Technical Scale Research Articles

Modern approaches to the organization of the technological process of big data collection and preparation and related new professions in the IT industry: DevOps-engineer and data engineer

The article modern technological approaches to the organization of big data collection and preparation, as well as the distribution and use of applications with the help of the Docker platform, loading and launching a set of applications on the basis of the container approach to virtualization, are considered. The basics of big data processing task formulation and technical problems of technical platform scaling and data quality assurance are briefly outlined. On the example of deploying and using PostgreSQL database management system with management tools and Apache Superset analytics platform, a modern approach to organizing data acquisition, transformation and subsequent demonstration in the form of a dashboard is presented. Work with data is shown on the example of a real open data set processing cycle with demonstration of all the main stages — loading, cleaning, preliminary analysis and visualization. In the context of the considered technologies and approaches to workflow organization in the form of a pipeline, examples of DevOps engineer and data engineer work tasks are given, the necessity of their work as part of a team is emphasized. The technical solutions demonstrated in the article can also be used in the study of the topics “Databases”, “Infographics”, and “Data analysis” in the advanced informatics course of technological profile as an illustration of the complexity of the relevant processes and in the training of future informatics teachers.

Total factor productivity growth decomposition and its determinants in Ethiopian manufacturing sector

The objective of this study is to examine the performance of the manufacturing firms in terms of productivity growth by accounting for the determining factors. The findings revealed that growth in TFP has an average rate of 4.87% per year and showed significant improvement over the three policy periods (1996–2003, 2004–2010, and 2011–2015), respectively 3.6%, 4.7%, and 6.5%. Total factor productivity has been decomposed into contributing sources of technical progress (1%), scale change (− 0.14%), and technical efficiency change (4.01%). Twelve factors are identified from the literature as determinants of TFP growth. Eight of them are found to statistically affect this growth. The periods from 2004 to 2010 (high economic growth period) and from 2011 to 2015 (GTP I) have a higher TFP growth rate relative to the base period (1996–2003) and similar private ownership. In addition, labor input growth, capital intensity, and growth in average wage contributed positively to TFP growth. Importers of raw material inputs have higher TFP growth rates compared with non-importers. Tone can conclude from this finding that Ethiopian large and medium-scale manufacturing firms are low in terms of TFP growth. There are factors that enhance productivity, and there are also others that hinder improvements. Thus, strategically designed, coordinated with the firms themselves, and focused interventions are required in order to raise the real sales and value added using the existing state-of-the art technology and input combination, along with advancing the technical know-how, improving labor quality, updating, and renovating the capital input.

Assessing Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity in Latin America

ABSTRACTThe agricultural sector in Latin America plays a vital role in ensuring food security while impacting the environment. However, there remains a lack of analysis regarding the inputs responsible for pollution within its sub‐technologies. Hence, this article aims to assess agricultural green total factor productivity (TFP) through a novel decomposition of the Luenberger–Hicks–Moorsteen (LHM) indicator. Utilizing panel data from 23 Latin American countries covering the period from 2000 to 2019, our study reveals that green TFP has achieved a consistent annual growth rate of 0.71%. Specifically, technical efficiency change (TEC) accounts for 0.26% of the TFP, with the technical change component (TP) and scale efficiency change (SEC) contributing 0.74% and 0.30%, respectively. These findings suggest that Latin American countries have increasingly utilized agricultural inputs more efficiently over time. The results provide valuable insights for developing innovative measures and effective policy strategies to promote sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Correction: Wiechers et al. Development of a Process for Direct Recycling of Negative Electrode Scrap from Lithium-Ion Battery Production on a Technical Scale and Its Influence on the Material Quality. Batteries 2024, 10, 218

Correction: Wiechers et al. Development of a Process for Direct Recycling of Negative Electrode Scrap from Lithium-Ion Battery Production on a Technical Scale and Its Influence on the Material Quality. Batteries 2024, 10, 218

Productivity growth of Spanish tourist wineries using a directional distance approach

