Production Requirements Research Articles

Assessment of Different Frameworks for Addressing Climate Change Impact on Crop Production and Water Requirement

Various methodologies are used to estimate the impact of changing climatic factors, such as precipitation, temperature, and solar radiation, on crop production and water demand. In this study, the changes in rice yield, water demand, and crop phenology were estimated with varying CO2 concentration and an ensemble of general circulation models (GCMs), using a decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT), a crop growth model. The measured CO2 concentration of 400 ppm from the Keeling curve, was used as the default CO2 concentration to estimate yield, water demand, and phenology. These outputs, obtained with the default concentration, were compared with the results from climate change scenarios’ concentrations. Further, the outputs corresponding to the ensembled GCMs’ climate data were obtained, and the results were compared with the ensembled crop model outputs simulated with each GCM. The yield was found to increase with the increase in CO2 concentration up to a certain threshold, whereas water demand and phenology were observed to decrease with the increase in CO2 concentration. The two approaches of the ensemble technique to obtain final outputs from DSSAT results did not show a large difference in the predictions.

Productivity and thermal requirement of fodder oat varieties under different micro-environments in Bihar

A field experiment was carried out at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur during Rabi season, 2021–22. The experiment was conducted using a split plot design with three varieties of fodder oat (Kent, JHO-822 and Local) in main-plots and four different sowing dates (15th November, 25th November, 5th December and 15th December) in sub-plots with three replications. The results obtained from the experiment showed that ‘JHO-822’ recorded 9.4 and 29.5% higher green and dry fodder yield than local variety and accumulated the highest meteorological indices (GDD, HTU and PTU) and resulted in the highest HUE and PTUE. Among different micro-environments, seeding on 15th November recorded the highest green and dry fodder yield with substantially greater values of agro-meteorological indices which decreased with advancement of sowing date. Per day delay in sowing resulted in 0.7% decrease in green fodder yield and 1.2% decrease in dry fodder yield.

Mechanical site preparation in South Africa: comparing the productivity of pitting machine operators under different site conditions

ABSTRACT Pitting is the preparation of a tree planting position. In South Africa, various contractors and grower companies have gradually adopted pitting machines over the past decade, to overcome the challenges of manual pitting, such as low productivity, poor ergonomics, and inconsistent pit quality. Even though most forestry stakeholders understand productivity requirements (e.g. pits/shift) from pitting machines, they are often unaware of productivity differences associated with different operators and work conditions. This study aimed to compare the operational productivity and pit quality achieved by different pitting machine operators under different site conditions. The experiment was conducted in two sub-compartments, with two different post-harvest slash treatments: broadcast burning or mulching (and pre-marking). Then, four operators were tasked to dig pits using the same equipment. Operator productivity was assessed by analyzing time study data, while pit quality was estimated by determining pit depth and diameter. The results indicated that Operator 4 performed significantly better on mulched sites (543 pits/PMH) than on burned sites (430 pits/PMH), while Operator 2 was the least productive with 261 and 253 pits/PMH in mulched and burned sites, respectively. The overall average productivity was 120 pits/PMH higher on mulched sites than on burned sites. Although work quality did not correlate with productivity, there were differences between operators on the mulched site. The proportion of good pits varied, but site preparation technique did not significantly affect pit quality. We conclude that operator experience significantly impacts productivity and that marking the pitting spots is important to ensure that the required number of pits per hectare is achieved.

