Optimal Use Research Articles

Virtual Care Takes Off During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Studies of safety and quality will determine the optimum use of this option.

Influence of Water Cement Ratios on the Optimum use of Steel Slag in Concrete

In Nigeria and numerous nations of the world, steel is mainly created from purifying of metal scrap and hundreds of tonnes of steel slag are manufactured each year. This study investigated the effect of water-cement ratios (w/c) on the optimum replacement of crushed stone with Prism Nigeria Slag (PNS) in concrete production. PNS were used to substitute crushed stone by 0, 40, 50 and 60%. A mix ratio of 1:2:4 was adopted with w/c of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7. Concrete cubes and cylindrical concrete specimens were cast and cured in water for 7 and 28 days. The behaviour of the hardened concrete shows consistent decreased in compressive and split tensile strengths with increase in w/c. The optimum replacement at 28th days curing for compressive strength was observed at 60% PNS for all w/c. However, the optimum replacement of split tensile strength for w/c of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.7 was found to be 60% PNS while 0.5 w/c had optimum replacement of 40% PNS. The study concluded that 60% PNS with w/c of 0.4 would produce a concrete of high compressive and split tensile strengths than traditional concrete for mix ratio 1:2:4.

Применение методов информационной инженерии для изменения структуры многоуровневых систем организационного управления

In this work the task is formulated and the method of reconfiguration of systems of organizational management on the basis of synthesis of the functional structure having an impact on an appearance of all system considerably defining an order of its functioning, integrating in a whole of means of technical and mathematical, program and information support is offered. The research objective consists in need of increase in effective management of organizational systems on the basis of complex development, implementation and application of funds of automated management of its elements. Expert systems on the basis of declarative programming languages are applied to synthesis of similar structures. Research methods. As the tool for definition of the knowledge base about the field of restructuring of structure of management calculation of expressions and language of a predicate logic, that is a logic theory of first order is used. Then, the problem of reconfiguration of hierarchical structure of management system can be presented doubly. First, as a problem of definition of the changes of the known rational hierarchical structure providing minimum loss from the arisen functional failures. Secondly, as a problem of creation of new rational structure which provides optimum use of the resources used in the course of achievement of definite purposes in the changing conditions. Results. As a result of a research, on the basis of de Morgan's law the factors influencing a system status of organizational management in general are defined. The necessary structure of solvable tasks of all hierarchical structure is defined by extent of influence of different factors on characteristics of structure of management. Conclusion. Work of the received expert system consists in consecutive execution or failure to follow rules and transition from one status to another. In case of an impasse the expert system gives the report in the form of requirements of alternative change of these or those rules (factors). New rules are remembered. Thus, the system of knowledge is increased.

A low-complexity, energy-efficient data securing model for wireless sensor network based on linearly complex voice encryption mechanism of GSM technology

A wireless sensor network is the formation of a temporary network of sensor nodes equipped with limited resources working in an ad hoc environment. Routing protocol is one of the key challenges while designing a wireless sensor network, which requires optimum use of limited resources of a sensor node, such as power and so on. Similarly, data security and integrity is another open issue that has emerged as a flash point in research community in the last decade. This article proposes a secure model for routing data from source to destination named as secure and energy-efficient routing. The proposed secure and energy-efficient routing is inherited from authentication and voice encryption scheme developed for Global System for Mobile Communications. Necessary modifications have been carried out in order to fit the Global System for Mobile Communications technology in a wireless sensor network ad hoc environment. Due to its low complexity, the secure and energy-efficient routing consumes lesser battery power both during encryption/decryption and for routing purposes. It is due to the XoR operation used in the proposed scheme which is considered as the most inexpensive process with respect to time and space complexity. It is observed through simulations that secure and energy-efficient routing can work effectively even in critical power level in a sensor network. The article also presents a simulation-based comparative analysis of the proposed secure and energy-efficient routing with two notable existing secure routing protocols. We proved that the proposed secure and energy-efficient routing helps to achieve the desired performance under dynamically changing network conditions with various numbers of malicious nodes. Moreover, in Global System for Mobile Communications, generally three linear feedback shift registers are used to fragment the key in data encryption mechanism. In this article, a mathematical model is proposed to increase the number of possible combinations of shift register in order to make the data encryption mechanism more secure which has never been done before. Due to its liner complexity, lesser power consumption, and more dynamic route updating, the secure and energy-efficient routing can easily find its use in the emerging Internet-of-Things systems.

