Intensification Factor Research Articles

Nanoparticle deagglomeration driven by a high shear mixer and intensification of low-speed stirring in a viscous system

High shear mixers (HSMs), with their unique advantages of high shear forces and a wide operational range, are commonly used in nanoparticle deagglomeration. This study explores a novel approach to intensifying nanoparticle deagglomeration in a 100 mPa‧s viscous system using HSMs combined with low-speed stirring. The effects of main operating and structural parameters were experimentally investigated. The results show that the teethed HSM outperforms the blade-screen HSM, achieving a smaller attainable size (114 nm vs. 210 nm) and a higher fine particle generation fraction (46.08% vs. 18.77%). Increasing HSM size directly affects the energy input (from 6.478 MJ/kg to 31.879 MJ/kg), which influences the deagglomeration mechanism and kinetics but does not affect the smallest attainable size (117 nm). Higher solid contents improve energy efficiency, while low-speed stirring, though not altering the deagglomeration mechanism, enhances its kinetics. The process intensification factor (S) and energy efficiency factor (εm) were defined to evaluate the intensification of low-speed stirring. Increasing the impeller speed enhances this effect. The PBT impeller with a diameter ratio of 0.35 is identified as the ideal structure in this study, improving deagglomeration performance by 8.26% while reducing energy consumption by 8.3%. These results provide guidance for optimizing processes and improving deagglomeration performance through the combination of low-speed stirring in viscous systems for process industries.

Predicting the yield envelope of sandstones from mechanical and microstructural properties

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of predicting the yield curves of sandstones considering only a few key mechanical parameters, and more importantly microstructural properties. Porous rocks are modeled as a set of 2D circular grains subjected to radial and axial stresses that reflect the external forces applied on the material. The contact between individual grains define local planes. The sample is assumed to yield at the inception of nonlinear response on one of these planes, when local stresses reach either shear, tensile, or compressive limit values. A Mohr–Coulomb criterion is considered, with a tensile cutoff and a limitation on the maximum allowable shear stress. The parameters of the developed yield equations are then divided into two groups. The first category relates to the microstructure of the material: porosity, grain radius, intergranular contacts radius, and intensification factor. The second category contains a set of four mechanical properties: the cohesion, the friction angle, the maximum shear, and the compressive limit. While the first set differs from one sandstone to another, the second one is assumed to be the same for all sandstones showing similar mineral compositions. The experimental data for five sandstones, Berea, Boise, Darley Dale, Diemelstadt, and Rothbach, are gathered from the literature. The mechanical parameters are calculated based on Rothbach sandstone experimental data. Satisfactory predictions of the yield limits for the remaining sandstones are obtained from their microstructural characteristics.

Experimental, numerical simulation and genetic algorithm as a hybrid method for the design of hydrogen peroxide separation via non-dispersive solvent extraction

This work employed a hybrid approach combining experiments, numerical simulation, and genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the non-dispersive solvent extraction (NDSX) process of H2O2. A numerical simulation model with high accuracy was developed. The relative error between the simulation results and experimental data was controlled within 2.2 %. The results indicated the velocity of lumen side and temperature are the key factors affecting the extraction efficiency. The non-dominated sorting GA-II algorithm coupled with the numerical simulation was used to optimize the NDSX process. The Pareto optimal design of the NDSX process can be achieved within the water outlet concentration range of 13.44 to 550.2 kg m-3. Intensification factors of NDSX versus extraction towers are evaluated to be 17.9 and 13.2. In summary, this work provides a design framework for NDSX of H2O2, which is expected to simultaneously promote the mass transfer efficiency and safety of the H2O2 separation process.

