Process Integration Research Articles

Mapping Research Themes and Trends in Ergonomics within Industry 5.0: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract: Industry 5.0, the next stage of development after Industry 4.0, centers around the seamless integration of individuals and technology inside industrial processes to foster innovation that prioritizes human needs and experiences. Industry 5.0 diverges from Industry 4.0 by placing greater emphasis on the collaborative partnership between humans and machines rather than solely focusing on automation and advanced technologies like IoT and AI. The study employs bibliometric analysis to delineate the subjects and research areas in ergonomics within the context of Industry 5.0. The study analyzed literature from the Scopus database to identify trends and gaps in implementing ergonomic principles across different industrial sectors. The study addresses two distinct research inquiries: identifying overarching research subjects and emerging research themes. The results indicate the existence of four primary research clusters: the interaction between humans and advanced technology, the safety of work and collaboration between humans and robots, the optimization of multiple purposes and sustainable development, and the application of augmented reality in industrial design. The report emphasizes the growing importance of human-robot collaboration and artificial intelligence while acknowledging a decline in emphasis on user experience and virtual reality. The findings thoroughly analyze the present condition and development of ergonomics research in Industry 5.0 while providing significant recommendations for future investigations and real-world implementations.

Heterogeneously Catalyzed Reductive Depolymerization of Lignin to Value-Added Chemicals.

Lignin is an abundant renewable source of aromatics, but its complex heterogeneous structure poses challenges for its depolymerization and valorization. Heterogeneously catalyzed reductive depolymerization (HCRD) has emerged as a promising approach, utilizing heterogeneous catalysts to facilitate selective bond cleavage in lignin and hydrogen transfer to stabilize the products under mild conditions. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogen transfer mechanisms in HCRD, involving different hydrogen sources, including molecular hydrogen, alcohols, formic acid, etc., and the native hydrogen donor groups in lignin. The interaction between hydrogen sources and catalyst design is explored, emphasizing how catalyst characteristics must align with specific hydrogen transfer pathways to optimize efficiency and selectivity. Precious metal-based and non-precious metal-based catalysts are examined, highlighting advances that enhance hydrogen activation and transfer. Comparative analyses of hydrogen sources reveal distinct advantages and limitations. The significance of HCRD in lignin valorization and the development of integrated biorefineries is underscored, emphasizing its potential to contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy through improved process integration and economic viability.

Machine learning and analytic hierarchy process integration for selecting a sustainable tractor.

Selecting the appropriate tractor for small-scale farms is a complex process due to the multitude of technical, environmental, and economic criteria that must be evaluated. This study addresses this challenge by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with machine learning (ML) to reduce the number of criteria and simplify the decision-making process. The research aims to determine the most relevant criteria aligned with sustainable development goals for selecting the right tractor, focusing on small farms in the Egyptian Delta. Four tractors, with horsepower ranging from 55 to 95, were evaluated based on inputs from forty-two governmental service providers in the study area. Initially, nine criteria were identified, encompassing key technical, environmental, and economic factors. These criteria were reduced to three-price, power, and maintenance costs by weights 0.142, 0.334, and 0.525, respectively-using Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering with Euclidean distance. This reduction streamlined the selection process, making it more practical for farmers. Results show that the second tractor (T2), with a priority score of 0.326 and a normalized value of 33.4%, emerged as the optimal choice for small-scale farmers, outperforming the first tractor (T1) (28.7%) and third tractor (T3) (21%). Integrating AHP and ML simplifies tractor selection, ensuring sustainability, cost-efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

Modelling project activities for future teachers within the innovative infrastructure of pedagogical universities: integrative solutions

