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The transition from conventional standalone metrology to integrated metrology has been accelerating in advanced manufacturing over the past decade. This keynote paper defines the concept of integrated metrology, which extends beyond parts inspection and encompasses processes and manufacturing equipment to enhance efficiency and productivity. The paper presents the characteristics, benefits, constraints, and future possibilities of integrated metrology for parts, processes, and equipment. It also includes a classification of the physical quantities of measurands, the corresponding measuring instruments, data and communication methods, uncertainty, and traceability. The paper also discusses future challenges and emerging trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar plates (BPPs) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are the key components for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), they are alternately arranged to construct a compact stack with high power generation. This stacking method may introduce several issues, such as the difficulties in maintenance, imprecise assembly and sealing. This paper presents a novel integrated packaged single fuel cell that employs titanium metal bipolar plates to construct a short stack with superior sealing performance and working reliability. To predict the performance of integrated packaged single cell, numerical model was developed to analyze the mass transfer of O 2 , H 2 and H 2 O within the cell, revealing a uniform distribution of reactants and current. A short stack was manufactured with 10 layers of single cells, it retains excellent sealing properties and consistent output across a range of pressure conditions, with a leakage rate deviation lower than 0.03 mL/(min·cell) and membrane current density variation less than 5%. Finally, the electrochemical performance of the integrated packaged short stack was tested, its maximum power is 886.67 mW/cm2. It can achieve a rated output power of 169.14 W and an energy density of 1684.97 mW/cm3. Thus, our developed short stack has high energy utilization efficiency for power generation, and is anticipated to provide a durable power source for drones, robots and new energy vehicles. • An integrated packaged single fuel cell short stack based on titanium metal polar plates was proposed. • Numerical model of single cell was established, simulation on gas molar concentration and current density distribution was conducted. • A 10-layer integrated short stack was fabricated, assembly stress and polarization tests verified its good sealing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we focus on restricted cooperation modeled by TU-games with a prior unions and a communication graph. We deal with the two structures in a comprehensive way by considering two potential combined effects of them, called integration and limitation. While the former makes it possible for sets of players who are unconnected in the graph but intersect with same unions to cooperate, the latter indicates that cooperation only occurs among players who are connected in the graph and within the same union. The two partial cooperative relationships resulting from the two effects are visualized by the integration graph and the limitation graph respectively. Then, we introduce the integrated (limited) Myerson value by applying the Myerson value to TU-games with the integration (limitation) graph. Finally, two sets of comparable axiomatizations are provided to show the differences and similarities between the two values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of climate change, zero carbon refurbishment for existing buildings is imperative for maximising carbon emission reductions. Due to the increasing complexity of reducing carbon emissions for existing buildings, there is a need for a more collaborative and integrative approach. Extensive research has shown the importance, benefits, and challenges of collaboration and integration in implementing sustainable buildings. However, little attention has been paid to investigating collaboration and integration in refurbishment projects that focus on reducing life cycle carbon emissions. This paper explores the collaboration and integration in the decision-making process towards zero carbon refurbishment by examining three real-life case studies in New Zealand. The findings resulted from an interactive cross-case analysis using replication logic within and among cases. Empirically, the study emphasises the importance of (1) organisational commitment and compatibility of team members, (2) the timely involvement of key stakeholders, (3) the highest level of integration in the design process, and (4) a centralised and integrated information system. The paper also divulges the current practices and challenges faced in the integration process, where lessons learnt are identified for future refurbishment projects. A collaboration and integration framework towards successfully delivering building projects towards zero carbon is proposed. The research implications may assist the real-world uptake of the zero‑carbon refurbishment approach by promoting effective collaboration and integration. • An interactive analysis between theoretical propositions and cross-case synthesis • Divulging challenges and lessons learnt in the collaboration and integration process • Proposing a collaboration and integration framework towards zero carbon refurbishment • Promoting an effective collaboration to assist the real-world uptake of zero-carbon refurbishment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces how the self-understanding of soil science has changed in relation to ideas of societal relevance and academic legitimacy. While soil science was established as an academic discipline with strong links to agriculture, this link was largely lost around 1980. This led to a perceived crisis of the discipline, which has been followed by a long process of redefining its self-understanding. Building on document analysis and qualitative interviews, this paper traces five ways in which soil scientists have re-articulated the relevance of soil science, and analyses if and how these re-articulations are linked to new kinds of research practices and new self-understandings of soil science as a discipline. We conceptualise these re-articulations of relevance as different epistemic commitments that have provided soil scientists with a repertoire of relating their research to societal and environmental problems. At the same time, we also highlight how this epistemic diversity has created tensions in the discipline's self-understanding. Related to recent calls to further integrate different kinds of soil-related knowledge, we argue that these tensions still need to be turned into productive interaction to create synergy instead of competition between different ways of articulating relevance—allowing different kinds of soil-related research to thrive, both in their distinct regimes of relevance, and in a fruitful co-production. This paper shows that studies of how ways of articulating relevance change over time can provide new insights to debates about what conditions support science in gaining societal relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Underground green hydrogen storage in various geological formations. • Challenges associated with underground hydrogen storage. • Requirement for extensive studies to understand hydrogen interactions with microorganisms. • Reviewing the various past and present hydrogen storage industrial projects and sites. • Importance of incorporating hybrid energy systems into hydrogen storage. • Past and future of integrated underground green hydrogen storage within this dynamic energy landscape. One of the major challenges in harnessing energy from renewable sources like wind and solar is their intermittent nature. Energy production from these sources can vary based on weather conditions and time of day, making it essential to store surplus energy for later use when there is a shortfall. Energy storage systems play a crucial role in addressing this intermittency issue and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. Green hydrogen, sourced from renewables, emerges as a promising solution to meet the rising demand for sustainable energy, addressing the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental crises. In the present study, underground hydrogen storage in various geological formations (aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, salt caverns) is examined, emphasizing the need for a detailed geological analysis and addressing potential hazards. The paper discusses challenges associated with underground hydrogen storage, including the requirement for extensive studies to understand hydrogen interactions with microorganisms. It underscores the importance of the issue, with a focus on reviewing the the various past and present hydrogen storage projects and sites, as well as reviewing the modeling studies in this field. The paper also emphasizes the importance of incorporating hybrid energy systems into hydrogen storage to overcome limitations associated with standalone hydrogen storage systems. It further explores the past and future integrations of underground storage of green hydrogen within this dynamic energy landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Forced displacement generates resettlement issue but the contestation between migrants' aspirations and the host society's policies makes the issues more complicated. • The paper rearticulates people's perception of (re)settlement in redressing the Rohingya crisis at the interface of repatriation and relocation initiated by Bangladesh. While the resettlement of displaced people often denotes rehabilitation in one way or another, the paper illuminates the paradox of resettlement between repatriation and relocation with the case of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The Rohingya, considered the most persecuted ethnic minority in the world at present as per the United Nations (UN), are an ethnolinguistic and religious minority of Myanmar but at present most of them are living in Bangladesh as refugees. About 750 thousand Rohingyas fled a deadly genocidal attack perpetrated by the Myanmar security forces in 2017 and took refuge in Bangladesh. Combining with the previously living ones, Bangladesh now hosts more than 1.3 million Rohingyas as refugees in 34 temporary camps in Ukhia and