Preface

A few areas of science and technology have not already benefited from the use of Smart Sensors and communication technologies. While the use of Smart Sensors Systems in Communication Technologies was initially confined to a few specific areas, the application areas are broadening rapidly as the unique features of Smart Sensors Systems are exploited and are now a very fertile field for research development.Smart Sensors System is designing calls for assembling several sensors, actuators, electronic components, data communication technologies, communication protocols, and precision mechanical engineering nanodevices like MEMS. The purpose of this symposium is to deal in greater detail with the practical aspects of designing and developing Smart Sensors Systems, which can later be experimented in universities and engineering institutes. We are hopeful that such a step could be taken with success, in view of the platform like System on Chip (SoC) and Network on Chip(NoC) where design, development, and application of Smart Sensors Systems have been carried out successfully.The technical committee received 250 papers, out of which 130 are shortlisted for the Conference for oral presentation with a 52% acceptance ratio. Technical papers presented at the Conference, their abstract are compiled in this volume. These manuscripts broadly cover the areas like Smart Sensors System, Bio-Medical, Agro-Electronics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and data communication technologies, Intelligent Systems, followed by the details of design of some of these implementations. Through this Conference, we have tried to bring in researchers from various universities and institutions to interact and deliberate within and get ideas for their future scientific endeavors.I am pleased to acknowledge the unstinting support from my colleagues at Goa University, the International Advisory, the Technical Program, and the Local Organization Committee members.I am incredibly grateful to Goa University and our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Varun Sahni, for providing required support.I wish success for the Conference on advances in Smart Sensors, Signal Processing, Communication Technologies 2021 and its deliberation.Dr. Rajendra S. Gad Convener, ICASSCT 2021ForewordI am delighted to learn that the Electronics programme at the School of Physical and Applied Sciences, Goa University is organizing an International Conference on Advances in Smart Sensor, Signal Processing and Communication 2021 (ICASSCT 2021) at our University on 19-20 March, 2021. ICASSCT 2021 will showcase the latest research and development in the key areas related to the conference. International events such as ICASSCT 2021 are essential to inspire research students and faculty members, further improve the quality of education in our Universities, provide continuous learning opportunities for professionals, and allow cross-pollination of ideas and promote collaboration.In the contemporary period, economic advance and social transformation have closely mirrored and have been driven by the evolution of modern technology. Academia has to play its essential role by providing trained human resources and as well as open forums to discuss and deliberate about emerging issues, trends and problems.I applaud and appreciate the initiative of the Organising Committee in taking up the responsibilities of organising this International Conference. I also congratulate the members of the Editorial Board and all participants who have contributed their research papers to the proceedings.I urge all the participants to make optimum use of the opportunity to learn what is new in Electronics and the broad trends emerging globally. This is the first big conference that is being organised by Goa University after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. My best wishes for a fruitful, enjoyable, socially distanced and safe Conference.Dr. Varun SahniVice-ChancellorGoa University, GoaCommittee title available in this pdf.

Evaluation and optimization of the use of tourist resources of the region

Introduction. Assessing the potential of tourist resources on the basis of sound methodology is an important step in developing measures to optimize the use of tourist potential of the region. The aim of the study. The purpose of the study is to improve and adapt the methodology for assessing the potential of tourist resources in the region, as well as its testing on the example of Vinnytsia region of Ukraine. Materials and methods. Based on O. Beidyk’s method of scoring the tourist and recreational potential of the region and the results of a study by a number of other authors formed a method of assessing the potential of tourist resources adapted for Vinnytsia region. Methods of mathematical statistics and cartographic, as well as the method of zoning are used. Results. The potential of tourist resources of administrative districts of Vinnytsia region is analyzed, the geospatial organization of tourist destinations is investigated and tourist zoning is carried out. A system of regional policy measures differentiated by selected subregions has been developed to optimize the use of tourist resources. Conclusions. Based on the study of the geospatial organization of tourist resources of Vinnytsia region, ways to optimize them are proposed, including the development and expansion of a network of excursion routes; expansion of the network of accommodation establishments; formation of a network of medical and health institutions; updating the material and technical base of sanatoriums; improvement of transport infrastructure, in particular highways; wider attraction of foreign tourists; optimization of recreational use of the river network; intensification of development and expansion of the network of rural tourism estates.