Digital twin-driven energy consumption management of integrated heat pipe cooling system for a data center

The energy consumption management (ECM) for the integrated heat pipe cooling (IHPC) systems has become a significant cost-cutting strategy, given the growing demand for the decreased cooling and maintenance costs in data centers. However, the traditional ECM strategies lack an integration with the real-time information and the automatic feedback control, causing the risks of system operation difficult to diagnose and the potential for energy saving hard to exploit. In this respect, a digital twin approach was proposed to efficiently and automatically implement the ECM strategy for an IHPC system. First, a digital twin architecture was established to enable seamless integration and real-time interaction between the physical system and the digital twin. Secondly, the digital twin models of monitoring, simulation, energy evaluation and optimization were developed to drive the corresponding services. Finally, the approach was verified on an IHPC system operating in a real-life data center. It is found that the approach can automatically detect and justify the abnormal states of the IHPC system. Moreover, the approach can reduce the power consumption by 23.63% while meeting the production requirements. The mean relative errors of the supply air temperature and the cooling capacity between the digital twin simulated and the on-site records are 1.43% and 1.46%, respectively. In summary, the proposed approach provides a digital twin workflow that can significantly improve the efficiency of the ECM strategy deployed on an IHPC system.

Effect of Additives on the Morphology of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Crystals.

The effect of surfactant, polymer, and tailor-made additives on the crystallization of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied in this work. Cooling crystallization of GABA in water yielded plate-like crystals. In the presence of sodium stearate, polyhedral block-like crystals of GABA were obtained. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) led to rod-like crystals, in which the morphology was associated with additive concentrations. Six kinds of amino acids were used as tailor-made additives, and they exhibit different influences on crystal shape and size. The induction time of GABA was determined in the absence and presence of additives. The results showed that sodium stearate promoted nucleation, while HEC, l-Lysine, l-histidine, and l-tyrosine inhibited nucleation. Crystal face indexing, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation in aqueous solution-crystal systems were carried out to investigate the affecting factors of different crystal faces. The polymer additive was selected as an example during MD simulation to calculate intermolecular interactions between the crystal face and solvent or additive. The effect of the additive on the mobility of the solute in solution was also evaluated by mean-square displacement. The additive offers an effective approach for changing crystal morphology and particle size and adapting it to different production requirements.

Energy band engineering of graphitic carbon nitride for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the 100 most important chemicals in the world with high energy density and environmental friendliness. Compared with anthraquinone oxidation, direct synthesis of H2O2 with hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), and electrochemical methods, photocatalysis has the characteristics of low energy consumption, easy operation and less pollution, and broad application prospects in H2O2 generation. Various photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), metal‐organic materials, and nonmetallic materials, have been studied for H2O2 production. Among them, g‐C3N4 materials, which are simple to synthesize and functionalize, have attracted wide attention. The electronic band structure of g‐C3N4 shows a bandgap of 2.77 eV, a valence band maximum of 1.44 V, and a conduction band minimum of −1.33 V, which theoretically meets the requirements for hydrogen peroxide production. In comparison to semiconductor materials like TiO2 (3.2 eV), this material has a smaller bandgap, which results in a more efficient response to visible light. However, the photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4 and the yield of H2O2 were severely inhibited by the electron‐hole pair with high recombination rate, low utilization rate of visible light, and poor selectivity of products. Although previous reviews also presented various strategies to improve photocatalytic H2O2 production, they did not systematically elaborate the inherent relationship between the control strategies and their energy band structure. From this point of view, this article focuses on energy band engineering and reviews the latest research progress of g‐C3N4 photocatalytic H2O2 production. On this basis, a strategy to improve the H2O2 production by g‐C3N4 photocatalysis is proposed through morphology control, crystallinity and defect, and doping, combined with other materials and other strategies. Finally, the challenges and prospects of industrialization of g‐C3N4 photocatalytic H2O2 production are discussed and envisioned.

Surgical Implantation of Single-Staged Tissue-Engineered Urothelial Tubes in a Minipig Model.

