Industrial Communities Research Articles

Parametric study of bio-char production from the co-pyrolysis of tire and coffee wastes via fixed bed reactor

Co-pyrolysis has become an eye-catching process for obtaining fuel and biochar and is attracting attention from both the scientific and industrial communities. One of the reasons for this is the wide variety of raw materials for the process itself and the possibility of obtaining attractive and high-quality products. The influence of three distinctive parameters has been studied on the co-pyrolysis reaction. These variables were temperature, reaction time, and plastic ratio. The results were analysed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and it was found that the optimum conditions to produce biochar from the co-pyrolysis of coffee and tire wastes were 359.441 °C, 10 minutes of reaction duration, and a plastic ratio of 97.8528 wt.%.

Learning to Synthesize Compatible Fashion Items Using Semantic Alignment and Collocation Classification: An Outfit Generation Framework.

The field of fashion compatibility learning has attracted great attention from both the academic and industrial communities in recent years. Many studies have been carried out for fashion compatibility prediction, collocated outfit recommendation, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled compatible fashion design, and related topics. In particular, AI-enabled compatible fashion design can be used to synthesize compatible fashion items or outfits to improve the design experience for designers or the efficacy of recommendations for customers. However, previous generative models for collocated fashion synthesis have generally focused on the image-to-image translation between fashion items of upper and lower clothing. In this article, we propose a novel outfit generation framework, i.e., OutfitGAN, with the aim of synthesizing a set of complementary items to compose an entire outfit, given one extant fashion item and reference masks of target synthesized items. OutfitGAN includes a semantic alignment module (SAM), which is responsible for characterizing the mapping correspondence between the existing fashion items and the synthesized ones, to improve the quality of the synthesized images, and a collocation classification module (CCM), which is used to improve the compatibility of a synthesized outfit. To evaluate the performance of our proposed models, we built a large-scale dataset consisting of 20 000 fashion outfits. Extensive experimental results on this dataset show that our OutfitGAN can synthesize photo-realistic outfits and outperform the state-of-the-art methods in terms of similarity, authenticity, and compatibility measurements.

Investigation of the cyber vulnerabilities of construction networks using an agent-based model

Most studies either addressed the technical gaps or adopted technological strategies to enable construction automation and digitalization. However, the cybersecurity implications of such technologies received little attention. Existing cybersecurity studies from other domains cannot be directly adopted because examining the overall security, existence, and spread of vulnerability in a construction network requires comprehensive knowledge of the construction participants and processes. To address these gaps, this study a) proposes an agent-based vulnerability assessment framework and b) presents an example focusing on the interactions between a contractor and a 3D printing system to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework. It is expected that the proposed framework and the results from the example will raise more awareness about the cybersecurity implications in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and construction research community. Future work aims to quantify the vulnerability scores of individual participants and construction networks.

Сучасний стан висотної мережі України, дослідження технічних характеристик нівелірних знаків

The goal is to determine the current state of points of height networks of I and II classes based on the analysis of technical characteristics of leveling points and regulatory documents with the aim of presenting the scientific and industrial geodetic community with author’s proposals. Method. The following methods of scientific knowledge – analysis, toponymic, etymological, statistical, systematic, historical, monographic, as well as methods – generalization, abstraction, concretization, were used to process the information on the technical characteristics of leveling points, presented on the geoportal of the State Government of Ukraine. The results. The quantitative and qualitative composition of leveling networks of the I and II classes is given, which showed together the technical and technological inconsistency of regulatory documents with the current state of the leveling (altitude) network, which necessitates the use of complex methods for monitoring leveling points on the territory of Ukraine. Scientific novelty. A comprehensive analysis of the information source on the state (technical characteristics) of leveling networks of I and II classes, which is the geoportal of the State Ministry of Ukraine, with the analysis of the provisions of the relevant regulatory documents, is the basis for the development of scientific and technical proposals for the long-term operation of leveling points of the State Ministry of Ukraine and will allow to identify weak aspects of their functioning caused by changes in their surrounding environment. The practical significance of the work shows the inconsistency of the provisions of the instructions and orders during monitoring of the state of leveling points and. accordingly, during the preparation of reporting documentation, which is due to the large number of types of centers, benchmarks of brands in leveling networks of I and II classes, as well as a significant amount of available at all levels, different in terms of physical and historical information about the surrounding environment of leveling points, proposals are proposed to solve the scientifically identified – technical contradictions when using leveling networks of I and II classes. The basis of the scientific proposals is the long-term scientific research conducted by the authors.

A Survey on Unbalanced Classification: How Can Evolutionary Computation Help?