Introduction. In the quest to enhance the training of future teachers, particular emphasis is placed on identifying the educational potential of new learning environments within pedagogical universities under the Ministry of Education of Russia. These institutions have undergone infrastructure updates as part of federal programs designed to support education. Aim. The aim of this study is to develop an original model for organising the project activities of student teachers, taking into account the contemporary infrastructural capabilities of pedagogical universities under the Ministry of Education of Russia. Methodology, methods and techniques. The methodological foundation of this research is grounded in the principles of community development pedagogy and the design of evolving educational systems. The integration of integrative, synergetic, environmental, and system-activity approaches facilitated the identification and development of components within the author’s model for organising project activities for future teachers in the context of pedagogical technoparks, such as “Quantorium”, and technoparks focused on universal pedagogical competencies in higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. The validation of the developed model was conducted through expert assessments. Results. The authors developed the model for organising project activities for future teachers within the innovative infrastructure of pedagogical universities. The main components of the model are outlined, including integrative objectives and anticipated outcomes of students’ project activities, interdisciplinary project content, and a technological component that facilitates the transformation of interdisciplinary project content into personally meaningful experiences through the technology of collaborative distributed project activities. The study identifies and justifies the conditions necessary for the effective implementation of the developed model, focusing on the management of processes, resources, and participants involved in interdisciplinary project activities. Scientific novelty. Integrative processes, within the context of this study, are regarded as a pedagogical phenomenon that reflects the interconnections among the objects, processes, and subjects involved in project activities. Practical significance. The research materials can be utilised in the development of programmes aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of pedagogical universities. They can also assist in the refinement of educational curricula for training teaching staff, particularly in disciplines that prepare future educators to effectively organise project-based activities within contemporary educational environments.

Process Simulation and Technical Evaluation Using Water-Energy-Product (WEP) Analysis of an Extractive-Based Biorefinery of Creole-Antillean Avocado Produced in the Montes De María

The annual increase in the world’s population significantly contributes to recent climate change and variability. Therefore, researchers, engineers, and professionals in all fields must integrate sustainability criteria into their decision-making. These criteria aim to minimize the environmental, social, economic, and energy impacts of human activities and industrial processes, helping mitigate climate change. This research focuses on developing scalable technology for the comprehensive use of avocados, adhering to sustainability principles. This work presents the modeling, simulation, and the WEP (Water-Energy-Product) technical evaluation of the process for obtaining bio-oil, chlorophyll, and biopesticide from the Creole-Antillean avocado. For this, the extractive-based biorefinery data related to water, energy, and products are taken from the material balance based on experimental results and process simulation. Then, eight process parameters are calculated, and eleven technical indicators are determined. Later, the extreme technical limitations for every indicator are demarcated, and an evaluation of the performance of the indicators is carried out. Results showed that the process has a high execution in aspects such as fractional water cost (TCF) and energy cost (TCE), as well as solvent reuse during extraction processes (SRI) and production yield, noting that the mentioned indicators are above 80%. In contrast, the metrics related to water management (FWC) and specific energy (ESI) showed the lowest performance. These discoveries support the use of optimization techniques like mass process integration. The energy-related indicators reveal that the process presents both benefits and drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is the energy source due to the high demand for electrical energy in the process, compared to natural gas. The specific energy intensity indicator (ESI) showed an intermediate performance (74%), indicating that the process consumes high energy. This indicator enables us to highlight that we can find energy aspects that require further study; for this reason, it is suitable to say that there is potential to enhance the energy efficiency of the process by applying energy integration methods.

Editorial: Special Issue on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation of Thermal Systems for Increased Energy Security and Sustainability (PRES‘23)

Editorial: Special Issue on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation of Thermal Systems for Increased Energy Security and Sustainability (PRES‘23)

Development and Optimization of Transferosomal Gel for Efficient Topical Delivery of Berberine Hydrochloride

Background: Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, its therapeutic efficacy is often restricted by its poor solubility, absorption, and permeability, especially in topical applications. Transferosomes are elastic vesicular carriers with high skin permeability values and retention, making them suitable for encapsulating hydrophilic and lipophilic actives. Objective: The objective of this research was to develop a transferosome-based topical gel formulation of Berberine hydrochloride (BER) to improve its skin permeability and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Method: The thin film hydration method was used to formulate the BER transferosomes. The effects of independent variables, amount of BER in lipid phase (X1), and lipid (Phospholipon 90G) to surfactant ratio (X2) on BER entrapment and vesicle size were studied using face-centered central composite design. The characterization was performed using differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The optimized batch (F5) was incorporated in Carbopol gel and further investigated for viscosity, in vitro and ex-vivo diffusion, skin retention by tape stripping, and in-vivo anti-inflammatory efficiency. Results: The formulation optimized with 50 mg of drug and a 5:1 lipid-to-surfactant ratio (F5) demonstrated higher drug entrapment efficiency (72.11%) and lower vesicle size (77.9 nm). TEM validated the spherical vesicle morphology, whereas DSC and XRD analysis confirmed the molecular entrapment of BER within the phospholipid vesicles. The transferosomal gel demonstrated improved BER diffusion (0.63 mg/cm2) confirmed by in vitro and ex-vivo diffusion experiments that revealed a 6-fold increase in flux and permeability coefficient (0.1053 mg. cm-2.h-1). The drug release from transferosome gel was non-Fickian in nature (n = 0.6575), indicating an integration of diffusion and erosion processes. Furthermore, BER transferosomal gel displayed substantial anti- inflammatory activity in rats (p < 0.001). result: The independent variables exerted a substantial impact on drug entrapment and transferosome vesicle size. The optimized batch (F5) exhibited 72.11 % of BER entrapment and 77.9 nm vesicle size. DSC studies indicated molecular dispersion of BER in phospholipon G. The change in BER crystalline state was indicated by the XRD study. In vitro, diffusion study of Transferosome gel formulation indicated the sustained release by a non-fickian mechanism. Ex vivo skin permeation revealed significant improvement in BER permeation (p< 0.05). Further, the tape-stripping method revealed higher BER skin permeability. In-vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy of BER transferosome gel was significantly higher as compared to plain BER gel. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated the potential of transferosomal gel as a promising approach for efficient drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy.