Reconstructive surgeries are often challenged by a lack of grafting tissue. In the treatment of urogenital malformations, the conventional solution has been harvesting gastrointestinal tissue for non-orthotopic reconstruction due to its abundance to reestablish normal function in the patient. The clinical outcomes after rearranging native tissues within the body are often associated with significant morbidity; thus, tissue engineering holds specific potential within this field of surgery. Despite substantial advances, tissue-engineered scaffolds have not yet been established as a valid surgical treatment alternative, mainly due to the costly and complex requirements of materials, production, and implantation. In this protocol, we present a simple and accessible collagen-based tubular scaffold embedded with autologous organ-specific tissue particles, designed as a conduit for urinary diversion. The scaffold is constructed during the primary surgical procedure, comprises commonly available surgical materials, and requires conventional surgical skills. Secondly, the protocol describes an animal model designed to evaluate the short-term in vivo outcomes post-implantation, with the possibility of additional variations to the procedure. This publication aims to demonstrate the procedure step-by-step, with special attention to the use of autologous tissue and a tubular form.

Medical Device-Associated Infections Caused by Biofilm-Forming Microbial Pathogens and Controlling Strategies.

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, include bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. According to reports, Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria account for up to 70% of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Biofilm production is a main virulence mechanism and a distinguishing feature of bacterial pathogens. Most bacterial pathogens develop biofilms at the solid-liquid and air-liquid interfaces. An essential requirement for biofilm production is the presence of a conditioning film. A conditioning film provides the first surface on which bacteria can adhere and fosters the growth of biofilms by creating a favorable environment. The conditioning film improves microbial adherence by delivering chemical signals or generating microenvironments. Microorganisms use this coating as a nutrient source. The film gathers both inorganic and organic substances from its surroundings, or these substances are generated by microbes in the film. These nutrients boost the initial growth of the adhering bacteria and facilitate biofilm formation by acting as a food source. Coatings with combined antibacterial efficacy and antifouling properties provide further benefits by preventing dead cells and debris from adhering to the surfaces. In the present review, we address numerous pathogenic microbes that form biofilms on the surfaces of biomedical devices. In addition, we explore several efficient smart antiadhesive coatings on the surfaces of biomedical device-relevant materials that manage nosocomial infections caused by biofilm-forming microbial pathogens.

Влияние термизации и пастеризации на качество сухого молока

Milk powder is a commercial product of mass consumption. Its popularity means a variety of quality and production requirements. New methods of skimmed milk powder production are strategically important for the food industry in Russia and worldwide. Russia is currently experiencing a shortage of low-heat milk powder import. The research featured the effect of thermal treatment and pasteurization mode on the protein profile and microbiological parameters of skimmed milk powder. The research objective was to establish the thermal variables for low-heat milk powder. The study involved raw milk, skimmed milk produced under different heat treatment conditions, and skimmed milk powder obtained from this milk. The authors used standard analytical methods to define the protein profile, as well as the microbiological and physicochemical parameters. A set of experiments made it possible to classify the heat treatment of skimmed milk powder produced under various milk pasteurization modes, as well as to establish its biochemical and microbiological parameters. The optimal mode for low-heat milk powder was a combination of thermal treatment (60 ± 2°C for 10 s followed by cooling to 10°C for 10 h) and low-temperature pasteurization (72 ± 2°C for 15 s). The powder obtained met the Technical Regulations of Customs Union TR CU 033/2013 and State Standard 33629-2015. A lower thermal load maintains the microbiological safety of milk powder while preserving its quality. In this study, the optimal thermal treatment and pasteurization mode yielded milk powder of low-heat category, thus preserving the native protein and microbiological safety. As a result, the low-heat milk powder acquired some high-quality functional and consumer properties.

Development of a new environmentally friendly and efficient centrifugal variable diameter metering device.