Unbalanced classification is an essential machine learning task, which has attracted widespread attention from both the academic and industrial communities due mainly to its broad applications. Evolutionary computation (EC) has contributed greatly to unbalanced classification. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have not been any comprehensive investigations on the strengths and weaknesses of alternative EC methods in addressing various challenging problems in unbalanced classification. This paper reviews the literature which utilize EC techniques for unbalanced classification, with the aim of revealing the contributions of EC to unbalanced classification, providing an overview of recent advances, and identifying limitations of existing works. In addition, we present a series of real-world applications, and identify open challenges as well as possible research directions for the future.

Education on Occupational Health and Safety (K3) through K3 Audits as an Effort to Reduce Work Accidents at PT ABC

Occupational safety and health is something that is important in the work environment. This research is a form of campus community service to the industrial community. Activities are carried out using observational methods, namely observation, education and evaluation of the stages of activity implementation. The results of initial observations and K3 audits, based on data, there are still work accidents, for this reason it is necessary to educate about K3, education is carried out by making pocket books, where with this education there is an increase in knowledge and understanding of K3 which can be shown from the average pretest score of 50 and increased to 74.5.

Assessment of aquatic ecosystem quality in Dharoi Reservoir using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery

Background: Dharoi Reservoir, located in Gujarat, India, is a vital freshwater resource supporting agriculture, industry, and local communities. Chl-a, a key indicator of water quality, reflects the trophic state and ecological balance of aquatic systems. Objective(s): This study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the water quality dynamics of Dharoi Reservoir, offering valuable information for environmental management and sustainable water resource planning. Methods: This study employs high-resolution Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to analyze Chl-a concentrations in the reservoir during October 2020. The Chl-a index, calculated by dividing Sentinel-2 bands B5 and B4, reveals a spatial distribution of Chl-a concentrations. Results: The Chl-a index ranges from 73.78 to 100. The mean Chl-a index is 91.6 with a standard deviation of 3.27, indicating elevated and variable Chl-a concentrations. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the understanding of the reservoir’s ecological health and assist in making informed decisions for water quality management. This research exemplifies the integration of remote sensing technology and environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable water management practices in the region. Policy recommendations: No policy recommendations are explicitly stated in the abstract, but they could be inferred from the conclusions. For example, one possible policy recommendation is to monitor and regulate the sources of nutrient inputs into the reservoir, such as agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial effluents, to reduce the risk of eutrophication and algal blooms. Another possible policy recommendation is to implement adaptive management strategies that consider the seasonal and spatial variability of Chl-a concentrations and their impacts on water quality and availability.

Visible-light-initiated air-oxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to maleic acid by iron(III) chloride

Developing methodologies for biomass-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) transformation into value-added molecules could provide potential solutions for HMF utilization in both academic and industrial communities and open up new pathways for chemicals production. Herein, we firstly describe a visible-light-induced FeCl3-catalyzed transformation of HMF into maleic acid (MA) at ambient temperature using air as oxidant. 100 % HMF conversion and 55 % yield of MA obtained using cheap and abundant iron catalyst under a mild reaction system (air, 456 nm light, ambient temperature, 5 h). Detailed mechanism research reveals that the chlorine radical, produced by ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) of FeCl3, is the key active species to initiate the HMF transformation. A new chlorine radical-involved mechanism of HMF oxidation including LMCT, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), dehydroxymethylation, decarbonylation and β-scission processes is established through detection of crucial intermediates. This study could provide a new catalytic mode for biomass transformation using mild and efficient photocatalytic methodologies.

Influence of pulse-electroplating parameters on the morphology, structure, chemical composition and corrosion behavior of Co–W alloy coatings

The introduction of the pulse electroplating method at the beginning of the 21st century and its promising applicability to produce coatings with modified properties have led to its popularity in both scientific and industrial communities. The relationships between the corrosion behavior of pulse-electroplated cobalt-tungsten coatings and their respective chemical composition, morphological and structural properties (that are affected by pulse-electroplating parameters like peak current density and frequency) are investigated in the present study using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques, respectively. The results showed both the coatings' chemical composition and crystal structure can affect their corrosion behaviors; by decreasing pulse frequency (from 5000 to 100Hz) at peak current density of 50 mA/cm2, coatings with higher tungsten content (up to 48.6 wt%), fewer microcracks, coarser crystallite size (up to 57.6 nm) and less lattice microstrain (up to 5.8*10−3) will be deposited which has more corrosion resistance (with corrosion current density of 2.5 μA/cm2). Formation of less defective coatings (with finer crystallite size, up to 52.3 nm, and more lattice microstrain, up to 6.8 × 10−3) including slightly higher tungsten content (up to 49.8 wt%) that have more corrosion resistance occurred at lower applied current densities (25 mA/cm2). So, in the absence of microcracks in the coating's morphology, its tungsten content would be the most effective factor, among other microstructural features, on the coating's corrosion behavior.