One-pot sequential aldol condensation and hydrodeoxygenation of furfural and acetone to 1-octanol over multifunctional acid-based catalytic system

Furfural and acetone are two of the most promising chemicals derived from lignocellulosic biomass. Coupling these two compounds expands the broad range of value-added chemicals that can be derived from biomass. In this study, 1-octanol, a promising medium chain-length alcohol, was produced from furfural and acetone through a series of reactions: aldol condensation (R1), hydrogenation (R2), and hydrogenolysis (R3). Each step was individually investigated to understand its mechanism and requirements, enabling seamless integration into one-pot, two-step (R1, R2 + R3) and one-pot, three-step (R1 + R2 + R3) processes. To facilitate these reactions, bifunctional alumina–zirconia-based catalysts were synthesized. Additionally, to enhance the yield of 1-octanol, solid acidic additives, particularly sulfonic acid-functionalized silica (KCC-1-APSO3H), were incorporated into the reaction. The highest yield of 1-octanol (69.1 %) was achieved with the three-step process (R1, R2, R3), followed by the one-pot two-step process (R1, R2 + R3, 64.8 %), and the one-pot, three-step process (R1 + R2 + R3, 48.7 %) using the combined Ni/Al2O3-ZrO2 and KCC-1-APSO3H catalyst. Among all the processes investigated, the one-pot, two-step process emerged as the best approach balancing the efficiency of the process integration and 1-octanol yield. The present study offers valuable insights into the development of catalytic methods for producing linear alcohols from biomass.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration in Urban Decision-Making Processes: Convergence and Divergence with the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration in Urban Decision-Making Processes: Convergence and Divergence with the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA)

Development of a concept of combined project-production activities planning using digital twins

The object of the study is the project-production activity of project-oriented enterprises in the fields of mechanical engineering, aircraft construction, shipbuilding, instrumentation, and metallurgy. The problem addressed was the informational integration and synchronization of project management processes, implemented by a specific project-oriented enterprise, with the management of its production processes using digital twins. The solution to this problem is aimed at improving the efficiency of project-production management by utilizing digital twins of projects and production in the planning process. The influence of trends on the development of digital technologies was analysed. The need to consider both project and operational activities of enterprises in mechanical engineering, aircraft construction, shipbuilding, instrumentation, and metallurgy as a single project-production activity was identified. It was shown that this approach can be successful when processes and changes in project-production activity can be modelled, forming a rational plan for product release and project execution. The use of digital twins for objects and processes in project-production activities was proposed. The aim and objectives of the study were formulated, focusing on the creation of a concept for planning project-production activities using digital twins for objects and processes in both project and operational activities. The concept defines the structure of the digital environment for project-oriented production, a model of the interpenetration of project and production planning processes, an aggregated critical path method, and simulation modelling for planning project-production activities using digital twins. It was shown that to model project-production activities, models and methods for managing the interaction between the operational and project processes of the company must be applied. It was proposed to use the scientific and practical tools of information interaction theory to manage this interaction. The results of applying the concept in project-oriented companies were demonstrated. The use of tools created based on the proposed concept allowed a reduction in project execution time by 10–15 % and a decrease in production costs by 5–10 % due to effective planning of project-production processes The object of the study is the project-production activity of project-oriented enterprises in the fields of mechanical engineering, aircraft construction, shipbuilding, instrumentation, and metallurgy. The problem addressed was the informational integration and synchronization of project management processes, implemented by a specific project-oriented enterprise, with the management of its production processes using digital twins. The solution to this problem is aimed at improving the efficiency of project-production management by utilizing digital twins of projects and production in the planning process. The influence of trends on the development of digital technologies was analysed. The need to consider both project and operational activities of enterprises in mechanical engineering, aircraft construction, shipbuilding, instrumentation, and metallurgy as a single project-production activity was identified. It was shown that this approach can be successful when processes and changes in project-production activity can be modelled, forming a rational plan for product release and project execution. The use of digital twins for objects and processes in project-production activities was proposed. The aim and objectives of the study were formulated, focusing on the creation of a concept for planning project-production activities using digital twins for objects and processes in both project and operational activities. The concept defines the structure of the digital environment for project-oriented production, a model of the interpenetration of project and production planning processes, an aggregated critical path method, and simulation modelling for planning project-production activities using digital twins. It was shown that to model project-production activities, models and methods for managing the interaction between the operational and project processes of the company must be applied. It was proposed to use the scientific and practical tools of information interaction theory to manage this interaction. The results of applying the concept in project-oriented companies were demonstrated. The use of tools created based on the proposed concept allowed a reduction in project execution time by 10–15 % and a decrease in production costs by 5–10 % due to effective planning of project-production processes

Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sustainability: Insights from PLS-SEM on Resource Efficiency and Carbon Emission Reduction

This study investigates the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability, focusing on how AI-driven resource efficiency, energy consumption, environmental monitoring, and carbon emission reduction contribute to sustainability outcomes. The purpose of this research is to examine the dual nature of AI's impact on sustainability by testing both positive and negative effects using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Drawing from a sample of 233 firms in the energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, this study collects data through an online survey measured on a five-point Likert scale. Four hypotheses are tested, revealing that AI-driven resource efficiency and environmental monitoring positively affect sustainability, while AI energy consumption has a negative impact. Furthermore, AI integration in industrial processes helps reduce resource depletion. The findings suggest that governments should incentivize AI adoption aimed at resource efficiency and environmental monitoring through policies like tax breaks or subsidies, particularly for firms reducing their carbon footprint. To mitigate the negative effects of AI energy consumption, policymakers are urged to promote energy-efficient AI models and invest in renewable energy infrastructure. A balanced policy approach is crucial to optimize the environmental benefits of AI while minimizing its energy-related drawbacks.

Identifying Levers for Change in Healthcare Coordination Between the Emergency Youth Shelter and Health Systems in Toronto, Canada Through Stakeholder Engagement: A Qualitative Study

Background: Healthcare coordination involves supporting youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) with accessing appropriate healthcare; synchronizing delivery of their healthcare across multiple systems; sharing healthcare and discharge plans with youth and providers who fall under their ‘circle of care;’ and coordinating post-care follow-up as necessary. Challenges with coordinating healthcare within and between the emergency youth shelter (EYS) and health systems include poor accountability for healthcare coordination across systems; information-sharing and privacy policies inhibiting communication between sectoral staff; inconsistencies in system-based and organizational norms, operations, and funding; and each system’s historically fragmented structure. Methods: We used a system thinking framework to identify levers for change in healthcare coordination within and between the EYS and health systems in Toronto, Canada. Six stakeholders who work at various levels of each system participated in online breakout room discussions as part of a two-hour forum facilitated by our research team. A series of four questions were asked to identify levers for change in system parts and system patterns in healthcare coordination within and between the EYS and health systems. Breakout room discussions were recorded, transcribed, and co-analyzed by the research team using reflexive thematic analysis for each question. Results: Organizational and system-wide goals discussed to strengthen healthcare coordination include clarifying accountability in staff roles, revisiting discharge policies to improve continuity of care, prioritizing funding for programs evaluated to be effective, establishing more opportunities for system cross over, enhancing accessibility for YEH, integrating social medicine into healthcare approaches, and streamlining health communication across both systems. When asked about what is realistically possible, stakeholders were optimistic about enhancing information-sharing through digital health platforms, adapting organizational policies to consider the holistic needs of YEH, and dispersing funds more intentionally to support coordination initiatives. Furthermore, poor staff-youth relations, harmful discharge policies and the Toronto housing crisis were noted as patterns impeding meaningful change in coordinating healthcare. Finally, stakeholders identified systems integration and alignment of well-defined healthcare coordination processes across systems to harmonize efforts in achieving healthcare coordination goals. Conclusions: Stakeholder forum participants discussed promising levers for change that are recommended to strengthen parts of the EYS and health systems along with patterns that influence healthcare coordination between them.

