Optimal Area Research Articles

Evaluation of the combine thresher efficiency by grain losses under operating conditions

BACKGROUND: The throughput capacity of the thresher of the combine is determined with permissible grain losses of 1.5% of its total amount collected in the combine bunker. The range of feeding of bread mass, for example, from a minimum of 0.5-1.0 kg/s to – is called the working characteristic of the threshing machine (WCT) of the combine harvester. The actual grain loss in the considered feed range is less than 1.5%, but their overall digital estimate is unknown. Nevertheless, this is the most important indicator of the miner's efficiency, since these losses are summed up (for example, at the level of 1-1.2%) and can reach a significant value, therefore, the assessment of the miner only in terms of throughput is insufficient to assess its efficiency, since the miner rarely works at the throughput level, and in WCT mode, grain losses are summed up every second/ AIMS operation consists in development of criterion for evaluation of combine thresher operation efficiency by grain losses at operating modes. METHODS: The article proposes a new methodology for assessing the efficiency of the combine. Statistical dependences of grain losses change depending on change of bread mass supply into combine are used. The throughput capacity of the combine thresher in kg/s is determined with grain losses behind the thresher at the level of 1.5%. RESULTS: Numerous laboratory-field tests have revealed a close correlation between the four threshing parameters (engine power and separation area of ​ ​ the hump, straw and cleaning, and the dynamics of grain loss growth depending on the feed of bread mass with great reliability in the range of WCT feeds is approximated by a logistic dependence. For practical calculations, computer software has been developed. This makes it possible to more quickly compare harvesters of different designs with each other. CONCLUSION: For the first time, to assess the efficiency of the combine thresher, a new criterion is introduced with the name "average integral operational losses of grain behind the thresher in the working range of bread mass supply"; An increase in grain losses behind the thresher was detected with an increase in the throughput of the combine; The optimal harvesting area is determined, during harvesting of which the growth of grain losses is compensated during the operating mode of combines of high productivity per unit of bread mass supply. The optimum harvesting area depends to a greater extent on the throughput of the harvester and harvesting conditions according to the state of the agrofon and the zoning coefficient, that is, the degree of adaptation of the harvesters to the zonal features of the agrofon and the applied machine use methods; When calculating the economic efficiency of combines, it is advisable to take into account the average integral operational losses of grain for alternative versions of combines and, on this basis, give them a more comprehensive assessment. The use of the logistic function of grain losses from the supply of bread mass to the combine and, on its basis, the introduction of the criterion of average integral operational losses of grain behind the thresher of the combine represents scientific and practical novelty.

Optimal structural and functional assemblies in additive manufacturing using the African buffalo-inspired part segregation algorithm

In multilevel or additive production, reduction of the total manufacturing duration is crucial. This may be achieved by harmonizing assembly and production time and by simultaneous collaboration with component manufacturers, thus incurring fewer delays. Here, a novel approach, the African buffalo-inspired part segregation algorithm, is proposed for optimal structural and functional assemblies in additive manufacturing. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming model is developed to assess the near-term optimum criteria area and dispersed materials in a computational manufacturing context. The number of support substances, total production period and total assembly costs are reduced in the time-reduction approach. A specific swarm intelligence-part-based segregation strategy is used to choose the appropriate number of element assemblages, and a part division strategy that complies with the criteria for transverse effect, dimensions and elevations is applied. The proposed approach is evaluated for structures with conventional and free-form borders using two real-size three-dimensional representations. The results indicate that this method may reduce overall production time compared to the time spent constructing one component, under all investigated circumstances.

