Integrative Process Research Articles

Optimization and Testing of DC Electromagnetic Pump for Liquid Metal Space Use

Driving a liquid metal via an electromagnetic pump (EMP) is becoming increasingly important with its many emerging cutting-edge uses. The end losses associated with the EMP generally play a core role in dominating device performance. In this study, we explored the effects of electrode width, number of insulating strips, and pump width on the end loss through theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. The optimization results indicate that reducing electrode width would improve EMP performance. Adding insulation strips enhances the magnitude and uniformity of effective current density but raises hydraulic losses. A smaller pump width achieves a stronger static head, while a larger pump width outputs a higher flow rate. Furthermore, 3D printing technology was employed for rapid integrated processing of the pump body. Detailed performance evaluations and reliability tests were carried out on the EMP. With the design optimized so as to minimize the end losses, an EMP for space experiments has been successfully developed, which will eventually be flown on the China’s space station. Overall, the feasibility of fast, low-cost manufacturing of high-reliability, compact EMP with the assistance of numerical simulation and 3D printing technology was demonstrated. It provides an alternative option for driving metallic fluid for various future space needs.

Stress and deformation analysis of the steel pipe arch integral lifting construction process of a continuous beam arch bridge

The Changjinghuang Railway Xinjiang Xizhi Bridge is a (90 + 180 + 90) m continuous beam arch bridge, and the arch rib steel pipe installation adopts “short bracket assembly and overall lifting method”. In order to ensure the accuracy of closure, the stress and deformation of the arch rib and bracket must be strictly controlled. Midas Civil is used to establish the finite element model to simulate the overall lifting construction process of the arch rib. Based on the model, the stress and deformation of the arch rib and the supports are analyzed, and the determination method of the horizontal cable force under temperature variations is proposed. The results show that the stress and deformation of the arch rib and bracket meet the requirements. Considering the variation of temperature, the tension force of the horizontal cables is taken as 200 t. The construction plan proposed under the guidance of numerical calculation results has been proven by practical engineering to meet the requirement of closure accuracy, which can be used as a reference for similar projects.

Evolution of neural circuitry and cognition.

Neural circuits govern the interface between the external environment, internal cues and outwardly directed behaviours. To process multiple environmental stimuli and integrate these with internal state requires considerable neural computation. Expansion in neural network size, most readily represented by whole brain size, has historically been linked to behavioural complexity, or the predominance of cognitive behaviours. Yet, it is largely unclear which aspects of circuit variation impact variation in performance. A key question in the field of evolutionary neurobiology is therefore how neural circuits evolve to allow improved behavioural performance or innovation. We discuss this question by first exploring how volumetric changes in brain areas reflect actual neural circuit change. We explore three major axes of neural circuit evolution-replication, restructuring and reconditioning of cells and circuits-and discuss how these could relate to broader phenotypes and behavioural variation. This discussion touches on the relevant uses and limitations of volumetrics, while advocating a more circuit-based view of cognition. We then use this framework to showcase an example from the insect brain, the multi-sensory integration and internal processing that is shared between the mushroom bodies and central complex. We end by identifying future trends in this research area, which promise to advance the field of evolutionary neurobiology.

ENHANCING REFLECTIVE CAPACITIES IN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY: BRIDGING EDUCATION AND LIFELONG PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES Essential to both students and experienced exercise physiology practitioners, reflective practice is a cornerstone of lifelong learning and improved client care. In clinical settings reflection, characterised by awareness, is the critical analysis of experience and requires integration into higher education curriculum. METHODOLOGY Final-year exercise physiology students (N = 21) and 5 clinical exercise physiology supervisors completed a reflective practice learning activity. The stepped process of SPROUT was utilised, via classroom teaching and 14 weeks of clinical practicum. SPROUT represents the Situation, Past experiences, Read and refer, Other influences, Understanding, and Taking it forward. Teaching modes included group discussion, clinical situations, and student-led practice along with the completion of written reflections. Each student responded to the Reflection in Learning Scale (RLS) and further questions about their confidence. Written scripts were analysed for meaning and each ranked. Supervisors responded to open-ended questions during a focus group. FINDINGS Student scores for the RLS revealed higher scores for planning, knowledge integration and mental processing and lower for interactions with knowledge, mindful summarising and coping with negative emotions. 75% of students indicated that they were confident with reflective practice and that SPROUT, however time-consuming, had been helpful. Written scripts showed a range of developing abilities, from novice requiring more depth to those more advanced who demonstrated meaningful engagement and solution-orientated reflective ability. Clinical supervisors supported the importance of reflective practice and were positive about the application of the stepped approach of SPROUT. CONCLUSIONS The SPROUT framework supported reflective practice learning, benefiting both students and qualified practitioners, facilitating not only increased confidence but also a more profound understanding of clinical encounters. The structured approach of SPROUT proved beneficial in guiding reflective thinking. This research underscores the importance of reflective practice in exercise physiology, endorsing its role in ongoing professional development.

