Synergy In Production Research Articles

Sustainable manufacturing production synergy and circular economy model under low carbon energy based on thermal energy cycle and blockchain technology

With the intensification of global climate change and resource depletion, the use of low-carbon energy and the exploration of circular economy model become more and more important. As an efficient way to use energy, thermal energy cycle has wide application potential in manufacturing industry. This study aims to build a sustainable manufacturing production synergy and circular economy model under low-carbon energy based on thermal energy recycling and blockchain technology, in order to improve the resource utilization efficiency of manufacturing industry, reduce carbon emissions, and achieve double benefits of economy and environment. Through literature analysis and case studies, key elements of thermal energy recycling and blockchain technology are integrated to design and simulate a new collaborative manufacturing system. The system uses thermal energy recycling technology to convert waste heat recovery into reusable energy, and combines blockchain technology to achieve real-time monitoring of energy flows and production processes to improve transparency and efficiency. The model simulation results show that after the introduction of heat recovery and blockchain management, the energy utilization efficiency in the manufacturing process is greatly improved, and the overall carbon emissions are significantly reduced. The transparent data sharing mechanism helps all participants optimize production decisions and improve the flexibility and response speed of collaborative production.

Integrated management to achieve synergy in sugarcane production and quality in China

ContextSugar production in China is struggling to keep up with the increasing demand driven by rapid growth in sugar consumption. However, knowledge gap persists in terms of how to locate and concentrate the sugarcane production in advantageous areas to secure the production of high-quality sugarcane characterized by high sugar content, while also optimizing resource utilization. ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to explore the effects of environmental and management factors on sugarcane yield and quality (characterized by sugar content). Moreover, it sought to determine how China's future sugarcane needs could be met with fewer resource inputs through production optimization. MethodsThis study conducted a comprehensive search and compiled 411 groups of measured data from 64 peer-reviewed publications on sugarcane production in China. Additionally, a Random Forest model was developed based on trial data and farmer survey data to predict county-level sugarcane yield and quality in China. Taking into consideration China's projected sugarcane demand in 2030, this study proposed three sugarcane planting scenarios to explore potential pathways for future sugarcane production. These scenarios included: S0, where all sugarcane acreages maintain their current level of production; S1, where medium- and low-yield (or quality) fields transition into high- and medium-yield (or quality) fields; and S2, where all sugarcane acreages strive for both high yield and high quality. ResultsResults showed that overall field management could improve yield by 37.1 % and quality by 5.26 %. Soil organic matter (SOM), available phosphorus (AP), mean annual precipitation (MAP), and soil clay are the most important drivers of yield. pH, AP, total nitrogen (TN), and SOM are the most important drivers of quality. S2 scenario reduced land inputs by 11 %, nutrient inputs by 5 %, and irrigation inputs by 13 %, based on meeting future sugarcane demand in 2030. ConclusionsBy identifying and focusing on dominant planting areas, we can enhance the quality and efficiency of sugarcane cultivation as a response to China's future demand for sugarcane. This approach will not only meet future demands for sugarcane but also alleviate the dual pressures of limited resources and environmental concerns. SignificanceOur research provides a conceptual framework to enable China to meet its future sugar demand and consumption more efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner, thereby conserving resources and reducing environmental impact.

Mergers and Acquisitions in the Corporate Sector of the Russian Pipe Industry

The relevance of this study is determined by the significance of mergers and acquisitions as modern tools for expanded diversified growth, direct investment, production synergy, and overcoming the increasing risks of companies’ external environment. The work clarifies the content of mergers and acquisitions from the perspective of reorganization and business development, dominant and partial shareholder control. The high concentration of the Russian pipe industry is emphasized, which is due to the historical territorial concentration of key enterprises in the industry and modern trends of consolidation and movement towards a large-scale oligopoly in the domestic market. The mergers are based on signs of both vertical and horizontal integration, with a focus on creating a model of business units, each of which represents an enlarged production complex. The key driving force is recognized as the growing domestic demand for pipe products from enterprises in the oil and gas sector and municipal infrastructure in the context of the priorities of the national development strategy and the active state policy of project financing. A consistent combination of tight integration tools with technological cooperation programs with strategic counterparties has been proven. Signs of a merger were noted at the level of consolidation of internal assets of infrastructure divisions of large companies in the metallurgical industry.