The design of the maize metering device involves centrifugal variable diameter pneumatic and cleaning mechanisms, aiming to enhance the performance and power efficiency of pneumatic maize metering devices. Leveraging the impact of changes in centrifugal diameter and the guidance and positioning of airflow, we optimize the hole insert, seeding plate, seed limit board, and integrated front shell. This optimization facilitates the adjustment of both the quantity and posture of seed filling. As a result, seeds can form a uniform flow within the annular cavity, reducing the wind pressure necessary for regular operation and decreasing power consumption. A quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination experiment is conducted using a self-made experiment bench, considering ground speed, wind pressure, and seeding rate as the experiment factors. Furthermore, a comparative experiment involving a novel centrifugal variable-diameter type metering device. The results indicate optimal seeding performance when the ground speed is 13.2 km/h, the wind pressure is 1.2 kPa, and the feeding rate is 25 seeds/s. Under these conditions, the quality of feed index reaches 95.20%, the multi-index is 3.87%, and the miss index is 0.93%. Findings reveal that the developed seed metering device achieved a quality of feed index exceeding 93.00% across varying speeds of 12~18 km/h, aligning with the production requirements. Moreover, the actual power consumption of Type B and C is about 85.00% and 98.00% lower than Type A, standing at only 32.90 W at 18 km/h. The COP of Type C is about 86 times and 12 times that of Type A and B, respectively, meeting the demands for efficient production of maize seed metering devices. In comparison to traditional design and structural parameter optimization methods for maize seed metering device, this study is helpful to the sustainable development of maize industry and reduce environmental pollution.

Study on Critical Width of Semi-Coal Rock Roadway of Shallow-Buried Thin Coal Seam Based on Coal Side Self-Stabilization

In the context of a shallow-buried thin coal seam, the surrounding rock deformation in the semi-coal rock roadway is comparatively small, resulting in self-stabilization of the two sides of the roadway without the need for support when the roadway is below a critical width. This study focuses on the transportation roadway of the 2107 working face in the Anzhe Coal Mine, employing a combination of laboratory tests, field tests, theoretical analyses, and numerical simulations. A mechanical model for the layered roof of the semi-coal rock roadway in a shallow-buried thin coal seam is developed, along with a calculation formula for determining the critical width of such roadways. The study also initially examines the correlation between the critical width and factors such as the tensile strength of the roof, the buried depth of the roadway, and the thickness of the immediate roof strata under conditions where the coal sides of the roadway are self-stabilizing. The results showed the following. (1) The calculation formula has good applicability for typical shallow-buried mine roadways in the Niuwu mining area and shallow-buried semi-coal rock roadways with coal thickness below 0.7 m under similar geological conditions. The critical width is related to the tensile strength of the roof, the buried depth of the roadway, and the thickness of the immediate roof strata. The degree of influence is determined by the thickness of the immediate roof strata > the tensile strength of the roof > the buried depth of the roadway. Among these, the tensile strength of the roof, the thickness of the immediate roof strata, and the critical width are basically in a positive exponentially increasing relationship, and the buried depth of the roadway and the critical width are basically in a negative exponentially decreasing relationship. (2) The on-site measurement of the loose circle on both sides of the roadway revealed that the rock mass loose circle had a thickness of 0.2 m, while the coal loose circle had a thickness ranging from 0.6 m to 0.7 m, aligning closely with the results obtained from theoretical calculations. The thickness of the coal loose circle on both sides served as the basis for determining the critical width of the semi-coal rock roadway in the shallow-buried thin coal seam. The calculated critical width of the roadway was 2.9 m, whereas the actual width measured was 2.4 m. Consequently, the two sides of the roadway are deemed capable of self-stabilization in the unsupported state. (3) Following the optimization of the support scheme, engineering analysis indicates that the roof and floor exhibit a maximum convergence of 46.3 mm, while the two sides show a maximum convergence of 18.4 mm. It is observed that the surrounding rock of the roadway satisfies the safety requirements for production. This study can provide theoretical support and a scientific basis for the stability discrimination of two sides and surrounding rock control of semi-coal rock roadways in shallow-buried thin coal seams under similar conditions.