Teknaf, two south-eastern sub-districts of Cox's Bazar. This massive Rohingya presence has heavily impacted the local lives and resources and thereby the local community gradually became reluctant, though not yet hostile, to host them anymore. To accommodate the local pressure, Bangladesh made two consecutive repatriation attempts (the first one on November 15, 2018, and the second one on August 22, 2019) to send the Rohingya back to Myanmar but failed since none willingly returned to their 'homeland'. The refusal was interpreted as non-cooperation of the international community, and non-preparation on Myanmar's part to accept the Rohingyas back and let them resume their lives safely in the Rakhine state where they used to live. Since the repatriation attempt did not work and local pressures started mounting, Bangladesh initiated a program to relocate a few thousand Rohingya families to Bhasan Char, a newly emerged island located in the Bay of Bengal under Noakhali district. Empirical data reveal that the physical facilities of Bhasan Char seem far better than the same of Ukhia and Teknaf. Still, Rohingya refugees remain reluctant to move due to their entrenched fear of cyclones, floods and tidal surges which, they believe, could wash them away anytime. The entire process of Rohingya relocation to Bhasan Char has created huge debates about whether the Island is safe-liveable for the Rohingya people since it is a twenty-year-old island and there was no experience of people living there. Still, it does not appear to be a convincing plan to resolve the displacement problem of the Rohingya refugees. Given the background, what the Rohingya people articulate their aspiration in the name of resettlement is completely missing in the entire planning and action to redress the Rohingya crisis. Empirical findings show that the majority of Rohingyas are willing to return 'home' if three conditions are met: legal recognition amid conferring citizenship, social safety through the deployment of UN peace troops, and human dignity so that they can enjoy all forms of human rights. So, the Rohingya perception of resettlement is repatriation with aforesaid conditions. Therefore, the paper argues that beyond the populist idea of resettlement in the form of rehabilitation or relocation, the whole discourse of resettlement could come up from the bottom and people's perspectives which could be both crucial and instrumental in policy framing and action planning. The Rohingya refugees desire dignified repatriation with legal recognition and social safety which is largely absent in the activism of the human rights bodies and the action of the international communities as well as the state-level movements. Given the matrix of relocation and repatriation, resettlement takes a central point of discussion and debates whether resettlement could settle the Rohingya crisis in the place of migration. The paper with the experience of decade-long ethnographic research intends to rearticulate the people's perception and ground-level view of (re)settlement to redress the Rohingya crisis in the interface of repatriation and relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of industry and education plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of research outcomes from universities to industrial applications, promoting technology exchange and innovation, and fostering the development of skilled professionals in the hydrogen sector. However, the lack of motivation among hydrogen enterprises to engage in this integration process poses a pressing challenge. This paper presents a theoretical model based on a cost-benefit driving analysis framework, aiming to explore the relationship between resource income from universities, hydrogen enterprises' cost risks, policy subsidies, and their willingness to integrate. Through the use of questionnaire data collected from 184 hydrogen enterprises, this study examines the underlying mechanisms among these variables. The findings reveal that resource benefit (β = 0.632, p < 0.01) has a significantly positive correlation with the companies' willingness to participate in collaborative education. Higher levels of resource benefit are associated with greater willingness. Policy subsidies were found to moderate the relationship between resource benefits and integration willingness, as evidenced by the positive interaction effects of resource income and policy subsidies (β = 0.4, p < 0.01; β = 0.129, p < 0.01). This indicates that policy subsidies play a positive role in fostering collaboration between enterprises and educational institutions. On the other hand, cost risk (β = 0.575, p < 0.01) showed a significantly negative correlation with the enterprises' willingness to engage in collaborative education. Higher levels of cost risk hinder the company's willingness to participate. These findings highlight the importance of resource benefits and policy subsidies in promoting collaborative education initiatives for hydrogen enterprises. The findings contribute to the understanding of factors influencing enterprise engagement and have practical implications for fostering fruitful collaborations between educational institutions and hydrogen enterprises. • 184 hydrogen enterprises' willingness of participating in 'industry-education integration' were investigated. • Resource benefits positively influence hydrogen enterprises' willingness for collaborative education. • Policy subsidies moderate the relationship between resource benefits and integration willingness. • Cost risks negatively impact enterprises' willingness for collaborative education. • Findings offer insights for policymakers and educational institutions to promote such integration in the hydrogen sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a methodology for multi-track transmission processing of signals from mechanical-navigation sensors describing the state of the ship's motion vector by using a neural network computer system. The integration of mechanical systems with navigation systems on a sea vessel is aimed at creating a uniform decision-making module for the crew steering the ship and supervising propulsion systems in order to minimize the level of risk in controlling a sea vessel in hazardous situations. The concept of integrating radio devices with navigation and engineering systems will enable effective ship management based on sources coming from external and internal sensors of the ship. The processing of navigational and mechanical signals proposed in the article will allow to build an effective prediction of the developing situation in case of danger according to the proposed algorithm for the officer of the watch in charge of the ship. The paper presents a model of mathematical processing of signals from navigational-mechanical systems and illustrates its operation in an exemplary situation of a threat of collision of a sea vessel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges and future perspectives of desalination integration are presented. [Display omitted] • Different optimized models for desalination technologies integration are summarized. • The control strategies of RES-desalination for reducing environmental are discussed. • Impact of desalination process innovation on energy saving and emission reduction. In the present framework, desalination, as an energy-intensive industry, has garnered increased attention due to the imperative need for reducing energy consumption. In this paper, various challenges in the integration and optimal design of desalination processes have been presented. The energy consumption, energy supply method, water production method and improvement measures of various desalination are studied in detail, of which energy consumption is a major aspect. This article summarizes the integration modes of different desalination technologies. Low integration density, inadequate energy utilization and unsystematic theory guidance have been the focus of research. Operational strategies and optimal design methods for the integration of renewable energy and desalination technologies are studied in detail. The integration of renewable energy emerges as a pivotal trend, contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon footprints and costs. Additionally, the significance of recently developed desalination processes, such as pre-treatment process, equipment enhancements and advanced materials have been discussed. Furthermore, various unresolved issues in de integration desalination technologies system have been investigated in the paper along with the possible solutions to address the reported open issues. By exploring the integration of desalination technologies, the paper aims to provide valuable insights for enhancing the efficiency of commercial desalination plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to establish an approach to drive the development, at pace, of a commercially relevant Spherical Tokamak Concept. Building on the table of parameters and idealised geometry generated from the work of S. Muldrew et al. [1] , applying core principles, tools, and approaches. The generation and utilisation of a reflective 3D Spatial Model to represent the current concept, now forms a strong basis for identifying, evaluating, and delivering future integrated decisions, developed within a 16 Month timeframe. STEP is an ambitious programme, tasked with delivering a prototype plant by 2040 as a pathway to commercial fusion energy. Tackling the integration of a system that itself is based on emergent technologies, significant assumptions (e.g. Plasma Physics) and uncertainties is a significant challenge whilst maintaining acceptable levels of commercial relevance and feasibility. This paper shares the developments and approaches to collaboration and communication taken, including the management of a graphical representation (CAD or Computer Aided Design) to overcome this challenge. The work conducted has resulted in a single point CAD (utilising CATIA software) model representing the current integration status including an appropriate approach to configuration management. Clear channels and methods of communication nurtured a successful collaborative and cross-functional integration approach. Transitioning swiftly from an externally driven approach to integration, to an inherent, self-orchestrating one across all system areas. This paper presents results as a single point Concept Design for the Integrated Tokamak, a strategic management approach, technological integration challenges (e.g. Services, Maintenance, Neutronics) faced, and considerations for the future (post concept design). Introducing a centralised design process, appropriate control and clear communication utilising CAD has been the key to maturing the STEP Tokamak Concept. Initial focus on facilitating collaboration and utilising this environment as a 'sandbox' enabled early establishment of a 'space-claim' concept design in which to iterate. Staging the integration approach and CAD model fidelity developments through 'Identification, Realisation and Accommodation' built a resilient foundation to progress through the full design process. This approach has enabled early identification of not only where the integration challenges lay but also their significance, resulting in strategic deployment of valuable resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invited IAIR Award Paper by Kunst (2021) published in IJIR asserts that there is a "causality crisis" in acculturation research and critically discusses the current meta-analytical evidence supporting the integration hypothesis. In this commentary, we question this claim in light of our understanding of the acculturation process and its constituent phenomena. Our proposal is to consider acculturation patterns as behavioral syndromes, in which many phenomena are inter-related and which change over the course of acculturation. We also question the claim in Kunst's paper about meta-analytical evidence, and end with some proposals for future research on acculturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented paper concentrates on the boundary element method (BEM) for the heat equation in three spatial dimensions. In particular, we deal with tensor product space-time meshes allowing for quadrature schemes analytic in time and numerical in space. The spatial integrals can be treated by standard BEM techniques known from three dimensional stationary problems. The contribution of the paper is twofold. First, we provide temporal antiderivatives of the heat kernel necessary for the assembly of BEM matrices and the evaluation of the representation formula. Secondly, the presented approach has been implemented in a publicly available library besthea allowing researchers to reuse the formulae and BEM routines straightaway. The results are validated by numerical experiments in an HPC environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we introduce a flexible microfluidic device with an integrated silicon sensor chip, which may in the future be developed towards a wearable device for continuous and prolonged sweat sensing. The device is made by the lamination of three thin layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in which fluidic structures are created using laser microfabrication. The main fluidic structures are an inlet, a microchannel, a sensing cavity, and a porous structure as an outlet. When placed on a surface such as the skin, a filter integrated in the inlet absorbs any liquid present on the surface. Then, the liquid fills the microchannel and the sensing cavity by capillarity; specially designed filter paper structures prevent any liquid pinning or air inclusions to form during this process. Finally, when the liquid reaches the porous outlet, it evaporates via the pores, which generates a continuous flow through the device and over the sensor chip. The latter contains electrodes for electrochemical pH monitoring, and is mounted within the sensing cavity via screen-printed electrical connections. We show a proof-of-principle of the integrated device by demonstrating continuous monitoring of pH changes of liquids that are sequentially fed into the device inlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) are two of the essential tools to design and develop new products. CAD systems help to design a new product efficiently, whereas CAE systems are used to predict and assess the future functionalities (durability, structural strength, etc.) of a product. Usually, these two systems work independently; however, their mutual dependency is a topic of interest for the researchers. This paper discusses the contemporary research efforts in the domain of CAD to CAE integration and later find the research gap. Based on the research gap this paper develop a methodology to integrate a CAD to CAE systems where scientific data format HDF (Hierarchical Data Format) acts as a bridge to link the gap between a CAD and CAE system. The virtual prototype of a product is getting accurate with the advancement of CAD systems; hence, the transferability of those models to a CAE system has become more sophisticated using traditional (e.g.,.step,.iges files) methodologies. Since HDF is often used to handle massive and complex datasets for various research domains; hence, in this research effort HDF acts as a data repository neutral system to interact with the CAD and CAE systems. Based on the comprehensive literature review, this research effort aims to develop an uninterrupted integrated platform to handle complex design and analysis models using a big open-source data handling platform HDF (Hierarchical Data Format). MATLAB is used to bridge from the CAD system to HDF primarily and later from the HDF to CAE. A simple case study of analyzing a classic fluid mixing elbow demonstrates the preliminary implementation effort towards the proposed HDF-based integrated platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposed a quantization method based on the integration of progressive quantization and distillation learning, aiming to address the shortcomings of traditional quantization methods in maintaining model accuracy while reducing model size. This method converts the weight from floating point number to smaller integer number through progressive quantization, thus reducing the storage space required by the model. At the same time, distillation learning technology is used to integrate the gradually quantified model with the original floating-point model to improve the accuracy of the model. The experimental results show that the proposed method can maintain high accuracy of the model while reducing its size, and has better performance compared to traditional quantization methods. This method has a broad application prospect in model compression, and can be widely used in scenarios such as Edge device and cloud servers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a comprehensive architecture for a Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform, focusing on service browsing, ticketing, and payment, with a specific emphasis on integrating MaaS into bus payment systems. The proposed architecture aims to enhance user experience and convenience in accessing and paying for various transportation services while providing support for MaaS startups, offering a novel approach to MaaS, addressing challenges related to service discovery, ticketing, and payment through a unified system. The proposed MaaS platform holds the potential to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short Message Communication (SMC) is a featured service of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). After its successful deployment in 2003, Regional Short Message Communication (RSMC) service has been continuously serving China and its neighboring countries and regions, especially in life safety scenarios. In this paper, the architecture of the Global Short Message Communication (GSMC) system is proposed based on the medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation and the crosslinks of the global BeiDou navigation system (BDS-3). Three subtypes of GSMC service, i.e. positioning report, emergency search and rescue (SAR) and regular SMC are designed in accordance with the technical characteristic of integration of navigation and communication in BDS-3, which supports future wide applications of GSMC. The performance of the designed GSMC system is analyzed by numerical calculations. As BDS-3 was officially announced completion on July 31, 2020, GSMC has been providing initial service. First test results of the in orbit GSMC payloads are also presented in the paper to verify the designed capabilities. Preliminary results also show that the requirements of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) can also be fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advances in electronics, sensors, actuators, smart materials, computers, and communication technologies led to new and improved mechatronics-based smart tooling systems. This paper reviews the sensors and actuators used in tooling systems. The sensor principles to measure force, displacement, and temperature are explained. Actuators based on piezo, magnetorheological fluid, shape memory alloy, and magnetostrictive principles are discussed. Wireless and wire-based power supply and signal transmission techniques to stationary and rotating tools are described. The integration of sensors, actuators, power supply, and microcontrollers to various tooling systems used in boring, milling, turning, and grinding operations are presented along with their process monitoring and control applications in the industry. It is shown that the sensor-actuator tooling systems improve the accuracy, robustness, and productivity of machining which adds intelligence to the machine tools. The current challenges include widening the operating bandwidth of tooling systems, wireless power and high-speed data transmission, miniaturization of actuators and sensors, and onboard processing using embedded micro-controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New dynamics of local development have shed the light on the possible revitalization of European rural and mountain areas. A key element in these dynamics is the international migration fluxes that have these areas as new destinations. Newcomers' arrivals to rural and mountain areas represent both an opportunity and a challenge. They can fill in the gaps in local job markets left by the out-migration of young and the depopulation of remaining locals, but migrants' integration can present hurdles. Within the complex composition of the integration process, this research analyses the economic aspects related to local entrepreneurs' behaviours, migrant self-entrepreneurship, the role of the social economy and its effects on local communities. This paper presents results from secondary sources produced by the work of ten research teams – which collaborate on a European project MATILDE Horizon 2020 – based in as many European countries. The