Production Distribution Research Articles

Experimental study on gas-assisted cyclic steam stimulation under heavy-oil sandstone reservoir conditions: Effect of N2/CO2 ratio and foaming agent

After several rounds of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), the formation energy of heavy oil reservoirs is depleted. The water content in the reservoir is increased, which leads to a decrease in production. The injection of N2 and CO2 can effectively improve the recovery efficiency. In this paper, the experiments of mixed gas-assisted CSS with different N2/CO2 injection ratios and mixed gas foam-assisted CSS were performed. The temperature change, liquid production, pressure change and residual oil distribution of the sandpack were tested during the experiment, and the influencing factors of enhanced oil recovery were explored. The results show that the range of recovery variation can be divided into an increasing phase from 1:0 to 2:1 and a decreasing phase from 2:1 to 0:1 based on the different injection ratios of N2/CO2. The viscosity reduction of heavy oil under the effect of CO2 dissolution is the dominant factor in the increasing phase, while the formation energy increase under the effect of N2 expansion is the dominant factor in the decreasing phase. The recovery factor is the best when the ratio of injected N2/CO2 is 2:1. The cumulative recovery factor increases by 6.46% after adding the A-9 foaming agent solution. This shows that the mixed gas foam combines the advantages of the mixed gas and foam. It increases the flow resistance and improve the oil displacement efficiency by plugging the lager pore-throat from a microscopic perspective. Therefore, mixed gas foam-assisted CSS can effectively improve the production of heavy oil reservoirs. The research results provide theoretical guidance for improving the effectiveness of the CSS of heavy oil reservoirs.

Factors linked to the taro supply chain competitiveness in Veracruz, Mexico

The competitiveness of any agricultural product depends on the strengths of the supply chain. The competitiveness factors of taro chain (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) are unknown. The problem lies in the lack of studies on the competitiveness of the taro supply chain and associated factors. The factors associated with the competitiveness of the taro supply chain were determined. Competitiveness was operationalized in three factors: production management (GP), administrative management (GA) and business performance (DE). A questionnaire was applied to 47 actors involved in the supply chain. A significant correlation (P <0.05, bilateral) was found for the factors GP (0.845 **), GA (0.756 **) and DE (0.717 **) and the variables related to competitiveness were: proximity to importing countries and ability to high yields. The general competitiveness value was 6.3. The factors that most affect competitiveness are non-economic, such as production capacity, demand estimation, flexibility and sales planning. The economic factors that the agents in the chain cannot control at all are: production costs, distribution and international prices. It is concluded that there are three factors involved in the taro supply chain that provide competitive advantages.

Blockchain-Based Architecture for a Sustainable Supply Chain in Cloud Architecture

Blockchain technology, as a well-known technology in financial spaces, has many advantages in non-financial industries and supply chains. Two of the main benefits of blockchain technology are smart contracts and distributed decision-making processes. These features can be especially useful in implementing Industry 4.0. Moreover, this technology can increase productivity in supply chains by enhancing transparency, reducing operational costs, and improving monitoring and supervision throughout the lifecycle of products. In this paper, we introduce a blockchain-based architecture for a supply chain in cloud architecture. This approach leads to the more efficient implementation of Industry 4.0 and increases sustainability in the supply chain. In this study, we aim to investigate whether the proposed blockchain-based platform affects sustainability in the supply chain. From a sustainability perspective, we solve the large-scale problem of a cloud-based production–distribution system in centralized and distributed states. The results of the solution indicate a significant improvement in the decentralized state compared to the centralized state and this improvement enhances sustainability in the supply chain. We verify the proposed model by considering an axiomatic design algorithm. In the distributed model, the system cost is reduced by up to 45%, and the solving time is decreased by approximately 51% in pessimistic conditions and by about 87% in optimistic conditions. These improvements directly enhance economic and environmental sustainability, resulting in reduced energy consumption.