Resistant starch formation and changes in physicochemical properties of waxy and non-waxy rice starches by autoclaving-cooling treatment

ABSTRACT Resistant starch (RS) has drawn great attention from both starch research and industrial communities due to its potential health benefits. Physical starch modification approach, such as autoclaving and cooling cycle treatment, offers high potential method of enhancing resistant starch fraction due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Here, the non-waxy KDML105 and waxy RD6 rice starches were physically modified by one, three, and five autoclaving and cooling cycles. The comparative impacts of the modification on the RS content and starch physicochemical properties were examined. Their native starch granules were transformed into a larger continuous matrix with suppressed thermal and pasting properties. However, modified KDML105 starch gels with higher amylose content and the presence of amylose lipid complexes were able to retrograde and maintain viscosity better than the modified RD6 starch. The RS content was also increased with the addition of treatment cycles in KDML105 starch. As a result, the RS content of native KDML105 starch was enhanced from 0.13% to 2.59% after five cycles of the treatment. The dissimilarities observed between the two modified starches could be due to the different degrees of increased proportions of ordered (R1047/1022) and double helical (R995/1022) structures, and the disruption of A- and V-type crystals. Therefore, the RS content was attributed to an interplay of alterations in ordered structure, amylose, and amylose-lipid complex during autoclaving-cooling cycles.

Omnidirectional Image Super-resolution via Bi-projection Fusion

With the rapid development of virtual reality, omnidirectional images (ODIs) have attracted much attention from both the industrial community and academia. However, due to storage and transmission limitations, the resolution of current ODIs is often insufficient to provide an immersive virtual reality experience. Previous approaches address this issue using conventional 2D super-resolution techniques on equirectangular projection without exploiting the unique geometric properties of ODIs. In particular, the equirectangular projection (ERP) provides a complete field-of-view but introduces significant distortion, while the cubemap projection (CMP) can reduce distortion yet has a limited field-of-view. In this paper, we present a novel Bi-Projection Omnidirectional Image Super-Resolution (BPOSR) network to take advantage of the geometric properties of the above two projections. Then, we design two tailored attention methods for these projections: Horizontal Striped Transformer Block (HSTB) for ERP and Perspective Shift Transformer Block (PSTB) for CMP. Furthermore, we propose a fusion module to make these projections complement each other. Extensive experiments demonstrate that BPOSR achieves state-of-the-art performance on omnidirectional image super-resolution. The code is available at https://github.com/W-JG/BPOSR.

Understanding Defects in Perovskite Solar Cells through Computation: Current Knowledge and Future Challenge.

Lead halide perovskites with superior optoelectrical properties are emerging as a class of excellent materials for applications in solar cells and light-emitting devices. However, perovskite films often exhibit abundant intrinsic defects, which can limit the efficiency of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices by acting as carrier recombination centers. Thus, an understanding of defect chemistry in lead halide perovskites assumes a prominent role in further advancing the exploitation of perovskites, which, to a large extent, is performed by relying on first-principles calculations. However, the complex defect structure, strong anharmonicity, and soft lattice of lead halide perovskites pose challenges to defect studies. In this perspective, on the basis of briefly reviewing the current knowledge concerning computational studies on defects, this work concentrates on addressing the unsolved problems and proposing possible research directions in future. This perspective particularly emphasizes the indispensability of developing advanced approaches for deeply understanding the nature of defects and conducting data-driven defect research for designing reasonable strategies to further improve the performance of perovskite applications. Finally, this work highlights that theoretical studies should pay more attention to establishing close and clear links with experimental investigations to provide useful insights to the scientific and industrial communities.

Decarbonisation, place attachment and agency: just transition in old industrial regions

ABSTRACT There is growing awareness that the effects of decarbonisation are highly spatial and will impact regions differentially. Old industrial regions are likely to be particularly affected but it is debateable how well equipped they are to engage with transition and for it to be just. Extant literature suggests that this will be highly contingent on the acceptability of this transition amongst old industrial communities, with a call to understand what and who will be impacted. There is, however, a need for more granularity of evidence on how acceptability is formed and how it plays out in practice. Taking the case of Port Talbot in the UK, this paper provides new insights into the interplay between place attachment and a ‘just transition’ in an old industrial region. This paper finds that there is a strong community understanding of and support for decarbonisation but an equally strong perception of powerlessness to act. There is an enduring sense of place attachment within Port Talbot but the lack of place-based consultation and engagement with the community means that there are no effective development strategies in place. Thus, it can be concluded that there is acceptability but without agency.

