External Supply Research Articles

Self‐Powered and Self‐Recoverable Multimodal Force Sensors Based on Trap State and Interfacial Electron Transfer

AbstractMulti‐dimensional force sensing that combines intensity, location, area and the like could gather a wealth of information from mechanical stimuli. Developing materials with force‐induced optical and electrical dual responses would provide unique opportunities to multi‐dimensional force sensing, with electrical signals quantifying the force amplitude and the luminescence output providing spatial distribution of force. However, the reliance on external power supply and high‐energy excitation source brings significant challenges to the applicability of multi‐dimensional force sensors. Here we reported the mechanical energy‐driven and sunlight‐activated materials with force‐induced dual responses, and investigated the underlying mechanisms of self‐sustainable force sensing. Theoretical analysis and experimental data unraveled that trap‐controlled luminescence and interfacial electron transfer play a major role in force‐induced optical and electrical output. These materials were manufactured into pressure sensor with renewable dual‐mode output for quantifying and visualization of pressures by electrical and optical output, respectively, without power supply and high‐energy irradiation. The quantification of tactile sensation and stimuli localization of mice highlighted the multi‐dimensional sensing ability of the sensor. Overall, this self‐powered pressure sensor with multimodal output provides more modalities of force sensing, poised to change the way that intelligent devices sense with the world.

Neonatal Scurvy- A Rare Case Report

Scurvy, a disease of vitamin C deficiency, is now considered as a rare disease in paediatric population. The human body is dependent on the external supply of vitamin C. The newborn infant receives this from breast milk. Therefore, infantile scurvy is generally observed only in infants over the age of three months. The occurrence of scurvy before that age is extremely rare. We described a case of neonatal scurvy in a 28 days old boy who was on parenteral nutrition for initial 10 days of age due to neonatal sepsis with perinatal asphyxia. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2022; VOL 46 (2) : 92-94

Water-assisted hydrogenation of aromatics under ambient conditions over Ru catalyst: A combined experimental and computational investigation

Conventional hydrogenation of lignin-derived compounds requires high H2 pressures and temperatures, and yet, achieving the desired conversion and selectivity remains a challenge. Herein, a novel reaction system with a ruthenium catalyst and water as a solvent is developed for the selective hydrogenation of lignin-derived aromatics to corresponding ring-saturated products under ambient conditions (room temperature, and 1 bar H2 pressure). Using a synergistic combination of catalytic experiments, advanced characterization techniques and quantum mechanical simulations, we elucidate that Ru catalyst switches its selectivity from deoxygenation in gas phase to ring hydrogenation in the condensed phase. Water partially dissociates and adsorbs on the catalyst surface as a combination of hydroxyl fragments, H atoms, and physisorbed molecules, and this is critical for Ru to flip its selectivity in the aqueous phase. Experimental results demonstrate a high conversion (>99 %) and >75 % selectivity towards the total hydrogenated products in the presence of water, corroborating the computational results in which kinetic free energy barriers for direct hydrogenation steps reduced to 70 kJ/mol and barrier for direct dehydroxylation increased from 63 kJ/mol to 202 kJ/mol in the case of phenol. Furthermore, H from dissociated water molecules is utilized in the hydrogenation and water also gets regenerated utilizing external hydrogen supply, thus acting as a shuttler for the external hydrogen.