Influence of loading on the heat transfer rate and specific water consumption of detached loosed fresh palm fruits during vertical mini-batch sterilization

This study presents the effect of loading on the heat transfer rate and specific water consumption of detached loosed fresh palm fruits during sterilization. Sterilization is an integral process of palm oil extraction that consumes a lot of water. However, most industrial research in the past focused on fresh fruit bunch (FFB) sterilization dynamics. At the same time, the medium- and small-scale industries sterilize already detached loosed fresh palm fruits (LFPF) that have been removed from the spikelet as purchased from aggregators. Therefore, the process data generated from the sterilization of FFB might not be optimal for sterilizing LFPF. This study, therefore, investigates the transient response of variation in LFPF loading of the sterilization chamber to steam injection during steam sterilization of LFPF at 3 ± 0.5 bars using a vertical, single-peak LFPF sterilizer that combines the boiler and sterilizer in a single unit. The LFPF were loaded at mass intervals of 0.2 kg ranging from 0.2 kg to 2 kg. The vapour temperature dynamics, heat transfer rate, steam energy utilization efficiency and specific water consumption parameters were studied. The average vapour temperature varied from 100 °C to 130 °C for the LFPF mass range of 0.2 to 2 kg at steam injection temperature of 140 °C and pressure of 3 ± 0.5 bars. This temperature range matched the saturated vapour temperature of pure water at 1.0––2.8 bars absolute pressure but slightly lower than the saturated vapour temperature of 133.54 °C for pure steam at 3 bars. The percentage of steam energy utilization effectiveness is inversely related to the steam mass flow rate. While energy effectiveness increased with loading mass, the steam mass flow rate decreased with increased LFPF mass. The value of the heat transfer rate ranged between 1.7––55.4 W, while the specific heat transfer rate ranged between 8.5–––41.8 W/kg. The average specific water consumption ranged from 0.014 to 0.09 kg-water/kg-LFPF, with an average value of 0.031 kg-water/kg-LFPF. This value is lower than 0.112–––0.5 kg-water/kg-FFB, with an average value of 0.256 kg-water/kg-FFB for conventional FFB steam sterilization. This represents an 87.9 % reduction in water consumption in conventional FFB steam sterilization. An empirical model deduced for specific heat transfer rate and water consumption for steam sterilization of LFPF at 3 ± 0.5 bars and vapour temperature range of 100––130 °C showed a high coefficient of determination above 99 %.

Optimizing the Implementation of an Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) in Overseas Official Travel Permits in Higher Education

<p>The research aims to determine the optimization of the implementation of an electronic-based government system (SPBE) in licensing overseas official travel for state civil servants in higher education. The research method used is descriptive qualitative. The normative legal approach is research that examines document studies using various secondary data. The research location is at one of the universities in the city of Solo. Data collection techniques are carried out using literature studies, observation, interviews, and documentation through field observations as research objects. Data analysis in this research uses qualitative analysis techniques. The research results show that optimizing the implementation of an electronic-based government system requires an appropriate policy framework, so that the SPBE vision can be achieved. SPBE is expected to be able to realize an integrated work process that is effective, efficient, and improves the quality of public services on overseas official trips at universities. The development of SPBE can increase ASN human resources in mastering information and communication technology both in quality and quantity so that overseas official travel services are optimal for state civil servants in higher education. The conclusion of this research is to maximize or minimize achieving a goal precisely, effectively, efficiently, and beneficially in implementing an Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) during overseas official trips.</p>