Water use efficiency of chickpea agro-ecosystems will be boosted by positive effects of CO2 and using suitable genotype × environment × management under climate change conditions

The agricultural production faces the inevitable challenges under the climate change conditions which threaten the food security. Under these circumstances, the increase of productivity can be regarded to ensure the food security. The interaction of genetic management determines the performance of given crop and environmental factors, and these elements should be simultaneously considered to have a sustainable production. To enhance the productivity and eco-efficiency of chickpea agro-ecosystems in the west and northwest of Iran, we optimized the genotype (G) × environment (E) × management (M) interactions to access optimum grain yield and water use efficiency using SSM-legume model. Three genotypes, eight locations, and 3 irrigation regimes were considered G, E, and M factors, respectively. The projections of future climate were conducted due to a 5–multi‐model ensemble under two emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for 2040–2070 using a methodology introduced by Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP). The results indicated that across two RCPs, the climate change increased chickpea grain yield (11%) due to the positive effects of rising CO2 concentration which slightly increased WUE (0.03%) based on an increase in the evapotranspiration (10.9%) and mean temperature (3.4%) and a decrease during the chickpea growing period (21.9%). However, these decreases and increases can be mitigated and boosted using an optimal G × E × M combination. ILC482 (mid-maturity genotype) × cold northwest environment × SI Pod-60 (supplementary irrigation of 60 mm at pod filling) was the best G × E × M interaction due to optimum WUE (6.98 kg ha-1 mm-1) and grain yield (1808.4 kg ha-1) for chickpea agro-ecosystems in upcoming period (2040–2070). In general, climate change and rising CO2 concentration open up the opportunities to produce more grain yield in chickpea agro-ecosystems. Moreover, this production can be sustainably generated regarding WUE by adopting a suitable G × E × M interaction.

A feasibility study on exploitation of atmospheric water resources using cloud seeding in arid and semi arid parts of Iran

Water resource management and optimum use of all available water resources are ways for the adaptation of climate change and drought conditions.Weather modification, commonly known as cloud seeding, is the application of scientific technology that can enhance a cloud's ability to produce precipitation. Cloud seeding projects have being performed in Iran since 1999, as one of the most important strategies to increase water supplies. However, determining the time and place of cloud seeding operation are the basic necessities to achieve the best possible results. This paper explains innovative and scientific methods of feasibility study of Tehran province (semi-arid area) and Hormozgan province (arid area) by meteorological stations data, upper air data, satellite imagery (TRMM), weather radars products, topographic and vegetation maps. Factor analysis and World Meteorological Organization classification methods of PEP were applied to determine proper seeding time. Eventually, cloud seeding susceptible areas were classified as levels and altitudes. In Tehran province, the results showed that the northwest, west and central catchments are capable for cloud seeding operation in December, January, February and March at an altitude of 2500-3000 meters. Suitable months of cloud seeding operation in the north and northwest of the catchment of Hormozgan province were January, February and March, in order of priority.

Essential Oil Composition, Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Compounds, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents from Pomace of Citrus aurantifolia

The massive pomace of Citrus aurantofolia (Christm.) Swingle exhibits a challenging losses exposure difficulty for the processing industries. The resent study was aimed to evaluate the composition and quality of pomace and understand its bioactive compounds to introduce it to different industries such as pharmaceutical, food, medicinal, agricultural etcetera for optimum use. Volatile compounds (VCs) were extracted by water distillation (WD) and Static headspace (SHS) methods. Four different extracts were analyzed for polyphenol compounds identified by HPLC-DAD, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Limonene (71.7%), b-pinene (8.5%), g-terpinene (7.3%), myrcene (1.8%) and a-pinene (1.7%), were the main compounds of essential oil (EO) of C. aurantifolia pomaceby HD extraction. The dominant VCs of C. aurantifolia were limonene (49.3%) followed by b-pinene (21.7%), g-terpinene (9%), a-pinene (6.8%) and sabinene (4.9%), respectively by static headspace analysis. Trans-ferulic acid was major polyphenol compound in all studied extracts of C. aurantifolia marcs. Methanolic extracts from C. aurantifolia pomaces represented higher antioxidant activity, TPC and TFC than other investigated extracts. This studied marc can be introduced to different industries as a source of bioactive and medicinal natural compounds because of its valuable phytochemical characterization.