Translanguaging approaches and perceptions of Iranian EGP teachers in bi/multilingual educational spaces: a qualitative inquiry

PurposeThis study aims to analyze translanguaging practices and beliefs of Iranian English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers and find discrepancies between the practice and perception of educators in bi/multilingual species in Iranian educational settings.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved interviewing ten teachers and observing six of their sessions, which yielded qualitative data.FindingsThe results showed that the participating teachers produced recurring themes such as the significance and limitations of translanguaging, techniques for training multilingual learners and the restrictions imposed by policies that discourage the use of L1 in language institutes in Iran. A noteworthy observation made in this investigation was that educators who possessed competency in three or more languages exhibited greater endorsement of translanguaging in both their perceptions and practices.Practical implicationsThis study has significant implications for instructors, teacher trainers and policymakers operating within multilingual environments. It serves as a pioneering study that invites a productive synergy between Western and Asian researchers in exploring bi/multilingual spaces within Asian educational contexts.Originality/valueThis study brings a fresh perspective to the current body of research on teacher agency in bi/multilingual educational settings. By utilizing qualitative methods, it offers unique and original insights. Particularly noteworthy is the discovery that educators who are proficient in three or more languages are more inclined to support translanguaging. This observation adds a distinctive understanding of translanguaging in language education. It opens up new possibilities for exploring the application and efficacy of the translanguaging approach in Asian bi/multilingual spaces in education.

Refreshing the positive: bridging positive organizational communication and critical scholarship with Buddhist philosophies

Abstract This article makes a case for the productive synergy between positive organizational communication scholarship (POCS) and critical scholarship, which have been often viewed as incompatible. The article opens with an overview of POCS and its key critiques from critical audiences, which allows us to unpack the metatheoretical assumptions driving each research tradition. Next, the article discusses the limits of relying only on a Eurocentric definition of the “positive.” Notably, this article delineates how Buddhist philosophies refresh our understanding of the “positive” and challenge existing ways of thinking and problem-solving in organizational communication. We apply the Buddhist-inspired people-conditions-goals framework to a case study on the 2022 University of California system strikes.

Systematic comparison of software agents and Digital Twins: differences, similarities, and synergies in industrial production

AbstractTo achieve a highly agile and flexible production, a transformational shift is envisioned whereby industrial production systems evolve to be more decentralized, interconnected, and intelligent. Within this vision, production assets collaborate with each other, exhibiting a high degree of autonomy. Furthermore, information about individual production assets is accessible throughout their entire life-cycles. To realize this vision, the use of advanced information technology is required. Two commonly applied software paradigms in this context are Software Agents (referred to as Agents) and Digital Twins (DTs). This work presents a systematic comparison of Agents and DTs in industrial applications. The goal of the study is to determine the differences, similarities, and potential synergies between the two paradigms. The comparison is based on the purposes for which Agents and DTs are applied, the properties and capabilities exhibited by these software paradigms, and how they can be allocated within the Reference Architecture Model Industry 4.0. The comparison reveals that Agents are commonly employed in the collaborative planning and execution of production processes, while DTs are generally more applied to monitor production resources and process information. Although these observations imply characteristic sets of capabilities and properties for both Agents and DTs, a clear and definitive distinction between the two paradigms cannot be made. Instead, the analysis indicates that production assets utilizing a combination of Agents and DTs would demonstrate high degrees of intelligence, autonomy, sociability, and fidelity. To achieve this, further standardization is required, particularly in the field of DTs.