Role of external nutrient supply in establishing host-sandalwood interactions

Sandalwood is semi root parasite plants that required host plant for water and nutrients. So, for successful sandalwood plantation, it is important to study the host parasite interactions and role of external supply of water and nutrient, both theoretically and practically. To find out long-term host species for sandalwood, a randomized block design experiment was conducted to identify the suitability of host and effect of externally supplied nutrient medium on sandalwood planted with five selected host (Alternanthera sp., Azadirachata indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Melia dubia, and Aquilaria malaccensis) and without host species. After 180 days of establishment, morphological traits were recorded and noted that plant height, collar diameter and root length was higher in Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia as compared to other host species. Significant enhancement in morphological traits was recorded with external supply of Hoagland nutrient medium. Similarly, higher shoot biomass and root biomass were noted in Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia under control as well as with externally supplied nutrient medium. While, maximum haustorial connections were formed with Dalbergia sissoo over studied host species. On the other hand physiological trait such as chlorophyll content was abundant in sandalwood grown with Dalbergia sissoo. Physiological parameters such photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate were higher in sandalwood cultivated with Dalbergia sissoo. Macronutrient such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was also higher in Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia. The results revealed that sandalwood could be grown successfully with Dalbergia sissoo and external supply of nutrients might enhance the growth and physiology of sandalwood.

Expulsion of hydrogen negative ions by the anode layer of negative space charge from Penning discharge with metal hydride cathodes

The method of expulsion of hydrogen negative ions in the axial direction by a negative space charge formed in the plasma of Penning discharge with metal hydride cathodes is discussed. The plasma is produced on hydrogen, which is stored in metal hydride cathodes and injected locally into the discharge cell without any external gas supply due to ion current impact from plasma. The process of nonequilibrium desorption resulted in high vibrational excitation of H2 molecules, which greatly increases the efficiency of H− ion production. The method of efficient expulsion of H− ions depends on the external magnetic field. At a high magnetic field, it is performed by the supply of negative electric bias of the opposite cathode, but at a low one, H− ions are pushed out by the negative space charge of the anode layer, which expands toward the axis. The impact of both methods is considered in the case of DC discharge and in pulsating regime implementation.

Non-intrusive measurements of plasma impedance in an electron-cyclotron resonance thruster

We present a general method allowing for direct measurements of the complex impedance of radio frequency devices that need to be powered by an external power supply unit, making use of a dual-directional coupler and a vector network analyzer. This method is used to measure the impedance of an operating electron-cyclotron resonance thruster, which is then calibrated using a custom triple-short calibration kit to retrieve the impedance of the plasma within the chamber. The measurements, realized without disturbing the thruster operation, show that the plasma impedance ranges between 55 and 90 Ω in resistance and between −30 and 20 Ω in reactance. An equivalent circuit model is finally discussed, aiming at estimating plasma parameters through these impedance measurements.

Water Footprint Flow and Vulnerability of China’s Provincial Energy Sector

Water and energy are mutually reinforcing elements in production and consumption activities, forming an inseparable relationship. This study, conducted at the provincial level, investigates the intricate connections between energy water footprint flow, water shortage, and water pollution. It aims to elucidate the vulnerability of provincial energy sectors to water use, fostering regional coordinated management for sustainable energy and water development. Utilizing a multi-regional input–output model, the research analyzes both the quantity and quality of water resources. The water footprint of China’s provincial energy sector is quantified and scrutinized. Furthermore, an evaluation index system is constructed based on the water footprint concept. The entropy weight TOPSIS method is then applied to assess the vulnerability of inter-provincial energy sector water footprints. The key findings are as follows: (1) The energy water footprint has shifted from water resource-deficient areas, such as the northwest, North China, and northeast, to economically developed regions with relatively abundant water resources, such as East China and South China. This reveals that the transfer of water footprints in economic activities does not entirely alleviate water shortages in China and may even exacerbate shortages in certain water-deficient areas. (2) The graywater footprint of the energy sector is significantly larger than the blue water footprint and water shortage footprint. (3) The production and supply departments of power and heat emerge as the largest contributors to the transfer of energy and water footprints from water shortage areas to water-rich areas, followed by coal mining and dressing departments. (4) Top 10 Vulnerable Provinces: Tibet, Zhejiang, Ningxia, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Henan, Hunan, Beijing, Chongqing, and Hebei are identified as the top 10 provinces vulnerable to water footprints in the energy sector. This vulnerability closely correlates with the energy sector’s dependence on water footprints and production leverage. Recommendations include optimizing the energy mix and establishing stable external water footprint supply channels for provinces with high water footprint dependence. Provinces with high production leverage are advised to accelerate innovation and application of water-saving technologies in key energy sectors, increase the utilization of clean energy, and enhance resource recycling. National government departments should focus on controlling and reducing water pollutants in the energy sector across regions, addressing water shortages by purifying water bodies and improving water quality.