This paper analyses, in a two-step procedure, the productivity growth of 69 Spanish wineries (period 1998-2022) which offer tourism activities at their installations. To do so, we firstly calculate the total factor productivity (TFP) change using a directional distance function (DDF) and the Luenberger-Hicks-Moorsteen (LHM) TFP indicator introduced by Ang and Kerstens (2017), which allows us to correctly distinguish between technological change (TC), technical inefficiency change (TINC) and scale inefficiency change (SINC). Although a high efficiency is found in median terms, productivity decreased during the period in cumulative terms. This is explained by two contrasting forces: a positive TINC and SINC, and a negative TC. In a second step, we analyse the effect of some factors on TFP change and its components using a dynamic panel data model. Several practical implications are proposed based on these outcomes.

Longitudinal characteristics of bepress Digital Commons R1 and R2 institutional repositories

Introduction: This study presents longitudinal findings on the size, usage, and other characteristics of institutional repositories of Carnegie R1 and R2 institutions using the Digital Commons bepress (bepress) platform. Methods: In 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, a subset of bepress repositories (R1 and R2 institutions) were visited in order to gather data on number of items, downloads, journal presence, and theses and dissertations, as well as changes in the bepress customer base. Results: During this period, the total number of R1 and R2 bepress institutions grew from 76 in 2017 to 90 in 2019, followed by declines to 86 in 2021 and 82 in 2023. From 2017 to 2023, 15 R1 or R2 institutions were observed leaving bepress, and 12 joined. These 84 institutions, on average, represented upward of 30% of all the Carnegie R1s and R2s and 17% of bepress customers. Discussion: Results show a growing body of items within these repositories along with increased downloads. From 2017 to 2023, the bepress R1 and R2 institutions added a total of almost 1.8 million items and recorded more than 416 million downloads. The total number of items in the R1 and R2 bepress repositories was 3,061,447 in 2023. While the R1 institutions generally had more items, downloads per item were similar between R1 and R2 institutions. Theses and dissertations were downloaded at a higher rate than the rest of the items in the R1 and R2 bepress repositories. The presence of journals was found in more than 84% of the repositories, and almost all of the R1 bepress repositories. Conclusion: The results paint a picture of potential repository needs with regard to technical scale and future growth needs, as well as provide some benchmarking data for individual repositories. The results also point toward repository needs in terms of features to support, manage, and potentially grow these collections. The observable capacity, impact, and needs of the bepress R1 and R2 repositories from 2017 to 2023 are especially relevant at a time when institutional repositories are maturing alongside ongoing conversations regarding ownership of scholarly communications infrastructure.

A Systematic Review of Techno-Economic, Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessments for Vibration Induced Energy Harvesting

There is a growing need to ensure the resilience of energy and water systems through digitalization, retrofit these systems for cleaner energy systems, and protect public safety in terms of water quality. This resilience requires a reliable power supply that could be provided by harnessing unexploited energy hidden in the current water infrastructure through the deployment of vortex-induced vibration energy harvesters. Therefore, being able to understand the feasibility of deploying these devices across technical, socioeconomic and environmental scales could further enhance successful deployment and integration of these devices. This paper aims to provide a systematic review investigating the development of energy harvester technologies to understand the key methods used to assess their application feasibility. This study used the PRISMA guidelines, and 139 articles were reviewed and synthesized. The trends were visualized, illustrating the current direction in energy harvesting development and application and methods used to assess the feasibility of these devices and technology. The majority of the reviewed studies focused on technical feasibility, design configuration, limitation, and identification of the most optimal application environment. The results revealed a huge opportunity for energy harvesters, especially as a power supply for monitoring sensors. Nevertheless, the results also identified a knowledge gap when it comes to assessing the overall application feasibility of energy harvesting as most studies currently neglect economic feasibility, environmental impacts, social aspects and energy resilience. Assessment tools will help fill this knowledge gap by identifying the key barriers and benefits gained from integrating this technology into existing energy systems and water systems.

