Hybrid Setup Research Articles

Remote Work and Productivity: Analyzing the Mediating Effect of Work-Life Balance

This study explores the relationship between remote work, employee productivity, and work-life balance, with a specific focus on the mediating role of work-life balance. Given the rise of remote work in various sectors, particularly in the IT industry, it becomes crucial to understand how remote work influences employee productivity and how work-life balance may play a central role in this relationship. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was used, surveying 110 IT professionals from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. A pre-tested Likert scale questionnaire collected data, measuring variables such as work-life balance, employee productivity, and remote work. Descriptive analysis revealed that most respondents worked remotely (42.7%) or in a hybrid setup (37.3%). While the mean score for work-life balance (3.45) suggested a generally positive perception of remote work's role in balancing personal and professional lives, challenges like difficulty disconnecting and burnout were noted. Employee productivity ratings highlighted that work-life balance positively impacted productivity (mean = 3.83). The remote work factor demonstrated moderate satisfaction with tools, communication, and goal clarity but indicated areas for improvement, especially in technical support (mean for remote work = 3.55). Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between work-life balance, remote work, and employee productivity (p < 0.01). The study concludes that work-life balance acts as a key mediator between remote work and productivity, underscoring its importance in fostering an efficient remote working environment. Though employees report a generally positive view of remote work’s ability to provide flexibility, issues with communication and technical support may hinder overall productivity. Thus, improving these areas could maximize remote work's benefits.

Spill-free Robotic Arm Based on Pendulum Model

This paper investigates the application of a pendulum model in designing and simulating a 5-DOF robotic system that transports an open-top container filled with liquid free of any spill. In this work, the robot consists of a 3-DOF robotic arm for positioning and a 2-DOF end-effector for adjusting the containers orientation to prevent spillage. The system is implemented using both Matlab Simulink and Simscape environment. In this hybrid setup, Simscape handles the robots kinematic modeling, while Simulink is used for controlling the end-effectors orientation with a PID controller. Under the pendulum model, the gripper, the open-top container and the liquid move as one mass along the pendulum trajectory, so that no liquid is spilled out during the movement. Results indicate trajectory tracking accuracy. This approach avoids the need for complicated computational fluid dynamics model and underscores the advantages of autonomous mobile robots in achieving reliable performance in spill-free liquid handling, a task difficult to achieve for human beings.

A Hybrid Setup for Rodent Hyperpolarized Metabolic Imaging Using a Clinical Magnetic Resonance Scanner

A Hybrid Setup for Rodent Hyperpolarized Metabolic Imaging Using a Clinical Magnetic Resonance Scanner

Modulation of charge and spin circular currents in a ring-wire hybrid setup

Modulation of charge and spin circular currents in a ring-wire hybrid setup

Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Propulsion System on Fast Patrol Boat

This paper presents a performance evaluation of a hybrid propulsion system applied to a fast patrol boat. The study aims to analyze the efficiency, fuel consumption, and overall operational effectiveness of the hybrid system compared to conventional propulsion methods. A combination of electric motors and diesel engines is utilized in the hybrid setup, allowing for optimized energy use in varying operational conditions. The performance of the system was evaluated through simulation and sea trials, focusing on key metrics such as speed, endurance, maneuverability, and emission reduction. Results indicate that the hybrid system offers significant advantages in terms of fuel savings and reduced environmental impact, particularly during low-speed or patrol operations. This research provides valuable insights into the practical benefits and challenges of implementing hybrid propulsion systems in maritime security operations.

