Connection Operation Research Articles

A Subclass of Bi-univalent Functions Defined by aSymmetric q-Derivative Operator and Gegenbauer Polynomials

This paper introduces a novel subclass of bi-univalent analytic functions by utilizing a symmetric q-derivative operator in conjunction with Gegenbauer polynomials. Within this newly defined subclass, we derive bounds for the first two Maclaurin coefficients and address the Fekete-Szeg o problem. By varying the parameters in our results between 0 and 1, we obtain a range of new insights and rediscover some previously established results. This approach not only broadens the scope of bi-univalent function theory but also deepens the understanding of coefficient bounds and extremal problems within this context.

Optimisation of Integrated Heat Pump and Thermal Energy Storage Systems in Active Buildings for Community Heat Decarbonisation

The electrification of residential heating systems, crucial for achieving net-zero emissions, poses significant challenges for low-voltage distribution networks. This study develops a simulation model to explore the integration of heat pumps within active building systems for community heating decarbonisation. The model optimises heat pump operations in conjunction with thermal energy storage units to reduce peak demand on low-voltage networks by using real-time measured electricity demand data and modelled heat demand data for 76 houses. The study employs an algorithm that adjusts thermal storage charging and discharging cycles to align with off-peak periods. Three scenarios were simulated: a baseline with unoptimised heat pumps, a fixed threshold model, and an active building model with daily optimised thresholds. The results demonstrate that the active building model achieves a 21% reduction in peak demand on the low-voltage substation compared to the baseline scenario; it also reduces the total electrical energy consumption by 12% and carbon emissions by 17%. The fixed threshold scenario shows a 16% improvement in peak demand reduction, but it also shows an increase in energy consumption and emissions. These findings highlight the potential of active buildings to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of residential energy systems, marking a significant step toward decarbonising residential heating while maintaining grid stability.

The effect of the design angle of the turbine nozzle outlet of the piston engine boost system on its effectiveness

The article is devoted to the actual problem of insufficient energy efficiency of combined internal combustion engines. One of the directions of its solution, which became the goal of this work, is a reasonable choice of the optimal value of the design angle of installation of nozzles in a radial-axial turbine, taking into account both its effective power and the coefficient of completeness of using the supplied pulse energy. The authors applied a closed-loop model of the combined engine, embedded in a new calculation method, which was divided into conditional blocks. In the first block, the method of indefinite Lagrange multipliers calculates the optimal values of the turbine elements in which the gas moves. In the second block, for a preliminary assessment of the calculated geometrical parameters of the flow path, the turbine characteristics are calculated: an assumption is made about the one-dimensionality and quasi-stationary flow. For calculations, a method for calculating the parameters of a stage at an average radius was used, supplemented by a semi-empirical method for calculating gas energy losses during the movement of the latter from the turbine inlet to the outlet section. In the third block, the efficiency of the turbine was estimated when working together with a piston engine by using a closed model for it. This made it possible to objectively evaluate such characteristics of the turbine as efficiency and power, which are functionally related to the pressure pulse in the exhaust tract, which will make it possible to predict the operational characteristics of the turbine operating in conjunction with the combined engine.

Inclusion of water age in conjunctive optimal operation of water and power networks

ABSTRACT Water distribution systems (WDSs) are vital infrastructures designed to deliver water safely to consumers. This complex system necessitates continuous operational decisions, often optimized for efficiency. WDSs rely on power grids (PGs) to operate pumps and treatment facilities. PGs, likewise crucial, require strategic management to meet demand and environmental standards. Integrating the operation of both systems has garnered attention for its potential cost, energy, and environmental benefits. By leveraging the interconnection, trade-offs can be assessed, leading to improved solutions. Past research primarily focused on cost or carbon emissions as well as on hydraulic and voltage constraints. However, this study examines the impact of power systems on water quality, particularly water age, a key operational concern. Incorporating PGs into the optimal operation problem may alter flow directions, thereby influencing water age. Through mathematical modelling, this study evaluates these effects and applies them to simple case studies, demonstrating the influence of PG operation on water quality. Results demonstrate how tank constraints affect water age and show that a conjunctive operation approach, although beneficial for reduction of cost and energy consumption, can be damaging for water quality.