Real-time detection and analysis of foodborne pathogens via machine learning based fiber-optic Raman sensor

Food safety is a critical concern worldwide, and in recent years, it has become a growing public concern in the United States due to mass production and multi-channel distribution of high-nutrient and fresh-cut foods that have increased the prevalence and diversity of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria, etc.). Traditional methods for the detection of these pathogens rely heavily on low-efficiency techniques, which may expose the public to contaminated foods that have not been tested or identified. Therefore, rapid, simple, sensitive, and inexpensive detection methods are urgently needed for food safety investigations with higher efficiency and accuracy. One of the promising methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens is Raman spectroscopy, which is a molecular-level analytical tool with the advantages of high selectivity and sensitivity and simple operation at a relatively low cost. In this study, a novel fiber-optic-based portable Raman probe was developed and used for real-time detection of a panel of pathogen-specific molecular fingerprint volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to assist in the extraction of molecular information from the raw Raman spectra, resulting in high accuracy prediction of complex VOC mixtures, even at high dilution folds (100x). The developed ML-assisted Raman probe has immense potential for rapid on-site detection of complex chemical mixtures in food safety and beyond. This innovative approach achieves high accuracy in comprehensively sorting mixed chemicals with varying concentrations and provides several advantages over previous studies, including speed, portability, non-contact operation, and precise classification of foodborne pathogen VOCs.

Integrating macroeconomics and economic geography: the neoclassical growth model in spatial general equilibrium

ABSTRACT The neoclassical growth model and the Roback model of spatial general equilibrium (SGE) are integrated to study the joint determination of macroeconomic phenomena (gross domestic product (GDP) and the rate of interest) and spatial economic phenomena (the spatial distribution of gross regional product (GRP), employment and capital). If internal capital mobility is perfect and regional savings rates are homogeneous, GDP depends on SGE, but SGE does not depend on GDP. If saving rates are spatially heterogeneous, GDP and the rate of interest depend on SGE, but SGE does not depend on the rate of interest and GDP. If in addition capital is imperfectly mobile, macroeconomic outcomes such as GDP, the rate of interest and SGE are jointly determined. In general, therefore, the dichotomy between macroeconomics and economic geography breaks down.

Polyethersulfone-Based Microfluidic Device Integrated with DNA Extraction on Paper and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification for the Detection of Salmonella enterica.

Rising consumption, large-scale production, and widespread distribution have been accompanied by an increase in the number of Salmonella infections reported to implicate contaminated food products. We developed a portable origami microfluidic device that enabled rapid detection of S. enterica from sample preparation to end-point detection, including nucleic acid extraction on paper dipstick without pipetting, nucleic acid amplification using isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), and lateral flow assay for results readout. We also explored the feasibility of the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane as a new reaction matrix against the widely used chromatography paper to optimize nucleic acid amplification. Nucleic acid amplification was achieved within 20 min and demonstrated 100% specificity to S. enterica. The limit of detection of this PES-based microfluidic device was 260 CFU/mL and equivalent to RPA reaction in tube. A chromatography paper-based microfluidic device was found 1-log less in sensitivity for Salmonella detection compared to the use of PES. This PES-based microfluidic device could detect S. enterica in lettuce, chicken breast, and milk at concentrations of 6 CFU/g, 9 CFU/g, and 58 CFU/mL, respectively, after 6 h enrichment. PES has shown high compatibility to isothermal nucleic acid amplification and great potential to be implemented as an integrated sample-to-answer microfluidic device for the detection of pathogens in various food commodities.

PERAN PROGRAM BAZNAS MICROFONANCE DALAM MENGURANGI KEMISKINAN DI LOMBOK BARAT

Poverty has become a social problem in West Nusa Tenggara, especially in West Lombok, after the 2018 earthquake. Various efforts by the government and the private sector to reduce poverty are still relatively high. This study aims to describe the types of Village BAZNAS Microfinance (BMD) empowerment, the role of the Village BAZNAS @@Microfinance (BMD) program in reducing poverty and an overview of the aspects of maqas}id shari'ah. The research method used is descriptive qualitative, describing field phenomena by observing, interviewing, and documenting. As for analyzing the research data using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions or verification.
 The results of this study are empowerment through the Gunungsari Village BAZNAS Microfinance (BMD) program, there are two types, the first is consumptive distribution, and the second is a creative productive distribution where mustahik or beneficiaries are grouped by type of business and are given interest-free financing. Meanwhile, the role of the Gunungsari Village BAZNAS Microfinance (BMD) program in reducing poverty is to conduct assessments for fostered points, provide financing, and provide assistance with the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Mentoring activities include spiritual strengthening, adding insight, and product development. Referring to the fulfillment of maqas}}id shari'ah there are five aspects of fulfilling the first maintenance of religion, second maintenance of the soul, third maintenance of the mind, fourth maintenance of offspring, and fifth maintenance of the property.