Assessing the potential and energy distribution calibration of ethanol-biodiesel based RCCI mode of compression ignition engine in a plugin parallel hybrid electric vehicle

The focus of this research is to develop the resilient powertrain to combat the enforcement of stringent emission regulations and elevate its feasibility to power with the sustainable fuels to support the fuel crisis. The current solution in the reliable and adaptability point of view is the low temperature combustion engine-based hybrid electric powertrain powered with sustainable fuel is the better choice. The present work proposes the concept of an ethanol-biodiesel fuel based RCCI plugin parallel hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The significant examination of this work in the aspects of optimal torque structure and injector control parameter calibration. The calibration of the RCCI engine torque structure operation is performed based on the multi-objective constraints of variance of indicated mean effective pressure and the maximum rate of pressure rise for the combustion stability. While the equivalence ratio and combustion temperature with emphasis on limiting the amount of NOx and soot emissions. The maximum ethanol energy share proportion of 66.98% has been achieved. The RCCI engine is most frequently operating in the torque zone of 10 Nm and then 17.81 Nm while the BLDC motor is most frequently operated in the range of 55 Nm even at max torque of 60 Nm. When comparing to a standard diesel hybrid setup, the ethanol-biodiesel fuelled RCCI setup has a 18%–19% reduction in harmful NOx emissions, with an equivalent decrease of 22.7% in fuel economy. This is achieved by only having a 13.4% more CO emission while a minimal increase in soot emission throughout the overall course of the driving cycle. The result of this work shows evidence that implementing an ethanol-biodiesel fuelled RCCI engine in a parallel hybrid configuration achieves a significant reduction in NOx emissions while achieving the performance targets and managing the fuel and battery energy utilization over a driving cycle efficiently.

Energy and fluid dynamics of PEM fuel cells in automotive applications: integration strategies for enhanced performance

Fuel cells using proton exchange membranes, or PEMs, are leading the way in the adoption of sustainable vehicle technology. This study investigates the synergistic integration of PEM fuel cells with advanced battery systems in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) to enhance energy management and efficiency. By implementing a hybrid energy management strategy that combines the consistent power output of PEM fuel cells with the dynamic response capabilities of lithium-ion batteries, the system achieves a 15% increase in fuel efficiency and a 20% reduction in hydrogen consumption compared to conventional configurations. Simulations conducted over various driving cycles, including urban, suburban, and highway scenarios, reveal that this hybrid setup not only improves operational flexibility but also reduces the dependency on the PEM fuel cell during low-demand periods by up to 30%. These results imply that the suggested integration approach greatly improves the sustainability and overall performance of FCVs, establishing them as a workable option for lowering emissions associated with transportation.

Retrieving past quantum features with deep hybrid classical-quantum reservoir computing

Machine learning techniques have achieved impressive results in recent years and the possibility of harnessing the power of quantum physics opens new promising avenues to speed up classical learning methods. Rather than viewing classical and quantum approaches as exclusive alternatives, their integration into hybrid designs has gathered increasing interest, as seen in variational quantum algorithms, quantum circuit learning, and kernel methods. Here we introduce deep hybrid classical-quantum reservoir computing for temporal processing of quantum states where information about, for instance, the entanglement or the purity of past input states can be extracted via a single-step measurement. We find that the hybrid setup cascading two reservoirs not only inherits the strengths of both of its constituents but is even more than just the sum of its parts, outperforming comparable non-hybrid alternatives. The quantum layer is within reach of state-of-the-art multimode quantum optical platforms while the classical layer can be implemented in silico.

Preface

Abstract 3rd. Congress in Sustainability, Energy and City CSECity’23 The 3rd. Congress in Sustainability, Energy and City (CSECity’23) was held at Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, in Ambato – Ecuador during 20-21 November 2023. This event adopted a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual participation. The decision for a hybrid setup was driven by our commitment to inclusivity and environmental sustainability, reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with travel. CSECity’23 will bring together experts in sustainability, urbanism, energy, and industry. This multidisciplinary group of researchers will allow the transfer of knowledge between academic institutions, raise research, and analyze how intermediate cities and industries are likely to change and adapt in the coming months and years in a sustainable way. Presenting high-quality, peer-reviewed papers, the book discusses the following topics: • Information Technologies • Software Systems, Architectures, Applications and Tools • Sustainable, Energy and City CSECity’23 received 28 submissions written in English by 89 authors coming from 4 different countries. All these papers were peer-reviewed by the CSECity’23 Program Committee consisting of 80 high-quality researchers. To assure a high-quality and thoughtful review process, we assigned each paper at least two reviewers. Based on peer reviews, 11 full papers were accepted, resulting in a 39.28% acceptance rate, which was within our goal. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the invited speakers for their inspirational talks, to the authors for submitting their work to this conference, and the reviewers for sharing their experience during the selection process. November 2023. Manuel Ayala-Chauvin Fátima Avilés-Castillo Miguel Botto-Tobar List of ORGANIZATION is available in this pdf.

