Slow Production Research Articles

Production and qualification of an electrospun ceramic nanofiber material as a candidate future high power target

In an effort to develop and design next generation high power target materials for particle physics research, the possibility of fabricating nonwoven metallic or ceramic nanofibers by electrospinning process is explored. A low-cost electrospinning unit is set up for in-house production of various ceramic nanofibers. Yttria-stabilized zirconia nanofibers are successfully fabricated by electrospinning a mixture of zirconium carbonate with high-molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer solution. Some of the inherent weaknesses of electrospinning process like thickness of nanofiber mat and slow production rate are overcome by modifying certain parts of electrospinning system and their arrangements to get thicker nanofiber mats of millimeter order at a faster rate. Continuous long nanofibers of about hundred nanometers in diameter are produced and subsequently heat treated to get rid of polymer and allow crystallize zirconia. Specimens were prepared to meet certain minimum physical properties such as thickness, structural integrity, thermal stability, and flexibility. An easy innovative technique based on atomic force microscopy was employed for evaluating mechanical properties of single nanofiber, which were found to be comparable to bulk zirconia. Nanofibers were tested for their high-temperature resistance using an electron beam. It showed resistance to radiation damage when irradiated with 1 MeV ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{2++}$ ion. Some zirconia nanofibers were also tested under high-intensity pulsed proton beam and maintained their structural integrity. This study shows for the first time that a ceramic nanofiber has been tested under different beams and irradiation condition to qualify their physical properties for practical use as accelerator targets. Advantages and challenges of such nanofibers as potential future targets over bulk material targets are discussed.

Effect of heat-moisture treatment to raw paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) on cooked rice properties

Heat moisture treatment is safe and non-chemical use method for modifying physicochemical properties and digestibility of starch. Slow starch digestion in rice product would provide numerous health benefits for the consumers. This study investigated the heat-moisture treatment to the raw paddy rice at 60 and 80 °C for 4 and 24 h, and their effects on the attributes of cooked rice. The firmness, adhesiveness, starch hydrolysis and morphological changes during in vitro digestion were examined. Results showed that heat-moisture treatment to raw paddy rice for 24 h significantly reduced the moisture content and could increase the total starch content of the rice grain. The apparent amylose content ranged from 23.83% to 25.65% at the variation in the values between treated and untreated rice. Enhancement in the firmness and reduction in the starch hydrolysis was found in rice treated by longer heating time of 24 h. Meanwhile, the adhesiveness of cooked rice was decreased when increasing the heating temperature. The morphological observation showed that the treated rice exhibited a honey-comb-like structure during simulated gastric digestion, while the untreated rice displayed a non-uniform structure. Noteworthy, the porous structure observed in all digested rice grains during simulated small intestinal digestion could favor the starch hydrolysis. This study showed that the heat-moisture treatment to the raw paddy rice at certain conditions obviously influenced the attributes of cooked rice, especially on the starch hydrolysis, which would provide a fundamental knowledge to enable development and improvement of slow digestion rice products.

Research on option pricing and coordination mechanism of festival food supply chain

Based on the status quo of festival food waste, we designed a conservation-oriented supply chain, which is a single-cycle food supply chain with two players, including one retailer and one supplier. The retailer, as a follower of the Stackelberg game, can receive the product from the supplier in two ways: at the wholesale price or as a call option. Meanwhile, there are two production modes of the product line: slow and rapid. When the retailer has determined the strike amount, under the early slow production mode, it is difficult to meet the rapid demand for festival food, and the supplier will shift to the rapid production mode. By the nature of the product, there is a certain deterioration rate. Furthermore, the demand achieves a maximum value before the festival, after which the demand plummets. Under the above conditions, we explore the optimal production strategy and the optimal pricing strategy. By comparing the forward contracts under the two benchmarks of centralized supply chains, and decentralized supply chains, our results indicate that, in a decentralized supply chain system, the optimal strike price, wholesale price, and option price are influenced by the retail price, food deterioration rate, and relevant cost. The discount price has no effect on the optimal price. Optimal profit is negatively correlated with demand risk, spoilage rate and production costs, and positively correlated with out-of-stock costs. Through the risk-sharing mechanism of an option contract, both the retailer and the supplier reduce their business risk. In addition, the decentralized supply chain's optimal profit value can be coordinated to the centralized supply chain profit value under certain conditions.

