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Investigation on the protection ability of two commonly packaging methods to apples during express transportation
Get PDFPackaging plays a vital role in the post-harvest sales process of apples. This study conducted express transportation tests to evaluate the protective effectiveness of two commonly used packaging methods for apples. Key parameters assessed included real-time changes in temperature, humidity, vibration load, and CO₂ levels inside the packaging boxes during transit, as well as the storage quality of apples after transportation. Results showed significant variations in load distribution within corrugated partition-based cardboard boxes (CP combination packaging). Conversely, foam holder-based cardboard boxes (FP combination packaging) exhibited CO₂ accumulation. Furthermore, mechanical damage was predominantly localized to the fruit belly. Compared to CP combination packaging box, FP combination packaging box provided more stable shock resistance at lower vibration forces (< 10 N) across transit routes, likely due to its EPS foam design, which restricted fruit movement and absorbed external vibrations. Post-storage analysis showed that damaged apples experienced a 0.16 % increase in mass loss, a 0.83 % rise in soluble solids content (SSC), and a 0.19 MPa reduction in firmness compared to undamaged controls. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing packaging design to minimize transport-induced damage and enhance apple preservation.This work was supported by an International Cooperation Key Plan of Shaanxi Province (2022KWZ-12) and a High-End Foreign Expert Recruitment Program (G2022172006L).Food Packaging and Shelf Lif
Applications of large language models and multimodal large models in autonomous driving: a comprehensive review
Get PDFThe rapid development of large language models (LLMs) and multimodal large models (MLMs) has introduced transformative opportunities for autonomous driving systems. These advanced models provide robust support for the realization of more intelligent, safer, and efficient autonomous driving. In this paper, we present a systematic review on the integration of LLMs and MLMs in autonomous driving systems. First, we provide an overview of the evolution of LLMs and MLMs, along with a detailed analysis of the architecture of autonomous driving systems. Next, we explore the applications of LLMs and MLMs in key components such as perception, prediction, decision making, planning, multitask processing, and human–machine interaction. Additionally, this paper reviews the core technologies involved in integrating LLMs and MLMs with autonomous driving systems, including multimodal fusion, knowledge distillation, prompt engineering, and supervised fine tuning. Finally, we provide an in-depth analysis of the major challenges faced by autonomous driving systems powered by large models, offering new perspectives for future research. Compared to existing review articles, this paper not only systematically examines the specific applications of LLMs and MLMs in autonomous driving systems but also delves into the key technologies and potential challenges involved in their integration. By comprehensively organizing and analyzing the current literature, this review highlights the application potential of large models in autonomous driving and offers insights and recommendations for improving system safety and efficiency.Drone
Bioelectrochemical enhancement of waste valorization: synergistic power generation, metal stabilization, and resistome dynamics in electro-stimulated composting system
Get PDFThe integration of microbial electrochemical systems with organic solid wastes treatment offers a groundbreaking strategy for sustainable resource recovery. Nevertheless, the underlying biological mechanism remains unclear, limiting its practical application. Here, a two-phase microbial desalination cell (TPMDC) was constructed using dewatered sludge (DS) and kitchen waste (KW) or corn straw as co-composting substrate. We investigated the mediating role of substrate-driven microbial succession in energy harvesting, metal stabilization, and the antibiotics resistance gene (ARG) dynamics using metagenomics. Results demonstrated that TPMDC DS + KW achieved a maximum power density of 1.910 ± 0.009 W/m3, peck voltage of 0.893 ± 0.005 V, and highest organic matter removal rate of 31.13 %. Notably, we demonstrated substrate-dependent metal stabilization that simultaneously enhanced Zn bioavailability (agriculturally beneficial) and immobilizes >90 % toxic Cu/Cr. Metagenomic analysis identified 74 ARGs types (relative abundance: 2.44–3.08 %) and Mesorhizobium could be considered as a keystone ARG suppressor due to its significant negative correlations with multiple ARG subtypes. Additionally, we established a mechanistical link between electro-stimulation and upregulated TCA cycle genes (EC:6.2.1.1/6.2.1.16), directly coupling microbial metabolism to electron flux. These findings establish a robust scientific foundation for optimizing bio-electrochemical co-composting systems and advance circular economy implementation.The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from Project 52270122 and 51608155 supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, Project LH2021E097 supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province, Project QMPT-2007 supported by Harbin Medical University, support of China Scholarship Council.Chemical Engineering Journa
Set-based design techniques for the systematic and interactive exploration of complex product evolvability