Synergies in farmer's procurement, production and distribution tasks through common market actions

Synergies in farmer's procurement, production and distribution tasks through common market actions

Task assignment and pay dispersion under moral hazard

We study a moral hazard problem where a principal assigns tasks that differ in the precision of their performance measures to agents who differ in their risk aversion. We solve for the optimal task assignment and observe that if both tasks are sufficiently easy to measure, the principal assigns the task involving the noisier performance measure to the less risk-averse agent. This assignment results in similar effort levels on both tasks and implies low pay dispersion within a firm. However, for generally noisy performance measures or if there is a significant range in the precision of the tasks’ performance measures, the principal assigns the task involving the noisier performance measure to the more risk-averse agent. This assignment drives effort levels apart and results in high pay dispersion among agents. The result of varying optimal pay dispersion is preserved in settings with interdependencies among tasks such as production synergies or correlated performance measures. We further show that the optimal task assignment always assures efficient risk bearing among agents, which stipulates that the agent who is least averse to facing risks bears a greater compensation risk.

Research on Difficulties and Solutions of R&D Investment Management of State-owned Enterprises

State-owned enterprises have implemented the requirements for innovation and development, and their R&D investment has increased significantly in recent years. This study proposes measures, such as a comprehensive R&D marginal benefit and production synergy benefit to determine a reasonable investment scale, refine the R&D activities identification criteria, strengthen inter-professional collaboration, and increase digital application, to provide reference for the improvement of R&D investment management of state-owned enterprises, and to facilitate high-quality economic and social development.

Research on Difficulties and Solutions of R&D Investment Management of State-owned Enterprises

State-owned enterprises have implemented the requirements for innovation and development, and their R&D investment has increased significantly in recent years. This study proposes measures, such as a comprehensive R&D marginal benefit and production synergy benefit to determine a reasonable investment scale, refine the R&D activities identification criteria, strengthen inter-professional collaboration, and increase digital application, to provide reference for the improvement of R&D investment management of state-owned enterprises, and to facilitate high-quality economic and social development.

ESCP President's report.

ESCP President's report.

대전 영상산업 특성화의 방향성에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to identify the direction of the Daejeon film industry. In particular, the specialization of the Daejeon film industry is setting a major direction with the convergence of Studio Cube and the VFX (Visual Effects) Cluster. The combination of the revitalization of the existing Studio Cube and the ongoing VFX Cluster is an important factor in the development of the Daejeon film industry. It is necessary to build a film industry convergence content cluster that connects Studio Cube. The film industry, encompassing films, broadcasting, and content, has maintained clusters from an early age. Clusters within a certain area maximize synergy in production and distribution, such as through sharing know-how, sharing equipment, and joint marketing, and also enable the exchange of professional manpower and knowledge. The Daejeon film industry cannot achieve such goals with a production and support system alone. These can be achieved through the active movement of various film culture and the active participation of local governments. Along with the development of the film industry, a policy to spread film culture to the public is necessary.

Production Strategy Calls for Injection of High-Gas/Oil-Ratio HP/HT Crude

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 203484, “The Innovative Production Enhancement Strategy of Using High-GOR Crude in HP/HT Reservoir To Lift Upper Reservoir Production, Case Study in Iraq,” by Xueqing Tang and Zhongliang Cheng, SPE, PetroChina, and Ruifeng Wang, SPE, CNPC, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Halfaya oilfield in Iraq contains multiple vertically stacked reservoirs. The main oil reservoirs are under primary development at the time of writing. The remaining deepest high-gas/oil-ratio (GOR), high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) carbonate reservoir, with an original pressure gradient of 0.867 psi/ft, has been drilled and tested but not yet developed. A production strategy has been proposed in which high-GOR crude can be injected into the upper oil reservoirs with partial pressure depletion as an energy-conservation measure in view of its high wellhead pressure and good productivity during drillstem tests (DST), thereby achieving production enhancement and synergy among reservoirs. Introduction The Halfaya field is a supergiant hydrocarbon accumulation in southeastern Iraq. Structurally, it is a gentle elongated anticline trending northwest/southeast. It is 20–22 miles long and 5.0–5.9 miles wide. It features nine vertically stacked reservoirs, including two sandstone reservoirs with high permeability and seven highly heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs (including Sadi B, Middle Cretaceous Mishrif, and Lower Cretaseous Yamama). The main reservoirs, Mishrif, Nahr Umr, and Upper Kirkuk, contain edge water and bottomwater support. Early field production began in April 2005. So far, 313 wells have been producing and the field has successfully achieved 413,000 BOPD compared with the plateau production target of 400,000 BOPD, with a water cut of 8.7%, producing a GOR of 759 scf/STB.