Solution of an Economic Production Quantity model using the generalized Hukuhara derivative approach

In this study, an economic production quantity (EPQ) model with deterioration is developed where the production rate is stock dependent and the demand rate is unit selling price and stock dependent. The low unit selling price and more stocks correspond high demand but more stock corresponds to slow production because of the avoidance of unnecessary stocks. First of all, we develop the production model by solving some ordinary differential equations having deterministic profit function under some specific assumptions. Later, we develop the fuzzy model by solving the fuzzy differential equations using Generalized Hukuhara derivative. In fact, the differential equation of the model has been split into two parts namely gH(L-R) and gH(R-L) on the basis of left(L) and right(R) α- cuts of fuzzy numbers for which the problem itself is transformed into multi-objective EPQ problem. A new formula of aggregation of several objective values obtained at different aspiration levels has been discussed to defuzzify the fuzzy multi-objective problems. We solve the crisp and fuzzy models using LINGO software. Numerical and graphical illustrations confirm that the model under Generalized Hukuhara derivative of (R-L) type contributes more profit which is one of the basic novelties of the proposed approach.

Mechanistic Study of Tungsten Bipyridyl Tetracarbonyl Electrocatalysts for CO2 Fixation: Exploring the Roles of Explicit Proton Sources and Substituent Effects.

Tungsten bipyridyl tetracarbonyl complexes were shown to reduce CO2 to CO in acetonitrile [Chem. Sci., 2014, 5, 1894-1900]. Here, we employ density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the electronic structure and reactivity of a series of tungsten electrocatalysts, [W(bpy-R)(CO)4] (where R = H, CH3, tBu, OCH3, CF3, and CN), for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Our proposed mechanism suggests that initial reduction of the starting material by two electrons is required to access the active catalyst upon CO dissociation, which is slightly endergonic, consistent with the slow product release observed experimentally. The doubly reduced species, which has a closed-shell singlet ground state, can bind CO2 via an η2-CO2 binding mode to yield the metallocarboxylate intermediate. Based on the energy span model, CO2 addition is the TOF-determining transition state (TDTS) in the presence of water as the proton source. Different substituents at the 4,4'-positions of the bipyridine ligand in [W(bpy-R)(CO)4] (R = H, CH3, tBu, OCH3, CF3, and CN) were considered to comprehend the substituent effects for CO2RR. DFT results show that electron-withdrawing substituents, such as CN and CF3, do not yield efficient CO2 reduction catalysts due to the necessity of forming high energy intermediates for the protonation steps, resulting in low TOFs and high overpotentials. Among electron-donating groups, the parent compound and tert-butyl substituted complex are the most active catalysts for CO2RR due to higher TOFs at low overpotentials. Overall, based on the energy span model and theoretical Tafel plots, our computational approach provides quantitative information for designing CO2 reduction electrocatalysts.

Rational Design of Graphene Derivatives for Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia.

The conversion of nitrogen to ammonia offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for producing precursors for fertilizers and efficient energy carriers. Owing to the large energy density and significant gravimetric hydrogen content, NH3 is considered an apt next-generation energy carrier and liquid fuel. However, the low conversion efficiency and slow production of ammonia through the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) are currently bottlenecks, making it an unviable alternative to the traditional Haber-Bosch process for ammonia production. The rational design and engineering of catalysts (both photo- and electro-) represent a crucial challenge for improving the efficiency and exploiting the full capability of the NRR. In the present review, we highlight recent progress in the development of graphene-based systems and graphene derivatives as catalysts for the NRR. Initially, the history, fundamental mechanism, and importance of the NRR to produce ammonia are briefly discussed. We also outline how surface functionalization, defects, and hybrid structures (single-atom/multiatom as well as composites) affect the N2 conversion efficiency. The potential of graphene and graphene derivatives as NRR catalysts is highlighted using pertinent examples from theoretical simulations as well as machine learning based performance predictive methods. The review is concluded by identifying the crucial advantages, drawbacks, and challenges associated with principal scientific and technological breakthroughs in ambient catalytic NRR.