Some aspects of the interaction of the factors of intensification of the techno­logy of growing winter wheat with the forecasted yield

Some aspects of the interaction of the factors of intensification of the techno­logy of growing winter wheat with the forecasted yield

Интенсификация взросления детей, интегрированных в спортивную сферу деятельности, как социальное явление

The paper analyzes the problem of accelerated maturation of children-athletes with reference to the theories of socialization and constructing their own maturation. To study the stated problem the theoretical and applied works of the researchers N. V. Veselkova and E. V. Pryamikova, aimed at revealing the social nature of the maturation competence, as well as two author's sociological researches were used. The first is "Longevity in sports of highest achievements", which was carried out by the method of questionnaire survey of high-class athletes (n = 400 people). The second is "Temporality as a factor of intensification of growing up", conducted by the method of focus-group of veteran athletes (n = 17 people) was realized at the Department of General Sociology and Social Work of National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod in 2023. The object of the study is the process of accelerated maturation of children integrated into the sphere of sports activities. The purpose of the study is to identify the factors contributing to the intensification of the process of growing up of children-athletes. As a result, the author's interpretation of the concept of "accelerated maturation" of child athletes is proposed. The system of factors contributing to the accelerated maturation of this category of population is revealed: individualization and autonomy of the subject, temporality of sports space, enhanced social mobility of children in the field of sports, critical thinking, success of minors as a result of achievements in sports and recognition of their merits in society.

Economic Effectiveness and Forecasting of Scientific Activity in Azerbaijan

In the conditions of increasing international competition, sustainable development of the economy is considered to be one of the priority areas of scientific activities in the country. Since science and high technologies are the fundamental basis of innovative development, the strengthening of scientific, technical, and innovative potential for countries is considered as the goal of economic policy. In this context, the ability to achieve achievements related to scientific activity and to implement the obtained results becomes one of the factors that ensure the competitiveness of both the economy and fields and subjects in the global competitive environment. The effectiveness of scientific activity directly depends on the funding of research and development. The comparison of costs and results is closely related to the consideration of different time intervals between financing and the achievement of commercial results. Therefore, investments related to the commercialization of science appear as investments in the future. Thus, the application of the results of scientific activity to production, being considered an important factor of production intensification, ensures the increase of labor productivity, the reduction of production costs, and the improvement of the efficiency of capital investments. These, in turn, are the main conditions for the effectiveness of the integration of science and production. In the research, the effectiveness of scientific activity, the factors affecting it, the possibilities of expanding the application of scientific activity to production, and the forecast indicators of the volume of scientific and technical works shortly are determined.

Scientific narrative as a factor of intensification of communicative relations of the «science — society» system

The article offers an analysis of communicative interaction in the modern academic field — among individual researchers, research teams and groups in conditions of high competition against the background of exponential growth of publication activity and digitalization of communications both within the professional community and taking into account the strengthening and transparency of interactions with the public. The author puts forward a working hypothesis, according to which it is the narrative attribute in the representation of the results of scientific research that can contain a reserve for evolutionary success within the framework of the systemic nature of communication and have a high potential for the formation of stable links between subsystems of science and other public actors, such as non-professional external observers.

The rank of intensification factors strength in intensive pond production of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Intensive common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) pond production offers an alternative to traditionally practiced extensive and semi-intensive farming technologies. Global warming increases the scarcity of water available for aquaculture, requiring increased productivity per unit of used water. The present trial was conducted on intensive rearing of two-summer-old common carp (0.5 ± 0.1) kg. Fractional factorial design (24–1, resolution IV) was applied to identify how production performance is affected by the following four factors and their interactions: I) feeding rate: ad libitum (4%) vs. restricted (2%); II) stocking density: low (1.1 t/ha) vs. high (2.2 t/ha); III) aeration rate: low (11 kW/ha) vs. high (25 kW/ha); and IV) presence or absence of co-cultured species: monoculture vs. polyculture with pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) reared in cages. The feeding rate appeared to be the most influential factor in growth, meat quality, water quality, and stress parameters. Although the higher stocking density might be economically justified in the short term, due to impaired welfare it brings risks in the long run. The higher rate of artificial aeration showed a negative effect on meat and water quality; however, its cooling effect might be helpful in tackling issues with extreme water temperature. The test showed feasible cage production of pikeperch even in intensive pond production. The recommended goals for feasible intensification of common carp pond aquaculture are feeding regimes aiming at better feed utilization instead of growth maximization, stocking densities up to the limits of fish welfare (gross yield <11 t/ha), optimized paddle wheel aeration in favor of algae development (<11 kW/ha), and species/technology diversification.