Quantifying farmers' Livelihood Efficiency, Regional Indicators and Its Influencing Factors: Implementing an Improved Sustainable Livelihood Framework

ABSTRACTResearch on sustainable livelihoods tend to emphasis on objective and macroregional aspects. However, there is space to expand research on the farmers' livelihoods in the context of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization development. This paper uses a field survey on farmers' livelihood efficiency, influencing factors and mechanisms of farmers' livelihood efficiency in the Qinba mountainous areas of southern Shaanxi China. Based on DEA and Tobit approaches, the authors investigate farmer livelihood efficiency and analyze the disparities according to the farm households' socio‐demographics descriptions. Findings of this study show that, livelihood efficiency is a new entry point of sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and currently, the overall livelihood efficiency of farmers in the study area is low, which needs to be further improved. The results also show that the willingness of environmental protection activities, village busses and government financial expenditure have a significant positive impact on the livelihood efficiency, while the abandonment has a significant negative impact on the livelihood efficiency of farmers. These factors have significant differences in the impact of farmers' technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The results further indicate that, utilization and conversion rate of the existing livelihood capital of farmers is low. Livelihood diversification should be stimulated to enhance “livelihood export” and its operation ability of livelihood capital accumulation. The study findings also propose that, there is a need of reform of dual paths to improve the efficiency of farmers' livelihood, and promote farmers' livelihood development with “wide path” and “wide choice.”

Research on the contribution of technological innovation efficiency and internal structure optimization of charging pile industry: A case study of China

In the context of resource scarcity and environmental protection, the new energy industry has garnered significant attention from various sectors. The charging pile (CP) industry, a crucial component of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry's supply chain, requires improvements in both quantity and quality. This study examined the technological innovation efficiency (TIE) of the CP industry, considering two levels: pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE), and explored methods to optimize its internal structure. By combining the grey correlation analysis (GCA) method with the generalized data envelopment analysis (GDEA) model, a reliable evaluation indicator system was established. Empirical findings revealed that the PTE of technological innovation in the CP industry exhibited an upward trend from 2019 to 2022, achieving a GDEA-effective state. However, the SE of technological innovation shows a downward trend, indicating non-GDEA effectiveness. The contribution of CP companies to the PTE of technological innovation has shown a persistent and accelerating decline, while their contribution to SE, once negative, gradually shifts toward a positive influence. Consequently, the internal technological innovation structure of the CP industry necessitates optimization and adjustment to attain balance. This study provides recommendations from the perspectives of both the government and companies.

Endovascular therapy in patients with acute intracranial non-terminal internal carotid artery occlusion (ICA-I).

Acute intracranial occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) can be distinguished into (a) occlusion of the terminal ICA, involving the proximal segments of the middle or anterior cerebral artery (ICA-L/-T) and (b) non-terminal intracranial occlusions of the ICA with patent circle of Willis (ICA-I). While patients with ICA-L/-T occlusion were included in all randomized controlled trials on endovascular therapy (EVT) in anterior large vessel occlusion, data on EVT in ICA-I occlusion is scarce. We thus aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety of EVT in ICA-I occlusions in comparison to ICA-L/-T occlusions. A large international multicentre cohort was searched for patients with intracranial ICA occlusion treated with EVT between 2014 and 2023. Patients were stratified by ICA occlusion pattern, differentiating ICA-I and ICA-L/-T occlusions. Baseline factors, technical (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) scale) and functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] at 3 months) as well as rates of (symptomatic) intracranial hemorrhage ([s]ICH) were analyzed. Of 13,453 patients, 1825 (13.6%) had isolated ICA occlusion. ICA-occlusion pattern was ICA-I in 559 (4.2%) and ICA-L/-T in 1266 (9.4%) patients. Age (years: 74 vs 73), sex (female: 45.8% vs 49.0%) and pre-stroke functional independency (pre-mRS ⩽ 2: 89.9% vs 92.2%) did not differ between the groups. Stroke severity was lower in ICA-I patients (NIHSS at admission: 14 [7-19] vs 17 [13-21] points). EVT was similarly successful with respect to technical (mTICI2b/3: 76.1% (ICA-I) vs 76.6% (ICA-L/-T); aOR 1.01 [0.76-1.35]) and functional outcome (mRS ordinal shift cOR 1.01 [0.83-1.23] in adjusted analyses. Rates of ICH (18.9% vs 34.5%; aOR 0.47 [0.36-0.62] and sICH (4.7% vs 7.3%; aOR 0.58 [0.35-0.97] were lower in ICA-I patients. EVT might be performed safely and similarly successful in patients with ICA-I occlusions as in patients with ICA-L/-T occlusions.