Bioenergy-producing two-stage septic tank and floating wetland for onsite wastewater treatment: Circuit connection and external aeration

This study designed a two-stage, electrode-integrated septic tank-floating wetland system and assessed their pollutant removal performances under variable operational conditions. The two-stage system achieved mean organic, nitrogen, phosphorus, and coliform removal percentages of 99, 78, 99, and 97%, respectively, throughout the experimental run. The mean metals (chromium, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, iron, and manganese) removal percentages ranged between 81 and 98%. Accumulated sludge, filler media, and the hanging root mass contributed to pollutant removals by supporting physicochemical and biological pathways. The mean effluent organic concentration and coliform number across the two-stage system were 20 mg/L and 1682 CFU/100 mL, respectively, during the closed-circuit protocol, which was beneath the open-circuit-based performance profiles, i.e., 32 mg/L and 2860 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Effluent organic, nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, and coliform number ranges across the two-stage system were 9–17 mg/L, 13–24 mg/L, 1–1.5 mg/L, 0.001–0.2 mg/L, and 1410–2270 CFU/100 mL, respectively during intermittent and continuous aeration periods. The air supply rate differences influenced pollutant removal depending on the associated removal mechanisms. The non-aeration phase produced higher effluent pollutant concentrations than the aeration periods-based profiles. The overall mean power density production of the septic tank ranged between 107 and 596 mW/m3; 110 and 355 mW/m3 with the floating wetland. The bioenergy production capacity of the septic tank was positively correlated to external air supply rates. This study demonstrates the potential application of the novel bioenergy-producing septic tank-floating wetland system for wastewater treatment in decentralized areas.

Static Equivalence Method of Power Grid Based on Genetic Algorithm

When the electromagnetic transient simulation of a large-scale power grid is carried out, because the simulation is limited by the scale of simulation software, it is necessary to divide the grid into internal and external grids, and the external grid is modeled with equivalent simplification. Aiming at resolving the difficulties of the traditional grid equivalence method, such as a cumbersome calculation process and harsh calculation conditions, a static grid equivalence method based on the genetic algorithm is proposed in this paper. The method first constructs an external grid equivalence network, which includes coupling branches between boundary nodes, and each boundary node is connected to the external grid equivalence power supply through the branches. Then, the external grid equivalence model is used to establish an optimization model for solving the equivalence network parameters based on the information of the internal network, the difference of the power input from the external grid to the boundary nodes before and after equivalence is used as the objective function, and the genetic algorithm is used to realize the iterative optimization of the objective function to obtain a set of optimal post-equivalence network model parameters so that the state variables of the internal power grid before and after the equivalence are matched. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified through simulation with the CERPI36V7 node system.

Perbedaan Proses Pengadaan Barang Dan Jasa Metode Konvensional Dengan Menggunakan Jurnal Mekari Di PT. Sarana Remaja Mandiri

Procurement of Goods and Services at PT. Sarana Remaja Mandiri still use conventional systems. By using the Mekari Journal, as a procurement process in the company, it will have a significant impact on developing more efficient procurement. Organizations across all industries rely on Procurement Management expertise to source and manage relationships with external suppliers, ensuring these needed goods are obtained at the best cost. This aims to determine differences in procurement of goods and services at PT. Sarana Remaja Mandiri. The method used is the Mekari Journal, which makes it easier to document the documentation process for procurement of goods and services at PT. Sarana Remaja Mandiri. The Mekari journal will record the entire PO process that has been issued, delivery status, and payment status. Mekari Journal makes it easier for related parties in the company to access the progress of the goods and services procurement process. After analyzing and discussing the problem, the author comes to the conclusion that in the PO (purchase order) process, Jurnal Mekari helps in the efficiency process because by using this software, the procurement party only needs to enter related data such as supplier name, PO number, item name, number of items. , etc. By filling in the data in the Mekari Journal in the Purchase Order section, a PO will automatically be issued along with a template. So, companies don't need to create templates for PO documents.