The role of biologization of processes in increasing the technological and economic efficiency of viticulture

The necessity of increasing the technological and economic efficiency of viticulture is substantiated. The assessment of the influence of negative manifestations of chemical and technogenic intensification factors in viticulture on the stability of agrocenoses with the participation of grape plantations is given. The priority role of biotechnologies in ensuring the stability of grape agrocenoses to negative manifestations caused by an increase in chemical and man-made loads, which are a set of industrial methods that use living organisms and biological processes for the production of industrial products, is substantiated. The basic principles on which the biologization of protective measures of vineyards is based are considered. The effectiveness of the main methods of biological protection of industrial vineyards is assessed, the use of which will reduce the negative impact of xenobiotics on the environment, material costs for the purchase of insecticides in the cultivation of products and ensure the development of optimal agrotechnological solutions for the protection of perennial plantations, which will contribute to the growth of technological and economic efficiency of industrial production.

Survey on Aculops lycopersici and operational factors potentially affecting successful pest management among 50 tomato producers in Germany

Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyoidea) is a pest in tomato cultivation worldwide. In recent years, the number of reports of A. lycopersici infestations in tomato have increased in Germany. In the first half of 2019, a survey of 50 tomato producing farms was conducted to assess the occurrence of A. lycopersici and the impact this pest has on tomato cultivation in Germany. The participating farms represented ~ 3.5% of the 1448 farms in Germany with protected tomato production in 2019. Total tomato production area considered in the survey was 131.8 ha which corresponds to ~ 34% of the 385.63 ha of protected tomato production area in Germany in this year. A. lycopersici presence was reported by 33 of the 50 surveyed farms, within the last 5 years. Amongst these 50 participants it was the pest with the highest relative importance in terms of plant protection effort exerted. A. lycopersici occurrence was reported more frequently from production systems with a higher intensification. For instance, heating in cold months and a larger production area were considered intensification factors in this study. However, due to autocorrelation between intensification factors it was not possible to link increased occurrence to specific factors. As the intensification factors favouring A. lycopersici occurrence are more prevalent in integrated production, those farms faced A. lycopersici occurrence more often than the organic growers in this study. Plant protection strategies often combine broad treatments of sulphur with local abamectin treatments, removal of infested plant material and the introduction of natural enemies.

Stress evaluation method of reinforced wall-thinned Class 2/3 nuclear pipes for structural integrity assessment

When wall-thinning occurs in nuclear Class 2 and 3 pipes, reinforcement is typically applied rather than replacement. To analyze the structural integrity of reinforced wall-thinned pipe, stress analysis results using full 3-D FE analysis are not compatible to the design code equation, ASME BPVC Sec. III NC/ND-3650. Therefore, the efficient stress evaluation method for the reinforced wall-thinned pipe, compatible to the design code equation, needs to be developed. In this paper, stress evaluation methods for the reinforced wall-thinned pipe are proposed using the equivalent straight pipe concept. Furthermore, for fatigue analysis of the reinforced wall-thinned pipe, the stress intensification factor of reinforced wall-thinned pipe is presented using the structural stress method given in ASME BPVC Sec. VIII Div.2.