Investigation of the utilization of oat pomace and acid whey in technical scale succinic acid fermentation including downstream processing

In this study, succinic acid fermentation using acid whey and oat pomace was investigated at 30 L technical scale. Acid whey and oat pomace were mixed in a ratio of 3:1 (v/w) and around 20 g L−1 succinic acid was obtained after 72 hours of fermentation using Actinobacillus succinogenes. The productivities after 24, 48 and 72 hours were 0.46, 0.35, and 0.27 g L−1 h−1 and the overall yield was 0.77 g succinic acid per g total sugars consumed. Acid whey introduced lactic acid and several cat- and anions, which were removed from fermentation broth using a simplified downstreaming processing including filtration and repeated evaporation and crystallization. After three cycles of evaporation and crystallization all organic acids (lactic, acetic, and formic acids) as well as most of the salt ions were removed. From the initial 749 g succinic acid 53 % with a purity of >99 % was recovered.

Application of solvent-based dissolution for the recycling of polyvinylchloride flooring waste containing restricted phthalate plasticizers

The applicability of a new recycling method for extracting contaminants from polymers, dissolution-based recycling, was tested on a polyvinylchloride equipped with diethylhexyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, di-n‑butyl phthalate, originating from post-consumer flooring waste. Due to European restrictions on these ortho-phthalate diester-based plasticizers, the mechanical recycling of plasticized polyvinylchloride is no longer feasible. In this study, we have shown that dissolution and consecutive purification of the polymer eliminate 99.9 % of diethylhexyl phthalate's initial concentration at the laboratory scale. The impact of different process parameters, e.g., temperature, agitation, and extraction kinetics, have been tested. The findings were transferred to a technical scale of 5 kg/d, using a multi-step extraction in counter-flow mode. An elimination of 99.4 % of diethylhexyl phthalate initial concentration has been achieved, which fulfills legal requirements. These promising results showed the technical feasibility and served as a preliminary stage for further up-scaling to technical readiness level 6.

Application of Multiplicative Two-Stage Network Data Envelopment Analysis in Measuring and Improving the Efficiency of Container Ports in Southeast Asia

In response to the surge in container volumes, Southeast Asian nations have embarked on multiple port development projects. Considering the significant costs associated with port infrastructure, conducting a meticulous efficiency evaluation becomes imperative to determine the suitable direction for port development and guarantee the success of these investments. This study proposes a comprehensive framework using a multiplicative two-stage network data envelopment analysis model to investigate the efficiency of major container ports in Southeast Asia. It assesses how the technical efficiency of each stage within the port operation contributes to the overall technical efficiency of the port. Furthermore, the technical efficiency of each stage is measured based on two components: pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The key findings of the study can be summarized as follows. Firstly, most container ports in Southeast Asia exhibited relatively low levels of technical efficiency. Secondly, the underperformance was primarily caused by technical inefficiency in the building capacity stage, rather than the utilizing capacity stage. Thirdly, inadequate scale operation emerged as a significant issue for most ports. Based on the empirical results, the container ports are classified into four groups, and specific recommendations are provided for the development direction of each port group.

Research and Development of Obtaining Scandium from Waste Cake by Aluminothermal Method

To study and obtain scandium, we used technogenic waste (waste cake) from the Kadamzhai antimony plant. For the experiment, we took 0.05 μm enriched fine fraction of the cake. To carry out the aluminothermic reaction, we weighed 90 g of enriched cake and 10 g of aluminum powder on technical scales. To obtain scandium, we used a quartz crucible as a reactor, since the reaction in it does not pollute the obtained product, the reaction will begin at 810° C. Complete recovery of scandium occurs at 935° C, in 7-8 minutes. For the aluminothermic reaction, we used enriched cake from the Kadamzhai antimony plant.

DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF PIEZOELECTRIC-BASED PASSIVE DAMPING FOR HIGH FREQUENCY NOISE SUPPRESSION

This study focuses on developing a piezoelectric-based passive damper to mitigate high- frequency brake noise. The research investigates different designs of piezoelectric transducer elements to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using a mass sliding belt test system that simulates real disc brake noise mechanisms. Integration of these electrical elements into the existing mass-sliding belt system is investigated. Five distinct piezoelectric transducer designs (Design-1, Design-2, Design-3, Design-4 and Design-5), each with unique technical specifications, boundary conditions, and scaling, are developed to suppress high frequency noise from friction-induced vibrations. To facilitate effective selection, a scoring method is employed, identifying Design-5 with a cylindrical model as the most efficient transducer design. Evaluation criteria include energy generation, compressive strength, operating temperature, weight, ergonomic usability, cost, and safety. Analyses are performed to assess potential stress-induced damage to the piezoelectric material resulting from the selected design. This study aims to contribute a novel perspective to noise reduction techniques and successfully demonstrates the integration of a piezoelectric transducer and an RLC circuit into a functional system.

Development of a Process for Direct Recycling of Negative Electrode Scrap from Lithium-Ion Battery Production on a Technical Scale and Its Influence on the Material Quality

High production rates and the constant expansion of production capacities for lithium-ion batteries will lead to large quantities of production waste in the future. The desired achievement of a circular economy presupposes that such rejects could be recovered. This paper presents a two-staged process route that allows one to recover graphite and conductive carbon black from already coated negative electrode foils in a water-based and function-preserving manner, and it makes it directly usable as a particle suspension for coating new negative electrodes. In a first step, coating residues, which accumulate in production (as offcuts or rejects for example), are decoated in an aqueous ultrasonic bath. The ultrasonic bath also serves as a pre-thickener. As a result, high mass concentrations of active material can already be achieved in the water after the first process step. Water is then removed from the negative electrode suspension in a subsequent step by applying dynamic cross-flow filtration. With this unit operation, it is possible to concentrate the slurry residue to a solid content similar to that of the new electrode slurries used for coatings. An important criterion for the direct utilization of production waste is that the particle properties are affected as little as possible so that the suspension can be used directly for coating new films. This work presents the individual recycling process steps and their influence on the particle and slurry properties. The aim is to assess whether the recyclate is suitable for a coating of new negative electrodes and thus also for manufacturing batteries from 100% recycled material.

Flame Characterization of Cofiring Gaseous and Solid Fuels in Suspensions.

This work characterizes technical scale flames of suspension firing of gaseous and solid fuel mixtures through in-flame measurements with focus on nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation. The aims are to investigate the impacts of substituting a solid fuel with a gaseous fuel on the important mechanisms for NOx formation and to highlight important considerations for burner design. The investigation was performed in a 100 kW test unit that fires mixtures of propane and lignite. The global emissions levels and in-flame compositions were measured. A detailed reaction model was used to interpret the experimental results. The study highlights the importance of the early release of volatile nitrogen to reduce the levels of NOx. The findings indicate that substituting lignite by propane is advantageous in terms of reducing NO emissions, primarily due to the diminished input of fuel-bound nitrogen to the flame. However, this holds true only if the flame temperature of the gaseous fuel does not increase excessively. Finally, introducing a relatively small quantity of solid fuel to a propane flame appears to alter the flame behavior to resembles that of the "solid fuel," with a longer and wider flame. Despite this, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide concentrations remain like gas combustion but more dispersed.

Evaluating China's primary healthcare services' efficiency and spatial correlation: a three-stage DEA-Malmquist model.