Get PDFWhile computational approaches to perform design exploration of product evolvability during conceptual design exist, these are often hindered by a lack of interactive methods and down-selection criteria that can reduce the number of design options when evolvability is considered. This paper presents computational techniques that address these limitations, introducing design filtering techniques that apply set-based design criteria for systematic down-selection of potential designs. In particular, the set-based design criteria of interval dominance, maximality, and E-admissibility were adapted for evolvability exploration studies. Additionally, a novel interactive filtering strategy, called ‘constrain and union’, is proposed to further narrow down the number of design options in an interactive manner. These methods were implemented in a computational tool, AirCADia, enabling rapid and interactive evolvability design space exploration. The use of these techniques is then demonstrated through their application to the evolvability investigation of design options for a future short-to-medium range environmentally friendly civil transport aircraft. Maximality and E-admissibility were shown to be particularly effective in reducing the far-future design space, which could guide the focus of designers on particular far-future technologies. On the other hand, the constrain and union strategy showed promise in filtering out both near- and far-future design options.The research leading to the results in Section 4 has received funding from Innovate UK, under the Out of Cycle Next Generation Highly Efficient Air Transport (ONEHeart) project (Innovate UK proposal number 10003388).Journal of Engineering Desig
Human factors integration in complex systems: awareness, challenges and strategies
Get PDFHuman Factors Integration (HFI) is crucial for the development of complex systems, ensuring both effectiveness and safety. This research presents a case study on HFI awareness and implementation in a missile and guided weapons development company, focusing on the application of HFI principles, the challenges faced, and potential areas for improvement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve respondents across various roles in the company, and thematic analysis was used to analyse interview data. Key themes were identified concerning HFI awareness, organisational dynamics and practical challenges. The findings revealed significant gaps in formal HFI training, limited integration of HFI into project specifications and inconsistent end-user involvement. Organisational and cultural resistance hindered HFI due to cost and timeline constraints. The study suggests that early integration of HFI into the Systems Engineering process, alongside enhanced training programmes and a cultural shift towards prioritising HF, are essential for overcoming these challenges.Ergonomic
Impact of compressor station availability on the techno-economics of natural gas pipeline transportation
Get PDFThis study aims to examine the impact of compressor station availability on the techno-economic aspects of natural gas pipeline transportation, using the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project as a case study. A scenario-based technical and economic analysis was conducted to highlight the economic sensitivities of the systems to availability. The economic assessment of the project was performed using a discounted cash flow method, considering lifecycle costs. The techno-economic model was developed using MATLAB R2020b, accounting for variations in ambient temperatures at the compressor station under different flow conditions. Findings indicate an 8.41% increase in project lifecycle cost in one scenario compared to the baseline, assuming a 15% discount rate. However, the baseline case with a 100% compressor station availability assumption appears unrealistic, as shown by its lifecycle cost and net present value estimates. This is because constant operating conditions throughout the project lifecycle are impossible. Additionally, when station availability increases by 7.87% and the cost of standby units rises by 10.24%, avoided income loss due to station unavailability increases by 14.06%. This reveals a trade-off between the extra capital expenditure on standby units and the savings from avoiding income loss. Furthermore, the impact of 2% and 4% escalation rates of fuel and maintenance costs on lifecycle costs results in a rise of 2.70% and 6.15%, respectively, in one scenario compared to the 0% escalation rate. The results demonstrate the significant influence of compressor station availability analysis on pipeline projects, particularly in reducing engine downtime costs and enhancing project revenue. Therefore, the methods presented here help in understanding the importance of compressor station availability in pipeline techno-economics, leading to more effective resource and financial management.This research was funded by The Petroleum Technology Development Fund grant number [PTDF/ED/PHD/OOB/1386/18]Energie
Assessing energy flexibility: a comparative review of Nigeria and the United Kingdom
