energy management, protection systems, and so on. This paper studies the optimization techniques used in the smart grid demand sector (Heuristics and Meta heuristics). The demand side management of the grid operations are clearly explained with its protection systems and control techniques. Among all the control methodologies and analysis smart meter-based systems are delivers high output rather than others.

Evidence-based cognitive retraining in elderly depressives

Background: Aging is a normal biological process, and its dynamic changes are beyond the control of human beings. The role of depression, fear, and anxiety in old age is preoccupied with unhappy thoughts, and loneliness leads to early deterioration in their cognitive performance which makes it difficult to perform daily activities and hence affects their quality of life. Aim: The present study was done to assess the effectiveness of cognitive retraining in elderly depressives and its effect on their quality of life. Materials and Methods: The study was done on a sample of 20 depressive elderly patients with an age range above 60 years diagnosed with ICD-10 criteria. The study was pre- and post-intervention, and the sampling method was purposive. Firstly to screen handedness, Annet's hand preference battery was used, to assess the depression in elderly, the geriatric depression scale was done, and for attention and memory, Digit Span Test (WAIS-R) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) were administered, respectively. WHO-QOL BREF was done to know the quality of life of the patient. After preassessment, cognitive retraining tasks were introduced to the patients. A total of 15 sessions were taken within three months of follow-up and after that to evaluate the efficacy of an outcome of the cognitive retraining, post-assessment was done. Results: Improvement was noticed in elderly depressive patients in the area of cognitive domain, i.e., attention, recognition, shifting, fixedness, recall, and planning which showed improvement in quality of life and daily activities. Conclusion: In the remediation of cognitive deficits, cognitive retraining plays a very important role, and it helps the elderly population to live their life healthily and hence enhance their coping skills.

Uncovering structural bias in population-based optimization algorithms: A theoretical and simulation-based analysis of the Generalized Signature Test

Population-based optimization algorithms are popular tools for optimization, influenced by two interactive factors: landscape bias, which guides the population toward better objective function values, and structural bias, which directs the population to a specific location in the search domain. Structural bias can impede the exploration of algorithms, compelling the population to revisit a particular area of the search domain, which leads to increased computing costs without yielding any new information. In this study, we present a comprehensive survey of structural bias. Identifying this bias in a general algorithm is challenging. We propose the ‘Generalized Signature Test’ as a methodology to detect and analyze the structural bias in population-based optimization algorithms. Numerical simulations are performed using six well-known metaheuristic algorithms: Genetic Algorithm, Differential Evolution, Particle Swarm Optimization, Grey Wolf Optimizer, Whale Optimization Algorithm, and Harris Hawks Optimization. Experimental results suggest that Differential Evolution displays the least bias toward the center of the search domain, whereas the Harris Hawks Optimization exhibits a significant axial-diagonal bias toward the origin. Our findings indicate that the proposed method is both efficient and straightforward for assessing algorithmic structural bias. The Generalized Signature Test provides an in-depth analysis and understanding of biases, tailor-made for thorough bias behavior investigations. The Generalized Signature Test can identify bias in established algorithms and evaluate bias in emerging algorithms at their early development stages.

Detection of surface moving heat source using experimental temperature measurements on the opposite surface and inverse techniques

The identification of mobile sources is a widely researched area in multiple scientific and technical domains. Detecting mobile heat sources is an essential task in different fields, including fire safety, environmental monitoring, material science, and energy systems. In this investigation, we present an innovative solution to solve the inverse problem of detecting mobile heat sources, utilizing a three-dimensional transient inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP) formulation. The goal is to identify a moving heat source from thermographic infrared measurements of the rear face. The proposed method includes a finite volume approach with model reduction techniques to improve computational efficiency. Additionally, we use the conjugate gradient method to solve the inverse problem. We verified the proposed approach by conducting experiments on a metal plate with a moving heat source from a laser and comparing recalculated temperature of the front face with thermocouple measurements. Our results indicate that our method can detect the location and trajectory of the mobile heat source with high accuracy and efficiency. This study also highlighted the limits of source speed that can be detected by this method. This technique could be considered as an excellent option for real-time monitoring of mobile heat sources in practical applications.