Effects of the surface properties and particle size of hydrated lime on desulfurization

In the gas treatment center in smelters, hydrogen fluoride (HF) is separated from the outlet gases of electrolysis cells, which are used to produce aluminum from alumina. However, SO2 largely remains in the effluent gas. Another method has to be developed to separate this gas which is harmful to the environment. In this study, semi-dry desulfurization of a SO2 containing gas was performed at low SO2 concentrations using hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] as a catalytic desulfurizer under specific humidity conditions. The low reaction temperature of 100 °C and minimal use of the Ca-based desulfurizer under 17 % relative humidity achieved more than 95 % removal of SO2. The morphological changes and presence of sulfur in different lime samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis showed changes in the surface properties of hydrated lime after desulfurization. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis provided the phase and composition identification of the sulfur species on hydrated lime and the CaSO3/CaSO4 product ratio. Based on the experimental results, the optimum catalyst surface area with a specific particle size is critical to the effective conversion of Ca(OH)2 into CaSO3 and CaSO4. The practicality of a Ca-based desulfurizer and its ability to convert into the required product may be the key to reducing the overall cost of desulfurization in aluminum industry.

Investigating surface area and recovery efficiency of healthcare-associated pathogens to optimize composite environmental sampling.

Hospital surfaces are known to contribute to the spread of healthcare-associated antimicrobial pathogens. Environmental sampling can help locate reservoirs and determine intervention strategies, although sampling and detection can be labor intensive. Composite approaches may help reduce time and costs associated with sampling and detection. We investigated optimum surface areas for sampling antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AROs) with a single side of cellulose sponge, created theoretical composites (TC) by adding recovery results from multiple optimum areas, then compared the TC to the standard Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sampling method (one sponge using all sides, whole tool; (WT)). Five AROs were evaluated: carbapenemase-producing KPC+ Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC), Acinetobacter baumannii (AB), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) and Clostridioides difficile spores (CD). Steel coupons comprising four surface areas (323; 645; 1,290 and 2,258 cm2) were inoculated, dried, and sampled with one sampling pass using the larger side (face) or the smaller side (edge) of a pre-moistened cellulose sponge tool. Based on the optimum areas determined for each organism, composite areas were 1,290 cm2 for MRSA and VRE, 1,936 cm2 for AB, 2,580 cm2 for CD spores and 3,870 cm2 for KPC. Total colony forming units (CFU) recovered using a composite approach was greater or comparable than using multiple WT samplings (over the same area as the composite) for MRSA, VRE and AB (130%; 144% and 95%) yet less than if using multiple WT samplings for KP and CD (47% and 66%). We propose a conservative composite sampling strategy if the target organism is unknown; 323 cm2 sampling area for each of the four sides of the sponge, (1290 cm2 total). The conservative composite sampling strategy improved the recovery of KP (from 47% to 85% of multiple WT samplings), while MRSA, VRE, AB and CD (131%; 144%; 97% and 66%) remained within 5% to that of the optimum area TC.

ZnO Nanowall Network-Based Tactile/Gesture Sensors and Prediction with Machine Learning.

In low-dimensional material systems, augmented physical and chemical properties may be witnessed through a unique morphological evolution. Here, we report the development of an optimized nanowall network of ZnO for the fabrication of a flexible single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (STENG)-based tactile and gesture sensors. The chemically grown nanowall network with an adequate pore area endows superior triboelectric output (current ∼0.6 μA and power ∼20 μW/cm2) by offering an optimum surface area and dielectric constant for pressure sensing applications. The rational comparison of the triboelectric properties of nanowall and nanorod structures of ZnO reveals that the higher surface area offered by the hollow walls leads to superior output characteristics. The demonstration of pressure sensitivity of the STENG ∼1 V/N is promising for self-powered tactile sensing applications. The array of STENG sensors, when attached to a user hand, generates distinguishable signals while holding objects of varying curvature and mass. Again, the observation of sensitivity of ∼0.1 V per degree during finger movement activity indicates the gesture sensing ability of the nanowall-based TENG system, facilitating sign language expression through the movement of fingers. Further, the generated electrical signals during tactile and gesture sensing can be classified and recognized through the deployment of machine learning (ML) techniques. In fact, the implementation of Random Forest and K-Nearest Neighbor models has offered an accuracy of 96% while recognizing the output signals generated by the sensor arrays. The demonstration of superior sensing characteristics with the optimized nanowall network may be advantageous in innovating prototype sensors for the differently abled people to distinguish or classify objects on the basis of material, morphology, and mass during their regular activities.