Theoretical investigation on the host−guest interactions in enhanced oil recovery

Supramolecular polymers have great application potential in oilfield production. Therefore, according to the characteristics and production requirements of low-permeability oilfields, developing new supramolecular functional units will be a research trend in the future. In this work, a cyclodextrin-modified Trimellitic acid (TA-β-CD) molecule was designed as the new supramolecular functional units. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and quantum chemistry (QC) calculations were employed to investigate the TA-βCD and poly acrylamide (pAM-Ad) assembly mechanism, intermolecular interaction and dynamic characteristics. It is found that polyacrylamide supramolecular polymer exists in the form of molecular coils in water. Through the molecular recognition and molecular docking of β-CD and Ad molecules, different molecular coils were linked together by Ad-β-CD supramolecular assembly. Finally, three-dimensional network structure was formed, which greatly increased the viscosity of the system. During this mechanism, the TA-βCD behaves as a "two-way connector", becoming the connection point of the three-dimensional space network. Based on our results, the general rules of supramolecular flooding can be summarized at the molecular level, which helps screen out efficient supramolecular polymers units.

Integration of renewable energy sources in tandem with electrolysis: A technology review for green hydrogen production

The global shift toward sustainable energy solutions emphasises the urgent need to harness renewable sources for green hydrogen production, presenting a critical opportunity in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Despite its potential, integrating renewable energy with electrolysis to produce green hydrogen faces significant technological and economic challenges, particularly in achieving high efficiency and cost-effectiveness at scale. This review systematically examines the latest advancements in electrolysis technologies—alkaline, proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell (PEMEC), and solid oxide—and explores innovative grid integration and energy storage solutions that enhance the viability of green hydrogen. The study reveals enhanced performance metrics in electrolysis processes and identifies critical factors that influence the operational efficiency and sustainability of green hydrogen production. Key findings demonstrate the potential for substantial reductions in the cost and energy requirements of hydrogen production by optimising electrolyser design and operation. The insights from this research provide a foundational strategy for scaling up green hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier, contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance toward carbon neutrality. The integration of these technologies could revolutionise energy systems worldwide, aligning with policy frameworks and market dynamics to foster broader adoption of green hydrogen.

Effect of Nitrogenous Fertilizers and Bio Fertilizers on the Growth and Development of Cereal Fodder Crops: A Review

Livestock contributes significantly to the agricultural and National GDP (gross domestic product). India is known as one of the most important countries containing a larger livestock population. Hence, to sustain the livestock population, the production of quality forage is the most important factor. Currently, the lack of dry and green forage yield is increasing day by day due to an insufficient supply of required fertilizers to the fodder crops and farmers are not willing to cultivate fodder crops as it provides smaller net returns. Moreover, the availability of smaller land holdings is another cause of the fodder deficit in the country. In cereal fodder crops, nitrogenous fertilizers have an immense role in determining the crude protein and fibre content of the plant when it is applied with appropriate doses that differ from crop to crop. Moreover, biofertilizers are products that contain stains of different microorganisms. Inoculation of biofertilizers such as Azospirrilum, Azotobacter, Acetobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Clostridium, etc. to the cereal fodders (sorghum, maize, oat, barley, ryegrass, etc.) leads to a considerable increase in yield attributes as well as the quality of the yield can be sustained also without deteriorating the soil fertility. Again, the combined application of both i.e., biofertilizers and nitrogenous fertilizers at a suitable proportion provides the maximum possible quality yield with higher net profit. Therefore, it is necessary to apply fertilizers (nitrogen and biofertilizers) at the time of crop requirement for maximum production. Hence, this study is conducted to observe the performance level of cereal fodders under the impact of nitrogenous fertilizers and biofertilizers.