A novel prediction method of gas and water production in tight gas wells on the Eastern margin of Ordos Basin

In order to address the limitations of traditional methods for predicting gas production of tight gas wells in the Linxing area, such as a single data type, simplified mathematical models, and insufficient accuracy. A novel approach is proposed that relies on comprehensive geological and engineering data from gas wells in the field. Data from 48 gas wells in the field were collected and pre-processed to obtain 129 geological and engineering influencing factors, and the correlation coefficients of each factor were calculated, ranked and chipped, and finally 39 main controlling factors for gas well production were screened out. Three models of multiple regression, support vector machine and Bayesian ridge regression were developed and evaluated, and the highest R 2 of the multiple regression model was 0.97. Relatively regression equations for daily gas and water production distribution were fitted and evaluated for their adequacy. The results demonstrated that the types of major control factors were consistent, and gas production was more sensitive than water production. Therefore, optimizing water control in gas wells with sufficient water production and adjusting the intensity of water control based on gas production adequacy is a feasible approach.

Complex methodology for optimizing local energy supply and overall resilience of rural areas: A case study of Agrovoltaic system with Miscanthus x giganteus plantation within the energy community in the Czech Republic

The article presents a proposal for a comprehensive methodology designed to increase the energy self-sufficiency and overall resilience of rural areas. The methodology aims to maximize the synergy and economic benefit of the agrovoltaic system with the cultivation of the energy crop Miscanthus x giganteus and its use for energy production in CHP sources within the local energy community. Primary data from Miscanthus × giganteus cultivation from long-term field trials and commercial plantations and initial agrovoltaic experiments were used. The analysed data show the high resistance and adaptability of Miscanthus × giganteus to climate change and confirm its expected long-term high yields of around 15 t DM ha−1 y−1 with a Higher Heating Value of 17–19 GJ t−1. The application of the methodology to a case study in the Czech Republic shows a reduction in electricity consumption by more than 40% (2 GWh) and a reduction in thermal energy consumption by more than 15% (4 GWh). The technical-economic analysis shows the high potential, financial and non-financial benefits of local production of energy fuels from biomass as part of subsequent production and energy distribution in the agrovoltaic field.

Mapping China’s Changing Gross Domestic Product Distribution Using Remotely Sensed and Point-of-Interest Data with Geographical Random Forest Model

Accurate knowledge of the spatiotemporal distribution of gross domestic product (GDP) is critical for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, there are rarely continuous multitemporal gridded GDP datasets for China in small geographies, and less is known about the variable importance of GDP mapping. Based on remotely sensed and point-of-interest (POI) data, a geographical random forest model was employed to map China’s multitemporal GDP distribution from 2010 to 2020 and to explore the regional differences in the importance of auxiliary variables to GDP modeling. Our new GDP density maps showed that the areas with a GDP density higher than 0.1 million CNY/km2 account for half of China, mainly distributed on the southeast side of the Hu-line. The proportion of the areas with GDP density lower than 0.05 million CNY/km2 has decreased by 11.38% over the past decade and the areas with an increase of 0.01 million CNY/km2 account for 70.73% of China. Our maps also showed that the GDP density of most nonurban areas in northeast China declined, especially during 2015–2020, and the barycenter of China’s GDP moved 128.80 km to the southwest. These results indicate China’s achievements in alleviating poverty and the widening gaps between the South and the North. Meanwhile, the number of counties with the highest importance score for POI density, population density, and nighttime lights in GDP mapping accounts for 52.76%, 23.66%, and 23.56%, respectively, which suggests that they play a crucial role in GDP mapping. Moreover, the relationship between GDP and auxiliary variables displayed obvious regional differences. Our results provide a reference for the formulation of a sustainable development strategy.