Graphical Analysis of Multi-environmental Trials for Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grain Yield Based on GGE Bi-Plot Analysis

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial crop in Ethiopia, and breeders test newly developed elite lines for superiority to existing cultivars to boost national productivity. The study was undertaken during the 2021–22 to 2022–23 cropping seasons at seven environments in optimum moisture areas of Ethiopian using 36 diverse and advanced bread wheat genotypes to evaluate the GEI by the graphical method of GGE biplot and to identify the genotypes with high mean yield performance and stability. Field experiments were conducted at the Adet, Asasa, Kulumsa, and Sinana research centers in Ethiopia. The experiments were planted in an alpha lattice design replicated three times in six rows of 2.5m long. Row-to-row distance and distance between blocks were 0.2m and 1.5m, respectively. The analysis of variance revealed that genotype, environment, and their interaction showed a highly significant effect on the yield as reflected in the GGE model and the GGE model indicated the suitability of the genotypes EBW202136 (33), Boru (1), and EBW202172 (12), with high mean yield and stability, whereas the genotypes EBW202185 (16) and Deka (36) produced high mean yield, but unstable. Likewise, the genotypes EBW202164 (27) and EBW202192 (29) produced low mean yield and unstable. The AMMI analysis of variance for grain yield across the environments showed that 17.26% of the total variation was attributed to genotypic effects, 64.03% to environmental effects, and 18.71% to GEI effects. Two mega environments were identified based on GGE biplot analysis and the which-won–model indicated the adaptation of genotypes Boru (1), EBW202159 (4), EBW202172 (12), EBW202171 (19), and EBW202136 (33) to first mega-environment and genotypes EBW202157 (3), EBW202166 (5), EBW202160 (6), EBW202162 (9), EBW202185 (16), Dursa (17) and Deka (36) in the second. These approaches allowed the identification of stable and high-yielding genotypes (EBW202136 (33) and EBW202172 (12)) which can be included in the national verification program, with a plan to release a new variety, and other genotypes with high yield could be utilized in breeding programs to further improve grain yield in bread wheat.

Integration of energy storage and determination of optimal solar system size for biomass fast-pyrolysis

This study presents a model and analysis of a heliostat field collector (HFC) system integration with fast-pyrolysis of biomass and determination of the optimal solar system size for this integrated system. Given the intermittent nature of solar energy, an auxiliary heater and a thermochemical energy storage system (TCES) are included. Four cases of HFC integration with the fast-pyrolysis process have been studied: 1) low solar radiation, 2) sufficient solar radiation, 3) high solar radiation, and 4) no solar radiation with available stored energy in TCES. The solar energy system was modeled and calculated using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software, while the fast-pyrolysis process and the TCES were simulated using the Aspen Plus software. A thermodynamic and economic analysis has been conducted to estimate the share of solar energy for different process configurations. Economic calculations have been conducted for three different heliostat filed areas: 4000, 8000, and 12000 m2. Solar fraction, investment and operational costs, as well as total cost were calculated for these three heliostat field areas. The results indicate that the optimum heliostat field area for the studied biomass pyrolysis plant is 8000 m2 and the average solar fraction of the required energy in summer is 0.39 and while it is 0.34 for the whole year. Simulation results considering this optimized heliostat filed area indicate that 6.27 t/h of bio-oil is produced from 10 t/h of hybrid poplar biomass. Implementing this solar-assisted system reduces CO2 emissions, increases efficiency of the system and lowers thermal energy requirement for the fast-pyrolysis process from 6 MW to 3.99 MW.