Seasonal Maize yield forecasting in South and East African Countries using hybrid Earth observation models

Climate change still adversely affects agriculture in the sub-Saharan Africa. There is need to strengthen early action to bolster livelihoods and food security. Most governments use pre- and post-harvest field surveys to capture statistics for National Food Balance Sheets (NFBS) key in food policy and economic planning. These surveys, though accurate, are costly, time consuming, and may not offer rapid yield estimates to support governments, emergency organizations, and related stakeholders to take advanced strategic decisions in the face of climate change. To help governments in Kenya (KEN), Zambia (ZMB), and Malawi (MWI) adopt digitally advanced maize yield forecasts, we developed a hybrid model based on the Regional Hydrologic Extremes Assessment System (RHEAS) and machine learning. The framework is set-up to use weather data (precipitation, temperature, and wind), simulations from RHEAS model (soil total moisture, soil temperature, solar radiation, surface temperature, net transpiration from vegetation, net evapotranspiration, and root zone soil moisture), simulations from DSSAT (leaf area index and water stress), and MODIS vegetation indices. Random Forest (RF) machine learning model emerged as the best hybrid setup for unit maize yield forecasts per administrative boundary scoring the lowest unbiased Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.16 MT/ha, 0.18 MT/ha, and 0.20 MT/ha in Malawi's Karonga district, Kenya's Homa Bay county, and Zambia's Senanga district respectively. According to relative RMSE, RF outperformed other hybrid models attaining the lowest score in all countries (ZMB: 25.96%, MWI: 28.97%, and KEN: 27.54%) followed by support vector machines (ZMB: 26.92%, MWI: 31.14%, and KEN: 29.50%), and linear regression (ZMB: 29.44%, MWI: 31.76%, and KEN: 47.00%). Lastly, the integration of VI and RHEAS information using hybrid models improved yield prediction. This information is useful for NFBS bulletins forecasts, design and certification of maize insurance contracts, and estimation of loss and damage in the advent of climate justice.

Reconstruction of 400 GeV/c proton interactions with the SHiP-charm project

The SHiP-charm project was proposed to measure the associated charm production induced by 400 GeV/c protons in a thick target, including the contribution from cascade production. An optimisation run was performed in July 2018 at CERN SPS using a hybrid setup. The high resolution of nuclear emulsions acting as vertex detector was complemented by electronic detectors for kinematic measurements and muon identification. Here we present first results on the analysis of nuclear emulsions exposed in the 2018 run, which prove the capability of reconstructing proton interaction vertices in a harsh environment, where the signal is largely dominated by secondary particles produced in hadronic and electromagnetic showers within the lead target.

Assessment of the Efficiency of a Hybrid Photovoltaic and Photovoltaic Heating System (PV–Solar) in the Context of a Warehouse for a Housing Community in Poland

In light of global challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the depletion of fossil fuel resources, it is essential to explore sustainable energy solutions. Hybrid energy systems represent a potential solution, offering energy independence to urban housing estates and reducing CO2 emissions. This article aims to explore the feasibility of integrating photovoltaic systems (utilizing vacuum collectors) and combined utilities (system heat and electricity) in a hybrid setup, leveraging existing technical infrastructure with necessary modifications. A key aspect is to perform calculations on the amount of heat and electricity generated from these systems. The study analyzes the demand for heat and electricity among consumers compared to the estimated production from renewable sources. Calculations also include the potential energy savings and CO2 emission reductions achievable through the proposed solutions. The findings indicate that hybrid photovoltaic systems with heat storage could effectively address energy issues in urban housing estates, given adequate support and community involvement. The innovative methodology employed in this study encompasses both analytical and experimental research approaches. The analysis employs advanced statistical techniques and data integration to enhance understanding of the phenomena studied, while the experimental research provides robust results through controlled variable manipulation and precise measurement tools, thereby verifying the study’s objectives.