Discourse analysis on online gender-based humor: Markers of normalization, tolerance, and lens of inequality

Language is one of the most powerful means through which sexism and gender discrimination are perpetrated and reproduced (Menegatti and Rubini, 2017). The study examined the contrarian features of gender-based online humor in relation to the mainstreaming of gender and development (GAD). Discourse analysis was used as a method in examining discourse markers of online gender-based humor in terms of defaulting jokes as normal, tolerating sexist jokes, and perceiving that inequality in gender is reality. Fourteen (14) participants who are persons in power or authority, persons based on their educational attainment, persons based on their gender roles, and persons from different generational classifications participated in the study which utilized online gender-based-mapper, one-on-one interviews, and FGD-oriented instruments for the extraction and analysis of the research. After the analysis, it was revealed that the normalization of online gender jokes was prevalent in social media. Normalization proceeds as a way of life in making things light in the conversation and making these conversations intending to have enjoyment and entertainment. For tolerating sexist jokes, it appears that the actors in the online set-up manifest the markers for tolerance through “negligence” which seems to be alarming language production and language distribution to as many social media players.

Strategi Pengelolaan Dana Zakat pada Lembaga Amil Zakat Infaq dan Sadaqah Muhammadiyah dalam Mengentaskan Kemiskinan di Kabupaten Ponorogo

This research aims to find out how the strategy of Amil Zakat, Infak, and Shadaqah Muhammdiyah Ponorogo Institutions in alleviating poverty in Ponorogo Regency. Zakat institution was chosen because it has the advantage under the auspices of one of Indonesia's most prominent Islamic organizations and has a good zakat management system to be the winner of laznas best ZIS collection growth in 2020. The method used is qualitatively descriptive with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and documentation analyzed using SWOT and triangulate analysis techniques. The results of this study showed the collection conducted by LAZISMU Ponorogo in collecting zakat funds through direct collection methods consisting of direct services, presentations directly to various institutions or companies, and social media. While the strategy of gathering indirectly includes the media of the figures, establishing cooperation, organizing events, websites, and social media. The distribution strategy is done through consumptive distribution by providing monthly groceries. Productive distribution is carried out by providing capital to MSMEs. In measuring poverty rates, researchers used the Head Count Ratio. In 2018 the poverty rate in Ponorogo reached 90,220 people and decreased in 2019, namely 83,970 people or reduced by 0.7%, equivalent to 6,250 people, and showed that zakat funds became one in helping alleviate poverty based on the collection and distribution of zakat funds in LAZISMU Ponorogo increased from 2018 to 2019 by 82.5%.

An integrated operations model for supply of relief items under path disruptions

The integration of relief supply chain operations is critical for the timely supply of relief items to the areas affected by disasters. This work considers a two stage relief supply chain providing relief kit to the areas affected by flood type disaster. Floods often cause path blockages that affect the supply of relief items. A mixed integer linear programming model is formulated for the integrated production and outbound distribution scheduling problem considered and is solved by using a mathematical solver. Since solvers have computational issues in solving realistically sized problems, a Selective Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (SHGA), which performs a selective local search, is proposed. The proposed SHGA produces near optimal solutions in relatively short computation times which is beneficial for quick decision making. A sensitivity analysis is also performed and the path disruption is found to be the most significant input parameter influencing the model.

Cattle Fattening Program: The Effectiveness of Zakat Community Development

Despite many studies on productive Zakat, the focus on the effectiveness of mustahiq empowerment programs has been limited. This study looks at how effective the Zakat community development-based cattle fattening program is towards the empowerment of Zakat recipients. The study measures four indicators of program effectiveness: program target accuracy, program socialization, program objectives, and program monitoring. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation, and documentation. The study found that the program was good at targeting the right people, but it wasn't socialized enough. The program also fell short of its objectives because the recipients weren't making enough money to become donors themselves yet. However, the program was well-monitored, with regular check-ins to make sure it was on track. The study suggests that clearer standards are needed to increase the benefits received by Zakat recipients This study has practical implications for productive Zakat distribution policies, as clear benchmarks are required for implementing programs that increase Zakat recipients' benefits.