Sulfur/carbon cathode material chemistry and morphology optimisation for lithium-sulfur batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries because sulfur is highly abundant and exhibits a high theoretical capacity (1675 mA h g-1). However, polysulfide shuttle and other challenges have made it difficult for LSBs to be commercialised. Here, a sulfur/carbon (S/C) composite was synthesised and cathodes were fabricated via scalable melt diffusion and slurry casting methods. Carbon nanoparticles (C65) were used as both sulfur host and electrical additive. Various carbon ratios between the melt-diffusion step and cathode slurry formulation step were investigated. An increased amount of C65 in melt-diffusion led to increased structural heterogeneity in the cathodes, more prominent cracks, and a lower mechanical strength. The best performance was exhibited by a cathode where 10.5 wt% C65 (TC10.5) was melt-diffused and 24.5 wt% C65 was externally added to the slurry. An initial discharge capacity of ∼1500 mA h g-1 at 0.05C and 800 mA h g-1 at 0.1C was obtained with a capacity retention of ∼50% after 100 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance is rationalised as an increased number of C-S bonds in the composite material, optimum surface area, pore size and pore volume, and more homogeneous cathode microstructure in the TC10.5 cathode.

Evaluasi Catchment Area Waduk Batutegi Terhadap Simpanan Air Waduk

Batutegi Reservoir is one of the important surface water resources in Lampung Province because the potential water it contains has many functions and uses, including as a source of irrigation water for the Sekampung System irrigation area and as a source of water for hydroelectric power plants (PLTA). In order to maintain the sustainability of the reservoir's functions and uses, efforts are needed to maintain the water balance of the reservoir. In this study, an analysis of the physical characteristics and environmental conditions of the Batutegi reservoir catchment area and their influence on reservoir water storage is conducted, aiming to determine the optimum catchment area size that needs to be maintained. Data from various sources, including Landsat 7 and 8 OLI images, are used to evaluate changes in the catchment area conditions during the period of 2004-2023. The research results show that the highest coefficient of determination (R2) between NDVI and NDWI is indicated in land cover conditions with very low density (class 1) at 95.59%, followed by high density (class 4) at 94.80%, low density (class 2) at 92.31%, and medium density (class 3) at 87.58%. The area of land cover with dense vegetation conditions in the Upper Sekampung Watershed as the catchment area of the Batutegi reservoir tends to decrease over time. Analysis of Landsat images using the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) methods can assist in mapping vegetation conditions and the extent of the Batutegi reservoir inundation. Keywords: Catchment Area, Landsat Imagery, NDVI, NDWI, Reservoir.

Modern Methods and Solutions for Water Resources Management in the Wadi-Watir Region (Egypt)

The main problem of water resources in Egypt is the increasing demand and decreasing supply, especially after the construction of the Ethiopian Renaissance Great Dam. One of the best solutions is the use of unusual alternative management techniques, including as a major one, rainwater harvesting and distribution. This paper examines the use of unconventional approaches to water management in arid regions based on rainfall accumulation. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydrological modelling, the suitability of the Wadi-Watir catchment (Egypt) for rainwater storage was assessed and optimal locations for the construction of storage structures were identified. The results of the study showed that 19% (666 km2) of the study area is highly suitable for the aims and objectives; 16% (573 km2) of the catchment area has limited realisability. Twelve sites were found to be suitable for the construction of storage dams. Fourteen sites are identified as optimal for the placement of percolation (filtration) reservoirs along watercourses. The area considered ideal for above-ground percolation (filtration) tanks is 25.9 km2. The optimum area for farm ponds is 1.34 km2. As a result, the construction of water storage structures is proposed to improve water management in the Wadi-Watir region. The implementation of the rainwater harvesting structures (SRF) was divided into three phases depending on the severity of the flash flood hazard. The first, second and third phases can meet 62.24% (34.24 mil m3) of the water demand. This approach is a new and modern solution to the problem of water scarcity under socio-economic and environmental pressures while achieving the goals of sustainable development in Egypt. The article is based on the dissertation research of Mohamed Mostafa Ezzeldin Abdelrahim (MGSU, dissertation council № 24.2.339.07, March 2024).