Large-scale quantum key distribution network simulator

The wide range of supported services in modern telecommunication networks has increased the demand for highly secure means of communication. Common security frameworks based on the computational security model are expected to become insecure due to significant advances in quantum computing. Quantum key distribution (QKD), a new secret key agreement primitive, enables long-anticipated practical information-theoretical security (ITS). Over the past two decades, academic and industrial communities have devoted their time and resources to developing QKD-based networks that can distribute and serve ITS keys to remote parties. However, because the availability of QKD network testbeds to the larger research community is limited and the deployment of such systems is costly and difficult, progress in this area is noticeably slow. To address this problem and spur future development and education, we provide a valuable, unique tool for simulating a QKD network. The tool is essential to testing novel network management methodologies applied to large-scale QKD networks. The simulator model contained in the tool was validated by simulating a network with six nodes and three pairs of users. The results indicate that the designed functional elements operate correctly.

A three‐dimensional thermal‐electrochemical‐mechanical‐porous flow multiscale formulation for battery cells

AbstractSeveral decades after the invention of the rechargeable Li‐ion battery, countless innovations from both the research and industry communities have led to placing the secondary battery at the heart of the electrification revolution in recent years. Mathematical and numerical models have been trusted companions in advancing the technology to help guide design improvements or to gain insight when physical measurements are impossible to perform. Starting with the breakthrough porous electrode theory (PET) model proposed by Newman and co‐workers in 1975 (Newman and Tiedemann, AIChE Journal, 1975, 21, 25–41), many authors have improved the formulation from a variety of perspectives. The novel aspects of the model we propose in this paper expand on this long stream of PET formulations and aim to address modeling needs that, to the authors' knowledge, have not been yet considered. The proposed formulation is characterized by the following concurrent features: (1) a full 3D description of the macroscale behavior and 1D microscale in spherical coordinates (Pseudo 4D formulation [P4D]) accounting for geometric details of the cell architecture such as imperfect spiral jellyrolls in cylindrical cells; (2) multiple concurrent particle chemistries to model the microscale lithiation/delithiation behavior at every macroscale element integration point, leading to a multiscale () approach; (3) a fully coupled thermal‐electrochemical‐mechanical stress interaction due to lithiation/delithiation induced swelling and external confinement; (4) spatially‐dependent porosity evolutions due to swelling of the particles in the porous electrodes; (5) electrolyte flow in the porous regions and overfill spaces via Darcy‐based flow including partial saturation of the active regions; (6) detailed descriptions of individual battery components such as the electrodes, separator, and current collectors with the possibility of “connecting” the different components through contact definitions; (7) fully linearized macro‐microscale coupling behavior allowing for large time increments in an implicit time integration scheme for a scalable and computationally effective numerical solution. A number of numerical examples including validation against experimental data are performed to demonstrate the predictive power of the proposed model and its efficiency for industrial applications.

Understanding Cu Sintering and Its Role on Corrosion Behaviour for High-Temperature Microelectronic Application

There has been a significant rise in interest from academic and industry communities on copper nano and micro-particles-based sinter pastes for harsh environment die attach. However, sintering these particles is a complex process which is affected by many parameters, such as (i) particles size, shape, and distribution, (ii) sintering temperature, pressure, environment, and (iii) organic compounds used for the paste formulation. In literature, various research groups demonstrated that sintered copper layer can achieve good electrical conductivity and high strength. In our previous research [1, 2], we explained that microscale etched flakes are also capable of shear strength >30Mpa while sintering with 10 MPa bonding pressure at 275°C for just 1 minute with negligible paste cost (in comparison to silver paste). However, very limited knowledge exists on literature about corrosion behaviour in sintered copper interconnects. This, from experience in the industry with silver sintering has proven to be critical to applications. For examples in high power LED headlamp applications, minor exposure to residual Sulphur emerging from vulcanized rubber seals has been observed to cause corrosion in silver sintered interconnects. Therefore, corrosion and its impact on performance and reliability must be considered, especially for safety critical applications. For this reason, we have studied the relationship between copper sintered samples and corresponding corrosion behaviours and compared again to pure copper (conventionally produced). The corrosion resistance of the samples in salt water was assessed via various electrochemical analysis techniques and correlated with sintered microstructure. Sample produced better corrosion resistance when fabricated with higher density (less porosity). However, in case of the microscale copper flakes-based interconnects, a pitting behaviour was observed. The sintered copper paste samples showed to be nobler than commercial copper. In addition, copper oxide and its role in accelerating/preventing oxidation is also studied.

