Flexible Options Research Articles

Revisiting MODFLOW's Capability to Model Flow Through Sedimentary Structures.

Sedimentary structures have unique geometries and anisotropic hydraulic conductivity, both of which control groundwater flow. Traditional finite-difference simulators (e.g., MODFLOW) have not been able to correctly represent irregular, dipping and anisotropic structures due their use of a simplified conductivity tensor, causing many modelers to turn toward finite-element codes with their sophisticated meshing capabilities. However, the release of MODFLOW 6 with its flexible discretization and multipoint flux approximation scheme prompts us to revisit its capability to compute flow through complex sedimentary structures. Through the use of a novel benchmark and case study, we show that when versions previous to MODFLOW 6 are applied to dipping structures, modeled fluxes and hence flow through the system, can be significantly over or underestimated. For example, effective conductivity for a 30° dipping layer with a 100:1 conductivity ratio is reduced to only 2% of its inputted value. We show that MODFLOW 6, with its XT3D capability and flexible discretization options is far superior to its predecessors, allowing flow through complex sedimentary structures to be simulated more accurately. However, on vertically offset grids, which have been available in all versions of MODFLOW and are often used in practice, loss of accuracy is still a concern when the vertical offset is large, that is, the dip of the sedimentary layer is steep, particularly if the layer is much more conductive than the surrounding material. The hypothesis that vertically offset grids lack sufficient hydraulic connectivity between adjacent model layers to accurately simulate the steeply dipping, highly heterogeneous case is a topic for further investigation.

Students’ True Purposes and Third Millennium Realities

Across the millennia, education has been misapplied in the service of particular magical, religious, military, ideological, empire-governing, social justice, ecological, and economic development objectives. Irrespective of how noble the intention – such as rebuilding our relationships with each other, with the planet and with technology – we do our students a serious disservice if we treat them primarily as future adults. It is primarily what they “are” rather than what they may “become” that is significant – and what policymakers should consider in the first instance. Education is not exclusively (nor even predominantly) a preparation for a career, nor for citizenship, nor for life in general, any more than going to the beach or the bowling alley or the cinema is a foundation for something else. Any more than retirement is preparation for death. Education is education. Education’s forthcoming and fundamental transformation, made necessary and possible by contemporary technology, takes full account of the tangible/virtual consciousness duality and of immediate worldwide connectivity. Learners of all ages’ essential e-lived existences necessitate and make possible an immersive educational experience that involves integrating and building upon the synergistic coexistence of the online and the face-to-face. Digital technology offers incredible potential in tertiary practice to develop relationships (though global digital interactions with other learners and teachers), curiosity (through challenging learners through Artificial Intelligence), creativity (through creating virtual reality experiences for peers), and resilience (through exposing learners to a range of learning technologies and flexible learning options): it is a vehicle for inspiring and engaging learners. But EdTech is currently characterised by vast investment, widespread hype and minimal achievement. The underlying problem is one of applying third millennium technologies in second millennium settings: driving a Formula One vehicle along ancient cart tracks; while further not applying EdTech to address learners, teachers, curriculum, governance and technology in systemic and synergistic way. Assuredly, ‘tertiary education’ involves vocational training as well as liberal education: let them live in happy harmony. In particular, the colonisation of the lecture hall or laboratory by the workplace must, it is urged, be stubbornly resisted. Undoubtedly, professional criteria must be achieved – but even future doctors, engineers, lawyers and suchlike need no longer to be led by the firm hand along carefully prescribed and meticulously supervised pathways. From secondary onwards, through tertiary and lifelong, we argue that the learner should lead. Tertiary learners should not and need not be unduly directed and restricted in the manner of second millennium novices. At this level a blend of education and training integrated with a multi-disciplinary approach and encompassing the international dimension will enable learners to plan and contribute to preparing themselves for life (and, to the extent that they may choose, work) in such proportions as they determine. Our presentation explores how tertiary education may best apply technology and creativity in order to gear itself to the contemporary imperative of universally connected students taking the lead in pursuit of their own purposes and aspirations. By such means may the world’s universities and colleges now become true and convivial 21st century settings for the fulfillment of such purposes as the learners primarily themselves may determine.