Development and validation of a method for simultaneous quantitative determination of albendazole and praziquantel in coated tablets “AP-helmin”

Adapting modern methods of quantitative analysis of active substances in their joint content in the dosage form and validating them is an integral process of pharmaceutical development. We have developed a drug in the form of coated tablets for the treatment of helminthiases of the digestive system in adults. A feature of this drug is the composition of the API of albendazole and praziquantel in a ratio of 1:4. The aim of this research is to develop methodology for quantitative analysis of both substances by the method of liquid chromatography, determination of their possible mutual influence on the process, as well as validation of the proposed methods. Materials and methods. To meet the research's set purpose, the following tasks were identified: choosing the most rational method for the quantitative determination of albendazole and praziquantel; confirming the absence of the mutual influence of APIs on the results obtained; and validating the selected methods of albendazole and praziquantel analysis. Object of the research conducted included coated tablets “AP-helmin”, series 1-5.2021; pharmacopoeial standard sample (PSS) of albendazole, and PSS praziquantel. Quantitative determination of albendazole and praziquantel was conducted according to SPU, method 2.2.29. Results. The article describes the conditions and stages of the quantitative determination of albendazole and praziquantel and the main indicators of method validation. Conclusions. It was proven that quantification with the liquid chromatography method of both substances is validated, and the substances do not affect each other's analysis in the coated tablets "AP-helmin" following the project of QCM for this drug. All calculated parameters meet the required validation criteria

Orchestration constraints BlockChained smart contract and integrated digital twins manufacturing systems: ManuChain4.0-based application paradigm and case study

Decentralized manufacturing systems constrained by blockchain significantly enhances data security and process integrity. Nevertheless, intelligent workshops encounter hurdles related to scalability of nodes, efficiency in validation, configuration of process security, and management of online/offline operations, which pose challenges to the seamless application of blockchain in workshop manufacturing environments. This paper introduces an architecture based on BPMN (Business Process Modeling Notation) for integrating smart contracts and digital twins manufacturing systems. It explores effective strategies to address the challenges mentioned above, with the aim of enhancing integration and application approaches. (1) Utilizing a graphical model-driven solution for the visualization and configuration of manufacturing resources on the front end, creating a BPMN-driven orchestration diagram and an off-chain/on-chain interoperability model for manufacturing smart contracts, and investigating voting mechanisms and customization methods specific to smart contracts in workshop manufacturing; (2) The two-layer monitoring model based on blockchain 3.0 and Tangle-based verification backend is established by introducing Cached DTs to implement negotiation of smart contracts based on BPMN constraints at the upper level, and supporting device node expansion and verification mechanisms at the lower level, thereby realizing swift synchronization and comprehensive visualization across the entire manufacturing lifecycle; (3) Based on multiple open-source technologies, a decentralized intelligent workshop case that relies on distributed information management is constructed. The comprehensive experimental results underscore the technical superiority of the proposed system architecture.

Unlocking the potential of municipal solid waste: Emergy accounting applied in a novel biorefinery

The rampant municipal solid waste (MSW) generation caused mainly by people's lifestyle has required technological solutions to deal with this global issue. This paper assess an innovative and integrated biorefinery (2IB) to manage MSW. The 2IB is rooted in the circular economy concept, and it differs from any other currently existing technological route in managing MSW due to its integrated processes that receives both inorganic and organic fractions at the same time, besides unveiling an innovative aspect related to thermoplastic production. Due to its scientific-based advantages, the emergy accounting (withy ‘m’) is considered as method to quantify the 2IB environmental performance, comparing the results with alternatives MSW management facilities. Results show that 2IB has similar performance for the three traditional emergy indicators (m-EYR of 1.17, m-ELR of 5.73 and m-ESI of 0.20) compared to incineration and landfilling, indicating low yield, moderate load on the environment, and unsustainable. On the other hand, the emergy return indicator (ERI of 20.33) indicates higher performance for the 2IB, in which for each solar emjoule (sej) – the measure unit of emergy – invested it generates a return of about 20 sej that becomes available as benefits for societal development. From an emergy perspective, results support that 2IB should be considered as a powerful technological alternative to manage MSW. This study contributes from a theoretical perspective with discussions on the emergy accounting procedures applied on systems located at far right side of energy hierarchy, while contributing from a practical perspective by providing technical information about the 2IB that supports decision makers towards more sustainable MSW management systems.