Performance improvement of the H2 shaft furnace: A numerical study on hot-charge operation

This work proposes a retrofitted gas feed system for increasing thermal energy supply when the hydrogen-operated direct reduction shaft furnace adopts hot-charge operation. The potential of the new feed system is assessed further using a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. The results show that the ascending gas is heated up quickly by the descending hot solid within a narrow uppermost zone when employing the conventional gas feed system, so the opportunities to obtain better furnace performance are limited since the thermal energy of the hot solid leaves the furnace in the form of high-temperature off-gas. Under a scenario adopting the hot-charge operation in conjunction with the new feed system, a high temperature favoring the endothermic reactions is maintained within almost the entire upper part of the furnace. Using an appropriate upper-row gas feed rate, the overall furnace performance can be substantially improved particularly with respect to final solid reduction degree.

Labile glutamate synaptic transmission in the adult CA1 stratum-lacunosum-moleculare region.

The excitatory monosynaptic activation of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells is spatially segregated such that the proximal part of the apical dendritic tree in stratum radiatum (SR) receives input from the hippocampal CA3 region while the distal part in the stratum-lacunosum-moleculare (SLM) receives input mainly from the entorhinal cortex. The AMPA receptor-mediated (AMPA) signalling of SLM synapses in slices from neonatal rats was previously found to considerably differ from that of the SR synapses. In the present study, AMPA signalling of SLM synapses in 1-month-old rats has been examined, that is, when the hippocampus is essentially functionally mature. For the SR synapses, this time is characterized by a facilitatory shift in short-term plasticity, in the disappearance of labile postsynaptic AMPA signalling, a property thought to be important for early activity-dependent organization of neural circuits, and the expression of an adult form of long-term potentiation. We found that the SLM synapses alter their short-term plasticity similarly to that of the SR synapses. However, the labile postsynaptic AMPA signalling was not only maintained but substantially enhanced in the SLM synapses. The long-term potentiation observed was not of the adult form but like that of the neonatal SR synapses based on unsilencing of AMPA labile synapses. We propose that these features of the SLM synapses in the mature hippocampus will help to produce a flexible map of the multimodal sensory input reaching the SLM required for its conjunctive operation with the SR input to generate a proper functional output from the CA1 region.

Establishing targets for goal-directed anesthesia in renal transplantation: A cohort analysis of high-saliency surgical time courses

Delayed graft function (DGF) increases morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Operative parameters, including hemodynamic manipulation through vasopressors and fluids, can impact perfusion to the newly transplanted kidney and influence DGF incidence. We analyzed intraoperative time-series data in 5-minute intervals from kidney transplant recipient operations (N = 545) in conjunction with pretransplant characteristics and postsurgical outcomes, including DGF incidence, 60-day creatinine, and graft survival. Of the operations, 127 DGF events were captured in our cohort from a single academic transplant center (57/278 donations after brainstem death [DBDs], 65/150 donations after circulatory/cardiac death [DCDs], 5/117 live donations). In multiple regression, postanastomosis hypotension defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) <75 mmHg was a risk factor for DGF independent of conventional predictors of DGF in DCD and DBD kidneys. DCD recipients with DGF had lower average postanastomosis MAP (DGF: 80.1 ± 8.1 mmHg vs no DGF: 76.4 ± 6.7 mmHg, P = .004). Interaction analysis demonstrated above-average doses of vasopressors and crystalloids were associated with improved outcomes when used at MAPs ≤75 mmHg, but they were associated with increased DGF at MAPs >75 mmHg, suggesting that the incidence of DGF can be highly influenced by intraoperative hemodynamic controls. This analysis of surgical time courses has identified potential new strategies for goal-directed anesthesia in renal transplantation.

HtpG-A Major Virulence Factor and a Promising Vaccine Antigen against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading global cause of death f rom an infectious bacterial agent. Therefore, limiting its epidemic spread is a pressing global health priority. The chaperone-like protein HtpG of M. tuberculosis (Mtb) is a large dimeric and multi-domain protein with a key role in Mtb pathogenesis and promising antigenic properties. This dual role, likely associated with the ability of Heat Shock proteins to act both intra- and extra-cellularly, makes HtpG highly exploitable both for drug and vaccine development. This review aims to gather the latest updates in HtpG structure and biological function, with HtpG operating in conjunction with a large number of chaperone molecules of Mtb. Altogether, these molecules help Mtb recovery after exposure to host-like stress by assisting the whole path of protein folding rescue, from the solubilisation of aggregated proteins to their refolding. Also, we highlight the role of structural biology in the development of safer and more effective subunit antigens. The larger availability of structural information on Mtb antigens and a better understanding of the host immune response to TB infection will aid the acceleration of TB vaccine development.