Dynamics of productivity in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in subtropical Australia

AbstractPigeonpea productivity can be enhanced by optimally matching the physiology of genotypes to environmental conditions. Information on crop responses to the environment has been lacking for the short‐duration pigeonpea genotypes, which are being trialed to develop the Australian pigeonpea industry. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of productivity in relation to radiation use efficiency (RUE) and its influence on yield partitioning. Seven field trials, employing three pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.). Millsp.] genotypes, were established at the Gatton Campus, the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 summer seasons. The study reveals that leaf area development, influenced by growing environment, genotypes, and their interactions, were the key factors for the differences in leaf area duration and RUE. Pigeonpea planted in December had higher seasonal (1.11 g MJ−1) as well as reproductive (0.71 g MJ−1) RUE, resulting in significant differences in total dry matter (TDM) and grain yield (GY). GY was positively associated with seasonal RUE (R2 = 0.62), and the relationship was stronger (R2 = 0.83) for the reproductive phase (RUE(R)). The positive association between GY and RUE(R) suggested that maintaining optimum leaf area during the grain filling period is crucial to achieve higher productivity. Variations in GY were related to amount and rate of TDM accumulation before flowering (R2 = 0.51 and R2 = 0.53, respectively). Hence, achieving greater TDM before flowering was determinant for achieving higher productivity. The present study provided updated information on dynamics of productivity that will enable more comprehensive modelling of pigeonpea adaptation under subtropical conditions.

A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process -GIS approach to flood susceptibility mapping in NEOM, Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing massive and rapid urbanization as part of Vision 2030. This includes development projects along Saudi Arabia’s coastline across the Red Sea. Coastal areas, especially the ones along Saudi’s western regions are susceptible to natural disasters such as flooding. NEOM, a futuristic city currently being developed in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, exemplifies a potential flooding hazard due to its geographic location and proposed urbanization plans. This research aims to enhance flood hazard assessment in NEOM by applying the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) in combination with Geographic Information System (GIS). Acknowledging traditional limitations related to data availability and parameter selection consensus, the study carefully selects parameters such as drainage density, elevation, slope, rainfall, land use/land cover (LULC), soil type, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and topographic wetness index (TWI). The 30 m DEM was used to derive Drainage Density, Slope, and TWI while LULC data helped assess land cover changes. Rainfall data and soil type information are integrated to evaluate their impact on flood susceptibility. NDVI is employed to analyze vegetation cover. Utilizing ArcGIS Pro’s weighted overlay model, the criteria were combined to generate the final flood susceptibility map. The research outcomes manifest in a flood susceptibility map categorizing areas into seven distinct susceptibility classes, ranging from ‘very low’ to ‘very high.’ A quantitative breakdown in a summary table provides insights into the proportional distribution of flood risk. Results indicate a significant portion of NEOM falls within varying degrees of moderate susceptibility range with relatively limited distribution of flood susceptibility on the extremes, equating to areas with ‘low to moderate’ susceptibility is 4,322.8 km2, areas with ‘moderate’ susceptibility is 5,109.69 km2, areas with ‘moderate to high’ is 4,081.39 km2. The flood susceptibility map developed in this study can shed insights on potential optimum areas for flood mitigation measures (i.e., optimum locations for establishing stormwater collection points).

Experiment Evaluation on the Porosity of Plasma Coating from Ceramic Al2O3 – TiO2 Using the Metallography