Exploring the Use of Immersive Technologies to Enhance the Student Experience

This paper reports on the initial phase of a National Forum funded Learning Enhancement Project (LEP), under the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) funding stream. The purpose of the LEP is to explore the use of immersive technologies such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and 360o Learning in three key domain areas within one higher education institution in Ireland. While significant research has been conducted into the use of these technologies in training and business contexts, the application and use in higher education is still scarce. Radianti et al. (2020) suggest that while the use of virtual reality in higher education is promising, it is still quite experimental and focuses more on performance and usability than learning-oriented applications. Augmented Reality has been used in areas such as teacher education (Sáez-López, 2020) and EFL (Arkhipova, 2022) but is also largely experimental. Together with Mixed Reality and 360-degree Learning, these technologies have the potential to offer students a more immersive learning experience. Three domain areas are involved in this project: Online Learning; the university library; and the academic discipline of Business Tourism. It is envisaged that based on their expertise and experience team members will trial at least two of the immersive technologies with their students during the academic year 2023-2024. Engaging the students in the research will foster a partnership approach and provide an understanding of how this new approach to learning benefits the students but will also reveal the challenges associated with introducing new technologies.

PDS-MAR: a fine-grained projection-domain segmentation-based metal artifact reduction method for intraoperative CBCT images with guidewires

Objective. Since the invention of modern Computed Tomography (CT) systems, metal artifacts have been a persistent problem. Due to increased scattering, amplified noise, and limited-angle projection data collection, it is more difficult to suppress metal artifacts in cone-beam CT, limiting its use in human- and robot-assisted spine surgeries where metallic guidewires and screws are commonly used. Approach. To solve this problem, we present a fine-grained projection-domain segmentation-based metal artifact reduction (MAR) method termed PDS-MAR, in which metal traces are augmented and segmented in the projection domain before being inpainted using triangular interpolation. In addition, a metal reconstruction phase is proposed to restore metal areas in the image domain. Main results. The proposed method is tested on both digital phantom data and real scanned cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data. It achieves much-improved quantitative results in both metal segmentation and artifact reduction in our phantom study. The results on real scanned data also show the superiority of this method. Significance. The concept of projection-domain metal segmentation would advance MAR techniques in CBCT and has the potential to push forward the use of intraoperative CBCT in human-handed and robotic-assisted minimal invasive spine surgeries.

Model of a post-caldera volcano-hosted and vapor-dominated system through a numerical simulation study of the Bedugul geothermal field, Bali Island, Indonesia

To significantly increase the use of geothermal resources, describing geothermal systems in post-calderas is essential because this type of system is infrequent and has not yet been thoroughly researched. The Bedugul geothermal field (BGF), Bali Island, Indonesia, is a representative system with a complex structure composed of a vapor-dominated zone formed above a deep liquid reservoir. This study examines the BGF system and updates a conceptual model, particularly the fluid flow and heat transfer in the reservoir. A dual-porosity model and TOUGH2 EOS1 equation of state for water and steam module are used to simulate natural state conditions, including calderas with a domain area of 148.8 km2 and a thickness of 3.3 km. The BGF model was calibrated using the available geosciences data, temperature core holes and deep explorations wells and then evaluated statistically. A reliable natural state model with decent accuracy was obtained by optimizing the parameter calibration of the physical and structural properties of the reservoir model; the anisotropic and heterogeneous fracture permeability distribution and specific boundary conditions are crucial to the calculation accuracy. The BGF model reveals hot hydrostatic liquid, vapor-dominated, and transition zones and an overpressured liquid domain that is specific to a vapor-dominated geothermal system overlying a liquid reservoir. Occurrence of counterflow is also a noted feature in the vapor-dominated zone. Because of the high pressure in the steam zone, around 47 bar at a near-saturation temperature of 260 °C, the BGF is characterized as a premature field of a vapor-dominated system.