Groundwater Potential Mapping Using GIS-Based Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Methods.

Groundwater is one of the major valuable water resources for the use of communities, agriculture, and industries. In the present study, we have developed three novel hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) models which is a combination of modified RealAdaBoost (MRAB), bagging (BA), and rotation forest (RF) ensembles with functional tree (FT) base classifier for the groundwater potential mapping (GPM) in the basaltic terrain at DakLak province, Highland Centre, Vietnam. Based on the literature survey, these proposed hybrid AI models are new and have not been used in the GPM of an area. Geospatial techniques were used and geo-hydrological data of 130 groundwater wells and 12 topographical and geo-environmental factors were used in the model studies. One-R Attribute Evaluation feature selection method was used for the selection of relevant input parameters for the development of AI models. The performance of these models was evaluated using various statistical measures including area under the receiver operation curve (AUC). Results indicated that though all the hybrid models developed in this study enhanced the goodness-of-fit and prediction accuracy, but MRAB-FT (AUC=0.742) model outperformed RF-FT (AUC=0.736), BA-FT (AUC=0.714), and single FT (AUC=0.674) models. Therefore, the MRAB-FT model can be considered as a promising AI hybrid technique for the accurate GPM. Accurate mapping of the groundwater potential zones will help in adequately recharging the aquifer for optimum use of groundwater resources by maintaining the balance between consumption and exploitation.

Hairy root culture: a promising alternative for enhancing the production of biologically active compounds

Hairy roots are obtained from the infection caused by Agrobacterium rhizogenes, a gram negative bacterium and are known to produce different complex molecules. Various biochemical pathways and physiological aspects in plants can be understood by means of hairy roots. Being genetically and biosynthetically stable as well as resultant high biomass accumulation and productivity in short period of time, these roots are great alternatives to conventional methods for the production of pharmacologically important compounds. Various biotechnological approaches i.e. culture medium components and their concentration, culture conditions, elicitation etc. are used and optimized to enhance overall yield. To meet up the increasing demand, production on industrial scale has been considered to be an important where concept of bioreactors is involved. This review presents basic idea of development of hairy roots, requirement of the optimum culture conditions and use of bioreactors to increase yield of the bioactive compounds.

An Investigation of Using Audio-Visual Aids in the EFL Classes in Libya: A Case Study of Kufrah Secondary Schools

This study investigates the use of audio-visual aids in the EFL classes in Libyan secondary schools. Specifically, it aims to determine how audio-visual aids could work as an excellent motivational instrument for teachers and students in Kufrah secondary schools. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to teachers and students to clarify the needed information. Kufrah secondary schools were chosen for the survey study. 80 students, and 20 teachers were randomly selected. Through the questionnaires made by the researcher, the data was collected, organized and analysed using statistical techniques like percentages. The results of the study revealed that the use of audio-visual aids to develop EFL students seemed to be effective, as indicated by the teachers and students. The results also showed fewer teacher training opportunities in schools and restricted administrative support. The researcher recommends appropriate teacher training, adequate audio-visual equipment and material, and needed administrative support to ensure the optimum use of audio-visual aids, ensuring the learner's maximum benefit.