Population pharmacokinetic modelling of fibrinogen in patients with congenital or acquired-chronic or acute-hypofibrinogenaemia.

Fibrinogen is the key substrate for coagulation. Fibrinogen pharmacokinetics (PK) after single doses of fibrinogen concentrate (FC), using modelling approaches, has only been evaluated in congenital afibrinogenaemic patients. The aims of this study are to characterize the fibrinogen PK in patients with acquired-chronic (cirrhosis) or acute-hypofibrinogenaemia (critical haemorrhage), showing endogenous production. Influencing factors of differences on the fibrinogen PK between subpopulations will be identified. A total of 428 time-concentration values from 132 patients were recorded. Eighty-two out of 428 values were from 41 cirrhotic patients administered with placebo and 90 out of 428 were from 45 cirrhotic patients that were given FC, 161 out of 428 values were from 14 afibrinogenaemic patients and 95 out of 428 values were from 32 severe acute trauma haemorrhagic patients. A turnover model that accounted for endogenous production and exogenous dose was fitted using NONMEM74. The production rate (Ksyn), distribution volume (V), plasma clearance (CL) and concentration yielding to 50% of maximal fibrinogen production (EC50) were estimated. Fibrinogen disposition was described by a one-compartment model with CL and V values of 0.0456 L·h-1 and 4.34 L·70 kg-1 , respectively. Body weight was statistically significant in V. Three different Ksyn values were identified that increased from 0.00439 g·h-1 (afibrinogenaemia), to 0.0768 g·h-1 (cirrhotics) and 0.1160 g·h-1 (acute severe trauma). EC50 was of 0.460 g·L-1 . This model will be key as a support tool for dose calculation to achieve specified target fibrinogen concentrations, in each of the studied populations.

Rapid production and free distribution of a synthetic RNA material to support SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic testing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released a synthetic RNA material for SARS-CoV-2 in June 2020. The goal was to rapidly produce a material to support molecular diagnostic testing applications. This material, referred to as Research Grade Test Material 10169, was shipped free of charge to laboratories across the globe to provide a non-hazardous material for assay development and assay calibration. The material consisted of two unique regions of the SARS-CoV-2 genome approximately 4 kb nucleotides in length. The concentration of each synthetic fragment was measured using RT-dPCR methods and confirmed to be compatible with RT-qPCR methods. In this report, the preparation, stability, and limitations of this material are described.

Optimization Of Productive Zakat As An Effort To Empower The Economy Of The People

The problem of poverty occurs due to social inequality between the capable population and the underprivileged population, besides that the lack of awareness between residents to help each other is also one of the causes of poverty in Indonesia. In overcoming the problem of poverty, productive zakat is considered capable of empowering the economy of Muslims. The research method used in this study is a literature study study using data from journals, other reliable sources.The results of this study show that productive zakat distributionin the form of business capital is one of the efforts to empower the people's economy, so that mustahiks who initially only depended on zakat funds can make their own money from capital obtained from productive zakat. One of the purposes of productive zakat distribution is to change the position of mustahik to muzakki. Therefore, in the future, it is hoped that the distribution of productive zakat will continue to be carried out and improved so that it can be distributed to more mustahiks who are entitled and have the potential so that the problem of poverty that has always haunted can be eliminated immediately.