Automated interpretation of comparison scores for firearm toolmarks on cartridge case primers

An automated approach for evaluating the strength of the evidence of firearm toolmark comparison results is presented for a common source scenario. First, comparison scores are derived describing the similarity of marks typically encountered on the primer of fired cartridge cases: aperture shear striations as well as breechface and firing pin impressions. Subsequently, these scores are interpreted using reference distributions of comparison scores obtained for representative known matching (KM) and known non-matching (KNM) ballistic samples in a common source, score-based likelihood ratio (LR) system. We study various alternatives to set up such an LR system and compare them using qualitative and quantitative criteria known from the literature. As an example, results are applied to establish a system suitable for a firearm-ammunition combination often encountered in casework: Glock firearms with Fiocchi nickel primer ammunition. The system outputs an LR and a measure of LR uncertainty. The range of possible LR-values is limited to a minimum and maximum value in areas of the score domain with little reference data. Finally, the feasibility of combining LRs of different mark types into one LR for the entire primer is assessed. For the distribution models considered in this paper, different modeling approaches are optimal for different types of similarity scores. For the chosen firearm-ammunition combination, non-parametric Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) models perform best for similarity scores based on the correlation coefficient, whereas parametric models perform best for the Congruent Matching Cells (CMC) scores, assuming binomial and beta-binomial models for KM and KNM score distributions respectively. Finally, it is demonstrated that individual LRs of different mark types can be combined into one LR, to interpret a set of different marks on the primer as a whole.

Effects of the closed domain area on the dynamics of a closed flexible filament behind a rigid plate

In this study, the effects of the closed domain area on the dynamics of a coupling system consisting of a plate and a flexible filament were investigated. Numerical simulations were performed utilizing the immersed boundary method and a penalty method was adopted to conserve the closed domain area. The drag variation was investigated across various length ratio (Lr) and area reduction (Ar), and the maximum drag reduction of 30.26% was achieved at Lr=2.0 and Ar=0%. For a small area reduction like Ar≤10%, the drag of the system with Lr<1.75 was lower than that of a fully filled state, but it had a significant increase because of vortex shedding variation for Lr≥1.75. When Ar exceeded 30%, the system drag closely approached that of the bare plate. Furthermore, the maximum width of the shape envelope was employed to renormalize the drag and considered to roughly estimate drag. In addition, the effects of the bending coefficient (γ) on filament shapes were concluded. For γ<0.01, the filament was closer to the plate as Ar increased. However, for γ≥0.01, the filament globally bent and flapped like an elastic rod for high Ar avoiding the occurrence of large curvature.

The role of food production in planning for open space: post-war planning of the rural–urban fringes of Copenhagen and Brussels

ABSTRACT Following the renewed attention for food production near cities, multiple concepts propose the creation of spaces for food production at the rural–urban fringe (RUF). The RUF is an area of multiple policy domains and, as a consequence, those new concepts are confronted with complexity when put into practice. Local planning history is part of the complexity as it casts shadows on contemporary planning debate and practice. This paper explores how past policies at the RUF impact the current and future policy work on spaces for local food production via comparative study of the post-war planning histories of the RUF’s in Copenhagen and Brussels. The paper addresses both policies within the urban realm, e.g. the planning of urban open spaces at the border of the city, and policies within the rural realm, e.g. the land-use rights in agricultural land and land consolidation projects. The comparative study identifies some key challenges with regards to the supply of space for local food production at the RUF in Copenhagen and the RUF in Brussels. Moreover, the paper stresses that a thorough understanding of the planning history is a prerequisite for effective food planning near the city to avoid repeating errors of the past.

Dynamic Risk Assessment in Cybersecurity: A Systematic Literature Review

Traditional information security risk assessment (RA) methodologies and standards, adopted by information security management systems and frameworks as a foundation stone towards robust environments, face many difficulties in modern environments where the threat landscape changes rapidly and new vulnerabilities are being discovered. In order to overcome this problem, dynamic risk assessment (DRA) models have been proposed to continuously and dynamically assess risks to organisational operations in (near) real time. The aim of this work is to analyse the current state of DRA models that have been proposed for cybersecurity, through a systematic literature review. The screening process led us to study 50 DRA models, categorised based on the respective primary analysis methods they used. The study provides insights into the key characteristics of these models, including the maturity level of the examined models, the domain or application area in which these models flourish, and the information they utilise in order to produce results. The aim of this work is to answer critical research questions regarding the development of dynamic risk assessment methodologies and provide insights on the already developed methods as well as future research directions.