Future Trends and Innovations in School Bus Transportation

Purpose: This research paper delves into the critical examination and potential transformation of the traditional school bus transportation industry through the lens of modern technological advancements. The purpose of this study is to explore how innovations in technology can revolutionize the traditional school bus transportation system, enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.&#x0D; Methodology: The methodology encompasses an in-depth analysis of current challenges within the industry, followed by the exploration of technological solutions such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI) for route optimization, smart communication platforms, and predictive analytics for managing driver callouts and optimizing operations and utilizing modern automated systems to get predictive and prescriptive insights that would innovate the school bus transportation system. The study incorporates methodology of getting to a baseline of how current school transportation needs are met using data and conventional methods. Analysis have been performed on industry leaders like – Durham, First Student and Zūm Services Inc. which are leading school transportation companies and how they run operations of routing, safety, customer satisfaction, ride tracking, fleet management, payroll, Dispatch operations and school operations in conjunction with various School Districts and Counties.&#x0D; Findings: The findings reveal that integrating smart technologies can significantly empower stakeholders—students, parents, and school staff—by providing real-time data on bus locations, improving route efficiency, and ensuring the safety of students through advanced monitoring and emergency response systems. Innovations like automatic rerouting in emergencies, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security measures through biometric systems and emergency response integration show promising potential to address current limitations.&#x0D; Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: The unique contribution of this research to theory, practice, and policy lies in its comprehensive analysis of how technology can be leveraged to transform an outdated system into one that is efficient, safe, and sustainable. It offers a roadmap for integrating innovative technologies into school transportation, highlighting the significant impact on policy formulation, the practical application in school districts, and the theoretical implications for the future of educational transportation systems. This paper sets a foundation for future research on the longitudinal effects of these technologies and their socio-economic impacts, advocating for a policy and regulatory framework that supports the integration of these advancements into school transportation systems globally.

An artificial intelligence-based model for optimal conjunctive operation of surface and groundwater resources

A hybrid simulation-optimization model is proposed for the optimal conjunctive operation of surface and groundwater resources. This second-level model is created by finding and combining the best aspects of two resilient metaheuristics, the moth swarm algorithm and the symbiotic organization search algorithm, and then connecting the resulting algorithm to an artificial neural network simulator. For assessment of the developed model efficiency, its results are compared with two first-level simulation-optimization models. The comparisons reveal that the operation policies obtained by the developed second-level model can reliably supply more than 99% of the total demands in the study regions, indicating its superior efficiency compared to the two other first-level models. In addition, the highest sustainability index in the study regions belongs to the proposed model. Comparing the results of this research with those of other recent studies confirm the supremacy of the developed second-level model over several previously developed models.

A Specific Category of Harmonic Functions Characterized By A Generalized Komatu Operator in Conjunction With The (R-K) Integral Operator and Applications to Neutrosophic Complex Field

In our work, we introduced a distinct subclass of univalent harmonic functions referred to as a subclass of chiral functions. These functions are defined by combining the generalized Komatu operator with the integral operator (R − K), which has positive coefficients within the unit disc A. Also, we generalize the same subclass into neutrosophic complex numbers. Throughout our investigation, we establish several properties associated with these functions, including coefficient estimates, the convex formula, the integral operator, and the Hadamard product. On the other hand, we present the Neutrosophic convex formula and the neutrosophic integral operator.

Introduction to non-convex fuzzy geometry

This study is an extension of the recently developed theory on analytical fuzzy geometry with fuzzy numbers and fuzzy points. In the existing study, both the fuzzy numbers and fuzzy points are convex and normal fuzzy sets in nature. However, in reality, considering fuzzy objects as convex and normal sets is an oversimplified assumption. Here, the nature of non-convex and non-normal fuzzy sets is studied. In the first part of this paper, the concept of same points has been extended for non-convex and non-normal fuzzy sets. A computationally efficient method for extended addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of two generalized fuzzy sets is proposed using the extended concept of same points. The proposed procedure drastically reduces the computational complexity of extended arithmetic operations on two generalized fuzzy sets drastically.In the second part of this paper, the genesis and morphology of fuzzy points are studied. The conjunction of non-convex fuzzy sets generates a new class of study which is termed as non-convex or generalized fuzzy geometry where the generalized fuzzy point is the key concept. The effect of different t-norms as a conjunction operator on fuzzy sets is studied with geometrical visualization. The extended arithmetic operations between generalized fuzzy points have been defined using the extended concept of same points developed here. The formation of the locus of a non-convex fuzzy point as a fuzzy line segment has also been introduced.