Quantum estimation of tripartite coupling in spin-magnon-mechanical hybrid systems

Tripartite interactions play a fundamental role in the quantum information processing and quantum technology. However, it is generally difficult to realize strong tripartite coupling. We investigate the estimation of a tripartite coupling strength in a hybrid setup composed of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center and a micromagnet. A time-independent parametric drive can be utilized to increase the estimation precision of the tripartite coupling strength. By calculating the quantum Fisher information (QFI), we can obtain the optimal estimation precision by measuring the eigenstate of the tripartite system. At the critical position, the QFI is divergent due to that the preparation time of the eigenstate is divergent. When the system is subjected to a dissipation, the QFI near the critical point of the driven-dissipation phase transition is analytically obtained. The direct intensity measurement is the optimal measurement near the dissipation phase transition point. In addition, we quantify the robustness of an imperfect measurement operator by the measurement noise susceptibility based on the error propagation formula. We find that the direct intensity measurement is robust enough against small measurement disturbance from a coherent drive. But it can be disturbed by the nonlinear anti-harmonic measurement noise, especially near the critical point.

Magnon-Skyrmion Hybrid Quantum Systems: Tailoring Interactions via Magnons.

Coherent and dissipative interactions between different quantum systems are essential for the construction of hybrid quantum systems and the investigation of novel quantum phenomena. Here, we propose and analyze a magnon-skyrmion hybrid quantum system, consisting of a micromagnet and nearby magnetic skyrmions. We predict a strong-coupling mechanism between the magnonic mode of the micromagnet and the quantized helicity degree of freedom of the skyrmion. We show that with this hybrid setup it is possible to induce magnon-mediated nonreciprocal interactions and responses between distant skyrmion qubits or between skyrmion qubits and other quantum systems like superconducting qubits. This work provides a quantum platform for the investigation of diverse quantum effects and quantum information processing with magnetic microstructures.

Transport signatures of Bogoliubov Fermi surfaces in normal metal/time-reversal symmetry broken d-wave superconductor junctions

In recent times, Bogoliubov Fermi surfaces (BFSs) in superconductors (SCs) have drawn significant attention due to a substantial population of Bogoliubov quasiparticles (BQPs) together with Cooper pairs (CPs) in them. The BQPs as zero energy excitations give rise to captivating and intricate charge dynamics within the BFSs. In this theoretical study, we propose to reveal the unique signatures of the topologically protected BFSs in bulk d-wave SCs using normal metal/time-reversal symmetry (TRS) broken d-wave SC hybrid setup, in terms of the differential conductance and Fano factor (FF). Orientation of crystal a axis with respect to junction normal, quantified by the parameter α, is crucial for transport properties in these hybrid devices. For α = 0, an enhancement in zero-bias conductance (ZBC) can be identified as a key signature of BFSs. However, for α≠0 , this feature does not replicate due to the presence of the localized Andreev bound state (ABS) at the interface. The interplay of ABS and BFSs gives rise to an anomalous behavior in ZBC compared to the α = 0 case. This behavior remains qualitatively similar even at finite temperatures. Finally, we explain this anomalous behavior by analyzing the effective charge of the carriers in terms of the FF. The simplicity of our setup based on d-wave SC makes our proposal persuasive.

Levitons in correlated nano-scale systems.