Background: The objective of this paper is an experimental investigation of the metallographic porosity of plasma coating using standard materials from the ceramic system Al2O3-TiO2 on the substrate of steel SS400 at laboratory scale Lab at the Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering. Contribution: The main contribution of the research is the evaluation of the porosity of the coating under the influence of the main technological parameters since the porosity plays a significant role in the performance of the working surface using the built-in Image Pro-Analyzer software in the Axiovert 25 MAT microscope. Method: The spraying material is Al2O3-TiO2 powder. The input parameters are: spraying distance (Lp; current of plasma stream (Ip); powder feed flow (Gp and spraying rate (Vp). Results: The findings show that the average porosity of the Al2O3-TiO2 plasma coating is inversely decreasing in the increasing direction of the distance: spray in the range Lp = 100–200 mm, increase proportional to the increase of the current plasma flow rate in the range Ip = 400–600 A, provided that the powder feed flow Gp = 1.7 kg/h and the spraying rate Vp = 50 mm/min. Conclusion: The degree of influence of the three main technological parameters (Lp, Ip, and Gp) in the survey limit domain may be due to the selected Lp spray distance within the relatively wide recommended range of the plasma spraying equipment supplier. It is recommended to conduct the experimental planning of the L27 type to localize the optimum area.

Dispersal patterns and potential distribution prediction of three rice planthopper species in China based on the ensemble model

AbstractThree rice planthopper species, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera and Laodelphax striatellus, are destructive rice pests that cause serious economic losses in major rice‐producing regions of China. Understanding their dispersal patterns and potential distribution areas is crucial for effective management and control. Based on historical climate data and simulated future climate data combined with species occurrence data, the dispersal patterns of three planthopper species were analysed and their potential distributions were predicted. The results showed that from 1993 to 2022, the suitable areas for the three rice planthoppers gradually expanded. By 2022, the total suitable area for S. furcifera reached 478.35 × 104 km2, followed by 376.02 × 104 km2 for L. striatellus and 264.97 × 104 km2 for N. lugens. The optimum area for S. furcifera exhibited the most significant increase, expanding by 136.07 × 104 km2. The species has extended its range from southern China to the northeastern and northwestern regions within the past three decades. The suitable areas for L. striatellus and N. lugens did not show a significant spread trend. In addition, compared to that in 2022, the total suitable area for the three rice planthopper species increased slightly from 2041 to 2060. The study revealed that the wettest monthly rainfall and the lowest temperature were the most influential factors affecting the distributions of these planthopper species. This study provides valuable insights into the dispersal patterns and potential distribution of rice planthoppers in China and provides a theoretical basis for effective prevention and control strategies for destructive rice pests.

Multi-environments Evaluation of Zn and Fe Enhanced Bread Wheat Genotypes in Optimum Areas of Ethiopia

A multi-location experiment was conducted during June, 2020–October, 2021 under rainfed condition at Kulumsa, Asasa, Adet, Holeta, and Sinana Research centers, Ethiopia to evaluate the genotype-by-environment interaction effect and grain yield stability of Zn and Fe enhanced bread wheat genotypes grown. The treatments constituted 21 advanced genotypes and two standard checks were evaluated in an alpha lattice design replicated three times and data analysis was carried using R software. The results showed that genotypes and genotype x environmental interaction had a significant (p<0.001) effect on days to 50% heading, days to 90% maturity, plant height, grain yield, and 1000 kernel weight. The bread wheat lines BW172862, EBW193416, BW172864, and EBW193414 were high-yielding across most test environments, whereas genotype EBW192455 and Hidasse were low-yielding ones. From stability analysis genotypes BW172862, and EBW193416 were identified to be the most adapted bread wheat genotypes. “BW172862 produced 24.43% and 86.38% yield advantage over the standard check (Lemu) and local check (Hidasse), respectively. The second candidate genotype EBW193416 also produced 23.58% and 85.1% yield advantage over the standard check (Lemu) and local check (Hidasse), respectively. EBW193416 and BW172862 have also exhibited lower Yellow and Stem rust severity compared to others across the test environments. Thus, BW172862 and EBW193416 were selected as best parent to recycle for bread wheat population improvement in 2023 for medium agro-ecology of Ethiopia.