Quantum chemistry-augmented neural networks for reactivity prediction: Performance, generalizability, and explainability.

There is a perceived dichotomy between structure-based and descriptor-based molecular representations used for predictive chemistry tasks. Here, we study the performance, generalizability, and explainability of the quantum mechanics-augmented graph neural network (ml-QM-GNN) architecture as applied to the prediction of regioselectivity (classification) and of activation energies (regression). In our hybrid QM-augmented model architecture, structure-based representations are first used to predict a set of atom- and bond-level reactivity descriptors derived from density functional theory calculations. These estimated reactivity descriptors are combined with the original structure-based representation to make the final reactivity prediction. We demonstrate that our model architecture leads to significant improvements over structure-based GNNs in not only overall accuracy but also in generalization to unseen compounds. Even when provided training sets of only a couple hundred labeled data points, the ml-QM-GNN outperforms other state-of-the-art structure-based architectures that have been applied to these tasks as well as descriptor-based (linear) regressions. As a primary contribution of this work, we demonstrate a bridge between data-driven predictions and conceptual frameworks commonly used to gain qualitative insights into reactivity phenomena, taking advantage of the fact that our models are grounded in (but not restricted to) QM descriptors. This effort results in a productive synergy between theory and data science, wherein QM-augmented models provide a data-driven confirmation of previous qualitative analyses, and these analyses in turn facilitate insights into the decision-making process occurring within ml-QM-GNNs.

Working with or against multifunctional landscapes? A case study of land users’ local knowledge of grassland–forest transition zones in northeastern Germany

Maintaining or restoring landscape multifunctionality is essential to ensuring that landscapes provide a broad array of services. Increased multifunctionality means that there are more diverse land uses bordering each other. The areas in which land uses interact are transition zones; those between grasslands and forests could fulfill multiple purposes due to their special ecological characteristics that support the needs of diverse species. However, with their management practices, local land users often shape the characteristics of land-use transition zones, with implications for ecological processes that build the base for service provision. Local ecological knowledge of land users could give important insights into the basis of their decisions. Here, we explore how land users’ and farmers’ local knowledge shapes their management that contributes to the maintenance and restoration of multifunctional landscapes. We conducted 21 semistructured qualitative interviews with livestock farmers and local experts for agriculture and nature conservation using grassland–forest transition zones as a specific example for interdependent components of multifunctional landscapes. We found that local knowledge of the interviewed farmers can contribute to the maintenance or restoration of multifunctional landscapes in several ways: it provides insight into landscape functions in grassland–forest transition zones, it enables land users to use landscape function-grassland production synergies, and it provides insight into the perceived negative and positive contributions of forests to grassland production. The perceived negative contributions of forests to grassland production were an important driver for farmers’ management decisions. Farmers have a holistic view of both the field and the landscape. Managing landscapes for multifunctionality is dependent on this kind of holistic knowledge to identify synergies and trade-offs in landscape functions and how they contribute to agricultural production. However, current regulations such as the institutional separation of grassland and forest and grassland area-dependent direct payments prevent farmers from acting according to their local knowledge.

Synergistic effect on thermal behavior and product characteristics during co-pyrolysis of biomass and waste tire: Influence of biomass species and waste blending ratios