In this short review (written to celebrate David Campbell's 80th birthday), we provide a theoretical description of quantum transport in nanoscale systems in the presence of single-electron excitations generated by Lorentzian voltage drives, termed Levitons. These excitations allow us to realize the analog of quantum optics experiments using electrons instead of photons. Importantly, electrons in condensed matter systems are strongly affected by the presence of different types of non-trivial correlations, with no counterpart in the domain of photonic quantum optics. After providing a short introduction about Levitons in non-interacting systems, we focus on how they operate in the presence of two types of strong electronic correlations in nanoscale systems, such as those arising in the fractional quantum Hall effect or in superconducting systems. Specifically, we consider Levitons in a quantum Hall bar of the fractional quantum Hall effect, pinched by a quantum point contact, where anyons with fractional charge and statistics tunnel between opposite edges. In this case, a Leviton-Leviton interaction can be induced by the strongly correlated background. Concerning the effect of superconducting correlations on Levitons, we show that, in a normal metal system coupled to BCS superconductors, half-integer Levitons minimize the excess noise in the Andreev regime. Interestingly, energy-entangled electron states can be realized on-demand in this type of hybrid setup by exploiting crossed Andreev reflection. The results exposed in this review have potential applications in the context of quantum information and computation with single-electron flying qubits.

Achieving Symmetry in Synchronous Interaction in Hybrid Work is Impossible

Designing new technologies to support synchronous interaction across distance has for many years focused on creating symmetry for participation between geographically distributed actors. Symmetry in synchronous interaction has, to some extent, been achieved technologically (while multiple social, historical, political, and hierarchical concerns continue to exist) and proven empirically in the increased use of remote-work technologies that were used during the pandemic. However, synchronous interaction in hybrid work is achieved differently, since the asymmetry produced by some participants being collocated while others geographically distributed introduces increased complexities for such interactions. Focusing on this challenge, we ask: To what extent can symmetry in cooperative work engagements be achieved in hybrid work contexts? We explore this question by interrogating multiple different empirical examples of synchronous hybrid interaction collected across different organizations, activities, and events. We found that the effort required to accomplish hybrid work includes additional articulation work necessary for bounding multiple intertwined artefacts across sites, devices, and applications. Further, the multiple artefacts setup across sites, combined with asymmetric collocation across participants, produce incongruence in technological frames of reference for each participant. All participants in hybrid work have only partial access to the hybrid setup, and no single person has access to the complete setup. The incongruence in technological frames produces insurmountable gaps in collaboration, causing all hybrid work situations to be characterized fundamentally by asymmetric relationships. We argue that symmetry in hybrid synchronous interaction is impossible to attain in attempts to solve this problem through design. Instead, we propose that designers of cooperative technologies for hybrid work shift towards developing artefact-ecologies supporting hybrid work, focusing on asymmetry as a necessary feature. Fundamentally, the design strategy should explore novel ways of taking advantage of the multiple different artefact-ecologies which serve as the foundation for the hybrid collaboration. Instead of striving for symmetry, we propose to feature asymmetric conditions in future technology designs for hybrid interaction.

Using Telemedicine to Care for Patients with Breast Cancer: A Natural Quasi-Experimental Study.

This investigation assessed the clinical characteristics of patients who received care through telemedicine and the clinical impact telemedicine service had on breast cancer patients in a low-income country. This natural experimental study assessed the impact of telemedicine service on cancer outcomes among breast cancer patients at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT), Pakistan, between January 1st, 2018, to December 31st, 2022. The study group (hybrid group) consisted of patients that had both face-to-face and telemedicine appointments, and the control group (physical group) included patients with only face-to-face encounters. A total of 3,205 patients were included in the analysis. Among those included in the analysis, 3,188 (99.5 %) were females, and the mean age of the cohort was 48.10 ± 11.94 years. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in age, demographic distribution, disease stage, average number of emergency room visits, mean length of stay in the Intensive care unit, and the final patient status (alive at the end of observation period). However, the binary logistic regression model (forward-LR) suggested that the final patient outcome was related to disease relapse, COVID-19 infection, and age. Telemedicine clinics, when conducted in parallel with physical clinics (hybrid setup), are safe and have a clinical impact similar to having just physical encounters among breast cancer patients in a low-income country.