Design, operation, and case analyses of a novel thermodynamic system combining coal-fired cogeneration and decoupled Carnot battery using CO2 as working fluid

In the context of energy transition, coal-fired power generation systems must be more efficient and flexible. This study proposed a novel thermodynamic system that combines the coal-fired cogeneration (CG) and decoupled Carnot battery (CB) using CO2 as the working fluid. The ''design-operation-case'' model and analysis framework were constructed for this novel system. In the design stage, the optimal layout and design parameters for each subsystem were determined. In the operation stage, the operating domain of the novel system was explored. Finally, the feasibility of the novel system was evaluated through a case analysis. The findings include that the optimal arrangements with the highest exergy efficiencies for the CG, heat pump, and heat engine subsystems are the recompression, recuperative, and non-recuperative layouts, respectively. After parameter optimization, the exergy efficiencies of the three subsystems reach 46.24%, 69.23%, and 54.04%, respectively. The round-trip exergy efficiency of the CB is improved by 1.41%pt after decoupling. Moreover, the operating domain factor of the CG subsystem is 0.941, which is 43.87% higher than that of the traditional steam CG system. By incorporating the general CB into the CG subsystem, the operating domain area increases by 0.379 m2, which further increases by 1.467 m2 after decoupling the CB. The novel system is ultimately proven feasible.

Enhanced gas production from silty clay hydrate reservoirs using multi-branch wells combined with multi-stage fracturing: Influence of fracture parameters

Natural gas hydrates are typically deposited in low-permeability clayey-silty sediments with low gas production. The two main methods for enhancing gas production are complex structural wells and hydraulic fracturing. However, using only one of those methods does not significantly increase gas production. Herein, a method of combined multi-branch well with multi-stage fracturing was proposed. A novel evaluation method for increased gas production under fracturing was first proposed to reveal the effects of fracturing domain area and number. Then five fracturing distribution models were designed and analyzed. Results indicate that the combined method increased the gas recovery ratio by 829.13% and the hydrate dissociation ratio by 710.34% compared to branching wells because of enlarging pressure propagation and communicating deep thermal fluids. The dissociation of hydrates is enhanced by an increase in the area and the number of fractures, but the rangeability of the increased stimulating effect declines. Different fracture distributions influence production performances at different stages. Short-term production is beneficial when fractures are in the branch well centers. Long-term gas production can be improved when fractures are mainly located at the branch distal end. This novel study has important implications for commercial exploitation at different production stages.

Do palliative care research priorities match those for its care? A journals content analysis 2021–22

Background Most international definitions of palliative care in the worlds of policy and practice emphasize the ‘holistic’ dimensions of end-of-life experience and its care. Aim To discover whether the definitions of palliative care are reflected in the field’s research priorities. Design and Setting A content analysis of two research journals, one British and the other American, is described to provide a simple indicative answer to this question. The abstracts of 609 research papers drawn from these two journals between the years 2021–22 were examined thematically. Results The categories of physical alone, physical, and psychological, and psychological alone, when combined accounted for 69% of all research reports. The broader social aspects of care, outside of communication and advance care planning, were largely unaddressed. The social domain accounted for 29%, but 78% of this figure was about advance care planning and communication. Likewise, the role of spirituality, present in most of the definitions, was under researched and under reported. Even within this context, the results were disappointing. Spiritual care accounted for only 2% of reports. Conclusion Examination of research publications of two major palliative care research journals showed a significant overemphasis on symptom management and health service delivery assessments. This significant dearth of investigation in the major areas of social and spiritual domains is a call to action for researchers, grant making bodies, researchers, ethics committees, and journal editorial teams.