Two Perspectives on Ecological Art

In the paper “Two perspectives on ecological art”, we will compare two perspectives on sustainability and the practicality of an ecological artwork. One perspective is from Latvian media artist Maija Demitere, researching slow media art, deep sustainability, and food production. Demitere uses micro-gardening prototypes as an instrument to inform the public on the problems of food production (local food, biodiversity, pesticides, herbicides, pollution caused by agriculture). Demitere uses gardening in combination with DIY (Do it Yourself) technologies to talk about slow living, ecology of the mind, and mindfulness. The second perspective is offered by Jan Glöckner. Glöckner is a German artist and researcher. His research interests are collaborations between fungi and Hominidae. Glöckner reaches out with diplomatic gestures towards fungi to re-localise humans within the larger domain of living entities. He is working on an ethical framework that draws from deep ecology and Tibetian Buddhism to ensure the rights of microorganisms and macroorganisms in artistic, industrial, and research setups. The first part of the paper will focus on recycling, waste management, waste produced by households, and the artists’ perspective on the problem. The second part will focus on a specific case of the exhibition “Life” by Olafur Eliasson at the Foundation Beyeler in Riehen, Switzerland. The second part will also look at the idea of “artistic greenwashing”. The last part of the article will attempt to conclude what can be considered an actual sustainable artwork and propose possible key points that describe a (deep) ecological artwork. The paper uses such methods as case studies, literature analysis, and autoethnography.

GPI-80 Augments NF-κB Activation in Tumor Cells.

Recent studies have discovered a relationship between glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein 80 (GPI-80)/VNN2 (80 kDa GPI-anchored protein) and malignant tumors. GPI-80 is known to regulate neutrophil adhesion; however, the action of GPI-80 on tumors is still obscure. In this study, although the expression of GPI-80 mRNA was detectable in several tumor cell lines, the levels of GPI-80 protein were significantly lower than that in neutrophils. To clarify the function of GPI-80 in tumor cells, GPI-80-expressing cells and GPI-80/VNN2 gene-deleted cells were established using PC3 prostate cancer cells. In GPI-80-expressing cells, GPI-80 was mainly detected in vesicles. Furthermore, soluble GPI-80 in the conditioned medium was associated with the exosome marker CD63 and was also detected in the plasma obtained from prostate cancer patients. Unexpectedly, cell adhesion and migration of GPI-80-expressing PC3 cells were not modulated by anti-GPI-80 antibody treatment. However, similar to the GPI-80 family molecule, VNN1, the pantetheinase activity and oxidative state were augmented in GPI-80-expressing cells. GPI-80-expressing cells facilitated non-adhesive proliferation, slow cell proliferation, NF-κB activation and IL-1β production. These phenomena are known to be induced by physiological elevation of the oxidative state. Thus, these observations indicated that GPI-80 affects various tumor responses related to oxidation.

The impact of market factors on the development of eco-friendly energy technologies: the case of bioethanol.

Global warming is emerging as the most serious concern for the planet, with greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) contributing considerably to the problem. Consequently, warranting energy sustainability has turned into an urgent issue for scholars and policy-makers alike. Bioethanol has emerged as a viable eco-friendly replacement for avoiding GHG generating fossil fuels. However, bioethanol has faced several hurdles that have discouraged its development during these years. Apart from unpractical technological applications and failed ventures, bioethanol has been experiencing heavy competition from hydrocarbon fuels and adverse economic cycles. Currently, bioethanol is facing an uncertain scenario due to the combination of climbing crop prices and slow innovative production processes, including the cost-effective utilization of agriculture waste. Here, the impact of market conditions upon the competitive development of bioethanol is analyzed. It is argued that fluctuating fossil fuel prices over the last ten years has discouraged bioethanol’s technological viability. As a result, the consolidation of industrial biotechnology, especially for biorefineries, has slowed down. Policy implications of recurrent fluctuations in the bioethanol market are also discussed.Graphic abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10098-021-02225-6.