Effects on hybridization of interlayer composites and self-reinforced polypropylene

In recent years, there has been increasing attention to develop a high-strength, lightweight composite as a potential substitution for conventional materials in various sectors, whereby most studies have focused on the mechanical performances of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) such as carbon, glass and aramid. In contrast, the hybrid composites are less common, though are viewed to have substantial potential in terms of flexibility and capability to merge the benefits of different composites. In this study, five composite designs consisting of several types of woven fibres and self-reinforced polypropylene (SRPP) sheets have been fabricated using the hand lay-up procedure. Several designs are arranged based on the interlayer hybridization mode. The static mechanical properties of the composite designs were examined through the standard tensile and three-point flexural tests. The outcomes attained from the experimental works revealed that carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) produced the best tensile characteristics. The CFRP structure displayed 46% higher tensile strength and a 33% greater elastic modulus compared to the CAFRP specimen. Meanwhile, hybrid carbon/aramid fibre-reinforced plastic (CAFRP) pointedly enhanced flexural properties in comparison with single type and other hybrid composites, whereby CAFRP structure outperformed the CFRP structure, exhibiting superior results with variations of 50% and 19% in flexural strength and modulus, respectively. Though the inclusion of SRPP layers in-between the hybrid setup exhibited a decrease in both tensile and flexural strength, but improved the total strain level. The evidence from this study suggests that FRP composites indicate structures of high strength and stiffness but low elongation, whereas SRPP-based composites improve toughness but reduce stiffness characteristics.

Preface

This year, Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development (JESSD) is proud to hold its fourth international virtual symposium, featuring world-class speakers and editors worldwide. We were incredibly honored to have invited Mohamad Nor Azra, Ph.D. from Head of Climate Change Adaptation Laboratory, Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Prof. Dr.Arch. Iryna Bulakh from Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany, Dr. Ir. Haruki Agustina, M.Env.Eng.Sc. from Director of Contamination Restoration and Emergency Response of Hazardous Waste, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Indonesia, and Dr. Yuki M. A. Wardhana from Senior Vice President at PT Penjaminan Infrastruktur Indonesia (Persero).The symposium was held in a hybrid format, arranged online and offline, due to related restrictions during Covid-19 pandemic. I appreciate everyone’s participation in the fourth JESSD Symposium: International Symposium of Earth, Energy, Environmental Science, and Sustainable Development, despite the restrictive situation caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of being postponed, this symposium was conducted hybridly in response to emerging issues mainly related to earth science, energy, environmental science, and sustainability. Moreover, this symposium also facilitates the publication of qualified research on Environment Sustainable after Covid-19 to contribute to the global response to the post-pandemic situation.This symposium is slightly different from the previous symposium and conference held last year. By making the best use of development in telecommunication platforms, we are able to gather virtually to share our insights and progress covering numerous subjects ranging from: the broad earth science, energy, and environmental science, and the special issues as well as Cleaner Production, Environmental Management and Protection, Environment during Post Covid-19, and Community Empowerment in Environmental Sectors. This symposium utilized Zoom and YouTube, a widely known cloud-based video conferencing tool, as its telecommunication platform.The symposium was held on 26-27 August 2023. Committees are based in School of Environmental Science, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia. We are aware that a hybrid setup will not provide the same experience as an on-site symposium. However, it is in our nature as researchers to be undeterred by new challenges. The opportunity to host this event virtually allows us to facilitate cross-borders discussion and collaboration at lower cost and less impact on the environment through reducing carbon footprint. We have invited some prominent speakers from various regions to provide lectures on a wide range of environmental research. In addition, we have also invited world-class speakers and editors to help with your scientific publication process. The participants (presenters) come from 13 different countries all around the world, including: Iraq, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Filipina, Jepang, Nigeria, China, Germany, Ukraine, Vietnam, Russia.List of committees, speakers are available in this Pdf.