Review of the feasibility of a new touch-sensitive digital display enabled by block copolymer materials

Nowadays, electronic devices are widely used, and as an important part of many electronic devices, human-computer interaction displays have a lot of room for development. At present, traditional touch displays typically incorporate materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or graphene, which have limitations such as inflexibility, average accuracy and needing external power supplies. This article describes a motion sensor without additional power supply, which is based on one-dimensional photonic crystals of interpenetrating hydrogel network block copolymer (IHN-BCP), composed of photonic crystals alternating between different layers. The article concentrates on the viability of addressing these difficulties. The result shows that Block copolymers are unique polymers consisting of two or more distinct polymer chains, with the potential to exhibit self-assembling behaviour. Due to the special properties of block copolymer, this display could have flexible substrates and detect various contact and non-contact human motions. This device can be applied to interactive screens for cell phone screens, factory equipment, and other electronic products, and can also provide a reference for the future development of flexible screens.

Harnessing overlapped temperature-salinity gradient in solar-driven interfacial seawater evaporation for efficient steam and electricity generation

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation (SIWE) offers a superb way to leverage concentrated solar heat to minimize energy dissipation during seawater desalination. It also engenders overlapped temperature-salinity gradient (TSG) between water-air interface and adjacent seawater, affording opportunities of harnessing electricity. However, the efficiency of conventional SIWE technologies is limited by significant challenges, including salt passivation to hinder evaporation and difficulties in exploiting overlapped TSG simultaneously. Herein, we report self-sustaining hybrid SIWE for not only sustainable seawater desalination but also efficient electricity generation from TSG. It enables spontaneous circulation of salt flux upon seawater evaporation, inducing a self-cleaning evaporative interface without salt passivation for stable steam generation. Meanwhile, this design enables spatial separation and simultaneous utilization of overlapped TSG to enhance electricity generation. These benefits render a remarkable efficiency of 90.8% in solar energy utilization, manifesting in co-generation of solar steam at a fast rate of 2.01 kg m−2 h−1 and electricity power of 1.91 W m−2 with high voltage. Directly interfacing the hybrid SIWE with seawater electrolyzer constructs a system for water-electricity-hydrogen co-generation without external electricity supply. It produces hydrogen at a rapid rate of 1.29 L h−1 m−2 and freshwater with 22 times lower Na+ concentration than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold.

Interaction between service investment and store-brand introduction in a dual-channel supply chain

This study examines service investment decisions in the context of two store brand introduction modes and the mode selection of a retailer. The research focuses on a supply chain comprised of a national brand manufacturer (NBM), an external store brand supplier (SBS), and a retailer. A national brand product (NB) is distributed to the market through both direct and retail channels. The retailer consistently offers service efforts within the retail channel and has two options for launching a store brand product (SB): producing the SB or procuring it from an external source. The findings indicate that, when the retailer has a low fixed cost and a substantial market size for one-stop consumers, the retailer internally producing its own SB is more profitable. However, when the market size for one-stop consumers and the fixed cost of producing the SB are both low, or when the retailer possesses a relatively high fixed cost, it is advisable for the retailer to procure a lower-quality SB from the SBS. Alternatively, the retailer could establish its own production facilities to launch a higher-quality SB. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the NBM consistently favors the retailer outsourcing the SB production to an external SBS. This implies that both the NBM and the retailer can achieve a “win-win” outcome when the retailer procures the SB.