The work aims to get a full understanding of the co-pyrolysis synergy between different biomass and waste tire for high value utilization of both biomass and waste tire. Rice husk (RH), wheat straw (WS) and moso bamboo (MB) were chosen to co-pyrolyze with waste tire (WT). Influence of biomass species and blending ratios on co-pyrolysis synergistic effect was studied by analyzing thermal behavior, product yields and character. Thermogravimetry analysis proved the existence of synergistic effect and measured positive decomposition synergy for MB/WT. Char production showed little synergy for all biomass during co-pyrolysis while positive synergistic effect in liquid production was weakened with WT blending. Co-pyrolysis char integrated both biomass char and WT char characteristic. The pore structure was corresponding to that of biomass char and improved by synergy for all biomass, especially WS and MB. Co-pyrolysis oil mainly consisted of the typical components of bio-oil and WT oil, showing lower oxygenated compounds percentage than bio-oil. Aromatic hydrocarbons formation was inhibited while alicyclic hydrocarbons formation was intensified by co-pyrolysis interaction and MB/WT co-pyrolysis showed significant synergy in ethers and furans production. Co-pyrolysis showed positive synergistic effect on CO and CO2 generation and negative synergistic effect on H2 and CH4 content.

Demand-side Synergy and Firms' Competitive and Collaborative Strategies over Platform Lifecycle

The paper examines how emergence of a digital platform that bolsters demand-side synergy affects complementary product firms’ competitive and collaborative strategies and how they evolve across the platform lifecycle. Building on demand-side research and digital platform literature, I suggest the bundling of a digital platform service can be an important source of firms’ demand-side product synergy and the potential size of demand-side economies of scope may vary across different stages of platform evolution. Using the context of U.S. medical diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturers 1987-2013 and the introduction of an image communication system in 1993, I find that on average, imaging device manufacturers spanning across multiple complementary product markets are more likely to bundle a platform service as opposed to the firms specialized in a single product market, and more so in the early period of the platform lifecycle. The results also suggest that firms with product/platform bundling are likely to further increase diversity in their product lines and create walled gardens around their platform services. In terms of within-industry collaborations, the complementary product firms with platform service are more likely to engage in alliances than those without, but less so as the platform matures.

Review on power-production modeling of hybrid wind and PV power parks

The interest for co-located wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) parks, also known as hybrid power parks (HPPs), is increasing both in industry and in the scientific community. Co-locating wind and PV can lead to synergies in power production, infrastructure, and land usage, which may lower the overall plant cost compared to single technology systems. This review paper summarizes the existing research on power output modeling related to utility-scale HPPs and identifies knowledge-gaps. The main literature shows that there is a need for improved modeling methodologies accounting for the variability of the combined power production. There is potential for immediate improvement by combining state-of-the-art models that have been developed in separate fields and harmonizing the vocabulary across the different research fields. The study also shows that the total number of peer reviewed studies on utility-scale HPPs is limited and further research, in particular comparative studies, is needed to give a comprehensive view of the benefits and challenges of combining technologies. Other areas such as physical design, control strategies, market participation, and quantification of the possible synergies for physical implementation of HPPs also need to be studied further.

Towards Guanxi? Reconciling the “Relational Turn” in Western and Chinese International Relations Scholarship

In recent years, the “relational turn” in International Relations (IR) theory has attracted extensive attention. However, the limitations of the substantialist ontology of mainstream (Western) IR theory means that it encounters difficulties and dilemmas in interpreting the evolving international system. Against the background of the rapid development of globalization and regional integration, the reality of world politics is constantly changing, and increasingly shows obvious characteristics of interconnection and high interdependence. In this context, there is insufficient research comparing the Western and non-Western versions of the “relational turn”. Relational ontology may be able to provide a bridge between Chinese Confucian philosophy, Western philosophy, Western sociology, and mainstream western IR theories capable of generating productive synergies. However, there are major theoretical and cultural obstacles to be overcome if a reconciliation of the Western and Chinese versions of relationalism is to be achieved.

Mergers and innovation sharing

We extend the classic model of Perry and Porter (1985) to allow for cost-reducing innovations and in this setting we analyse the competitive effects of horizontal mergers. The analysis focuses on the innovation-sharing mechanism, whereby the merging firms share the results of their research, enlarging the base of application of inventions and hence the incentive to innovate. We show that if marginal costs are increasing, the innovation-sharing mechanism may more than offset the contractionary output effect that operates for any given state of the technology, making horizontal mergers pro-competitive even in the absence of synergies in production and research.