Effect of low rank coal temperature and moisture content on slow pyrolysis process

The government of Indonesia has made policies to increase the added value of coal. It can be completed using technology of slow pyrolysis. This study aimed to increase the added value of coal by analyzing the effect of temperature and water content of the feed on slow pyrolysis products. Water content variation in the feed form of coal was 10.57 wt% and 16.86 wt%. Temperature variations in the slow pyrolysis process were 500, 600, 700, and 800 ºC. Result of this research showed that the low moisture content of coal produced more char in the slow pyrolysis process. Based on the variations of the used temperature, a higher temperature of pyrolysis produced fewer char but its calorific value of coal product was also higher. The optimum operating condition was achieved at 500-600 ºC.

DETEKSI LEMBAR JAWABAN KOMPUTER MENGGUNAKAN OMR (OPTICAL MARK RECOGNITION) DI MTS NURUL IMAN

Conventional exams or manual exams were implemented decades ago and are still used today. This type of test uses a writing instrument as a test medium, namely the test is carried out in the form of general stationery such as paper, pencil, and pen, the questions and answers to the test are written by hand. One way to assess the success of the teaching process in schools is to carry out exams. In the implementation of the exam at MTS Nurul Iman, he used a computer answer sheet as an entry. Meanwhile, schools are required to have certain scanners that are expensive to correct computer answer sheets. Another alternative that can be done by schools is to manually correct computer answer sheets, but this makes a lot of time wasted, and can cause errors in correcting and slow work productivity. From the problems that have been described, to detect the computer answer sheet, a method is needed. Through this research, it is hoped that a method can be developed that automatically detects the answer choices on the computer answer sheet, so that more accurate and faster results are obtained. Based on the problems of this study, the researchers used the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) method to detect computer answer sheets automatically. From the test results, it can be concluded that the accuracy of detection of computer answer sheets using OMR is 97%.

Experimental and theoretical studies into the hydroxyl radical mediated transformation of propylparaben to methylparaben in the presence of dissolved organic matter surrogate

Dissolved humic and biogenic substances might be present in the aphotic zone and contribute to the fate of parabens in natural aquatic ecosystem under the fluctuation of water multi-parameters. Through the combination of batch tests with quantum chemical calculation, hydroxyl radical (•OH) mediated degradation of propylparaben (PP) to methylparaben (MP) has been confirmed in the present study. The interaction of dissolved oxygen with environmental relevant concentration of humic acid (HA), algal and bacterial cell lysis leads to a slow production of •OH. Aqueous PP undergoes a mild removal process with the pseudo-first order rate constant (10−7, s−1) higher at 7.43 in HA than at 3.30-4.89 in biogenic cell lysis. PP removal is correlated with the aromaticity of DOM surrogate and the produced •OH concentration, which could be enhanced by the increase of light intensity and DO other than HA. The •OH mediated process on PP removal has been confirmed by the linearly inhibited effect of tert-butanol while totally inhibited effects of higher concentration of sodium azide and co-existent chemical (17β-estradiol). Based on the detection of byproduct MP, two possible reaction pathways, •OH attacking at β-carbon (path-β) and terminal γ-carbon (path-γ) of the propyl side chain of PP, are proposed. Through the analysis of thermal and kinetics parameters, the •OH initiated H-abstraction and the resulting C-C bond cleavage leading to the formation of MP and acetaldehyde in path-β is confirmed to be the dominant reaction mechanism. Considering the universal occurrence of parabens and these DOM surrogates, this mild removal process has special implications for the self-purification of organic pollutants in natural aquatic ecosystems, especially in DOM-rich matrices in the aphotic zone.