Natural Killer Cells: A Promising Kit in the Adoptive Cell Therapy Toolbox.

As an important component of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells have gained increasing attention in adoptive cell therapy for their safety and efficacious tumor-killing effect. Unlike T cells which rely on the interaction between TCRs and specific peptide-MHC complexes, NK cells are more prone to be served as "off-the-shelf" cell therapy products due to their rapid recognition and killing of tumor cells without MHC restriction. In recent years, constantly emerging sources of therapeutic NK cells have provided flexible options for cancer immunotherapy. Advanced genetic engineering techniques, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification, have yielded exciting effectiveness in enhancing NK cell specificity and cytotoxicity, improving in vivo persistence, and overcoming immunosuppressive factors derived from tumors. In this review, we highlight current advances in NK-based adoptive cell therapy, including alternative sources of NK cells for adoptive infusion, various CAR modifications that confer different targeting specificity to NK cells, multiple genetic engineering strategies to enhance NK cell function, as well as the latest clinical research on adoptive NK cell therapy.

O036 Melatonin down-scheduling: An exploration of caregiver and pharmacist perspectives towards melatonin use in school-aged children and adolescents

Abstract Background Melatonin is a widely used paediatric sleep-aid. Recent regulatory changes in Australia have widened public access to proprietary melatonin products through community pharmacies. Yet little is known about how pharmacists and caregivers have responded to these regulatory changes. This study aims to explore the impact of melatonin down-scheduling on caregivers and pharmacists. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted in a convenience sample of caregivers with school-aged children/adolescents taking melatonin, and community pharmacists/interns. Participants completed an online questionnaire and were given an option to participate in an in-depth semi-structured interview. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework Approach to identify emergent themes. Results 53 surveys were returned (caregivers, n=41; pharmacists, n=12). Caregivers (mean age=44.5±5.6; 98.0% female) reported moderate carer burden (18.8±6.8 points) and commonly cared for children (mean age=11.7±2.9) with comorbid autism spectrum disorder (n=18;43.9%) and ADHD (n=17;41.5%). Pharmacists (mean age=28.9±9.6; 71.4% female) handled 12.9±12.4 sleep-related enquires/day and received direct requests for melatonin 19.5±15.9 times/week. Preliminary analyses identified three key themes: (1) product cost and formulation availability; (2) differing safety endpoints; and (3) gaps in patient/clinical education. Caregivers and pharmacists highlighted the need for affordable proprietary products with flexible dosing options. The “naturalness” of melatonin was often conflated with long-term safety by caregivers, and lower abuse/misuse potential by pharmacists. Targeted melatonin education resources were needed for both caregivers and pharmacists. Conclusion Findings allude to the need to further refine existing educational, clinical and distribution/supply processes involved around melatonin products used in school-aged children/adolescents.

Consulting parents bereaved by childhood cancer: A qualitative study to improve bereavement services

Twelve Australian parents bereaved by childhood cancer were interviewed about their experiences of, and preferences for, bereavement support, to inform recommendations to improve bereavement care. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in five themes: Care, empathy, and connection assist with bereavement; Communication makes a difference; Early and ongoing support is desired; Gender matters when grieving the loss of a child; and The pull of peer support. Parents can be assisted through empathy, early and ongoing support, enhanced communication, peer support, and care that is inclusive of all genders. Parents in non-metropolitan areas require increased and flexible support options.