Exploring the combination and heterogeneity of ecosystem services bundles in the Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project

The relationships among ecosystem services (ESs) and their spatiotemporal dynamics plays an essential role in ESs management. However, it is difficult to characterize the spatial composition of ecosystem services bundles (ESB), clarify the complex relationships and their driving forces. This study estimated 6 specific ESs of Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project (BTSSCP) based on related models, using conjunction operations identified ESB, finally explored the trade-offs and synergies between ESs within each ESB, and furtherly suggested different management zones in terms of ESB types. The results indicated the values of all six key ESs have improved from 2000 to 2015, and shown a decreasing trend from the southeast to the northwest accompanied by expansion trend of the high value region. Additionally, ESB dominated by sand-fixing service were primarily distributed in the southwest and showed a trend of continuous and significant expansion from southwest to northeast during 2000–2015. And, wind speed, soil types, slope, vegetation types and population density are the main driving factors of ESB changes. What’s more, trade-offs and synergies among ESs appears the characteristics of spatial heterogeneity, especially between sand-fixing service and Net primary productivity, which presenting synergistic promotion relationship in bundles 1 and 2, while significant trade-offs in bundles 3 and 4. Finally, we divided BTSSCP into three zones—key improvement zone, ecological conservation zone, and integrated optimization zone based on ESB as per the regional sand-fixing capacity, enhancement potential and the relationship between ESs, and proposed specific suggestions for management in various ESB, which are beneficial to regional sustainable development and appropriate management.

Cyclic storage approach for conjunctive operation of surface and groundwater systems (Case study: ZarrinehRoud catchment area)

Cyclic storage approach for conjunctive operation of surface and groundwater systems (Case study: ZarrinehRoud catchment area)

Absorbable cyst brushes

Cytobrushes are used for low-invasive sample collection and screening in multiple diseases, with a significant impact on early detection, prevention, and diagnosis. This study focuses on improving the safety of cell brushing in hard-to-reach locations by exploring brush construction from absorbable materials. We investigated the efficacy of loop brushes made of absorbable suture wires of Chirlac, Chirasorb, Monocryl, PDS II, Vicryl Rapid, Glycolon, and Catgut during their operation in conjunction with fine-needle aspiration in an artificial cyst model. PDS II brushes demonstrated the highest efficiency, while Monocryl and Catgut also provided a significant brushing effect. Efficient brushes portrayed higher flexural rigidity than their counterparts, and their efficiency was inversely proportional to their plastic deformation by the needle. Our results open avenues for safer cell biopsies in hard-to-reach locations by utilizing brushes composed of absorbable materials.

The construction of multidimensional membership functions and its application to feasibility problems

We present a novel idea of the membership function using logical expressions over inequalities. This is achieved by introducing the multidimensional membership function (distending function) using inequalities by including more variables instead of just one. In this paper, we concentrate on the application of this new approach to different kinds of feasibility problems. This new concept serves as a good tool for describing various kinds of feasibility regions. Another result here is that we present algorithms that can handle linear, nonlinear, convex and non-convex feasibility problems. Usually, in practice only the conjunction operator is used in the case of feasibility problems. A novelty of our result is that we drop this restriction, and based on our construction we will describe regions where other types of operators can also be used. We shall introduce the fundamentals of this new concept and we will show how it can be used in practical applications. Later, this approach may be applied to neural networks as well.

ЭПИЛЕПСИЯ И СЕРДЕЧНО-СОСУДИСТЫЕ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЯ: ВОЗМОЖНЫЕ РИСКИ И ОСЛОЖНЕНИЯ

Epilepsy has long established itself not only as a severe pathology of the brain, but also as an important social and economic disease that can affect both the quality of life and the patient's ability to work, and the entire healthcare system. The risk of premature mortality in these groups of patients is almost 3 times higher than the average for the population. While the main focus of clinicians is on the study of sudden unexpected death in patients with epilepsy, it is believed that up to 30-45% of the cause of death in these patients is cardiovascular disease.Epilepsy contributes to the uncontrolled course of cardiovascular diseases and often their decompensation. Often, patients with epilepsy with a concomitant disease of the cardiovascular system require cardiac surgery. Seizures typically result in longer hospital stays, increased mortality, increased need, and longer mechanical ventilation. In addition, cardiac surgery itself can serve as a trigger for the development of epilepsy. Carrying out the most complex operations in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass is accompanied by a high risk of neurological complications.Seizures in cardiac surgery patients can occur both against the background of intraoperative stroke and independently of it. The postoperative period of these patients is also associated with a large number of difficulties, such as a low rate of recovery of the patient after surgery, both due to a more severe condition, and as a result of a slowdown in rehabilitation. An important direction in cardiac surgery, which should not fade into the background, is timely neuroprotection, on which the prognosis largely depends. The presented literature review reflects the main mutual influences of epilepsy and cardiovascular pathology.