Test Case Automation: Transforming Software Testing in the Digital Era

Purpose: This research aims to explore the limitations of manual software testing, the effectiveness of test case automation in addressing these challenges, and the strategies for successful implementation of automation. It also examines the broader impact of adopting test automation on the quality, speed, and efficiency of software delivery. Methodology: The study investigates the challenges of manual testing in agile and DevOps environments and explores the role of automation as a solution. By analyzing various automation tools, frameworks, and best practices, the research provides insights into successful implementation strategies for test case automation. Additionally, it reviews the associated benefits and potential challenges organizations may face when transitioning to automated testing. Findings: Test case automation significantly mitigates the shortcomings of manual testing, particularly in fast-paced development cycles. The findings reveal that automation not only enhances the quality of software by catching defects earlier but also accelerates the testing process, improving overall efficiency. However, the study also identifies challenges, such as the initial investment in tools and skills required for automation, as well as the ongoing need for maintenance of automated test cases. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of software testing (Tom Badgett, Corey Sandler & Glenford J. Myers, 2011) by highlighting the essential role of automation in modern software development methodologies like agile and DevOps. It bridges the gap between traditional manual testing and contemporary automated practices, providing a framework for understanding how automation fits within these rapid development paradigms. In practice, the study encourages organizations to adopt test case automation as a critical policy for improving the quality and speed of software delivery. It offers practical insights into the implementation of automation, including tool selection, training, and process integration, which can guide companies in transitioning to automated testing. Additionally, it highlights the long-term benefits of automation, making it a valuable policy consideration for organizations aiming to optimize their development and testing processes.

Effect of Offshoring on Exports of Firms in South Korea

This study empirically investigates the export-magnification effect of offshoring using a firm-level panel dataset from the manufacturing sector in South Korea. It estimates the impact of offshoring activities on export performance by examining intra-firm and arm’s length offshoring. The empirical evidence demonstrates the export-magnification effect of offshoring on both export market participation and export intensity. Particularly, the export-magnification effect of offshoring still exists among export entrants switching from non-exporters to exporters. Moreover, a greater export-magnification effect from intra-firm offshoring than from arm’s length offshoring is found using instrumental variable (IV) Tobit and probit models. This indicates that the vertical integration of production processes through intra-firm offshoring has a greater effect on export performance than international outsourcing to third parties.

PERANCANGAN SISTEM ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) TERHADAP PENGADAAN BAHAN BAKU, PENJUALAN, DAN PRODUKSI PADA CV. JAYA LOGAM MENGGUNAKAN SOFTWARE ODOO

CV. Jaya Logam faced various operational challenges caused by ineffective sales and raw material inventory recording systems, leading to production delays, errors in information delivery, and difficulties in monitoring and decision-making. This research was conducted to address these issues through system needs analysis, design, and testing of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system using Odoo software. The methodological process involved a detailed analysis of system requirements, system design using Unified Modelling Language (UML) diagrams to visualize the system architecture, and system testing using the Black Box Testing method to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the designed system. The testing results showed that the developed ERP system successfully met all 12 test class parameters, indicating that the system is valid and can be implemented effectively. The implementation of this ERP system at CV. Jaya Logam resulted in significant improvements in operational efficiency and data accuracy, better business process integration, and the provision of real-time information that supports faster and more accurate decision-making processes.

IoT and Enterprise Architecture Synergy: Driving Industrial Process Optimization

The Internet of Things has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing industries by interconnecting devices, data, and processes. In other words, the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things has redefined how industries operate, facilitating the seamless integration of devices, data, and processes. On the other hand, the issue of enterprise architecture is also discussed, which is a comprehensive and integrated approach in line with the organization's strategic planning and macro business policies. This article delves into and focuses on how the Internet of Things and Enterprise Architecture impact industries, and explores the opportunities and challenges presented by this influence, with a specific focus on the Industrial Internet of Things.