The Influence of Anticipated HIV Stigma on Health-related Behaviors, Self-rated Health, and Treatment Preferences Among People Living with HIV in East Asia

Long-acting injectable regimens for HIV treatment have been developed which are less frequent, more discreet, and more desirable for some people living with HIV (PLHIV) and may help reduce stigma-related barriers to HIV treatment. However, there is little information on the relationship between reported stigma and preference for these newer treatments. We characterized anticipated, experienced, and internalized HIV stigma and examined the associations with treatment preferences among an international sample of PLHIV. Data came from the international, web-based, cross-sectional study called “Positive Perspectives” conducted among PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years in 25 geographic locations during 2019 (n = 2389). Descriptive analyses were stratified among East Asian (n = 230) vs. non-Asian (n = 2159) participants. Results showed that prevalence of anticipated stigma was significantly higher among East Asian than non-Asian participants (72.2%[166/230] vs. 63.8%[1377/2159], p = 0.011). A significantly higher percentage of East Asian (68.7%[158/230]) than non-Asian participants (43.3%[935/2159] indicated that someone finding their HIV pills would cause them much “stress or anxiety” (p < 0.001). Actions taken by some PLHIV to prevent unwanted disclosure included restricting who they shared their HIV status with, hiding their HIV pills, or even skipping a dose altogether because of privacy concerns. Overall, 50.0%[115/230] East Asian participants believed HIV would reduce their lifespan and 43.0%[99/230] no longer planned for their old age because of HIV. Anticipated stigma was strongly associated with receptivity to non-daily regimens. Concerted efforts to reduce stigma and deliver flexible treatment options that address the unmet treatment needs of PLHIV, including confidentiality concerns, may improve their health-related quality of life.

Factors contributing to and preventing mothers of children 1-6 aged from participating in the labour market in Kazakhstan

Mothers of young children in Kazakhstan experience challenges to do paid work as the result of flaws in the state policies, motherhood penalty in the labor market and cultural barriers in the family institution. Absence of parental leave for fathers, three years unpaid maternity leave and shortage of state-subsidized childcare services reinforce traditional breadwinner family institution where women are the main caregiver and increase gender inequality. The labor market factors preventing mothers from fulfilling their fullest potential are wage gender gap, discrimination, and employers’ reluctance to hire women of reproductive age, and a lack of flexible work options. Within the family sphere, women in Kazakhstan spend three times more time on unpaid domestic work compared to men and mothers of young children are likely to have higher workload. The research aims to explore the main barriers preventing mothers of children 1-6 aged from participating in the labor market in Kazakhstan. The research applied the qualitative research method and conducted three focus group discussions among 15 mothers of young children residing in cities Almaty in Southern Kazakhstan. The results demonstrate that women face cultural and family barriers to do paid work in cosmopolitan Almaty and experience challenges to enter and remain in the labor market as a result of underdeveloped state policies and motherhood penalty in the labor market. Mothers of children 1-6 aged in Kazakhstan need sufficient number of childcare services for children aged under 3 subsidized by the state, flexible work schemes at workplace and policy incentives for fathers to take paternity leave

Geometric Design and Outcome of Transposition Flaps for Scalp Reconstruction

Background: The scalp is a unique part of the human body and various etiological factors, such as tumor extirpation, avulsion, infection, burns, or trauma, can lead to scalp defects. Primary closure, skin grafting, local flaps, tissue expansion or free tissue transfer is modalities available for scalp reconstruction. Local flap coverage is best option for full thickness loss with exposed bone. Among various local flap transposition flap is reasonable and flexible option with good outcome for scalp reconstruction.&#x0D; Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the geometric design of transposition flap for scalp reconstruction concerning the dimension of the defect and outcome the surgery.&#x0D; Methods: This was a prospective observational study, conducted in the Burn &amp; Plastic Surgery department of Rangpur medical college hospital, Rangpur and different private hospitals of Rangpur city over a period of three years from June 2018 to July 2021 through purposive sampling. All aged patients having single full thickness scalp wound with loss of pericranium were included in this study. In all cases transposition flaps were used. All the flaps were elevated through sub galeal lose areolar plane. Flap donor site was covered with split thickness skin graft taken from thigh. Surgical technique, patient factors and outcome were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: A total 50 patients were operated. The age range was 07-68 years, among them 36% patient were in the age range of 21 – 30 years. 80% patients in this series were male. In this series 64 % patients were construction and electric worker by profession. Electric burn was the main (64%) cause of soft tissue defect of scalp. The majority (46%) of the patients had a wound dimension of 51-70 cm2, smallest was (5x6) = 30cm2 and largest was (9x15) = 135cm2, indicating that extent of soft tissue defects in this series is quite extensive. 12 (24%) patients had complication and all were due to infection, seven patients had infection in flap recipient site, 2 patients had infection in flap donor site and 3 patients developed infection in skin donor site. There was no flap loss in our study.&#x0D; Conclusion: Sound knowledge of flap geometry and clear evaluation of the defect is mandatory for successful reconstruction of scalp defect. A local transposition flap with donor site skin grafting is reliable option for reconstruction of full thickness scalp defect in most instances.&#x0D; J Rang Med Col. September 2022; Vol. 7, No. 2:52-57