Design and implementation of a nano-scale high-speed multiplier for signal processing applications

Digital signal processing (DSP) is an engineering field involved with increasing the precision and dependability of digital communications and mathematical processes, including equalization, modulation, demodulation, compression, and decompression, which can be used to produce a signal of the highest caliber. To execute vital tasks in DSP, an essential electronic circuit such as a multiplier plays an important role, continually performing tasks such as the multiplication of two binary numbers. Multiplier is a crucial component utilized to implement a wide range of DSP tasks, including convolution, Fourier transform, discrete wavelet transforms (DWT), filtering and dithering, multimedia information processing, and more. A multiplier device includes a clock and reset buttons for more flexible operational control. Each digital signal processor constitutes a multiplier unit. A multiplier unit functions entirely autonomously from the central processing unit (CPU); consequently, the CPU is burdened with a significantly reduced amount of work. Since DSP algorithms must constantly carry out multiplication tasks, the employment of a high-speed multiplier to execute fast-speed filtering processes is vital. The previous multipliers had lots of weaknesses, such as high energy, low speed, and high area, because they implemented this necessary circuit based on traditional technology such as complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and very large-scale integration (VLSI). To solve all previous drawbacks in this necessary circuit, we can use nanotechnology, which directly affects the performance of the multiplier and can overcome all previous issues. One of the alternative nanotechnologies that can be used for designing digital circuits is quantum dot cellular automata, which is high speed, low area, and low power. Therefore, this manuscript suggests a quantum technology-based multiplier for DSP applications. In addition, some vital circuits, such as half adder, full adder, and ripple carry adder (RCA), are suggested for designing a multiplier. Moreover, a systolic array, accumulator, and multiply and accumulate (MAC) unit are proposed based on the quantum technology-based multiplier. Nonetheless, each of the suggested frameworks has a coplanar configuration without rotated cells. The suggested structure is developed and verified utilizing the QCADesigner 2.0.3 tools. The findings showed that all circuits have no complicated configuration, including a higher number of quantum cells, latency, and an optimum area.

Energy and exergo-environmental analysis of a refrigerator-Stirling/Photovoltaic system for cold production

The Stirling refrigerator is a device capable of using green energies such as solar power. In this work, a refrigerator-Stirling/photovoltaic system is proposed to harness solar energy for cold production. The system consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels that capture solar energy and convert it into electricity, and a transmission belt linking the motor to the Stirling beta refrigerator to use the electricity for cooling purposes. The system is modeled on the basis of finite-dimensional thermodynamics, taking into account the refrigerator's internal and external irreversibilities. In addition, the wiring loss, dust coverage and shading of the photovoltaic system and the mechanical power loss of the Stirling refrigerator are taken into account in this model. Power equality has been considered as a system constraint. Finally, the effects of operational and design parameters on system performance are investigated. A numerical code is written in Matlab. The effects of PV module efficiency, Stirling regenerator efficiency and PV derating factor on system performance are quantified, also the optimum operating parameters obtained. The refrigerator-Stirling/photovoltaic has a high COP and a low cooling capacity, in contrast to the refrigerator-Stirling/Dish-Stirling. The optimum solar electric COP and maximum cooling rate are 0.7063 and 1413 W respectively at an optimum panel area of 2 m2. Optimum exergy efficiency is 38.5 % at fv = 0.1, ecological coefficient of performance (ECOP) is 20.3 % at N = 48 rot.s−1, optimum exergy destroyed is 33.31 W at K1 = 21.5 W.K−1. This system can be used to preserve vaccines in hospitals.

Triple-junction interfacial engineering Pt–CeO2/three-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction

Efficient Pt-based catalysts towards anodic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is crucial to direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Pt-based catalysts with triple-junction interfaces of Pt, metal oxidizes (MOx) and carbon materials have broad engineering prospect due to the synergistic effect among different composites. However, in Pt-MOx/carbon material catalysts reported previously, Pt and MOx nanoparticles (NPs) are too large and the triple-junction interfaces are insufficient. Herein, we innovatively introduce oxidized carbon nanotubes (OCNTs) into nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO) sheets and propose a cost-efficient self-assembly process for the construction of three-dimensional nitrogen-doped carbon frameworks (NrGO-OCNTs). Furthermore, a modified solvothermal method is developed to uniformly deposit ultrafine Pt and CeO2 NPs onto NrGO-OCNTs so that sufficient Pt–CeO2–C triple-junction interfaces can be introduced. The obtained Pt–CeO2/NrGO7-OCNTs3 catalyst with the NrGO/OCNTs ratio of 7:3 shows the optimum electrochemical surface area and mass activity of 154.9 m2·gPt−1 and 845 A·gPt−1, respectively, which are 2.3 and 3.2 times higher than those of a commercial Pt/C catalyst. It also possesses excellent stability and anti-CO poisoning performance. These improvements may be attributed to the unique architecture of the support and enhanced synergistic effect among Pt, CeO2 and NrGO7-OCNTs3. This approach is simpler and more efficient than other methods reported previously and suitable for engineering of efficient Pt-based catalysts.

BTEX adsorption from aqueous solutions using activated carbon from Melaleuca cajuputi leaves

This study put forward Melaleuca cajuputi leaves to prepare activated carbon using H3PO4 as an activating agent and examined the aqueous solution of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX). The surface functional group, surface morphology, and surface area were identified by employing Fourier transform infrared spectra, field emission scanning microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller to characterize the properties of the produced activated carbon; others include pH, moisture content, and yield percentage. The activated carbon's performance was assessed using batch adsorption experiment. 50 mg/L of BTEX disintegrates in purified water to form the standard solution and is stored at 4 °C. The study examined the effects of time spent in contact, dosage of the adsorbent and initial concentration. The results show that Melaleuca cajuputi activated carbon (MCAC2) has the optimum surface area 128 m2/g and performs very effectively as a BTEX adsorbent. According to the BTEX adsorption data, MCAC2 has 94% elimination effectiveness at 50 mg/L after 30 min of contact. To further adapt the experimental information for BTEX adsorption onto the MCAC2, Freundlich, Langmuir, and pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were used. The findings fitted pseudo-second-order with optimal values of R2 = 0.979, and the isotherm model adsorption fitted Langmuir model with values of R2 = 0.992 The finding reveals that Melaleuca cajuputi leaves are useful material for producing adsorbents, and successful testing outcomes demonstrate that M. cajuputi leaves products serves as a vital organic absorbent in the decomposition of BTEX.

Optimizing Solar Heating for Thangka Exhibition Halls: A Case Study in Malkang Cultural Village

With the continuous development of rural revitalization and urbanization in China, the sustainable transformation of traditional rural architecture has become increasingly important. This study takes the Thangka exhibition hall in rural Malkang, Sichuan Province, as the research object and proposes a Thangka exhibition hall architectural design centered around solar heating and aiming for near-zero energy consumption. The research method involves establishing a solar energy system model on the roof of the exhibition hall and utilizing solar angle and area calculation formulas along with simulation software to calculate the optimal installation angle and area of solar panels, with the aim of achieving indoor temperatures that meet Thangka protection requirements while achieving zero-energy heating. Preliminary results indicate that this solar-centric near-zero energy architectural design can effectively promote the increase in indoor temperature through solar thermal conversion. Additionally, through calculation and simulation, the optimal installation angle for the solar panels achieving zero-energy heating is determined to be 24.25 with an azimuth angle of −1.2. The optimum installation area for solar panels is 8.2 square meters in the showroom and 2.7 square meters in the storeroom. Among these, the solar panel area for the Thangka exhibition hall constitutes 4.12% of the total area and is required for maintaining Thangka protection temperature requirements throughout the year, while the solar panel area for the storage room constitutes 1.88% and is also needed for the same purpose. Studying the optimal installation angle and area of solar panels can transform the exhibition hall into a near-zero-energy building, meeting the temperature requirements for Thangka preservation and human thermal comfort, while also achieving optimal economic benefits. This provides guidance and a reference for promoting near-zero-energy buildings in rural areas.