Self-diagnosis of structural damage in self-powered piezoelectric composites

At present, nondestructive testing and non-self-powered structure health monitoring methods are usually used to judge the damage of fiber reinforced composites. However, these methods have some limitations due to the lack of real-time characteristics, the need for external power supply or the complex structure of sensor. In this work, the piezoelectric nanogenerator mechanism was integrated into the traditional composites to develop the piezoelectric composite with damage self-diagnosis function. The piezoelectric composites can realize structural health monitoring and damage localization without reducing the original mechanical properties. The effects of PVDF and barium titanate on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by experiments and simulations. Furthermore, the damage self-diagnosis characteristics of composites under bending load and impact load were studied. The algebraic relationship between the damage area and the open circuit voltage under impact load was established. In addition, the damage localization of composite materials is realized by designing an Application (APP). In general, this work has successfully set a precedent for the application of nanogenerator mechanism to the self-powered and self-diagnosis of composite damage, which has the potential to be used in any field related to composites, such as aerospace, etc.

Delineating the role of host plants in regulating the water and salinity stress induced changes in sandalwood roots.

The interaction of root hemi-parasite (sandalwood) with its hosts is crucial for establishing successful plantations under abiotic stresses. In the present study, we explored the best possible host for sandalwood along with its effect on sandalwood physiology in terms of water and nutrients. Interactive effects of host species (Alternanthera sp., Azadirachta indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Melia dubia, and Aquilaria malaccensis) with sandalwood were observed under eight treatments {100% best available water (BAW); 100% BAW + nutrient medium; 50% water deficit; 50% water deficit + nutrient medium; 100% saline water (ECiw 8ds/m); 100% saline water (ECiw 8ds/m) + nutrient medium; 50% water deficit + saline water (ECiw 8ds/m); and 50% water deficit + saline water (ECiw 8ds/m) + nutrient medium}. A significant change in morpho-physiological traits of sandalwood roots was observed under different stress conditions, which were slightly improved through external supply of nutrient medium. Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) and Melia dubia (Dek) seemed to be the best host plants providing better environment for sandalwood growth and development, i.e., higher plant height (59.7 and 53.68cm) and collar diameter (3.24 and 3.07mm) under stresses by maintaining water and ionic balance. Root length is an important parameter that was reduced by 27.58%, 19.22%, and 36.3% under water deficit, salinity, and combined stress of water deficit and salinity. Sandalwood grown with D. sissoo and M. dubia maintained the lowest Ψw (-1.38MPa) and Ψs (-1.47 and -1.48MPa), respectively. In addition, sandalwood cultivated with D. sissoo and A. indica had higher accumulation of soluble proteins (0.48 and 0.42mg/g) and soluble sugars (98.56 and 91.04mg/g) in their roots. Results also showed that sandalwood roots had higher K+/Na+ with compatible host, i.e., with A. indica (1.85) and D. sissoo (1.83) than other studied hosts. It was also observed that sandalwood plants could not grow and survive alone under stress conditions even with application of nutrient medium. Based on the morphological traits, it was observed that sandalwood grown with hosts, Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia, was able to tolerate stress conditions better than other studied hosts. We can further recommend growing sandalwood with D. sissoo and M. dubia as a viable option to endure adverse environmental conditions.

Dual-photoelectrode photocatalytic fuel cell-assisted self-powered biosensor: An ingenious and sensitive strategy for p53 gene detection

Self-powered sensors have the advantages of no external power supply, energy conversion in the environment and easy miniaturization, making it an attractive choice for building implantable, wearable and portable devices. However, it is difficult to sensitively detect low abundance targets owing to their poor output performance and interference from complicated settings. Herein, a new photocatalytic fuel cell-based self-powered electrochemical biosensor (PFC-SPEB) was proposed for the detection of p53 gene by combining high photocatalytic performance In2S3 and CuInS2 with magnetic nanobeads-assisted signal amplification strategy. In2S3 photoanode and CuInS2 photocathode were combined to form a dual photoelectrode system with an open-circuit potential up to 705.9 mV, which improved the photoelectric conversion efficiency by 1.4–6.9 folds compared with that of single photoelectrode system. Furthermore, the enzyme-assisted signal amplification strategy made a small number of p53 genes trigger the creation of abundant double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Finally, manganese porphyrin was inserted into dsDNA to stimulate precipitation reactions on surfaces of the photoanode, leading to a sharp drop of signal. The constructed PFC-SPEB exhibited a wide linear detection range from 10 fM to 10 nM with a low detection limit of 1.40 fM, providing new creative inspiration for constructing SPEB for bioanalysis and clinical diagnostics.