Correlation Aware Relevance-Based Semantic Index for Clinical Big Data Repository.

In this paper, we focus on indexing mechanisms for unstructured clinical big integrated data repository systems. Clinical data is unstructured and heterogeneous, which comes in different files and formats. Accessing data efficiently and effectively are critical challenges. Traditional indexing mechanisms are difficult to apply on unstructured data, especially by identifying correlation information between clinical data elements. In this research work, we developed a correlation-aware relevance-based index that retrieves clinical data by fetching most relevant cases efficiently. In our previous work, we designed a methodology that categorizes medical data based on the semantics of data elements and merges them into an integrated repository. We developed a data integration system for medical data sources that combines heterogeneous medical data and provides access to knowledge-based database repositories to different users. In this research work, we designed an indexing system using semantic tags extracted from clinical data sources and medical ontologies that retrieves relevant data from database repositories and speeds up the process of data retrieval. Our objective is to provide an integrated biomedical database repository that can be used by radiologists as a reference, or for patient care, or by researchers. In this paper, we focus on designing a technique that performs data processing for data integration, learn the semantic properties of data elements, and develop a correlation-aware topic index that facilitates efficient data retrieval. We generated semantic tags by identifying key elements from integrated clinical cases using topic modeling techniques. We investigated a technique that identifies tags for merged categories and provides an index to fetch data from an integrated database repository. We developed a topic coherence matrix that shows how well a topic is supported by a corpus from clinical cases and medical ontologies. We were able to find more relevant results using an annotation index from an integrated database repository, and there was a 61% increase in a recall. We evaluated results with the help of experts and compared them with naive index (index with all terms from the corpus). Our approach improved data retrieval quality by providing most relevant results and reduced data retrieval time as we applied correlation-aware index on an integrated data repository. Topic indexing approach proposed in this research work identifies tags based on a correlation between different data elements, improves data retrieval time, and provides most relevant cases as an outcome of this system.

Long-Term Alterations in Motor Skills, Neurogenesis and Astrocyte Numbers following Transient Cerebral Ischemia in Mice.

Background and Objectives. Neurogenesis is an integral process in post-stroke recovery, involving the recruitment of proliferating neuroblasts from neurogenic niches of the mammal brain. However, the role of neurogenesis in the long-term restoration following ischemic stroke is fragmented. Post-stroke motor dysfunction includes challenges in the proper, coordinated use of hands and is present in roughly two-thirds of human patients. In this study, we investigated chronic behavioral and biochemical alterations after transient cerebral ischemia in adult male mice. Materials and Methods: Twelve-week-old C57BL/6N male mice were used, and fMCAo lasting 60 min was induced. At multiple timepoints after fMCAo induction, a single pellet reaching task was performed. Six months after the procedure, we immunohistochemically determined the number of proliferating neuroblasts (BrdU and DCX-positive) and the number of differentiated astrocytes (GFAP-positive) in both brain hemispheres. Results: The reaching ability of fMCAo mice was impaired from one month to six months after the induction of ischemia. Neuroblast proliferation was increased in the ipsilateral SVZ, whereas GFAP+ cell count was elevated in the hippocampal DG of both hemispheres of the fMCAo group mice. Conclusions: Our current report demonstrates the long-term effects of transient cerebral ischemia on mice functional parameters and neurogenesis progression. Our data demonstrate that transient cerebral ischemia promotes a long-lasting regenerative response in the ipsilateral brain hemisphere, specifically in the neurogenic SVZ and DG regions.

Cure Kinetics and Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Novel Phenylacetylene-Capped Polyimide Resins.