Enhancing financial reporting and management efficiency through enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems: A theoretical review for large-scale energy operations

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have emerged as essential tools in streamlining financial reporting and improving management efficiency across various industries, including large-scale energy operations. This theoretical review explores how ERP systems enhance financial reporting by integrating real-time data, automating financial processes, and fostering transparency. In energy operations, where financial activities are complex and data-intensive, ERP systems centralize financial data, reducing errors, improving compliance, and supporting decision-making through enhanced visibility and accuracy. By automating tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial statement generation, ERP systems enable energy companies to efficiently manage their financial resources, thus optimizing cost control and profitability. Additionally, ERP systems provide significant benefits for management efficiency, particularly in large-scale operations. The integration of financial, operational, and managerial processes within a single platform allows for better resource allocation, improved communication across departments, and faster response times to market fluctuations. These capabilities are crucial in the energy sector, where companies face volatile market conditions, regulatory pressures, and high operational risks. ERP systems enhance managerial decision-making by providing real-time insights into key performance indicators (KPIs), enabling executives to make data-driven decisions that support long-term strategic goals. However, implementing ERP systems in large-scale energy operations presents challenges, including high costs, lengthy implementation periods, and the need for employee training. This review also examines these barriers and suggests strategies for successful ERP adoption, including phased implementation, stakeholder engagement, and customization to industry-specific needs. In conclusion, ERP systems hold the potential to revolutionize financial reporting and management efficiency in large-scale energy operations. By leveraging ERP's real-time data integration and process automation, energy companies can significantly improve their financial management, enhance decision-making, and adapt more quickly to market changes. Keywords: ERP Systems, Financial Reporting, Management Efficiency, Large-Scale Energy Operations, Process Automation, Real-Time Data Integration, Decision-Making, Cost Control, Market Fluctuations, Energy Sector.

Performance Effects of Different Shutdown Methods on Three Electrode Materials for Electromethanogenesis

AbstractIndustrial applications of microbial electrochemical systems will require regular maintenance shutdowns, involving inspections and component replacements to extend the lifespan of the system. Here, we examined the impact of such shutdowns on the performance of three electrode materials (i. e., platinized titanium, graphite, and nickel) as cathodes in a microbial electrochemical system that would be used for electromethanogenesis in power‐to‐gas applications. We focused on methane (CH4) production from hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) using Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus. We showed that the platinized titanium cathode resulted in high volumetric CH4 production rates and Coulombic efficiencies. Using a graphite cathode would be more cost‐effective than using the platinized titanium cathode in microbial electrochemical systems, but showed an inferior performance. The microbial electrochemical system with the nickel cathode showed improvements compared to the graphite cathode. Additionally, this system with a nickel cathode demonstrated the fastest recovery during a shutdown experiment compared to the other two cathodes. Fluctuations in pH and nickel concentrations in the catholyte during power interruptions affected CH4 production recovery in the system with the nickel cathode. This research enhances understanding of the integration of biological and electrochemical processes in microbial electrochemical systems, providing insights into electrode selection and operating strategies for effective and sustainable CH4 production.

AHP VIKOR framework for selecting wind turbine materials with a focus on corrosion and efficiency

The research objective in the context of the study relates to the major concern of corrosion affecting the wind turbines in operation to find materials with high durability in relation to environmental conditions of operation, strength, and cost. A method is an integration of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and VIKOR Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques that will assess seven different material options on sixteen criteria that comprise corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and a negative environmental impact. From this result, the AHP method calculated the weights for the indicators and chose potential materials, and finally, the VIKOR method used these materials and compared and ranked them to obtain a compromise solution. The research novelty integrates the AHP and VIKOR MCDM methods to address corrosion in wind turbines. By evaluating seven materials against challenging sixteen criteria—including corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and toxicity, AHP ranks and weights the criteria, while VIKOR identifies the optimal material choice. This dual approach enhances the selection process, ensuring the chosen material improves turbine performance and durability, offering a significant advancement in the sustainable development of wind energy technology. In conclusion, by integrating AHP and VIKOR, it comprehensively evaluates multiple material options based on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and environmental impact. This methodology effectively identifies materials that enhance wind turbine performance and extend their lifespan, addressing a critical industry challenge. The alternative exhibits a similarity to the positive ideal solution (Si) of 0.3704 and a relative closeness to the ideal solution (Ri) of 0.0750. Additionally, its priority ranking (Qi) is 0.001, placing it in the first rank for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) within the selection methodology.

Countering Political Polarization Through Conscious and Unconscious Integrative Complexity

Political polarization has been growing in many countries, including the United States, within recent years. Scholars note how, if not addressed, growing trends can compromise fundamental pillars of a functioning democratic society. While efforts have grown in researching how integrative complexity can successfully mitigate polarizing tensions in political divides, there is a lack of scholarly attention on how conscious and unconscious dimensions of integrative complexity affect such processes. This article proposes a framework to ground future research in this direction as well as inform depolarizing interventions on this topic.