Floating Photovoltaic Systems Coupled with Pumped Hydroplants under Day-Ahead Electricity Market Conditions: Parametric Analysis

The intermittent nature of the solar resource together with the fluctuating energy demand of the day-ahead electricity market requires the use of efficient long-term energy storage systems. The pumped hydroelectric storage (PHS) power plant has demonstrated its technical and commercial viability as a large-scale energy storage technology. The objective of this paper is to analyse the parameters that influence the mode of operation in conjunction with a floating photovoltaic (FPV) power plant under day-ahead electricity market conditions. This work proposes the analysis of two parameters: the size of the FPV power plant and the total process efficiency of the PHS power plant. Five FPV plant sizes are analysed: 50% (S1), 100% (S2), 150% (S3), 350% (S4) and 450% (S5) of the PHS plant. The values of the total process efficiency parameter analysed are as follows: 0.77 for old PHS plants, and 0.85 for more modern plants. The number of daily operating hours of the PHS plant is 4 h. These 4 h of operation correspond to the highest prices on the electricity market. The framework of the study is the Iberian electricity market and the Alto Rabagão dam (Portugal). Different operating scenarios are considered to identify the optimal size of the FPV power plant. Based on the measured data on climatic conditions, an algorithm is designed to estimate the energy production for different sizes of FPV plants. If the total process efficiency is 0.85, the joint operation of both plants with FPV plant sizes S2 and S3 yields a slightly higher economic benefit than the independent mode of operation. If the total process efficiency is 0.77, there is always a higher economic benefit in the independent operation mode, irrespective of the size of the FPV plant. However, the uncertainty of the solar resource estimation can lead to a higher economic benefit in the joint operation mode. Increasing the number of operating hours of the PHS plant above 4 h per day decreases the economic benefit of the joint operation mode, regardless of the total process efficiency parameter and the size of the FPV plant. As the number of operating hours increases, the economic benefit decreases. The results obtained reveal that the coupling of floating photovoltaic systems with pumped hydroelectric storage power plants is a cost-effective and reliable alternative to provide sustainable energy supply security under electricity market conditions. In summary, the purpose of this work is to facilitate decision making on the mode of operation of both power plants under electricity market conditions. The case studies allow to find the optimal answer to the following practical questions: What size does the FPV power plant have to be in order for both plants to be better adapted to the electricity market? What is the appropriate mode of operation of both plants? What is the economic benefit of changing the turbine pump of the PHS power plant? Finally, how does the installation of the FPV power plant affect the water volume of the upper reservoir of the PHS plant? Knowledge of these questions will facilitate the design of FPV power plants and the joint operation of both plants.

HERACLES: A high-voltage DC test beamline for high average current photocathodes

We present commissioning results of the High ElectRon Average Current for Lifetime ExperimentS (HERACLES) beamline at Cornell University. 10 mA average beam current at 200 keV was achieved with a Cs3Sb photocathode operated with an Argon laser at 488 nm. HERACLES is intended to be a test facility to improve the robustness of photocathodes developed for high average current beam operation in conjunction with the Cornell photocathode laboratory.

Neutronic and thermohydraulic blanket analysis for hybrid fusion–fission reactor during operation

This work demonstrates the results of full-scale numerical experiments of a hybrid thorium-containing fuel plant operating in a state close to critical due to a controlled source of D–T neutrons. The proposed facility represented a level of generated power (∼10–100 MWt) in a small pilot. In this work, the simulation of the D–T neutron plasma source operation in conjunction with the facility blanket was performed. The fission of fuel nuclei and the formation of spatial-energy release were studied in this simulation, in pulsed and stationary modes of the facility operation. The optimization results of neutronic and fluid dynamics studies to level the emerging offsets of the radial energy formed in the volume of the facility multiplying part due to the pulsed operation of the D–T neutron plasma source were presented. The results will be useful in improving the power control-based subcriticality monitoring method in coupled systems of the “pulsed neutron source–subcritical fuel assembly” type.