Optimal age replacement time for coherent systems under Geometric Point Process

In spatial context, the understanding of event dynamics and point distributions is a fundamental requirement. This study addresses a critical need by introducing the Geometric Point Process (GPP) and explaining its potential impact on optimizing the determination of optimal replacement ages for coherent systems. Our paper has three overarching aims: firstly, to bridge the gap by presenting the novel GPP model that effectively captures the geometric distribution of points, filling a void in point process theory. Secondly, we calculate the optimal replacement age for the coherent system based on the principles of GPP. This involves employing the Infinitesimal-Look Ahead stopping rule within the framework of Smooth Semi-Martingale (SSM) decomposition. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted to assess the distinct features and advantages of the GPP in relation to other point processes, offering valuable insights into its applicability and performance. Lastly, we extend the practical application of GPP by examining optimal replacement strategies for components in coherent systems, offering a bridge between theory and real-world practices, especially in the context of aircraft and wind turbine component deterioration. Additionally, we conduct reliability and sensitivity analyses, providing management suggestions, and present Monte Carlo simulations as an alternative method for validating optimal solutions. This research invites the industrial community to utilize the proposed replacement policy, paving the way for exploring geometric characteristics in stochastic processes. The timeliness and significance of this work are underscored by the relatively unexplored field of smooth semi-martingales, with the most recent publication dating back to 2015 by Bueno.

A Conceptual Open Pit Mine Architecture for the Moon Environment

Abstract In situ resource utilization (ISRU) activities are receiving increasing attention, both from space agencies and among the international science and industrial community. Prominent examples of ongoing ISRU space programs are the NASA Artemis program and the Terrae Novae program run by the European Space Agency. In technical sciences, there are at least three groups of activities related to ISRU: prospecting bodies in the context of space missions, technological investigations related to surface infrastructure and operations, and conceptual analyses of future mining activities. The present paper belongs to the third group and brings new insights into a potential open pit mine operating on the Moon. There are several novel contributions: the definition of the objectives of the mine, based on economic indicators; a conceptual description of a pit architecture dedicated to excavating ilmenite-rich feedstock; and a qualitative and quantitative description of the chosen processes and the mine’s topology. In the paper, there are also added links to other papers connected with ISRU activities.

Therapeutics in cystic fibrosis: Clinical revolution and new challenges

Over time, cystic fibrosis has become a model of synergy between research in pathophysiology and cell biology, and clinical advances. Therapies targeting the CFTR protein, in particular CFTR modulators, have transformed the prognosis of patients, bringing the hope of a normal life with the possibility of starting a family and growing old, challenging established statistics. However, patients are not yet cured, and side effects remain insufficiently documented. Epidemiological changes create new challenges for the management of cystic fibrosis. Approximately 10 % of patients still lack a therapeutic option. The community of researchers, pharmaceutical industries, patient associations, and health authorities remains committed to monitor the long-term effects of these still poorly characterised treatments, and to explore new pharmacological approaches, such as gene therapies.

Linking industrial culture and human agency in three (post)industrial towns: Collective and individual agency shaping development paths

The aim of this article is to better understand the relationship between industrial culture and human agency and how it influences development outcomes. The study is set in the geographical context of three small and old industrial towns, where traditional industrial practices are embedded in the material and institutional environment and people's behaviours that form a distinctive industrial culture. Conceptually, we use a relational perspective to investigate the dialectic between human agency and industrial culture: we examine how industrial culture can guide human agency–through motivation, legitimation, or specific behaviour; and how human agency reshapes industrial culture through its actions–destruction, modification, maintenance of cultural assets. The results show that a strong industrial culture implies a more reproductive type of agency and a pronounced collective behaviour of actors, aiming at a more incremental development that reflects the existing place-based culture. In the case where industrial culture is thinner, new development relied on individual agents completely altering development paths. Our research places particular emphasis on collective assets and collective agency in the context of smaller towns with strong industrial culture and their ability to influence the direction of future development. In addition, we emphasise the simultaneous role of (individual) change and (collective) reproductive/maintenance agency, which can lead to stable development without major disruptions to the institutional or cultural context. Our findings are important for understanding small industrial communities and how the collective aspects of industrial culture require that new development initiatives are aligned with industrial traditions and place-based culture.