consortium agreed on a qualitative research approach, the use of semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participatory observation for data collection, and the "Foundational Economy" as the principal theoretical framework. Then, our research team carried out data extraction and comparison. Results show the diverse features of economic integration, encompassing local economic actors' solutions, reactions in the communities, the role of the social economy and migrant entrepreneurship. • A broader perspective on the examination of dynamic of international migrants' economic integration. • Data and information from 14 European regions in 10 countries. • Findings about the role of local economic agents in favour migrants' economic integration to revitalize rural areas. • Importance of migrants' self-entrepreneurship. • The key role of social economy in migrants' economic integration in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the governance of transport infrastructure interfaces. These are connection or touching points that bring together different city systems, technical characteristics and governance regimes. The empirical evidence comes from Ethiopia's new rail systems and is based on experiences in two cities, the capital Addis Ababa and the second largest city Dire Dawa. The techno-spatial and organisational boundaries that define infrastructure interfaces are under-researched across disciplines. Yet it is at these hotspots of urban governance where many critical questions for cities arise: who governs, what to prioritise, how to coordinate? Based on a multiple case study approach, this paper combines socio-spatial analysis with institutional analysis of infrastructure governance. The findings include the identification of highly centralised and hierarchical governance and coordination dynamics, as well as the critical role of a new bureaucracy (the Ethiopian Railway Corporation) structured around core railway engineering competence rather than urban transport and development expertise. More generally, it is a techno-political alliance in Ethiopia which shapes urban development and the rollout of infrastructure at an unprecedented speed and scale. • Transport interfaces are useful entry points to analyse urban governance. • Ethiopia managed to design and build complex rail systems at a very fast pace. • As a trade-off there was very little coordination with other sectors & stakeholders. • The federal government centralised decisions and city authorities were overruled. • Urban development in Ethiopia is highly technocratic & backed by political leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MaaS is a promising but hyped phenomenon in its nascent state. • MaaS by name is new but is an evolution in the ongoing pursuit of integrated transport. • A taxonomy of MaaS integration underlines different levels of service provision to the user. • Users have a hierarchy of need from MaaS in which viable travel options remain key. • Behaviour insights can inform the prospects for consideration and adoption of MaaS. The rapid emergence of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) into the transport sector's lexicon has brought with it an air of expectation that suggests a future mobility revolution. This paper focusses on the user perspective and offers a deepening of socio-technical thinking about MaaS and its prospects. It first provides an examination of what is understood to date about MaaS in what is a new but rapidly evolving body of literature. This highlights the concept of MaaS as a 'mobility system beyond the private car' and the new centrality of a 'mobility intermediary' layer in that system. The paper then focuses and elaborates upon its contention that MaaS is neither new nor revolutionary but is rather an evolutionary continuation in terms of transport integration. Emerging from an era of unimodal travel information systems becoming multimodal and then integrated multimodal information services, MaaS is now about adding seamless booking, payment and ticketing to the integration offer. The paper puts forward a 'Levels of MaaS Integration (LMI) taxonomy' analogous to the level 0–5 SAE taxonomy for automation of road vehicles. This taxonomy, designed around the user perspective (including cognitive user effort), concerns operational, information and transactional integration that it is suggested reflect a hierarchy of user need. From a synthesis of insights from the 'pre-MaaS' literature concerning choice making for travel and the role of information, a MaaS behavioural schema is provided to illustrate potential consideration and adoption of MaaS from the user perspective. In concluding, the paper considers what a user perspective reveals for the future prospects of MaaS and in particular for the mobility intermediaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015, scientists have attempted to utilize them for sustainability assessments. This paper aims to synthesize the existing approaches in order to make recommendations for future utilization. A systematic literature review was conducted, focusing on innovations as the assessment object and including scientific papers as well as gray literature. Of the initially identified 603 documents, 30 articles contained precise descriptions of approaches utilizing the SDGs for the sustainability assessment of innovations. These approaches were analyzed in three sequential steps: categorization of the operational choices of SDG-based sustainability assessments, discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of these operational choices, and finally deriving recommendations for future utilization. We identified two main approaches: (1) integrating the SDGs into the sustainability assessment methodology or (2) subsequently assigning the assessment results to the SDGs. For the first approach, the SDGs were most frequently used as assessment criteria, but were also used to derive benchmarks or select indicators. In the second approach, assessment results were linked to goals, targets or indicators. The majority but not all articles clearly stated that all 17 SDGs were considered. The most frequently mentioned motivation for SDG utilization was to provide a holistic definition of sustainable development, followed by providing a precise description of sustainable development and international recognition. Only the integration of all 17 SDGs into the sustainability assessment conveys all three of these motivations. Hence, this approach is recommended for maximizing the utilization of SDGs when assessing the sustainability of an innovation. Subsequently assigning the assessment results to the SDGs is suggested as an alternative approach if the scientist's time and resources are limited. Since this approach predefines the SDGs that can be linked through the sustainability assessment methodology utilized, the holistic character of the SDGs is forfeited. More generally, the diversity of approaches found in the literature can be explained by several individual limitations and prerequisites. It is therefore recommended that authors document their research motivation transparently and justify the operational choices they made to fulfil it. This study contributes to the scientific community by (a) providing an overview of possible approaches for utilizing the SDGs in sustainability assessments of innovations and (b) providing recommendations for utilization based on a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages. [Display omitted] • Sustainability assessments of innovations utilizing SDGs were systematically reviewed. • Operational choices in SDG utilization were categorized. • More than 10 (sub-)categories of SDG utilization were identified. • Most frequent reason for utilizing SDGs is their holistic nature. • Holistic nature is transferred only by integrating all 17 SDGs into the assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency down-conversion system based on microwave photonics has been widely employed in radar, electronic warfare, and satellite communication systems. In this paper, we propose an image rejection frequency down-conversion system, wherein the phase modulator and phase shifter are integrated on thin film lithium niobate platform. The working principle is elucidated through the establishment of a theoretical model. Subsequently, the system successfully down-converts a 40 GHz radio frequency (RF) signal to a 5 GHz intermediate frequency signal, achieving an image rejection ratio of approximately 30 dB. Simultaneously, varying degrees of image rejection are observed for different RF signals. The system maintains robust image rejection performance across varying RF and image signal power, as well as different levels of input optical power. • The integrated Hartley architecture on chip enables image rejection. • Preparation process of thin film lithium niobate chip. • Image rejection ability of different RF signals (38–40 GHz) and different IF signals (3–6 GHz). • For various RF signals, IM signals, and input optical signal powers, the image rejection ratio is consistently around 30 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forcible displacement of children disrupts their social capital, and education is of primary importance regarding their integration into the host communities. Millions of individuals found themselves on the "wrong side" of the border when British India was Partitioned purely along religious lines in 1947, leading to mass-scale violence and migration. These migrants received very little state support because the host states were severely resource-constrained, but they were treated as citizens of the newly formed states. In this paper, I combine survey data with digitized archives of historical census data to study the effect of this large-scale permanent displacement event on the human capital attainment of forcibly displaced children. I use a cohort-age based differences-in-differences approach to show that individuals of school-going age, who were born in India and migrated to Pakistan, have a higher likelihood of completing primary and secondary education than natives in the same birth cohorts. I show that migrants' initial choices regarding location and occupation are two important potential mechanisms that point towards the existence of the "uprootedness hypothesis". My findings provide important insights for the integration of migrants into the host communities and underscore the need to better understand the comparative efficacy of different