A Profile of Adverse Drug Reactions in a Teritiary Care Teaching Hospital and Associated Factors

Objective: The present study was conducted to identify, analyze the causality, and severity of adverse drug reactions and to find out the factors associated with ADR related factors. Adverse effects of drugs are identified as one of the main reason for increasing in-patient number in the hospital. This has become financial burden and also rise in mortality rate in society. The main purpose of the pharmacovigilance program is to identify the risks linked with the use of drugs. This study may be useful to identify and prevent adverse effects caused by drugs to increase the quality of life and ability of doctors to treat consequences of ADRs more effectively. The main aim of the present study was to explore and identify adverse effects caused by drugs and to improve patient safety with pharmacovigilance activities. Method: An observational study was conducted as part of Pharmacovigilance program for 14 months (January 2018 - Feb 2019). ADRs reported from hospital were filled into Suspected ADR forms - CDSCO forms. Causality assessment was done based on WHO- UMC causality scale and severity was assessed using Hartwig-Siegel scale. By taking history of the patient, and by regular monitoring of the inpatients, the causative factors for ADR related hospital admissions were evaluated. Results: Total 145 ADR reports were analyzed. Most of the ADRs were observed in females (60%). Majority of ADRs were caused by NSAIDs (32.4%), followed by antimicrobials (20%). Most common organ systems involved was skin (38%). Causality assessment showed 85.5% ADRs as probable. 18.6% of ADRs were of severe type and 51% moderate. ADR related hospital admissions were found in 53 cases (36.5%) and 92 cases of ADRs occurred during hospitalization (63.4%). Conclusion: The study generated a data of ADRs that is useful to the clinicians for optimum and safe use of drugs in day to day practice and help in creating ‘P’ drug list. The major reasons for ADR related hospital admissions are OTC and non-compliance. Hence a constructive Pharmacovigilance to minimize ADR related hospitalization, treatment cost, morbidity and mortalities are the need of the hour.

Utilization of spare substances of Zea mays L. seeds during germination under the combined effect of growth regulators and presence or absence of light

Functional changes in the source-sink system of maize sprouts under combination of external (light/dark) and hormonal (gibberellic acid/retardant) factors during germination were studied. It was found that the phytohormone action significantly increased the coleoptile, root and seedling length, dry matter mass of organs, both in light and in dark. Tebuconazole caused the opposite effect due to its retardant action. The inactivation of endogenous phytohormone was confirmed by less intensive use of seed substances, the minimum dry matter of root and coleoptile and lower reserve utilization rates under tebuconazole influence, in particular under photomorphogenesis condition. The non-maximum mass of cotyledons may indicate a kind of optimization of use of reserves under tebuconazole treatment. Gibberellin stimulated starch breakdown in both light and dark, but starch usage was higher in dark. The lower content of sugar in the seeds of skotomorphic plants in control and under gibberellin action was explained by intense outflow for the organogenesis needs. Gibberellin stimulated the hydrolysis of reserve protein after intensive starch hydrolysis in dark. Specific gibberellin regulation of phosphorus outflow for the organogenesis processes under the photo- and skotomorphogenesis conditions and no regulation for potassium under photomorphogenesis conditions were found.

Sources, controls, and probabilistic health risk assessment of fluoride contamination in groundwater from a semi-arid region in Gujarat, Western India: An isotope-hydrogeochemical perspective.

Fluoride contamination in groundwaters of a rural region in semi-arid Western India has been studied using combination of geochemical-and-isotopic techniques, in conjunction with Health Quotient assessment approach. The objective of this study is to determine the sources and controls on fluoride content and to evaluate probabilistic non-carcinogenic risk associated with its long-term consumption. F- ranges from 0.3 to 12mg L-1, shows high spatial variability, and ~ 35% of the samples have F- > 1.5mg L-1 (WHO maximum limit for drinking). Two sources are identified: high F- results from water-rock interaction of F-bearing minerals in granites and gneisses, while phosphate fertilizers can contribute up to ~ 0.46mg L-1 of groundwater F- that can be significant for low F- samples. High F- samples are characterized by high pH, Na and alkalinity, and low Ca. Calcite precipitation drives the solubility of F-bearing minerals. Kinetic fractionation of water isotopes (18O and 2H) demonstrates that evaporation plays role in enriching groundwater F-. Non-carcinogenic risk, estimated by Hazard Quotient ([Formula: see text]), ranges from 0.13-5.72 to 0.26-11.86 for adult and children, respectively. Conservative estimate shows that ~ 0.467 million of adults and~0.073 million of children in four sub-districts are under the risk of fluorosis-while the residents of other five sub-districts remain safe from it. Finally, we suggest stakeholders to install F- treatment plants to ensure the health safety of local residents in the high-risk zones, create awareness in farmers for optimum use of fertilizers, and promote rainwater harvesting, for better management of groundwater resources and quality in the region.