Long‐Term Variability in the Arabian Peninsula Droughts Driven by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation

AbstractDrought is a recurring hydroclimatic extreme over the Arabian Peninsula (AP). So far, no study has examined the changes in drought characteristics in recent decades, not to mention the background mechanisms for such changes. To this end, analyzing the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) mainly from the European Reanalysis (ERA5) data sets, in addition to other observational/reanalysis data sets over the period of 1951–2020, we show that droughts over the AP have increased in frequency and severity over the last two decades. We show that this drought acceleration, which was not observed in the previous 40–50 years, is a combination of decadal variability and long‐term trends. Importantly, we demonstrate that the decadal SPEI variability is due to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). The unprecedented multiyear drought over the AP in recent decades is evidently associated with the current positive phase of the AMO. We also show that the recent warming of the AP is a more significant factor in the drought intensification than the concurrent weakening of local precipitation. Furthermore, we developed a machine learning model largely based on the observed AMO–SPEI relationship. This model predicts a reduced drought severity over the AP in the near future.

Stress Classification Lines for Non-Standard Y-Tee Design in Piping System

All processes fluids in the oil and gas industry are generally transferred from one point to another via complex piping networks. The process temperature and the pressure of the fluids may vary between -21 °C to 816 °C and from atmospheric, 1.013 barg to 431 barg, respectively. Under these conditions, the entire piping networks are exposed to thermal expansion and contraction resulting in mechanical bending, potentially causing mechanical failures. The most common pipe fitting used in piping networks to divide the fluid flow into two different directions would be a standard equal tee which was designed in accordance with ASME B16.9. The equal tee, however, has distinctive flexibility characteristics compared to the pipe, which is well defined in ASME B31.3. These flexibility characteristics generate a stress intensification factor (SIF) through bending moment equations for beam-type element analysis for standard equal tee components. However, due to the limitation of SIF and flexibility characteristics for the non-standard pipe fittings, the stress evaluation could not be done using beam-type element analysis. When using finite element method (FEM) analysis, generally equivalent stresses (Von Mises or Tresca) or principal stresses would be evaluated depending on the stress categorization as explained in ASME codes and standards. In this paper, a stress evaluation method for non-standard Y-tee was developed and demonstrated against ASME VIII Div. 2 Part 5 requirement. The developed SCLs line for the non-standard Y-tee fittings provides the guides for stress assessment against design stress allowable. An optimum design for non-standard Y-tee is proposed at 45° and 60° crotch radii which resulted in lower stress value at SCL lines, hence improving the structural integrity.

Land resource management system in the sustainable development context: scientific and practical approaches

One of the main domestic and foreign policy principles of Ukraine is the preservation of the environment and its components, which is vital for the human existence, his current and future generations. It was found that the amount of land resources available at our disposal is limited, therefore it requires sustainable management. This calls for recognition of raising awareness importance of the rate at which humans are depleting and destroying land resources. This formed a new paradigm about the role and importance of land management and land use. The purpose of the study is to identify the factors that have the greatest impact on the spread of soil degradation and pollution, and to identify priority environmental measures in the land management system, specifically offers for land conservation, reduced land areas with the use of pesticides and agrochemicals, which would improve the state of agro and ecosystems, would create conditions for the restoration of biodiversity in the agro sphere, would contribute to the prevention of soil degradation and contamination by chemical substances. Implementation of the provided measures is aimed at improving the quality of the natural environment and human living conditions. The indicators dependence of agricultural land use and production intensification factors was revealed through economic and mathematical modeling.

Observation and simulation study on the rapid intensification mechanism of Typhoon “Mekkhala” (2006)

Based on Doppler Weather radar observations and numerical simulations applying the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) system, this study focused on the rapid intensification (RI) of Typhoon “Mekkhala” (2006) in the inshore area in 2020. The simulated track of the typhoon relatively matched with the observation, with a slight eastward bias compared to the observed track. During the phase of RI, there was a slight weakening of vertical wind shear between 200–500 hPa. The temporary decrease in vertical wind shear became a favorable factor for the intensification of the typhoon. In general, vertical wind shear of the lower atmosphere is the key to supporting the RI of Typhoon Mekkhala. In the middle troposphere, the southward component of the vertical wind shear suddenly increases, indicates that the inflow of southern wind to the core of the typhoon had strengthened. Thus, the strengthening of the moisture transport by enhanced southern wind, contributed to the intensification of the typhoon. During the intensification of the typhoon, the low-level vorticity was significantly enhanced, and the high vorticity values expanded from the lower to higher troposphere. The vertical distribution of vorticity transformed from symmetry to asymmetry. The development of secondary circulation on both sides of the typhoon is a dynamic factor for intensification.