3D architectured air sensing tubes for a portable mechanical ventilator

Today, respiratory ventilators are in high demand at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are concerns regarding insufficient supply of ventilators to handle the impending surge due to the high cost, and slow production and deliveries. Thus, the development of a low-cost portable ventilator becomes essential. The mechanical ventilator requires two main components including an active airbag and its venting control system. We developed a reliable active airbag designed with mechanically tunable 3D origami structures. The 3D origami structure based active airbag demonstrates reliable and reconfigurable characteristics. The active airbag’s volume can be tuned by controlling the triangular angles in the 3D origami-folding plates. Moreover, its volumetric ratio before and after compression is around 85%. Also, the rotating behavior of 3D origami tube under the compressive force allows more functionalities in the airbag such as the architectured pressure sensing. The 3D printed origami sensor measures the compressed angle to confirm the accuracy of detected pressure in the ventilator circuit. We achieved accurate delivery of targeted air volume with specific airflow rate by 3D printed reconfigurable origami tubes.

Design and Optimization of Smart Factory Control System Based on Digital Twin System Model

Aiming at the problems of irrational allocation of resources, low efficiency caused by unbalanced production line layout, and slow production line upgrade of the smart factory, this paper builds a real physical smart factory platform through the optimal control strategy and uses the GRAFCET algorithm to optimize the logistics scheduling during the actual system operation. The genetic algorithm is used to optimize the layout effect of the production line; the digital twin technology is used to provide predictive analysis technical support for the upgrading and reengineering of the production line. Through the analysis and comparison of the production capacity and equipment utilization of the physical smart factory and the virtual smart factory processing scheme, practice shows that the design of the digital twin system can effectively improve the effect and accuracy of the lean production method in the production process reorganization. Quantitative analysis of manufacturing industry provides powerful theoretical and technical support.

Technical Efficiency and Productivity Change in the European Union with Undesirable Output Considered

Global competition and climate change are changing the nature of economic activity and impose the urgent need to have environmentally sensitive productivity growth. The paper addresses both desirable and undesirable output to assess technical efficiency and productivity changes, as well as evaluate the importance of an energy input in the production function and productivity change differentials in the European Union (EU) over the period 2000–2018. To that end, it uses output-oriented data envelopment analysis and Malmquist productivity analysis. The results reveal that the EU is facing significant challenges due to a decreasing trend in technical efficiency and slow productivity growth. The absence of major improvements in human resource performance has reduced the benefits of technological innovations which are the main source of productivity growth. Additionally, the results show that energy use did not critically influence efficiency and productivity.

Convergence of City Relational Network, Production Sector Structure, and Regional Development

There is a strong correlation between government intervention and urban production structure in China. Particularly, the outputs of the cities partly come from the economic rent of city relational network (CRN), which is a unique regional policy and administrative hierarchy. In order to analyze the gravity flows of CRN under the nonmarket mechanism, we attempt to build a new gravity model that adopts the production sector. The new gravity produces relational data with direction, which makes it possible to use social network analysis (SNA) and overcome the endogeneity of the linear model. The empirical results show that (1) modified new gravity model can effectively capture the distribution of CRN gravity flows and the convergence of regional development in China, (2) the CRN, which especially stems from the government financial intervention, increases the share of nontradable sectors in cities, and (3) adjustment of the production sector leads to the difference of CRN gravity flows, so asymmetric flows distribution leads to the heterogeneity of regional economic performance. Cities with higher share of nontradables have relatively slower productivity growth in long-term.

Using ultrasound tongue imaging to analyse maximum performance tasks in children with Autism: a pilot study

ABSTRACT This study proposes a protocol for assessing speech motor control in children using maximum performance tasks with simultaneous acoustic and ultrasound recording. The protocol was piloted on eight children with autism spectrum disorders and nine typically developing children. Diadochokinesis rate, accuracy, and consistency were elicited using an imitation paradigm where speakers repeat mono-, bi-, and tri-syllabic stimuli at increasing rates. Both traditional measures of rate, accuracy and consistency and an ultrasound tongue-shape analysis of slow versus fast productions were undertaken. Preliminary results suggest that the protocol is feasible with children with communication disorders. Instrumental measures suggest greater variability in tongue movements in the children with autism that is not detected using perceptual measures of accuracy. A subgroup of children with autism showed some evidence of differences in speech motor control. Ultrasound tongue imaging appears to be a useful method for gaining additional insight into speech motor control.