Investigation and management of iron deficiency anaemia in a specialist palliative care setting and the role of intravenous iron: a descriptive analysis of hospice data.

Anaemia is common in hospice populations and associated with significant symptom burden. Guidelines recommend investigating for and treating iron deficiency (ID), but there is little evidence of this practice in palliative care populations. This report describes the results of investigations for and subsequent management of ID in a UK hospice. This is a descriptive study of routine clinical data. Laboratory and clinical records were reviewed retrospectively for 12 months following the implementation, in August 2018, of routine investigation for ID amongst patients with clinically relevant anaemia in whom treatment would be considered. Absolute (AID) and functional iron deficiency (FID) were diagnosed using established definitions and treatments recorded. Iron status was evaluated in 112 cases, representing 25/110 (22.7%) of those with mild, 46/76 (60.5%) moderate and 41/54 (75.9%) severe anaemia. Twenty-eight (25%) were defined as having AID, 48 (42.8%) FID and 36 (32%) no ID. There was a significant difference between groups in symptoms triggering haemoglobin check and diagnosis, with a higher proportion of patients with classic symptoms of anaemia and gastrointestinal malignancy in those with AID. Intravenous iron was given on 12 occasions in the hospice with no major adverse events. Subjective symptom benefit in 7 cases and a statistically significant increase in overall mean haemoglobin were observed. This report describes the outcome of investigations for iron deficiency in patients with clinically significant anaemia in a UK hospice. Results indicate iron deficiency is common and can be safely treated with intravenous iron replacement, within current guidelines, in a hospice setting. Further research should define the optimum use of this approach in palliative care patients.

Achieving Transport Efficiency Through The Architectural Design of A Multimodal Transport Terminal In Greater Port Harcourt City

This study reviews the current state of the transport system in Port Harcourt with a view to incorporate a workable multimodal terminal in greater Port Harcourt City. The study highlights that the existing transport system in Port Harcourt still grapples with problems of uncoordinated or poorly maintained public transport infrastructures, proliferation of illegal parks as well as the general deterioration of existing public terminals. Furthermore, there are no specific transport link between the water, road and rail transport network to allow ease of movement of people and goods across the transport modes. The study reviewed existing multimodal terminals in terms in functionality, circulation, spacing and the overall contribution to the transport system. It was found that the multimodal terminals provided a seamless, gapless and cost-effective transport operations which gives transport users maximum flexibility to decide for themselves on the optimum use of combination of different modes in transportation of freight. Hence, the study recommends the design and implementation of functional and aesthetically pleasant multimodal terminal that seeks to drive ease of movement of goods and services, comfort, convenience and contemporary travel experience amongst road and rail commuters in Greater Port Harcourt. With Port Harcourt city being one of the major hubs of economic activities south of Nigeria, the development of a multimodal terminal as well as the overall development of the multimodal transport will help increase the quantum of economic activities and living standards.

Decision-making algorithm based on the results of systematic monitoring of forested landscapes in the subsoil use territories of the Urals