An effective self-adaptive bi-directional multi-layer genetic algorithm for resource and user allocations in networks

Transportation, telecommunication, electricity supply, and production–distribution systems all involve the construction and management of highly sophisticated networks. Without properly designing such networks, none of these systems work effectively. Network design problems, as the core of network-based decision making systems, can be used to model the technological design of networks. They are widespread and have many industrial applications. In telecommunication, usually an infrastructure is sought, as a combination of possible links and switches, which can best maintain a given level of data traffic between a number of servers and devices. This paper presents a solution to a problem in which in every period of time, the specification of some of the nodes in network may need to be altered. In the current procedure, all arcs and nodes are fixed and only the node parameters need to change. However, the presented solution strategy, because of its multi-layered characteristic, can be easily extended to the cases where arcs and nodes are also subject to change.The solution procedure has been tested on the cloud-based Internet Café problem. In this problem, different types of video games can use different amount of RAM, CPU, GPU, and video-RAM resources, with demand for each type of game varying dynamically in a specified period, e.g., over a day. Different servers provide these resources to dumb-terminals which act essentially as input–output devices, including display monitors, for games running on the servers. Each server needs to provide the necessary resources for the games currently played on all terminals served. In this way, depending on the demand of each terminal, at each period, the terminal’s capability can change dynamically, and it will act as a different virtual machine in different periods. Hence, the requirements of the Internet Café infrastructure change dynamically over time. The solution procedure has been tested on a series of generated large instances, and the results are very promising. For a total of 9 cases tested, the optimal solution is obtained, in a matter of minutes, for 3 cases. For an additional 2 cases, the solution obtained is within less than 2% of the optimal solution. The results are also reported for 3 additional test cases for a problem with over 13,000 users and 4,000 seats, demonstrating the procedure capability in handling extra-large problems.

Distributions of and environmental risks posed by Cr and Zn when co-treating solid waste in different kilns

In order to dispose solid waste reasonably and provide reference data for solid waste co-treatment in industrial kilns, coal chemical products were co-treated in a pulverized coal furnace and refuse-derived fuel was co-treated in a gasifier-coupled pulverized coal furnace system. The distribution and environmental risks of Cr and Zn in different kilns were compared and analyzed. The Cr and Zn distributions in the solid products from the pulverized coal furnace tests were similar. Fly ash contained > 80% of the Cr and Zn. In the gasifier, cyclone dust and gasification gas contained only ∼ 60% of the Cr and Zn, and gasification slag contained > 40% of the Cr and Zn. The gasification gas contained ∼ 33% of the Cr and Zn volatilized. The pulverized coal furnace temperature was > 1,500 °C. Most of the Cr and Zn volatilized and then condensed, so became enriched in the fly ash. The gasifier temperature was ∼ 750 °C, so less volatilization occurred and Cr and Zn became enriched in the gasification slag. The Cr and Zn concentrations in leachates of the solid products were lower than the limits of “GB 5085.3–2007”. However, the Cr and Zn concentrations in the gasification slag and cyclone dust leachates were close to the limits and tens to hundreds of times higher than the concentrations in the pulverized coal furnace fly ash and slag leachates. The low temperatures and low-oxygen environments of gasifiers are not conducive to heavy metals being stable in the solid products, and the environmental risks posed by heavy metals in the solid products are high. The risks to the environment are less serious for co-treating solid waste in pulverized coal furnaces than gasifiers.

International risk of food insecurity and mass mortality in a runaway global warming scenario

Climate and agriculture have played an interconnected role in the rise and fall of historical civilizations. Our modern food system, based on open-environment production and globalised supply chains, is vulnerable to a litany of abiotic and biotic stressors exacerbated by anthropogenic climate change. Despite this evidence, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. Current trajectories suggest global warming of ∼2.0–4.9 °C by 2100, however, a worst-case emissions scenario with rapid combustion of all available fossil fuels could cause a rise of ∼12 °C. Even if emissions decline, unprecedented atmospheric CO2-e concentrations risk triggering tipping points in climate system feedbacks that may see global warming exceed 8 °C. Yet, such speculative ‘runaway global warming’ has received minimal attention compared to mainstream low- to mid-range scenarios. This study builds on The Limits to Growth to provide new insights into the international risk of mass mortality due to food insecurity based on a higher-resolution illustration of World3’s ‘runaway global warming’ scenario (∼8–12 °C+). Our simulation indicates rapid decline in food production and unequal distribution of ∼6 billion deaths due to starvation by 2100. We highlight the importance of including high-resolution simulations of high-range global warming in climate change impact modelling to make well-informed decisions about climate change mitigation, resilience and adaptation.