methods used for supporting forcibly displaced communities. • Forced migrants may achieve their educational goals despite limited state support. • Permanently displaced children outperform natives in their birth cohorts. • The effectiveness of aid compared to that of security of status needs research. • Forced Migrants' changed preferences towards human capital is an important mechanism. • Constrained access to land-based assets might have led to increased education attainment in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers insights into microgrid management, with an analysis that stresses the structural features of microgrids at both technical and organizational levels. The article posits that the importance of microgrid management lies in the fact that managerial activities can support the technical microgrid systems in achieving different energy-related goals. It introduces the concept of the "mirroring hypothesis", which aligns the technical structure with the organizational structure to identify mechanisms of microgrid management. Insights from multiple cases reveal that technical integration and diversification are two dimensions of microgrid technical features. Correspondingly, coordination within organizational integration and diversification serve as two groups of management mechanisms. Energy autonomy, clean energy consumption, and auxiliary services run as three dimensions of energy-related goals. Subsequently, a conceptual framework is developed to establish connections among the technical structure, organizational structure, and energy-related goals. This management framework illustrates three distinct pathways for microgrids to achieve different goals. Finally, some practical and policy implications are provided. • Two inherent features of microgrids - structural integration and diversification - are discussed in detail • The connections between the technical and organizational structures of microgrids have been established • A framework illustrating the mechanisms of microgrid management has been developed • Three pathways to achieve different energy-related goals have been identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Occurrence and characteristics of MPs in various zooplankton are reviewed. • Toxic effects, bioaccumulation and bioavailability of MPs in zooplankton are discussed. • MPs constitute an uncertain threat to zooplankton. • Integration of MPs into the zooplankton community affects filtering organisms feeding. • Future research directions are discussed. In recent years, microplastic (MP) pollution has been widely reported. Many studies have shown that MPs in the oceans not only exist in the water but also are eaten by plankton and may be transferred to other trophic levels via the plankton food web. This paper reviews the relationship between MPs and zooplankton, and discusses two aspects of the potential harm of MPs to zooplankton: the effects of MPs on zooplankton ingestion and the influence of MP toxicity on zooplankton. MPs are often eaten by zooplankton because they resemble prey in size, color, and buoyancy. Zooplankton ingest MPs directly or indirectly, resulting in intestinal damage, reduced ingestion, slow or delayed growth, reduced spawning, shortened lifespan, and abnormal or even fatal gene expression. MP ingestion by zooplankton also affects their behavior, reproduction, and offspring. MPs constitute an uncertain threat to zooplankton. Integration of MPs into the zooplankton community affects filtering organisms feeding. The mechanism of MP toxicity in zooplankton is not yet fully understood and more studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry has not adopted digital transformation enthusiastically like other industries, for instance, manufacturing, aerospace or finance. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an innovative technology that is considered as an opportunity for the AEC industry to move to the digital era and improve the collaboration among stakeholders by applying Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). BIM provides all required tools and automations to achieve end-to-end communication, data exchange and information sharing among collaborators. Accordingly, virtual 3D models, created by the BIM process, delivered as physical assets, monitored in real-time and managed using Building Management Systems (BMS), can adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) designs and services. However, the implementation of IoT in a highly modular environment with various moving parts and inter-dependencies between stakeholders leads to security concerns. Therefore, this paper proposes system design that employs the blockchain technology as a measure to secure and control the framework that involves integrated IoT and BIM technologies. Although this paper considers system design applied in a smart museum, the authors assume that design is generic and applicable in other building categories. For instance, this design can be implemented in the ongoing Alumni Hall renovation project at State University of New York College at Oneonta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Building information modelling (BIM) and geographical information systems (GIS) provide digital representation of architectural and environmental entities. BIM focuses on micro-level representation of buildings themselves, and GIS provide macro-level representation of the external environments of buildings. Moreover, their combination can establish a comprehensive view of a built environment based on data integrated, which underpins the development and transition of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries in the digital era. This paper gives a comprehensive review on BIM-GIS integration in sustainable built environments in order to analyse the status quo and practical applications from four viewpoints: technologies for data integration, applications in the life cycle of AEC projects, building energy management, and urban governance. Three typical modes of BIM-GIS integration, namely, "BIM leads and GIS supports", "GIS leads and BIM supports", and "BIM and GIS are equally involved", are categorised based on the different dominant positions of the two technologies. Furthermore, the research trends and future directions for the applications of BIM-GIS integration are discussed. Specifically, we underline that semantic models and third-party integration platforms should be optimised technically, and information about the whole process of AEC projects needs to be improved. Comprehensive information for building energy management should be digitised and quantified to improve its systematic integration and application to the urban built environment. This review can serve as a roadmap for researchers who focus on studies of BIM-GIS integration in the sustainable built environment. Graphical abstract This paper reviews the applications of BIM-GIS integration in the field of the sustainable built environment, analyses the status quo and practical applications of such integration, and discusses research trends for its future development. Firstly, relevant literature on BIM-GIS integration is collected, quantified and analysed according to multiple indicators such as journals and keywords. Secondly, the status and practical applications of BIM-GIS integration are described and analysed from four perspectives: data integration, the life cycle of AEC projects, building energy management and urban governance. Finally, research trends and prospects for the development of integrated BIM-GIS applications are discussed. This review aims to provide a roadmap for researchers who focus on studies of BIM-GIS integration in the sustainable built environment and to expand its range of applications in sustainable urban development. Unlabelled Image Highlights • A detailed roadmap for research on the integration of BIM and GIS is provided. • A bibliometric analysis is used to quantitatively review literature from multiple viewpoints. • A critical review is conducted from four major perspectives of BIM and GIS applications. • The limitations of existing studies and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with real-time data from the Internet of Things (IoT) devices presents a powerful paradigm for applications to improve construction and operational efficiencies. Connecting real-time data streams from the rapidly expanding set of IoT sensor networks to the high-fidelity BIM models provides numerous applications. However, BIM and IoT integration research are still in nascent stages, there is a need to understand the current situation of BIM and IoT device integration. This paper conducts a comprehensive review with the intent to identify common emerging areas of application and common design patterns in the approach to tackling BIM-IoT device integration along with an examination of current limitations and predictions of future research directions. Altogether, 97 papers from 14 AEC related journals and databases in other industry over the last decade were reviewed. Several prevalent domains of application namely Construction Operation and Monitoring, Health & Safety Management, Construction Logistic & Management, and Facility Management were identified. The authors summarized 5 integration methods with description, examples, and discussion. These integration methods are utilizing BIM tools' APIs and relational database, transform BIM data into a relational database using new data schema, create new query language, using semantic web technologies and hybrid approach. Based on the observed limitations, prominent future research directions are suggested, focusing on service-oriented architecture (SOA) patterns and web services-based strategies for BIM and IoT integration, establishing information integration & management standards, solving interoperability issue, and cloud computing. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • This paper presents an in-depth review of BIM and IoT devices integration in the AEC industry. • The authors analyzed these articles based on various domains of use and integration methods. • The reviewed articles are categorized into 4 applications domains and 5 integration approaches. • The observed current research limitations are discussed and lead to 4 proposed future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • MaaS is a promising but hyped phenomenon in its nascent state. • MaaS by name is new but is an evolution in the ongoing pursuit of integrated transport. • A taxonomy of MaaS integration underlines different levels of service provision to the user. • Users have a hierarchy of need from MaaS in which viable travel options remain key. • Behaviour insights can inform the prospects for consideration and adoption of MaaS. Abstract The rapid emergence of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) into the transport sector's lexicon has brought with it an air of expectation that suggests a future mobility revolution. This paper focusses on the user perspective and offers a deepening of socio-technical thinking about MaaS and its prospects. It first provides an examination of what is understood to date about MaaS in what is a new but rapidly evolving body of literature. This highlights the concept of MaaS as a 'mobility system beyond the private car' and the new centrality of a 'mobility intermediary' layer in that system. The paper then focuses and elaborates upon its contention that MaaS is neither new nor revolutionary but is rather an evolutionary continuation in terms of transport integration. Emerging from an era of unimodal travel information systems becoming multimodal and then integrated multimodal information services, MaaS is now about adding seamless booking, payment and ticketing to the integration offer. The paper puts forward a 'Levels of MaaS Integration (LMI) taxonomy' analogous to the level 0–5 SAE taxonomy for automation of road vehicles. This taxonomy, designed around the user perspective (including cognitive user effort), concerns operational, informational and transactional integration that it is suggested reflect a hierarchy of user need. From a synthesis of insights from the 'pre-MaaS' literature concerning choice making for travel and the role of information, a MaaS behavioural schema is provided to illustrate potential consideration and adoption of MaaS from the user perspective. In concluding, the paper considers what a user perspective reveals for the future prospects of MaaS and in particular for the mobility intermediaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract In this work, we present the integration of a valve into the pressure supply channel for a pneumatic balloon actuator (PBA). We employed a microvalve using a thermally responsive fluid (Pluronic® F127 solution) as the valve which integrates in the PBA. The viscosity of Pluronic® F127 solution can be controlled by a heater integrated into the supply channel to close and open the channel. Abstract This paper shows the integration of a valve into the pressure supply channel for a pneumatic balloon actuator (PBA). We employed a microvalve using a thermally responsive fluid as the valve that integrates with the PBA. Aqueous Pluronic® F127 solutions are thermally responsive fluids that change their viscosity as a function of temperature. The viscosity of a Pluronic® F127 solution can be controlled by a heater integrated into the supply channel to close and open the channel. In this paper we also show the measured pressure resistance of the microvalve and the demonstration of a PBA integrated with a microvalve. The integration of a valve into the pneumatic actuator allows designing compact pneumatic actuator systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: • Deep Underground Space (DUS) can be used for special transport functions. • DUS resource context of Shanghai City and depth-scape planning priorities. • DUS planning and management policy benchmarking from Finland and Japan. • Development strategy for DUS at the city scale, district scale and project scale. • Policy guideline is proposed for short-term planning and long-term development. Abstract Urban Underground Infrastructures (UUI) are crucial for megacities that are suffering weak adaptabilities of environmental threats while facing fast economic growth from highly concentrated urban developments. Because of the urbanization and densification of cities globally, Metropolitan Authorities must prioritize the use of shallow and deep Urban Underground Space (UUS). Effective management of such space requires specifications of use for the varying levels within these. The specifications are defined as “Vertical zoning” (namely “Depth-scape”). This paper suggests a strategy for an economic development plan for Shanghai in China. Its specific focus is that of Deep Underground Space (DUS). The authors also suggest that this strategy may be transferable to other cities experiencing similar urbanization and densification, globally. In urban centers, surface buildings and facilities have been connected through shallow tunnel transport systems for pedestrian, utility, vehicle, metro, train, at a micro scale. For a larger urban territory, Special transport systems ensuring city’s security, resiliency and sustainability are usually built in the deep underground, such as: disaster evacuators, flood drainers (“sponge city creators”), terminal freight deliveries, waste movers, energy transmitters, cavern connecters and deep shaft elevators. A strategy proposed in this paper will incorporate these macro scale deep infrastructures into the economic development plan of Shanghai city. Methods applied in this paper include: Resources potential evaluation framework, Strategic benchmarking model, Conceptual infrastructure planning and Investment project appraisal scheme. Integration between municipal infrastructures and underground infrastructures is beneficial for the long-term operation of megacities, where utility systems and municipal facilities keep sizing up to meet future demand. Infrastructure integration becomes a must rather than an option. Developing Special Transport Systems in the Deep Underground Space (DUS) will allow a megacity to scale up its infrastructure stock, save surface land resources, protect societal assets, mitigate calamity losses, sustain operability and improve livability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organization figures centrally in the understanding of biological systems advanced by both new mechanists and proponents of the autonomy framework. The new mechanists focus on how components of mechanisms are organized to produce a phenomenon and emphasize productive continuity between these components. The autonomy framework focuses on how the components of a biological system are organized in such a way that they contribute to the maintenance of the organisms that produce them. In this paper we analyze and compare these two accounts of organization and argue that understanding biological organisms as cohesively integrated systems benefits from insights from both. To bring together the two accounts, we focus on the notions of control and regulation as bridge concepts. We start from a characterization of biological mechanisms in terms of constraints and focus on a specific type of mechanism, control mechanisms, that operate on other mechanisms on the basis of measurements of variables in the system and its environment. Control mechanisms are characterized by their own set of constraints that enable them to sense conditions, convey signals, and effect changes on constraints in the controlled mechanism. They thereby allow living organisms to adapt to internal and external variations and to coordinate their parts in such a manner as to maintain viability. Because living organisms contain a vast number of control mechanisms, a central challenge is to understand how they are themselves organized. With the support of examples from both unicellular and multicellular systems we argue that control mechanisms are organized heterarchically, and we discuss how this type of control architecture can, without invoking top-down and centralized forms of organizations, succeed in coordinating internal activities of organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper develops an integrated approach for joint optimization of preventive maintenance (PM) planning and quality control policy in a single machine manufacturing system. Considering the economic dependency between quality and maintenance parameters, the proposed model aims to optimize the four decision variables, viz. PM interval, sample size, sample frequency and control limit coefficient to minimize the expected total integrated cost per unit time. The imperfect age-based PM model is applied which addresses the most practical issue that a unit may not always be maintained to an as-good-as-new state. Analysing the problem to be NP-hard in nature, a recently developed meta-heuristic named Jaya algorithm is applied to retrieve the near-optimum solutions. The peculiarity of Jaya as compared to conventional heuristics is that it is a parameter-less algorithm thus does not require tuning to algorithm-specific parameters thereby minimizing computational complexity to a great extent. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the integrated economic design of PM and process quality control parameters. Computational results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Housing is an important social determinant of health and a key element of refugee integration into countries of resettlement. However, the way in which housing may affect mental and physical health for refugees and asylum seekers has not been systematically examined. This systematic review aimed to explore the effects of housing on health and wellbeing for this population, in order to identify key pathways for public health interventions. The review was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) guidelines. We identified publications through a search of Medline, PsychInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Cohrane Library, Google, ProQuest, OpenGrey, MedNar and WHOLIS. Eligibility criteria included: publication in English between 1997 and 2017, with findings pertaining to the relationship between housing and health for refugees and/or asylum seekers. Out of 2371 items, 25 papers were included with a further five identified through reference lists. Eleven of the papers explored housing and health for those refugees and asylum seekers living within refugee camps, with 19 focusing on countries of resettlement. All studies identified housing issues for refugees and asylum seekers, with physical housing conditions particularly poor in refugee camps, and issues of affordability, suitability, insecure tenure and mobility as well as difficulties securing housing also highlighted in countries of resettlement. Consistent relationships were found between physical aspects of housing and physical and mental health, with other aspects of housing