Medication Therapy Management: Predicting the Future?

This article discusses medication therapy management programs and how changes have evolved (or lack thereof) since their inception in 2006. In 2017, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services launched a pilot program, called the enhanced medication therapy management program, allowing specifically chosen health plans greater flexibility and enrollment options as compared to their traditional medication therapy management programs. This pilot program also incorporated a standardized coding language system with the hopes of being able to consistently evaluate the various programs and ultimately seeing a cost-savings benefit for the overall healthcare system and the patient. To date, the pilot has fallen short of this goal although another year of data is currently under review. Based on the information from the pilot program evaluation so far, it brings up a good question: what does the future of medication therapy management programs look like or what else can be done to improve outcomes and show value? A few options that could be considered include utilizing advances in technology to enhance patient engagement and/or combining other patient care programs (such as comprehensive medication management and pharmacogenomics) into existing medication therapy management programs to provide individualized patient-centered care and ultimately showing the value of such great clinical care programs led by pharmacists.

223 (PB-047) Poster - Utility Of Telephone-Based Psychological Support Among Breast Cancer Patients During Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Purpose: Telephone-based support could provide an effective and more flexible option for delivering psychological support. The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility and utility of a telephone-based psychological intervention for advanced breast cancer patients referred to palliative medicine department.

Effect of Inflation and Permitted Three-Slot Payment on Two-Warehouse Inventory System with Stock-Dependent Demand and Partial Backlogging

This study examines the effect of monetary inflation for a two-warehouse single-product inventory system, in which items are stored in a limited capacity Own Warehouse (OW) and an unlimited capacity Rental Warehouse (RW). Demand for an item is considered stock dependent. Items may deteriorate at a different constant rate in both warehouses. Shortages are allowed in the stock-out period and are partially backlogged and satisfied in the next replenishment point. The supplier permits flexible payment options for the retailer to pay the amount in three equal payments at different time points. The retailers’ preferred payment option is as follows: the first payment is prior to the replenishment point with some discount; the second payment is one-third of the total purchasing cost, which is paid at the time of the replenishment epoch; and the third payment is after the replenishment point and before the start of the next cycle, with some penalty. The influence of inflation on the cost calculation is considered, and an analytic expression for optimal minimal cost is explicitly derived from this. We performed arrived sensitivity analysis to discern the effects of the inflation and backlogging rates, as well as the effects of the discount rate on purchasing cost, and the effects of penalties upon the late payment of purchasing costs in optimizing the total cost.

Acceptability of prepayment, social solidarity and cross-subsidies in national health insurance: A mixed methods study in Western Kenya.