Based on a novel phenylacetylene capped polyimide (PI) with unique high-temperature resistance, its curing kinetics and thermal decomposition behavior were investigated. The curing mechanism and kinetics were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A) of the curing reaction were calculated based on the Kissinger equation, Ozawa equation, and Crane equation. According to the curve of conversion rate changing with temperature, the relationship between the dynamic reaction Ea and conversion rate (α) was calculated by the Friedman equation, Starink equation, and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (O-F-W) equation, and the reaction Ea in different stages was compared with the results of molecular dynamics. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the thermal decomposition behavior of PI resins before and after curing. Temperatures at 5% and 20% mass loss (T5%, T20%), peak decomposition temperature (Tmax), residual carbon rate (RW), and integral process decomposition temperature (IPDT) were used to compare the thermal stability of PI resins and cured PI resins. The results display that the cured PI has excellent thermal stability. The Ea of the thermal decomposition reaction was calculated by the Coats-Redfern method, and the thermal decomposition behavior was analyzed. The thermal decomposition reaction of PI resins at different temperatures was simulated by molecular dynamics, the initial thermal decomposition reaction was studied, and the pyrolysis mechanism was analyzed more comprehensively and intuitively.

A miniaturized and low-loss Q-band SIW bandpass filter based on evanescent-mode in wafer-level packaging process

This paper presents a miniaturized Q-band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bandpass filter (BPF) on a silicon-based wafer-level packaging (WLP) process. By incorporating capacitive quasi-coplanar waveguide (CPW) feeding structures and complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs), the SIW operates in an evanescent-mode below the lower cutoff frequency and then achieves miniaturization. The efficient conversion of wave-modes, mutual excitation among multiple capacitive structures, and extremely short transmission paths, collectively resulting in the proposed BPF exhibiting low insertion loss. Furthermore, the area of fabricated filter has been reduced by 88.96 % compared to the requirement of the cutoff frequency. The measured results show that the minimum insertion loss is 1.24 dB, the return loss is better than 15 dB, and the 3 dB passband covers from 29.6 to 47.8 GHz (FBW is 47 %). These results indicate that, the proposed filter effectively solve the issues of large areas in SIW filters and high losses in silicon-based integrated or packaging processes.

Transe-Cognition: Thinking from the Self

After an analysis of the state of the art in today's educational landscape, an innovative and trans for mative learning system, Transe Learning, is proposed. Its general outlines, its connections to the wisdom traditions of mankind will be taken into consideration and its applicability in contemporary society will be highlighted in the context of education as an integral and transformative process that accompanies the individual through out thee volutionary arc of his or her life span development. Finally, Transe-cognition will be presented as the system of thought necessary to draw on the resources offered by Transe Learning, outlining its cornerstones such as: Second Attention, Further Mode and Integral Thinking.

Feasibility of the interdisciplinary multimodal assessment-The team perspective

Secondary preventive outpatient diagnostic services for patients with pain and risk factors for chronification have not yet been sufficiently established. In the PAIN2020 project (Innovation Fund, 01NVF17049) an outpatient interdisciplinary multimodal assessment (IMA) was introduced for the first time early in the course of the disease. For the implementation of the IMA procedures for team cooperation and decision criteria were developed, which were implemented by ateam of medical, physiotherapeutic and psychological therapists. These procedures and decision criteria are to be discussed against the background of clinical experience and examined with respect to their feasibility (qualitative). In PAIN2020 aworkshop on IMA was held in September 2021 to jointly reflect on the findings and experiences gained in the process so far through monitoring and structuring documentation in the implementation with staff or teams of PAIN2020 centers on the feasibility of implementing astructured interdisciplinary multimodal assessment. In three work phases, occupational group-specific and cross-occupational group topics were addressed. In the decision-making processes of the occupational groups, in addition to profession-specific focal points within the framework of the assessment of findings (somatic, functional or psychosocial core criteria), overarching core criteria within the professions as well as complementary patient-related aspects are evident, which are included in the integrative team process. With respect to team collaboration, the implementation of the team meeting and the final discussion can be used to identify structural and process parameters that promote or inhibit implementation, which are also accompanied by interactional factors. For the implementation of the IMA, there were (1)adaptations of the IMA, which is currently implemented as A‑IMA in the selective agreement with BARMER and (2)new dimensions or task fields and ideas for evidence-based concepts for the content design of integrative diagnostics as well as for the feedback of the results to the patients, which should be discussed in the future.