Factors Affecting Supply Chain Integration in Omni-Channel Retailing

China’s retail industry has vigorously developed an omni-channel retail strategy in the last few years. However, quantitative research on this development remains relatively scarce. This article addresses this by building a theoretical model of the relationships between internal supply chain integration, external supply chain integration and financial performance in omni-channel retailing and then verifies it by using a structural equation model to analyze 356 omni-channel retailers. The results show that in the case of omni-channel retailers, the supply chain’s internal information integration has a significant positive impact on its external information integration and that the supply chain’s internal process and internal organization integration significantly positively impact its external process and external organization integration. And it also shows the supply chain’s external information integration and external organization integration positively impact omni-channel retailers’ financial performance. However, the supply chain’s external process integration is not found to have the same effect on financial performance. This study addresses a theoretical gap in the research on the impact of supply chain integration on firm performance in omni-channel retailing. In addition, it provides suggestions about how omni-channel strategies can be effectively implemented in China’s retail industry.

Developing Egypt's defense industry from 2010 to 2023

Subject. The article deals with the balance of power in the Middle East, the dynamics of the world arms market. Objectives. The study aims to analyze the impact of the defense industry on the level of employment, assessment of prospects for cooperation between Egypt and developed countries in the field of global security. Methods. The study draws on methods of comparative, structural, and logical analysis. Results. Cooperation with economically developed countries strengthens Egypt's defense industry. The higher the country's gross domestic product, the more funds the government can allocate to the development of the defense industry. Conclusions. Despite Egypt's growing capabilities in the production of military equipment, the country's economy remains dependent on external supplies.

Self-powered photoelectric sensors based on hydrogel diodes doped with photoacid

Artificial retina requires photo-sensory units that convert light into electric signals without relying on any external power supply. Recent development on hydrogel diodes paves a new avenue for creating photo-electric signals that can be picked up by human optic nerves. Here, we report a self-powered photoelectric sensor based on hydrogel diodes doped with photoacid, which produces electric signal relying on no external power supply. The photoelectric sensor is self-powered due to the fact that the photoacid-released protons are mobilized under the influence of the built-in electric field in the hydrogel PN junction. The photo-induced open-circuit voltage reaches to 1.6 mV under 50 mW cm−2. We found that the highest electric response occurred when photoacid was presented at the cationic side of the hydrogel PN junction. A prototype consisting 9-element sensor array is prepared, and we have demonstrated its potential for spatially resolved visualization upon light irradiation.

Digital twin model with machine learning and optimization for resilient production–distribution systems under disruptions

Inspired by a real-life problem in the semiconductor industry, we introduce a novel digital twin model for a company subject to the adverse effects of unpredictable disruptions. Specifically, this company manufactures a product using a raw material provided by an external supplier, whose lead times may abruptly change due to disruptive events. The Smoothing Order-Up-To rule is adopted by the company as a replenishment policy. It is characterized by three control parameters, which must be optimized to enhance the resilience of the system. To this end, the digital twin learns from the real production–distribution data and periodically self-adjusts the replenishment parameters based on the evolution of the external environment. The digital twin architecture combines data analytics, simulation modeling, machine learning, and a metaheuristic. More specifically, an Artificial Neural Network learns from the manufacturer’s operations and generates predictive models. These are embedded in a Particle Swarm Optimization, which provides the optimal combination of the replenishment parameters. An experimental campaign was performed to demonstrate that the digital twin outperforms the traditional strategy in which the replenishment parameters are kept unchanged. The numerical results show that the digital twin strongly improves the manufacturer’s performance, in particular in terms of time-to-recover and time-to-survive, used to measure the resilience of the system subject to disruption.