Enhancing the efficiency of primary healthcare services is essential for a populous and developing nation like China. This study offers a systematic analysis of the efficiency and spatial distribution of primary healthcare services in China. It elucidates the fundamental landscape and regional variances in efficiency, thereby furnishing a scientific foundation for enhancing service efficiency and fostering coordinated regional development. Employs a three-stage DEA-Malmquist model to assess the efficiency of primary healthcare services across 31 provincial units in mainland China from 2012 to 2020. Additionally, it examines the spatial correlation of efficiency distribution using the Moran Index. The efficiency of primary healthcare services in China is generally suboptimal with a noticeable declining trend, highlighting significant potential for improvement in both pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency. There is a pronounced efficiency gap among provinces, yet a positive spatial correlation is evident. Regionally, efficiency ranks in the order of East > Central > West. Factors such as GDP per capita and population density positively influence efficiency enhancements, while urbanization levels and government health expenditures appear to have a detrimental impact. The application of the three-stage DEA-Malmquist model and the Moran Index not only expands the methodological framework for researching primary healthcare service efficiency but also provides scientifically valuable insights for enhancing the efficiency of primary healthcare services in China and other developing nations.

A DEA Approach to Efficiency Analysis of Major Indian Airports

Airports’ technical effectiveness contributes to the expansion of the aviation industry. Airports offer enormous potential for any economy. There is a recent initiative by the government to privatize airport operations in India. Private airports need to be technically and operationally efficient in order to be profitable. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a frontier technique used to assess the technical efficiency of airports. This study uses DEA to evaluate the technical efficiency of 20 major airports in India. It considers the average spending of the airport, the size, the number of parking bays and the runways as the input variables, and average passenger, average revenue, average aircraft movements and freight as output variables. The result observed reflects an increasing return to scale in 10 airports, a decreasing return in 2 airports and a constant return to scale in 8 airports. Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) applied to measure the productivity index of airports. This index is further broken down into three components: Technical change, efficiency effects and scale effects. DEA implies the highest operational efficiency for Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi and Mumbai airports with greater than unity value. By benchmarking airports for target setting and operation mechanisms, this study will support airport management with better decision-making tools.

Morphometric and soil texture analysis of soil material from wasp nests Sceliphron destillatorium (Illiger, 1807) (Apoidea: Sphecidae)

Background. The article presents the data obtained as a result of our research on the nests of an aboriginal wasp species on the territory of Ukraine – Sceliphron destillatorium (Illiger, 1807) that belongs to the family Sphecidae. We collected 54 wasp nests in different regions: Zakarpattia (n = 4), Ivano-Frankivsk (n = 1), Rivne (n = 12) and Lviv (n = 35) Regions. The data are presented as a result of measuring the main morphometric parame­ters of nests (length, width of cells and mass of nests) which are typical of the species under study. The paper also reports the results of the soil texture analysis of the soil material of twelve wasp nests from four different places of “mass nesting” and compares the results with the control samples of the surrounding soils in the corresponding areas. The study aimed at investigating the structure of the nests of S. destillatorium wasps, determining the soil texture of the soil material of nests from different regions of Ukraine and comparing them. Material and Methods. The nests of Sceliphron destillatorium wasps were the object of the study. The morphometric parameters of nests were measured with an automatic digital caliper 0–150 mm and Axis A500 technical chemical scales. The soil texture analysis was performed by the pipette method. The potentiometric method was used to determine the pH of the soil material. In addition, the determination of the CO2 carbonates was carried out according to the volumetric method. Results. We have analysed 54 nests of S. destillatorium. 46 nests were found in “mass nesting places” (in some places several samples were found): in Lviv (3 sites) and Rivne Regions (1 site – Rivne Nature Reserve). The content of granulometric elements was determined in twelve wasp nests from these places and twelve control soil samples were taken around the places of “mass nesting” (three samples of surrounding soil from each location). In order to compare the particle size distribution of elements in all analysed samples (24), we drew cumulative curves and determined coefficients of uniformity and curvature. Conclusions. Nest weighing revealed considerable variations in the mass of the nests – from 10.06 to 222.56 g – depending on the number of cells in a nest. The size of the nests also varied. The number of cells in the nests varied from 2 to 37 (mean = 13; n = 54 nests). As a result of the soil texture analysis of the nest soil material, we determined the percentage of granulometric elements used by the wasps for the construction of their nests. It was found that fine sand was one of the predominant fractions in all twelve nests. The similar content of all five fractions of soil material of wasp nests from different areas indicates that the soil texture of the nests which were built by S. destillatorium probably does not depend on their geographical location.