such as safety and overcrowding linked to mental health. There were a number of methodological issues with most of the studies, making it difficult to specify precise pathways. However, improvements to housing quality particularly in refugee camps, and targeted housing interventions more generally for refugees and asylum seekers would likely have an important public health benefit. Highlights • Synthesis of studies on housing and health link for refugees and asylum seekers. • Limited research in either refugee camps or resettlement countries. • Evidence of the health impacts of housing problems, particularly in refugee camps. • Methodological limitations identified in the evidence base. • A range of potential public health interventions, but requires specific evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This “white paper” is a concise perspective based on a session during FIPSE 3, held in Rhodes, Greece, June 20–23, 2016. This was the third conference in the series “Future Innovation in Process Systems Engineering” (http://fi-in-pse.org), which takes place every other year in Greece, with a limited number of participants and just three topics/sessions whose objective is to pose and discuss open research challenges in Process Systems Engineering. This specific session comprised invited talks by Sigurd Skogestad and Iiro Harjunkoski, followed by short presentations by the participants and extensive discussions. The paper does not intend to provide a comprehensive review on the subject, or a detailed exposition of the concepts and problems. Its aim is to highlight open problems and directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a systematic review of models and methodologies that integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) and education. The systematic review was based on the methodology of Kitchenham. The steps used and developed correspond to the steps proposed in the methodology. The starting point of the review are the research questions, then keywords, selection of the databases, definition of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definition of the search chains, search process and selection of papers, the analyzes of the paper and the results of the systematic review to answer the questions posed. In the systematic review, 919 papers were found in 6 academic databases and 129 relevant papers were selected. The work developed intends to know the different models and methodologies that integrate the ICT and the education. Develop an analysis and characterize to find common elements among models and methodologies. The idea is to find limitations, disadvantages and spaces that allow to propose a new model. This systematic review is the first step in the development of a doctoral research in which the development of a U-Learning model based on Connective Learning and Experience Learning is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current sustainability concern is causing the food supply chain to extend their focus beyond traditional economic goals to the triple bottom line approach. This paper argues for the implementation of a glocal sustainable supply chain (GSSC) in developing countries. The literature has identified antecedents and drivers for the adoption of sustainable supply chain management. However, there is relatively little research on methodological and empirical approaches that take into account the dynamic nature of developing countries and bridge the existing global/local divide. To address this gap, this paper first reviews the theoretical foundation and literature as well as the link between the sustainability of the supply chain and glocalisation; second, the supply chain is analysed and its performance according to sustainable indicators is outlined with regards to the relevance for developing economies, which proposes the GSSC model; third, the model is validated in the Dominican Republic supplies market chain and finally it illustrates the contributions of the supplies market chain to GSSC. Results show that the supplies market contributes to GSSC in multiple ways: i) with increasing flow of information and food safety; ii) by improving the coordination among supply chain members and eliminating intermediaries; and iii) by reducing food miles and closing the supply loop. This study develops a GSSC model for the sustainable management of the supply chain in developing countries and provides empirical research on the contribution of Santo Domingo supply market to GSSC. The paper contributes to a deeper theoretical and empirical research on the sustainable management of the supply chain in developing countries through the lens of glocalisation. This research encourages managers and policymakers to regulate the food supply chain performance without harming the environment while meeting social expectations. The paper concludes with limitations and further research directions within practical and theoretical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilisation of coal as fuel for the production of energy will grow parallel with the increase of the cost of oil in the next years. This paper aims to investigate the integration between two clean coal technologies: Calcium Looping (CaL) process and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) in order to produce a high CO 2 concentrated stream. The main goal of this work is to find out the optimum working point of a system using CaL and MCFC technologies, coupled together, to produce decarbonised energy from coal as a primary energy source. The integrated system of CaL with MCFC presented in this paper, is fed with a raw syngas coming from coal gasification [1]. The raw syngas is decarbonised using calcium oxide as solid sorbent in the first reactor of CaL (carbonator), subsequently the clean syngas flowing out of the carbonator is used as anodic fuel for an MCFC. The thermal regeneration of solid sorbents occurs burning methane with air producing a CO2 reach gas, that feeds the cathodic compartment of MCFC. This configuration allows to concentrate the CO2 from cathode side to anode side of the MCFC, using internal electrochemical reactions of the cell, producing electric power at the same time. This work has been structured to tackle the coupling of CaL with MCFC using a combined numerical and experimental approach. Thus the investigation of the possible integration has been carried out starting with a lumped model simulating the whole calcium looping process. The model was used to investigate the behaviour of the CaL system when varying the amount of solid sorbent used in the process. Data coming from the model in terms of gas composition flowing out from CaL reactors were subsequently validated experimentally simulating different operating conditions in a MCFC single cell (81 cm2). Performance of the MCFC was monitored with polarisation curves and power density curves, aiming to integrate experimentally the electric behaviour of the whole system, in order to have a first validation of the two systems working together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of distributed generation in different forms and capacities is transforming the conventional planning of distribution networks. Despite the benefits offered by renewable distributed generation technologies, several economic and technical challenges can result from the inappropriate integration of distributed generation in existing distribution networks. Therefore, the optimal planning of distributed generation is of paramount importance to ensure that the performance of distribution network can meet the expected power quality, voltage stability, power loss reduction, reliability and profitability. In this paper, we firstly discuss several conventional and metaheuristic methodologies to address the optimal distributed generation planning problem. Metaheuristic algorithms are often used as they offer more flexibility, particularly for multi-objective planning problems without the pursuit of globally optimized solution. Analytical techniques are considered suitable for modeling power system mechanisms and validating numerical methods. Then, this paper conducts a comprehensive review and critical discussion of state-of-the-art analytical techniques for optimal planning of renewable distributed generation. The analytical techniques are discussed in detail in six categories, i.e. exact loss formula, loss sensitivity factor, branch current loss formula, branch power flow loss formula, equivalent current injection and phasor feeder current injection. In addition, a comparative analysis of analytical techniques is presented to show their suitability for distributed generation planning in terms of various optimization criteria. Finally, we present conclusive remarks along with a set of recommendations and future challenges for optimal planning of distributed generation in modern power distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a miniature three-component fluxgate sensor with U-shaped structure is fabricated by the multidimensional integration technology. We manufacture a batch of single axis solenoid fluxgate chips based on Micro Electromechanical System （MEMS） technology, which possesses the Co-based amorphous ribbon core and solenoid excitation-detection coil. According to multidimensional integration theory, a full integrated three-component fluxgate sensors is achieved through orthogonal linking of printed circuit board （PCB） substrates and bonding between single axis fluxgate chip and substrate. The chips used in the X-Y-Z axis have a sensitivity of 1947 V/T, 1951 V/T, and 1949 V/T, and noise power spectral density of 0.061 nT√Hz@1HZ, 0.077 nT√Hz@1HZ, and 0.087 nT√Hz@1HZ, and time-drift peaks of 21 nT, 17.4 nT, and 14.8 nT, respectively. The linear range of three chips is 0–70μT. After least square error correction, the peak-to-peak value of the in-situ total magnetic field decreases from 2.4 μT to 0.22 μT. [Display omitted] • A MEMS multidimensional heterogeneous integration method for three-component fluxgate sensors is proposed. • A U-shaped fully integrated three-component fluxgate sensor is fabricated with a size of only 17.4mm×13.3mm×13.8mm. • Completed the least-squares error correction and verified the sensor's three-component field detection capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hot coastal regions where fresh water is scarce, absorption chillers driven by industrial waste heat and cooled by seawater are suitable to achieve cooling demands, and it contributes to