IntroductionMany low- and middle-income countries are attempting to finance healthcare through voluntary membership of insurance schemes. This study examined willingness to prepay for health care, social solidarity as well as the acceptability of subsidies for the poor as factors that determine enrolment in western Kenya.MethodsThis study employed a sequential mixed method design. We conducted a cross-sectional household survey (n = 1,746), in-depth household interviews (n = 36), 6 FGDs with community stakeholders and key informant interviews (n = 11) with policy makers and implementers in a single county in western Kenya. Social solidarity was defined by willingness to make contributions that would benefit people who were sicker (“risk cross-subsidization”) and poorer (“income cross-subsidization”). We also explored participants' preferences related to contribution cost structure – e.g., flat, proportional, progressive, and exemptions for the poor.ResultsOur study found high willingness to prepay for healthcare among those without insurance (87.1%) with competing priorities, low incomes, poor access, and quality of health services, lack of awareness of flexible payment options cited as barriers to enrolment. More than half of respondents expressed willingness to tolerate risk and income cross-subsidization suggesting strong social solidarity, which increased with socio-economic status (SES). Higher SES was also associated with preference for a proportional payment while lower SES with a progressive payment. Few participants, even the poor themselves, felt the poor should be exempt from any payment, due to stigma (being accused of laziness) and fear of losing power in the process of receiving care (having the right to demand care).ConclusionAlthough there was a high willingness to prepay for healthcare, numerous barriers hindered voluntary health insurance enrolment in Kenya. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering and leveraging existing social solidarity to move away from flat rate contributions to allow for fairer risk and income cross-subsidization. Finally, governments should invest in robust strategies to effectively identify subsidy beneficiaries.

Consensus of Chinese experts on product principles, quality control and clinical application of portable spirometer

Compared with the traditional laboratory spirometer, the portable spirometer has obvious advantages, e.g., small size, portability, simple operation and low cost. The portable spirometer is a supplementary instrument in the primary health institutions when the laboratory spirometer is unavailable or inapplicable. However, there is still a lack of guidance in documents regarding the application of portable spirometer in China. This consensus elaborated the specific details of portable spirometer, such as the equipment hardware, the equipment quality requirement, the operation protocols, the quality control, the clinical application and the personnel training. The portable spirometer consists of a spirometer and a computer system. Its core component is the flow sensor, which retains the core functions of the traditional spirometer, i.e., regular pulmonary function and bronchodilation test, but does not have the ability to measure the total lung volume, residual volume and diffusion capacity. In addition, the portable spirometer needs to pass the quality inspection of the national and international authorities and needs to meet the standard of ISO26782 of 2009. The quality control for a portable spirometer includes equipment quality control, process quality control and report quality control, and its technical details are consistent with the quality control requirements of the laboratory spirometer. It can be widely used for screening of respiratory diseases, epidemiological investigation and regular physical check-up, clinical trials, management of chronic respiratory diseases, and examination on the disability. The training courses for the portable spirometer contain theory and practice curriculums, mostly for primary and community healthcare workers with various and flexible options. Furthermore, the portable spirometer has integrated many high-tech technologies that surpass the similar functions in the laboratory spirometer such as intelligent data transmission, cloud database, big data management, biosensors, etc. With the development of the high-tech, portable spirometer has become more and more intelligent and diversified, and is able to greatly improve the management model for chronic respiratory diseases in the future.

Queerlit Database

This work focuses on questions of knowledge organization related to literary fiction. How can LGBTQI fictional literature become more accessible to readers and scholars? The project Queerlit Metadata Development and Searchability for LGBTQI Literary Heritage addresses this question in two ways: by the development of a thesaurus for the description of Swedish LGBTQI literature, and by building a curated bibliographical database for this material with flexible search options. Despite the community and scholarly interest in LGBTQI literature, relevant LGBTQI literature is hard to find both for readers and researchers. Subject indexing is underdeveloped for this topic, and subject headings have been historically inadequate and offensive. The paper focuses on how LGBTQI literature can be made more easily accessible through subject indexing. This will make new research possible, such as gaining overviews of the development of specific themes over time, the presence of LGBTQI literature within or outside of the literary canon or in different genres and changing ideas and perceptions concerning sexualities and gender identities. It will also accommodate user’s needs of better access to LGBTQI themed fictional literature.