On the influence of initial stress on final stress in data-calibrated numerical geomechanical models

Abstract. The prognosis of the state of stress in the subsurface can be improved by using numerical models in addition to data from stress measurements, as such models allow for consideration of variability stemming from structural complexities and an inhomogeneous distribution of rock properties. These models are generally set up in two consecutive steps. In the first step one an initial stress is established that accounts for gravity and a reasonable ratio of horizontal to vertical stress. This represents a reference stress state in the absence of tectonic stress and ensures equilibrium with gravity: i.e. no strain is produced once gravity acts. In the second step tectonic stress is included via displacement boundary conditions which induce horizontal differential stress to come up with the final stress state. Both initial stress and tectonic stress are chosen in such a way that calibration data are reproduced by the model at the locations and depths where the data were measured. We present generic models to investigate whether the choice of initial and tectonic stress affects the final state of stress in areas of the model domain where no stress data are available. We find that there is in general an ambiguity as different combinations of initial stress and tectonic stress yield the same final state of stress at the points where data are available. However, in those areas of the model domain where calibration data do not exist, these different choices of initial stress and tectonic stress produce differing results. These deviations are largest in the vicinity of lithological interfaces. We find that this ambiguity is reduced if more stress data exist, particularly in not just one lithology and at one depth. On the other hand, if more data are available, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find a combination of initial and tectonic stress to match them all. In view of the uncertainties of the data, such deviations between modelled stress and data may be expectable to some degree. However, such deviations may indicate that inelastic rock properties do play a role in some lithologies.

Transparent Reduction of Dimension with Genetic Algorithm

There are domain areas where all transformations of data must be transparent and interpretable (medicine and finance for example). Dimension reduction is an important part of a preprocessing pipeline but algorithms for it are not transparent at the current time. In this work, we provide a genetic algorithm for transparent dimension reduction of numerical data. The algorithm constructs features in a form of expression trees based on a subset of numerical features from the source data and common arithmetical operations. It is designed to maximize quality in binary classification tasks and generate features explainable by a human which achieves by using human-interpretable operations in a feature construction. Also, data transformed by the algorithm can be used in a visual analysis. The multicriterial dynamic fitness function is provided to build features with high diversity.

MORPHOSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING IN CRYSTALLINE MASSIF IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

This work addresses the morphostructural evolution of the Crystalline Massif in northeastern Brazil. Highlights as a test area the northwest of the State of Ceará, evaluating the Massif of Meruoca, as a result of the intrusion of post-tectonic granitoid from the orogenic collapse of Brazilians in the Middle Domain area Coreaú/Província Borborema. In addition, the reactivations of the Café-Ipueiras Fault and the Transbrazilian Lineament promoted morphotectonic events during the Cretaceous and Cenozoic, conditioning the elevation or exhumation of the relief. The operational procedures were divided into four stages: 1) Literature review; 2) Interpretation of SRTM images; 3) Elaboration of thematic mapping; 4) Fieldwork. The geomorphological mapping of the Meruoca Massif provided the identification of morphosculptural units classified in the 3rd taxon according to the Ross methodology (1991), denouncing the work of differential erosion on the morphing structure in the preparation of relief compartments that are individualised in the larger set of the geomorphological landscape.

High-Performance Work Systems in the Healthcare Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

This research study aims to unveil the key features of contemporary literature on high-performance work systems (HPWS) in the domain of healthcare by carrying out a systematic literature review of relevant scientific studies from existing literature published in top-rated journals (Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) listed). The article aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of theoretical foundations, concepts, level of the study, variables and recent trends in the area. The Scopus database is used to identify the scientific publications for this study. Based on the search query and inclusion &amp; exclusion criteria, the short-listing process resulted in 72 articles published between 2006 and 2021. From the short-listed articles, the authors have identified 45 relevant studies connected to the HPWS area in the healthcare domain that was published in top-rated journals listed in ABDC. The authors have systematically analysed the selected studies. A critical review of the existing literature helped gather and present details relating to the theoretical framework referred to, intervening variables, performance outcomes, methodological concerns, etc., Also, research gaps have been identified and the avenues for future research are suggested. In addition to this, the authors have conducted a bibliometric analysis to check for the domain knowledge structure, trending topics and themes of HPWS research in the healthcare industry.