Relevance of the study. Currently, information obtained during monitoring, including monitoring of forest lands, is of particular importance for making informed decisions on the development of natural potential. A feature of these works today is the lack of combination of data collection procedures, their processing with models of structural elements of forest lands, which requires a solution to the problem under consideration. The aim is to form, according to the results of system monitoring, a system of interconnected decision-making algorithms in the field of forest land use in industrial regions. The methodology for the formation of a system of interrelated decision-making algorithms in the field of forest land use in industrial regions is based on the use of mathematical models of natural objects of forest ecosystems, natural phenomena in them and forest-forming processes, on the procedures of a comprehensive assessment and optimization of forest land use in industrial regions in accordance with current provisions of the concept of environmentally sustainable development of territories. Results and their application. The algorithms for decision-making in the use of forest lands based on the results of system monitoring are considered: substantiation of strategic indicators of sustainable development of forest lands in industrial regions in the face of modern challenges and risks; comprehensive ecological and economic assessment of the natural resource potential of forest lands; determination of leeways of permissible use of forest lands in industrial regions in specific climatic and socio-economic conditions; coordination of individual interests of land users on forest lands with public preferences for the development of industrial regions; multi-criteria optimization of the use of forest lands in industrial regions. The main principles of forecasting the parameters of a comprehensive assessment of forest lands, the use of the indicator of consumption of net primary products of forest ecosystems, the sequence of greening the economy of the use of forest lands in industrial regions, justification of concessions to the extreme values of particular criteria in multi-criteria optimization are given. The proposed additional indicators of sustainable development of forest areas in the Middle Urals, the results of calculations on the change in the natural resource potential of forest lands in the subsoil use area are presented; the substantiation of the multicriteria optimization of the use of raw material resources of forest lands is given. Conclusions. The proposed decision-making algorithms in the field of systemic monitoring of forest lands are intellectual support for users in the analysis of information in the field of land relations. They provide a substantive dialogue that allows you to form the necessary information in a user-friendly form, adjust the data processing process and make decisions.

Cooling System with PCM Storage for an Office Building: Experimental Investigation Aided by a Model of the Office Thermal Dynamics.

The application of energy storage filled with phase-change material (PCM) is recently increasingly considered in active cooling systems. Such a design offers a higher density of thermal energy accumulation when compared with water storage. However, the optimum use of PCM storage is possible when its dynamic characteristics during the loading and unloading process are well recognized. Due to the complexity of the interaction between all elements of the heating/cooling system, a theoretical estimation of the profits is hard to perform in a reliable way. This is a significant problem at the design stage of the installation. In order to solve this problem, a laboratory experiment supported by a simulation was performed. The main aim of the experiment was to understand how the storage filled with the PCM in real-like conditions works. A test stand was made to investigate the effect of this solution on a reduced scale of 1:10. The PCM tested was RT15, a commercially available material that melts in the temperature range of 10–17 °C. The main parts of the stand are a chiller, an electric heater and thermal energy storage. The first two elements allowed a simulation of the thermal properties of the heat receiver, and their operation depended on the results from the numerical calculations. A lumped parameter model was used in mathematical description of the office building and its cooling system. The heat capacity of the system components as well as heat losses to the ambient environment were taken into account. The obtained results allowed the optimization of the control procedure and proved the validity of the applied investigation methods. This study confirmed the possibility of testing thermal energy storage with phase change material in real-like conditions.

Reservoir Management by Reducing Evaporation Using Floating Photovoltaic System: A Case Study of Lake Nasser, Egypt

The shortage of water is a major obstruction to the social and economic development of many countries, including Egypt. Therefore, there is an urgent need to properly manage water resources to achieve optimum water use. One way of saving available water resources is to reduce evaporation that leads to the loss of a large amount of water from reservoirs and open lakes. This paper aims to use a floating photovoltaic system (FPVS) to cover a lake’s water surface to reduce evaporation and also for energy production. This methodology was applied to Lake Nasser as one of the largest lakes in the world where much evaporation happens due to its large area, arid environments, and the shallow depths of some parts of the lake. The estimated evaporation from the lake was 12.0 × 109 m3/year. The results show that covering 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the lake can save about 2.1, 4.2, 6.3, 7.0, and 8.4 × 109 m3/year and produce energy of 2.85 × 109, 5.67 × 109, 8.54 × 109, and 11.38 × 109 MWh/year, respectively. Covering areas of shallow water depth was more efficient and economical. The results show that covering 15% of the lake’s area (depths from 0.0 to 3.0 m) can save 2.66 × 109 m3/year and produce 1.7 MWh/year. Covering 25% of the lake’s area (depths from 0.0 to 7.0) can save 3.5 × 109 m3/year and produce 2.854 MWh/year. Using an FPVS to cover parts of Lake Nasser could help manage water resources and energy production for Egypt to overcome the likely shortage of water resources due to population growth. This system could be applied in different locations of the world which could help in increasing water resources and energy production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.