Piezo-pyrophototronics-based self-powered transparent mechanoreceptor

A mechanoreceptor is a sensor in the human body used to detect signals from the environment, and it induces bodily responses via the brain. We designed a transparent mechanoreceptor using a metal-oxide heterojunction to develop the skin-adopted concept. A highly transparent device (>60%) on PET substrate is obtained using wide bandgap oxide heterostructure. These layers spontaneously provide photovoltaic power (15 μW) to operate the mechanoreceptor without an external power supply system. We show that flexible device provides fast photo response of order of µs, offers solutions ultrafast mechanoreceptor for self-powered skin application. The mechanoreceptor can also operate well above 200 Hz for future ultrafast e-skin. In addition, the photovoltaic mechanoreceptor can be developed on a flexible substrate that is compatible with skin applications such as speedy responses to stimuli (<100 µs). The transparent photovoltaic mechanoreceptor has a self-operational mode and has flexible options in human electronics. • Transparent photovoltaic (TPV) device can generate power for device operation. • Skin-adopted conception of mechanoreceptor is demonstrated with high transparency. • Mechanical sensor is capable of detecting motional variation of body. • Artificial transparent mechanoreceptor detects stimuli at self-operation mode. • Mechanoreceptor has acute and fast responses to stimuli by Piezo-pyrophototronics.

A Novel Machine Learning-Based Scheme for Spectrum Sharing in Virtualized 5G Networks

Network virtualization allows the coexistence of multiple network slices over a shared physical infrastructure, each delivering a service with own requirements in terms of quality of service, coverage, and time span. Spectrum is an expensive commodity, so it must be managed among these slices in the most efficient way. However, current spectrum sharing techniques are too rigid to address all combinations of service requirements and properly exploit the new air interface flexibility and network deployment options introduced by the Fifth Generation (5G) mobile networks. In this paper, we extend the state of the art first by proposing a novel spectrum sharing scheme that supports an unlimited number of radio networks. Second, we propose a 5G compliant novel service-based network management architecture to integrate Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for Radio Resource Management (RRM), including spectrum sharing. Finally, we propose a new three-stage ML framework that exploits forecasting, clustering and reinforcement learning algorithms to implement the proposed spectrum sharing scheme. Our proposed solution can allow an arbitrary number of 5G network slices to share spectrum more effectively and more dynamically either with each other or with other radio networks.

Beyond refill alignment: Evaluating the impact of appointment-based model

The appointment-based model (ABM) is a framework for medication synchronization (med sync) which allows improved efficiency in pharmacy operations. Refill alignment forms the foundation of med sync programs and has proven to improve medication adherence. However it is uncertain if the remaining four components of ABM including the identification and enrollment of patients, medication review and patient assessment, preparation of medications, and delivery of medications can positively impact adherence. To identify ABM core component(s) that significantly improve medication adherence and evaluate the extent to what prescription volume utilizing ABM impacts adherence. A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 68 community pharmacies. Medication adherence rates were collected for antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and oral hypoglycemic agents. Analyses were performed to determine the impact of ABM operations on adherence. Four components of ABM were associated with significant improvement in adherence. The ABM operations related to those components include patient recruitment, medication delivery, flexible payment options, documenting synchronized medications and refill date, assessing patient ability to fill medications prior to refill date, refill timelines, and inquiring about medication changes during the patient outreach call (p<0.05). While synchronizing at least 16% of a pharmacy's total prescription volume improved adherence, synchronizing at least 31% produced significant improvement across all chronic disease categories (p<0.05). Operationalization of four core components from the ABM process - identifying and enrolling patients, medication review and assessment, alignment of refills and preparation of medications - were all found to significantly improve adherence. Pharmacies wanting to improve adherence rates across chronic disease categories should aim to have a minimum of 31% of their prescription volume synchronized.