Role of Rural Women in Production and Marketing of Agricultural product in Khormal Sub-District- Halabja Governorate

The aim of this study was to determine the role of rural women in production and marketing of agricultural products in Zalm village, and identify the differences in production and marketing of agricultural products of rural women’s role according to some variables (Age, Level of Education, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Profession and Women’s income). The research population involved all women in zalm village included (50) women. The data was collected through personal interviews; questionnaire was prepared for this purpose, to confirm the validity the questionnaire was reviewed by some experts. The results showed that the Role of rural women’s in Agricultural production was medium tend to low, while the Role of rural women’s in marketing of agricultural products was low tend to medium. The results indicated significant differences in women’s role of agricultural production according to (Level of Education, Standard of Living, and profession), while no-significant differences according to (age, Marital status, number of family, Women’s income), also The results appeared significant differences in women’s role of agricultural marketing according (Level of Education, and profession), while no significant differences according (age, Marital status, number of family, Standard of Living, Women’s income). Depending on the results we conclude that the work in the agricultural sector has changed due to the lack of government support for farmers in terms of providing agriculture Requirements for production or marketing of their products. The result shows that the level of education affects the role of women in production and marketing, as well as educational levels leads to an increase in their awareness and culture, and the expanding their knowledge of the importance of the agricultural sector. The Researcher recommended encouraging and supporting rural women to engage in agricultural work by the responsible authorities, and increasing their awareness of the importance of working in this field through the use of various extension methods, as well as working to provide agricultural production and marketing requirements so that their potential is properly exploited for the development of the agricultural sector.

Readiness Level of Bottled Drinking Water Production Facilities in Meeting Good Processed Food Production Requirements in the Aceh and Bogor Regions

Readiness Level of Bottled Drinking Water Production Facilities in Meeting Good Processed Food Production Requirements in the Aceh and Bogor Regions

Critical expert analysis of permanent magnet synchronous motors identification methods and state variable observers

Relevance. In recent years, the oil industry has seen a tendency to transfer low-yield oil wells to intermittent mode. Unregulated electric drive and the open-loop controlled electric drive of electric centrifugal pumping with permanent magnet synchronous motors are typically not suitable for tasks of intermittent operation of wells. Due to objective reasons, there may not be smooth starts and required quality indicators of transient processes, which leads to even more reduction in oil production. The synthesis of a closed-loop electric drive control system of submersible installations is possible only using algorithms for indirect estimation of non-measured mechanical coordinates of the electric drive – state variables identification methods, observers of the rotor angular velocity and the load torque. The installation of sensors of angular velocity and torque on the shaft of the submersible electric motor is associated with technical difficulties, therefore, there is no need for significant modernization of the hardware solutions of the existing electrical equipment system. To date, the theory of identifying non-linear dynamic systems is widely used to derive an indirect estimate of the non-measured state variables of the permanent magnet synchronous motors. The large number of methods presented in scientific sources requires comparative analysis regarding their benefits and disadvantages in order to select the best identification method that meets the requirements of the oil production and takes into account its specificity and features. In this case, identification systems that are focused on minimizing computing power or operating in real time are given priority. Aim. To determine the best in terms of computational complexity and the convenience of practical use method of identifying state variables of permanent magnet synchronous motors operating in submersible oil well pumping units based on comparative analysis of existing methods presented in Russian and foreign sources. Methods. Methods for system analysis and identification of dynamic systems, a method of critical expert analysis. Result and conclusions. The most common methods for identifying and observing the state variables of synchronous motors with permanent magnets have been described in detail, given the general performance of each group of methods, their benefits and disadvantages were reviewed. By comparative critical expert analysis, it was found that for tasks of submersible electric centrifugal pump units electric drive a Luenberger observer, characterized by relatively low computational complexity and ease of setup in engineering practice can be recommended.