Visible to Near-Infrared Light Photocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation on Bismuth Oxyiodide Nanosheets without Sacrificial Reagents

As an essential feedstock for fertilizer and chemical industries, ammonia is being produced by a so-called Haber-Bosch process. However, global warming and the energy crisis urge us to find a sustainable and clean alternative for ammonia production. Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is an alternative but challenging method. Low reactivity of nitrogen molecules, slow production rate, poor light-absorption capacity, and need of using organic sacrificial chemicals are the most pronounced challenges of the photocatalytic nitrogen fixation process. Among previously studied photocatalysts, bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) is an excellent candidate due to its full visible-light absorption and nitrogen binding affinity. However, BiOI is suffering from its positive conduction band minimum potential, which is lower than the proton-assisted nitrogen reduction potential (-0.23 eV vs. RHE). In this talk, I will show that the surface electric dipole induced by PVP molecules on BiOI nanosheets upshifted the band edge potentials, thus enabling redox reactions simultaneously.

Investigating Acoustic Correlates of Intelligibility Gains and Losses During Slowed Speech: A Hybridization Approach.

Purpose This exploratory study sought to identify acoustic variables explaining rate-related variation in intelligibility for speakers with dysarthria secondary to multiple sclerosis. Method Seven speakers with dysarthria due to multiple sclerosis produced the same set of Harvard sentences at habitual and slow rates. Speakers were selected from a larger corpus on the basis of rate-related intelligibility characteristics. Four speakers demonstrated improved intelligibility and three speakers demonstrated reduced intelligibility when rate was slowed. A speech analysis resynthesis paradigm termed hybridization was used to create stimuli in which segmental (i.e., short-term spectral) and suprasegmental variables (i.e., sentence-level fundamental frequency, energy characteristics, and duration) of sentences produced at the slow rate were donated individually or in combination to habitually produced sentences. Online crowdsourced orthographic transcription was used to quantify intelligibility for six hybridized sentence types and the original habitual and slow productions. Results Sentence duration alone was not a contributing factor to improved intelligibility associated with slowed rate. Speakers whose intelligibility improved with slowed rate showed higher intelligibility scores for duration spectrum hybrids and energy hybrids compared to the original habitual rate sentences, suggesting these acoustic cues contributed to improved intelligibility for sentences produced with a slowed rate. Energy contour characteristics were also found to play a role in intelligibility losses for speakers with decreased intelligibility at slowed rate. The relative contribution of speech acoustic variables to intelligibility gains and losses varied considerably between speakers. Conclusions Hybridization can be used to identify acoustic correlates of intelligibility variation associated with slowed rate. This approach has further elucidated speaker-specific and individualized speech production adjustments when slowing rate.

Mid-Cretaceous thick carbonate accumulation in Northern Lhasa (Tibet): eustatic vs. tectonic control?

Abstract Widespread accumulation of thick carbonates is not typical of orogenic settings. During the mid-Cretaceous, near the Bangong suture in the northern Lhasa terrane, the shallow-marine carbonates of the Langshan Formation, reaching a thickness up to ~1 km, accumulated in an epicontinental seaway over a modern area of 132 × 103 km2, about half of the Arabian/Persian Gulf. The origin of basin-wide carbonate deposits located close to a newly formed orogenic belt is not well understood, partly because of the scarcity of paleogeographic studies on the evolution of the northern Lhasa. Based on a detailed sedimentological and stratigraphic investigation, three stages in the mid-Cretaceous paleogeographic evolution of northern Lhasa were defined: (1) remnant clastic sea with deposition of Duoni/Duba formations (Early to early Late Aptian, ca. 125–116 Ma); (2) expanding carbonate seaway of Langshan Formation (latest Aptian–earliest Cenomanian, ca. 116–99 Ma); and (3) closure of the carbonate seaway represented by the Daxiong/Jingzhushan formations (Early Cenomanian to Turonian, ca. 99–92 Ma). Combined with data on tectonic subsidence and eustatic curves, we emphasized the largely eustatic control on the paleogeographic evolution of the northern Lhasa during the latest Aptian–earliest Cenomanian when the Langshan carbonates accumulated, modulated by long-term slow tectonic subsidence and high carbonate productivity.