Open 5G campus networks: key drivers for 6G innovations

5G was designed to enable and unify Industrial Internet communication. Emerging 5G campus networks, in particular, provide a flexible communication infrastructure option addressing the specific needs of industry verticals regarding low latency, resilience, security, and operation models. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Edge Computing have paved the way for vendor-independent, customized, and scalable network designs for the past decade. Today, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) principles extend this architectural thinking toward an innovative and open 5G end-to-end infrastructure. 5G campus networks, in particular, might benefit from this envisaged openness. One key driver for boosting the global interest in private campus networks was the allocation of a dedicated 5G spectrum in Germany in 2019. In addition to permanent spectrum allocations for static campus network deployments, nomadic ad hoc campus network deployments using novel mechanisms, such as dynamic spectrum access and trading, also emerge. Both network types are enabled by the inherent flexibility of combining or disaggregating the desired open 5G RAN and core components in appropriate network deployments.Building upon years of experience in developing and operating 5G network cores and 5G testbeds, the authors provide an overview of the emerging global campus network market, available spectrum options, use cases for nomadic campus network deployments, and the need for open campus networks and open end-to-end technology testbeds. Utilizing the Fraunhofer FOKUS Open5GCore, the 5G Playground testbed, and the 5G+ Nomadic Node as examples, the paper sketches a blueprint for campus networks for international, applied research and development. Ending with an outlook on the evolution of campus networks, namely the transition toward higher spectrums and the integration of non-terrestrial networks, but also the adoption of more agile software principles and the deeper integration of AI/ML technologies for network control and management, it will become obvious that open campus network innovations will pave the way toward 6G.

SynErGame: Gamified Knowledge Building on Synchronizing Energy Supply and Energy Demand

Climate change is one of humanity’s biggest challenges. With reference to power grids, there is a strong need for decarbonization alongside for a substantial increase in renewable energy generation. Keeping in mind that renewable energy sources are volatile – solar and wind power are heavily weather dependent – it is necessary to ensure the balance between power generation and power demand in the European power grid at all times. Significant deviations in grid frequency or bottlenecks could lead to a blackout. This raises the need for flexibility in the power grid substantially. An option so far relatively little explored is to make use of industrial demand-side flexibility. With a share in the power demand of about 45 per cent in Germany, industry could contribute significantly to power grid stability. While technologies for industrial demand-side flexibility have been comprehensively explored by the scientific community and (prototypically) implemented in industry, this knowledge has not spread to a broader audience. To foster knowledge on industrial demand-side flexibilization, we developed an approach using a serious game called SynErGame, synchronizing energy supply and demand. Within two game modes, one perspective macro-oriented and the other industry-oriented, a player learns about the benefits and challenges of using demand-side flexibility options to stabilize a power grid. The paper first introduces the topic of flexibilizing industrial power demand. Secondly, requirements are derived and the game design is outlined in detail. Thirdly, the paper shows how to make the game accessible via browser or app on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. During ongoing use, SynErGame has proven particularly effective for audiences inclined to digital technologies, such as students.

Quality Analysis Of Digital Business Services In Improving Customer Satisfaction

Consumption behavior is changing as the times change, particularly in the technology era. The background problem it is difficult to predict which items or services will be in high demand. The background of this research is number of shuttered stores, malls, and supermarkets demonstrates that the internet era creates a place for consumer democracy. Then there is only one way out, and that is marketing reform. E-commerce (online buying and selling) as research objects has emerged in Indonesia, with one example being Shopee, which is focused on mobile applications and websites. It began as a Singaporean e-commerce platform under the Sea Group in 2015 and has since grown to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, et cetera. This study was carried out in order to detect and evaluate consumer behavior in the digital era in order to enhance sales. To depict the buying behavior in genuine words, a qualitative technique was adopted as method. By posing a few random questions on online retail purchases to respondents. To see the symptoms, around 113 people were chosen based on specific criteria. The findings indicate that customers in this day and age are ready for an online shopping strategy. There are gaps in almost every indicator except the first statement indicator from the Compensation dimension The primary factor is convenience. The results shows that convenience refers to marketing characteristics such as novelty like being able to do it anywhere, saving time and money, reduced rates, flexible payment options, and friendlier service.