TECHNOLOGICAL INDICATORS FORMATION OF THE WINTER WHEAT GRAIN QUALITY UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENTALIZATION OF THE STEPPE OF UKRAINE

Wheat is the leading food grain in the global food balance. Ukraine is among the top 10 world grain producers and therefore the issue of increasing the production of high-quality, environmentally friendly grain is extremely relevant. The aim of the work was to study the influence of the system of agrotechnical measures for the greening of agriculture on the formation of technological indicators of the quality of winter wheat grain, which will make it possible to obtain high-quality environmentally friendly wheat grain in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine, as well as reduce the negative pressure on the environment of modern factors of intensification of agriculture. The assessment of the quality of winter wheat grain was carried out according to such technological indicators as the protein content, the quantity and quality of gluten, the falling number, the weight of 1000 grains and bulk density. The experiments were carried out in a grain-rowed short-rotation 5-field crop rotation with alternating crops: peas – winter wheat – corn – sunflower – winter barley. The soil of the experimental plot is southern chernozem, low-humus, medium-thick, difficult loamy in the forest. The conducted studies have shown that the quality of grain changes both from the system of the main soil cultivation in the crop rotation, and from the use of spreaders of by-products of the predecessor, and the influence of these factors manifested itself depending on the weather conditions over the years of research in different ways. The best result with the element of biologization of agriculture was obtained with the use of the biodestructor Cellulad 2 l/ha, which significantly improves the technological indicators of the quality of winter wheat grain. So, on average, over the years of research, the best grain was obtained in the variant with a system of no-till multi-depth tillage against the background of the introduction of the biodegradable Cellulad 2 l/ha with the protein content of 12.6%, the crude gluten content of 23.4%, the gluten quality indicator according to its deformation index is 82.2 conventional units of the VDC device and the falling number of 334.3 s. With the introduction of additional nitrogen N10 per 1 ton of by-products, as an energy material for the efficient decomposition of organic matter by soil microorganisms, an increase in the quality of winter wheat grain is also observed, but the results are inferior to the best option. Carrying out a moisture-saving system of a non-linear mid-depth basic tillage increases the action of a biodestructor in the conditions of the arid Southern Steppe of Ukraine.

Adaptive rule-based colour component weight assignment strategy for underwater video enhancement

ABSTRACT Images and videos collected in an underwater environment often have low contrast, blur, and colour cast due to two significant sources of distortion; light scattering and absorption. In an underwater image/video, suspended particles attenuate red and blue components more than green channels. This article presents two adaptive weight allocation strategies based on rule assignment for red, green, and blue channels. Firstly, an improved balanced contrast enhancement technique (IBCET) is proposed using an adaptive contrast enhancement scheme based on colour component weight assignment. Secondly, a modified fuzzy contrast enhancement technique which obtains the intensification factor based on the weight of each component is developed. Finally, principal component analysis fusion is employed to improve the overall colour and contrast of the output video frames. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations on the standard underwater video dataset are demonstrated to validate the improved performance of the proposed algorithm.