No full textThis paper provides a comparative analysis of the energy systems in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on market instruments for energy flexibility to achieve NetZero emissions under the Paris Agreement. Through a systematic review using Scopus database, the study identifies key energy flexibility instruments in Nigeria, including energy efficiency initiatives, smart metering, peer-to-peer energy trading, decentralised energy systems, and independent power plants. Supporting policies include Renewable Energy Master Plan, National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, and National Renewable Energy Action Plan. However, Nigeria faces challenges like low electrification rates, underutilised grid capacity, and fragile infrastructure, resulting in power outages. Conversely, the UK’s energy system features advanced Demand-Side Response Programmes, Smart Grid Technologies, Energy Storage Solutions, and Virtual Power Plants, supported by policies and initiatives like Agile Octopus Smart Meters. Learning from the UK’s successes evidenced by its high ranking on the World Energy Council Energy Trilemma Index, this study recommends that Nigeria improve its power infrastructure and incorporate energy flexibility instruments. By expanding power capacity, upgrading the grid, enhancing flexibility mechanisms, creating roadmaps, and transparent allocation and use of financial resources. These actions are essential for enhancing the reliability and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy system to achieve a Just Transition.Energy Transition, Climate Action and Sustainable Agriculture: Perspectives and Strategies for Afric
Patent systems and carbon dioxide emissions: short and long run perspectives on economic development and sustainability
Get PDFThis study explores the relationship between patent system strength and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across 46 developed and developing countries from 1998 to 2017 using Fixed Effects (FE) and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models. The findings reveal that stronger patent regimes in developed countries are initially associated with higher emissions, suggesting that innovation may first drive industrial growth before transitioning to cleaner technologies. In developing economies, this effect is weaker, likely due to potentially lower innovation capacity and dependence on imported technologies. The findings refine the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis by illustrating how IPRs can shape its trajectory. Additional factors—such as renewable energy use, which consistently reduces emissions, trade openness and urbanization, which yield mixed and positive effects, respectively—highlight the complexity of the emissions‐patent nexus. We conclude that patent strength alone cannot deliver emissions reductions; complementary policies such as renewable energy support, carbon pricing, and technology sharing are essential to align innovation systems with climate goals.Sustainable Developmen
Enhancing aircraft design: assessing adverse yaw and vertical tail plane reduction using Prandtl wing principles in sailplanes
No full textHigh aspect ratio wings have garnered increasing attention due to their potential to improve aerodynamic efficiency. At the same time, the flight of birds without vertical tail structures has inspired aerodynamicists to explore alternatives to traditional lift distributions. Challenging the elliptical lift distribution could yield minimum-drag configurations while also addressing structural constraints, such as the wing root bending moment. This research examines the effects of Prandtl’s bell-shaped lift distribution on the aerodynamic performance and stability of sailplanes. By modifying the wing configuration of the Slingsby T51 Dart 15, the bell-shaped lift distribution is compared to traditional elliptical and baseline designs. The goal is to assess potential improvements in handling, particularly through proverse yaw behavior, and to evaluate whether the reduction of the vertical tailplane size compromises critical flight performance metrics such as crosswind landing and Dutch roll stability. Findings indicate that this alternative distribution alters aerodynamic behavior, and although reducing the vertical tailplane size does not compromise crosswind landing performance but it raises challenges in Dutch roll stability.AIAA Aviation Forum and Ascend 202
Comparison of laboratory-scale methods for assessing deposit-induced corrosion of boiler materials in biomass combustion and recovery boilers
Get PDFVarious instrumental methods for analyzing high-temperature corrosion of boiler materials were explored and compared. These methods were applied to gain deeper insights into corrosion due to two salt mixtures containing Na, K, SO4, and Cl below and above the mixtures’ first melting points. Stainless steel AISI316 and high-alloyed Sanicro28, typically used in heat exchangers in power plants, were exposed to salt mixtures in a laboratory tube furnace for 168 h. The extent of the metal corrosion following exposure was measured through mass loss, changes in the surface topography using optical 3D imaging, and dimensional metrology. Additionally, the morphology, thickness, and composition of the formed oxide scales were characterized using SEM–EDX. The information gathered from each method confirmed the impact of the synthetic salt deposit and temperature on the metal corrosion. Combining several methods enables detailed studies of changes taking place on the metal surface after exposure to challenging environments. The results also suggested that partial melting of the deposit had a higher impact on the corrosion than its chloride content.This work was conducted within the Academy of Finland project “Initiation and propagation of high-temperature corrosion reactions in complex oxygen-containing environments” (Decision no. 348963).The research was also part of the activities of the project Clean and efficient utilization of demanding fuels (CLUE2023-2025) supported by the industrial partners: ANDRITZ Oy, Valmet Technologies Oy, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, Metsä Fibre Oy, and International Paper Inc.High Temperature Corrosion of Material