improving energy efficiency and reducing CO 2 emissions. However, seawater cooling strategy is a trade-off between performance and cost for practical applications, and there are few direct seawater-cooled absorption chillers. In addition, the integration of absorption chillers into a waste heat utilization network is often not well planned, and thus the waste heat is usually not used efficiently. This paper presents the direct seawater cooling strategy for the absorption chiller in terms of high performance and low cost by comparing different seawater cooling strategies numerically and experientially. To realize efficient energy utilization, an existing waste heat utilization network is analyzed graphically based on pinch method, and the available heat for absorption chillers is obtained by the position of the pinch point. According to the available heat, the direct seawater-cooled absorption chiller with a designed cooling capacity of 4200 kW is developed by using titanium tubes, anticorrosive paints and rubber covers to construct the corrosion-resistant condenser and absorber. The site testing results show an average cooling capacity of 3043 kW and an average COP of 0.77 of the absorption chiller when the temperatures of the hot water, seawater and chilled water varies from 98.7 °C to 80.7 °C, from 30.2 °C to 34.2 °C, and from 14.4 °C to 8.6 °C, respectively. Due to the integration, the energy and exergy efficiencies of the waste heat utilization network is improved by 55.9% and 86.1%, respectively. The application demonstrates that the direct seawater-cooled absorption chiller holds the promise for waste heat utilization in coastal regions. • Different seawater cooling strategies for an absorption chiller are compared. • Direct seawater cooled absorption chiller of 4200 kW is developed. • Titanium tubes, anticorrosive paints and rubber covers are employed for anti-corrosion. • The direct seawater cooled absorption chiller is integrated into a waste heat utilization network. • The energy and exergy efficiencies of the network is improved by 55.9% and 86.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar thermal energy, especially concentrated solar power (CSP), represents an increasingly attractive renewable energy source. However, one of the key factors that determine the development of this technology is the integration of efficient and cost effective thermal energy storage (TES) systems, so as to overcome CSP's intermittent character and to be more economically competitive. This paper presents a review on thermal energy storage systems installed in CSP plants. Various aspects are discussed including the state-of-the-art on CSP plants all over the world and the trend of development, different technologies of TES systems for high temperature applications (200–1000°C) with a focus on thermochemical heat storage, and storage concepts for their integration in CSP plants. TES systems are necessary options for more than 70% of new CSP plants. Sensible heat storage technology is the most used in CSP plants in operation, for their reliability, low cost, easy to implement and large experimental feedback available. Latent and thermochemical storage technologies have much higher energy density thus may have a bright foreground. New concepts for TES integration are also proposed, especially coupled technology for higher operating temperature and cascade TES of modularized storage units for intelligent temperature control. The key contributions of this review paper consist of a comprehensive survey of CSP plants, their TES systems, the ways to enhance the heat and/or mass transfers and different new concepts for the integration of TES systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates land-related resettlement and integration institutions and policies in small town urbanization from the perspective of affected villagers, focusing on their socioeconomic opportunities and life transformation. Based on the conceptual discourse on rural-urban societal differences, institutional boundaries, and resource redistribution, it examines the process and outcomes of rural villagers’ transformation under land-related local policies and the market, and articulates affected villagers’ viewpoints regarding compensation, resettlement, and integration. By the case of three small towns in metropolitan Xi’an, the paper discusses educational attainments and occupations, household earnings, income compositions, home-workplace commuting patterns and modes, social security programs, and attitudes towards land acquisition and resettlement. The study calls for villager-centered hybrid governance for humanistic planning and management of resettlement communities in small town urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Train timetabling, platforming, and network maintenance scheduling are three highly interdependent problems that are crucial in the planning of railway operations, and each is normally addressed separately. In this paper, we simultaneously optimize these problems for a high-speed railway network that is comprised of multiple railway lines and stations. We model the railway network on a mesoscopic level and formulate a 0–1 binary integer programming model that minimizes the total train weighted running cost and any deviation from ideal maintenance task start times. A heuristic procedure, which dynamically updates the available time windows for each of the trains, is used to control the number of train paths in the mathematical model. The mathematical model is repeatedly solved, and at each iteration we gradually modify the set of train paths available. Four different strategies to modify train time windows are used in the train path modification step and their selection depends on the solution to the mathematical model. Computational results for three networks of different sizes conclusively demonstrate that there is not only benefit in integrating these problems, with improvements of as much as 30%, but also that the proposed solution approach is highly effective. Compared to the commercial solver CPLEX, the proposed approach is able to more quickly find better quality solutions within a given time limit. • We integrate the optimization of train timetabling and track maintenance scheduling. • We present a binary integer program that models the problem on a mesoscopic level. • We propose a heuristic approach that dynamically updates train time windows. • The dynamic approach finds near optimal solutions and outperforms a commercial solver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the impacts of participatory video used in digital training on the empowerment of sex-trafficking survivors in the Philippines. For survivors of online sexual exploitation involved in this study, technology played a critical role in their abuse, making it necessary to understand how technology-supported communication can also play in their recovery and personal development. Drawing upon the thematic analysis of data collected from debriefing, interviews, and participants-generated videos, the findings have shown that the participatory video as a tool to support communication, as a mirror for reflexivity and voicing, and as a mediated space to connect and gain support, affords a communicative platform for survivors to participate, to interact, and to take control of the technology. We argue that the use of Information and Communication Technology for empowerment is subject to the personalized needs, autonomy and participation of the users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply chain networks are becoming more complex and vulnerable to various attacks. We must tackle these attacks properly to ensure the required supply chain security. In this paper, I have classified major supply chain security issues with some real-life examples. I have also discussed the most recent countermeasures of these attacks. Furthermore, blockchain is a promising distributed information technology that creates opportunities for a new approach in the supply chain area. In my research work, I have described how to integrate blockchains into supply chain architectures to create more secure systems. I also discussed the benefits and challenges of introducing blockchain into the supply chain in this paper. To explain that better, I explored the performances of some in-practice blockchain platforms that we can apply to supply chains. I further mentioned the possible solutions for the challenges of integrating blockchain into supply chains. • Comparison of other blockchain related works and my work. • Noteworthy supply chain attacks and their countermeasures. • Detailed procedure of integrating blockchains into supply chains. • Solutions for different issues caused by integrating blockchains into supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous EEG-fMRI has been a powerful technique to understand the mechanism of the brain in recent years. In this paper, we develop an integrating method by integrating the EEG data into the fMRI data based on the parametric empirical Bayesian (PEB) model to improve the accuracy of the brain source location. The gambling task, a classic paradigm, is used for the emotional decision-making study in this paper. The proposed method was conducted on 21 participants, including 16 men and 5 women. Contrary to the previous method that only localizes the area widely distributed across the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex, the proposed method localizes accurately at the orbital frontal cortex during the process of the brain's emotional decision-making. The activated brain regions extracted by source localization were mainly located in the prefrontal and orbitofrontal lobes; the activation of the temporal pole regions unrelated to reward processing disappeared, and the activation of the somatosensory cortex and motor cortex was significantly reduced. The log evidence shows that the integration of simultaneous fMRI and EEG method based on synchronized data evidence is 22,420, the largest value among the three methods. The integration method always takes on a larger value of log evidence and describes a better performance in analysis associated with source localization. The data used in the current study are available from the corresponding author upon on reasonable request. • An integrating method is presented. • The method localizes accurately at the orbital frontal cortex. • The method takes on a larger log evidence value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]