System Approach to the Process of Institutional Transformation for Industrial Integrations in the Digital Era

The digitalization of the high-tech economy is complicated due to several issues. One can mention non-synchrony and imbalance in the development of industrial enterprises and their integrations; changes in the elements and relations between enterprises and the external environment; as well as contradictions between the actors. Therefore, a new institutional system for industrial integrations needs to be formed. This article proposes a concept and scenario of the institutional change needed to bolster industrial integrations in the digital economy. The structural logic and algorithm of the process provides for the gradual progress through seven phases of institutional transformation. The authors have developed an institutional change management platform for strategic transformation, the core of which is a decision-making system. The platform supports the management of digital and material business processes of industrial integrations. The conceptual approach is based on a comparison of the life cycles of enterprises and their markets. The article proposes a methodology for assessing the readiness of industrial integrations to implement institutional change strategies using modified Shewhart control charts. The methodology is based on a two-criterion approach to the analysis of finances, production reserves, human resources, organizational structures, management technologies, corporate institutions, and a personnel motivation system. This approach allows determining the level of compliance of the resources available with the requirements of the transformation strategy implementation plan. The methodology has been tested at 14 enterprises functioning as industrial integration actors. According to the dynamics of the level of readiness to implement the transformation strategy, enterprises within the framework of industrial integrations are divided into three groups: enterprises with consistently high, medium, and low levels of readiness to implement the strategy.

Asymptotics of Average Case Approximation Complexity for Tensor Products of Euler Integrated Processes

Asymptotics of Average Case Approximation Complexity for Tensor Products of Euler Integrated Processes

An integrated system theoretic process analysis with multilevel flow modeling for the identification of cyber‐physical hazards in a process industry

AbstractThe deep integration of information technology and process industry production systems makes system failure increasingly multi‐source and multi‐scale. In contrast to conventional hazard methods, system theoretic process analysis (STPA) can analyze the hazards in system control processes from the perspective of interactions among the system components. Theoretically, this method offers advantages that are better suited for modern production systems. However, as of now, the integration between STPA and process industrial production systems is still lacking. To address this issue, this study improved the original STPA method. First, we propose the “5 flows” concept for the process industrial cyber‐physical systems. The systems are described using multilevel flow modeling (MFM). This leads to the development of the MSTPA method, which is specifically designed to analyze the cyber‐physical hazards in process industrial production systems. Subsequently, the cyber‐physical hazards of a fluidized‐bed catalytic cracking unit are analyzed in detail using the MSTPA method as an example. The results show that MSTPA can identify cyber‐physical hazards in multiple dimensions. It is proved that, compared with the original STPA and traditional hazard methods, the MSTPA method can better identify cyber‐physical hazards in process industrial production systems.

Study of the in situ test setup and analysis methods for self-healing properties of metallized film capacitors.

Metallized film capacitors (MFCs) are widely used in the power electronics industry due to their unique self-healing (SH) capability. SH performance is an essential assessment for MFC reliability verification in industrial production. The SH phenomenon of metallized films usually occurs rapidly in a very short period, and its real-time evolution details are often difficult to capture and analyze. In this paper, a test system for the SH performance of metallized films for capacitors was constructed. The system consists of three components: a voltage-current characteristic testing and current pulse capture device, a microscopic image real-time acquisition device, and an integrated analysis processing device. Through the voltage-current characteristic testing and current pulse capture device, the electrical parameters of the SH point, such as SH times, breakdown field strength, SH current, and SH energy, are obtained; through a microscopic image real-time acquisition device, the real-time spatial positioning of the SH point was obtained, and the interconnection between the morphology of the SH point and the electrical properties was established. The relationship between the SH point and the temperature distribution was further established using thermal imaging technology, which lays the foundation for a thorough and timely assessment and analysis of the failure mechanism and the real-time evolution of the metallized film SH process. This significantly improves the effectiveness of SH property research.

Mathematical Modeling and a Multiswarm Collaborative Optimization Algorithm for Fuzzy Integrated Process Planning and Scheduling Problem

Mathematical Modeling and a Multiswarm Collaborative Optimization Algorithm for Fuzzy Integrated Process Planning and Scheduling Problem