A novel hydrogen supply chain optimization model – Case study of Texas and Louisiana

The increasing political momentum advocating for decarbonization efforts has led many governments around the world to unveil national hydrogen strategies. Hydrogen is viewed as a potential enabler of deep decarbonization, notably in hard-to-abate sectors such as the industry. A multi-modal, hourly resolved, linear programming model was developed to assess the infrastructure requirements of a low-carbon supply chain over a large region. It optimizes the deployment of infrastructure from 2025 up to 2050 by assessing four years: 2025, 2030, 2040, and 2050, and is location agnostic. The considered infrastructure encompasses several technologies for production, transmission, and storage.Model results illustrate supply chain requirements in Texas and Louisiana. Edge cases considering 100% electrolytic production were analyzed. Results show that by 2050, with an assumed industrial demand of 276 TWh/year, Texas and Louisiana would require 62 GW of electrolyzers, 102 GW of onshore wind, and 32 GW of solar panels. The resulting levelized cost of hydrogen totaled $5.6–6.3/kgH2 in 2025, decreasing to $3.2–3.5/kgH2 in 2050. Most of the electricity production occurs in Northwest Texas thanks to high capacity factors for both renewable technologies. Hydrogen is produced locally and transmitted through pipelines to demand centers around the Gulf Coast, instead of electricity being transmitted for electrolytic production co-located with demand. Large-scale hydrogen storage is highly beneficial in the system to provide buffer between varying electrolytic hydrogen production and constant industrial demand requirements. In a system without low-cost storage, liquid and compressed tanks are deployed, and there is a significant renewable capacity overbuild to ensure greater electrolyzer capacity factors, resulting in higher electricity curtailment.A system under carbon constraint sees the deployment of natural gas-derived hydrogen production. Lax carbon constraint target result in an important reliance on this production method due to its low cost, while stricter targets enforce a great share of electrolytic production.

Real-Time Object Classification on an Enamel Paint Coating Conveyor Line Using Mask R-CNN

The rising demand to efficiently acquire live production data has added more significance to automated monitoring and reporting within the industrial manufacturing sector. Real-time parts screening requiring repetitive human intervention for data input may not be a feasible solution to meet the demands of modern industrial automation. The objective of this study is to automatically classify and report on manufactured metal sheet parts. The metal components are mechanically suspended on an enamel paint-coating conveyor line in a household appliance manufacturing plant. At any given instant, the parts may not be in the exact coordinates within the desired area of interest and the classes of objects vary based on changing production requirements. To mitigate these challenges, this study proposes the use of a trained Mask R-CNN model to detect the objects and their associated class. Images are acquired in real-time using a video camera located next to the enamel coating line which are subsequently processed using the object detection algorithm for automated entry into the plant management information system. The highest achieved average precision obtained from the model was 98.27% with an overall accuracy of 98.24% using the proposed framework. The results surpassed the acceptable standard for the average precision of 97.5% as set by the plant production quality engineers.

The green hydrogen-water-food nexus: Analysis for Spain

This research presents a novel approach that analyzes the water requirements for hydrogen production associated with a nationally adopted Green Hydrogen strategy. Green Hydrogen production is one of the most relevant technologies for massive renewable energy integration in transport systems, industries, or heating systems. European Union has launched a strategic roadmap for green hydrogen generation and integration in the energy chain. Spain aims to be one of the most important producers and exporters and has approved a Hydrogen Roadmap for next years, but no previous research has focused on the water requirements. This research finds that Spain's Green Hydrogen Roadmap, and a similar European one, is based on electrolyzers' peak capacity, and this causes a large uncertainty in real hydrogen production and associated water requirements. Spain represents a case study that can be a reference worldwide as it suffers from increasing droughts, has considerable tourist pressure, and is one of the most important producers of greens and fruits. This study proposes a methodology to quantify actual hydrogen production and associated water requirements and proves that current large-scale planning based on peak generation will produce a large uncertainty and could directly impact water supply security. One of the most relevant findings is that hydrogen production and water requirements must be included in these strategies to avoid future water supply tensions. An analysis of alternative water supply using desalinated water analyzes its feasibility and the effects on final cost. The outcomes are an example to be applied in similar scenarios worldwide and prove the need for an integrated energy-water-food strategy to deploy green hydrogen systems.