Influence of weather conditions on wintering of winter rape depending on intensification factors

Purpose and objectives of the study. The aim of the study was to investigate the peculiarities of wintering of winter rape depending on the factors of intensification in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. General scientific and special research methods were used in the course of the work. Results. Weather conditions have made their adjustments over the years of research, especially significant impact on wintering of winter rape had the amount of precipitation over the years of research and varied greatly. Pre-sowing treatment and foliar fertilization of plants were of great importance, these measures had a positive effect on the studied aspects. It also contributed to the accumulation of high sugar content in the root collar of plants, the formation of a greater accumulation of absolutely dry plant mass, which accordingly provided a higher percentage of winter hardiness of winter rape plants by 8.0-10.3%. Analyzing the research, we indicate that the use of growth regulators in foliar feeding of winter rape plants against the background of pre-sowing seed treatment had a significant effect on the wintering of rape. Treatment of winter rape seeds with Vitavax 200 FF, 34 % w.c.c., before sowing, with growth regulator Vympel-K significantly increased field germination, and their joint use provided a more positive effect. Conclusions. The use of the growth regulator Vympel-K (500 g/t) indicated that the wintering of plants was better compared to the control (untreated seeds) and almost 5.8% higher than in the variants with seed treatment with Vitavax 200 FF, 34% w.c.k. (2.5 l/t). The use of the growth regulator Vympel foliarly in the fall in the rosette phase of 5-6 leaves against the background of pre-sowing seed treatment with Vitavax 200 FF, 34 % w.c. + growth regulator Vympel-K provided better growth and development of plants.

Developing Monetary-Credit Tools in National Economy of Russia

The article analyzes work of the Bank of Russia and puts forward suggestions for new monetary-credit tools, which can ensure progressive development of country economy in conditions of rejecting one-polar system of international relations. Policy of the Bank of Russia is characterized by consistent use of such tools as ‘sterilization’ of money stock, its ‘pressing’ by key interest rate, gold selling. These methods implementing basic principles of market fundamentalism in the monetary variant hinder the development of national economy. To replace them the authors propose to fix in the legislative way a direct responsibility of the Ministry of Finance of Russia and the Bank of Russia for attaining planned macro-economic figures and to introduce their coordinated work in line with the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia that can be headed by Deputy Prime Minister. According to the authors it is advisable to pass to policy of real post-capitalism and interest-free economy, as elimination of credit repayment can become a serious incentive factor of intensification for entrepreneurial and working activity. In the monetary sphere it is recommended to introduce the digital ruble in two forms that could delimit deals: with industrial and consumer goods. As a result Russia could show an example of successful solution of the problem acute for many countries, i.e. development of a new system of monetary and credit relations, which on the basis of proposed tools can guarantee a real growth in production and people well-being.

The Generalized Application of a New Surface Pressure Tendency Equation in Synoptic Weather Systems

AbstractThe surface pressure tendency equation (SPTE) is an important theoretical tool in understanding the development of weather systems, with various forms being proposed over the past 100 years. In this study, a new version of the SPTE, which eliminates the explicit or implicit pressure tendency term on the right‐hand side, is applied to three typical synoptic weather systems in terms of tropical cyclones, explosive cyclones anticyclones, and two mesoscale systems in terms of squall lines and supercells based on numerical simulations. Results reveal promising performance of the new equation in understanding the surface pressure tendency of three synoptic systems, showing advantages in uncovering their dominant physical processes as well as inherent discrepancies. For the tropical cyclone, the latent heating is largely responsible for the surface pressure fall, whereas the surface pressure rise of the anticyclone is mainly fueled by the upper‐level advection of potential temperature. The leading factors for the explosive cyclone intensification demonstrate a transition from mid‐level diabatic heating at the early stage to upper‐level potential temperature advection related to stratospheric air intrusion during the later intensification period. For the squall line and supercell, however, local breakdown of hydrostatic balance can be as large as ∼10%, and consequently, caution should be taken when the equation is used in mesoscale systems, especially for the supercell. These results suggest that the new SPTE can be well applied in synoptic weather systems, and can provide new insights into their intensity evolutions and contributions of diverse physical processes.