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Soil compaction periodic monitoring through soil penetration resistance (PR) has been a rapid, easy, andeconomic way to evaluate the different management systems on soil physical attributes effect. The aim was to evaluate thegrazing intensities and nitrogen fertilization effect in two winter/summer seasons (black oat/corn/black oat/soybean) on soil PRin an integrated crop-livestock system. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a factorial 2×3 [2 black oat pastureresidual heights (15 and 7 cm), under rotational grazing × 3 nitrogen rates applied to pasture (0, 75 and 150 kg N ha-1)], with 4repetitions. Soil PR was measured using an electronic penetrograph to an 80 cm depth. Soil samples were collected to determinegravimetric moisture. In the first year, 75 kg N ha-1 resulted in the highest depth compaction while intensive grazing (7 cm)resulted in the highest PR. In the second year, plots without N resulted in lower PR levels, mainly in the superficial layers. However, the rate of 150 kg N ha-1 presented greater compaction in the 15-20 cm layer after grazing. The high moisture levelsin depth reduced PR in all evaluated periods, highlighting the close relationship between both variables. General grazing heightsdid not affect PR, but the use of systems that increase residues production, as moderate grazing and nitrogen fertilization mightbe an alternative to mitigate the soil compaction in surface layers effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenges of growing and aging populations combined with limited clinical resources have created huge demand for wearable and portable healthcare devices. Research advances in wearable biosensors have made it easier to achieve reliable noninvasive monitoring of health and body status. In this review, recent progress in the development of body computing systems for personalized healthcare is presented, with key considerations and case studies. Critical form factors for wearable sensors, their materials, structures, power sources, modes of data communication, and the types of information they can extract from the body are summarized. Statistically meaningful data analysis considerations, including using cohort and longitudinal correlation studies, are reviewed to understand how raw sensor signals can provide actionable information on the state of the body. This informs discussions on how collected sensor data can be used for personalized and even preventative care, such as by guiding closed‐loop medical interventions. Finally, outstanding challenges for making wearable sensor systems reliable, practical, and ubiquitous are considered in order to disrupt traditional medical paradigms with personalized and precision care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an integrated-structure notion of interlevel (part-whole) emergence, from a dynamic relational ontological perspective. First, I will argue that only the individualist essentialism of atomistic metaphysics can block the possibility of interlevel emergence. Then I will show that we can make sense of emergence by recognizing the formation of structures of transformative and interdependent causal relations in the generation and development of a particular class of mereological complexes called integrated systems. Finally, I shall argue that even though the emergent structural attributes of such systems are not micro-determined nor micro-reducible, they can still be accounted for by an interlevel integrative neo-mechanistic form of explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve the radical improvements in building energy efficiency being called for by the State of California, it will be necessary to apply an integrated approach involving new designs, new technologies, new ways of operating buildings, new tools for design, commissioning and monitoring, and new understanding of what comprises a comfortable and productive indoor environment. This project, which is an amendment to CEC Contract 500-08-044, has focused on two space conditioning technologies that were part of the original project and showed significant potential to dramatically improve traditional levels of energy efficiency while also increasing occupant satisfaction and thermal comfort. The amendment allowed us to extend our ongoing research on these two promising technologies: personal comfort systems , and radiant heating and cooling systems.The work done under this project has advanced the understanding of personal comfort systems and radiant heating and cooling systems, and has generated the following findings and recommendations: (1) four field demonstration studies with personal comfort systems technologies showed evidence of reduced zone heating energy use (as much as 46-75 percent for one study) while also dramatically improving occupant comfort under a variety of challenging thermal situations; (2) the personal comfort systems components tested in the four demonstration field studies included foot warming devices, leg warming devices, chairs that provide both heating and cooling, and small desk fans for cooling; (3) the results of the personal comfort systems field studies demonstrated that personal comfort systems have reached a level of performance that supports commercial market introduction; (4) building energy performance data, occupant satisfaction assessments, and valuable lessons learned from two successful and well-performing radiant slab office buildings; (5) development of an online map of buildings using radiant technologies to provide resources to building stakeholders who are interested in their implementation; (6) laboratory experiments comparing zone-level sensible cooling loads between radiant chilled ceiling and overhead air distribution systems confirmed the fundamental differences and implications for cooling load calculation methods; (7) two energy simulation studies showed that the David Brower Center design and heating, ventilating and air conditioning strategy present a viable design option in terms of predicted energy use and thermal comfort over a range of California climates, and demonstrated the potential impact of more accurately specifying furniture and contents (i.e., internal mass) on predicted zone peak cooling loads.

Background: This study examines the digitisation of records and archives at two state universities in Zimbabwe that have embarked on digitisation of their records and archives resources in line with new technological trends of doing business online. Objectives: One of the objectives of this research study was to identify the gaps existing in the digitisation of records and archives at the two selected state universities and recommend ways of filling those gaps. The other objective was to find out if the state universities have adopted a framework or model for the smooth digitisation process of the records and archives. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative multiple-case research design to provide an in-depth understanding of the cases of the digitisation of records and archives at the selected state universities. Data were collected via purposive sampling using interviews. Results: The major findings of this study revealed that the two state universities are digitising records and archives without a framework or model for a smooth digitisation programme. Conclusion: The study recommends for a centralised model to cater for the digitisation of records and archives at the state universities in Zimbabwe. A model for managing digital records and archives which combines best practices and top management support with a centralised approach is proposed. This model is built on integrated systems that will enable the two selected state universities to enhance cost-effectiveness, sharing and exchanging digital records and archives amongst employees. This study is pertinent as it enriches the literature in the field of records and archives management and provides strategies on the management of digital records and archives in state universities in Zimbabwe.

Copyright of Revista Fatec Zona Sul (REFAS) is the property of Revista Fatec Zona Sul (REFAS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aquaponics technology has recently been offered as a good option for sustainable food systems among small-scale farmers, particularly those seeking an organic production or dealing with land quality constraints, such as urban farmers. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence for the capacity of small farmers to adopt the technology. The unique requirements of aquaponics may create technical, economic and even cultural constraints and opportunities. This paper uses empirical evidence gathered with small-scale farmers in São Carlos, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to present the capacity of adoption for the technology, including possible limiting factors and incentives for farmers. The study conducted interviews with owners of 'agriculturas familiares' (Portuguese for small family owned farms) within 30 km of São Carlos. The interviews revealed that there is widespread interest in the potential profitability of aquaponics systems, significant interest in environmentally friendly practices, familiarity with organic production and hydroponics and a large base of agricultural knowledge in the community that can drive adoption. However, lack of initial financing, limited human power and concerns about product placement were significant barriers to adoption. For settlement farmers (those working on land formerly abandoned) poor soil quality and water scarcity are key issues that could be alleviated by the technology. The city of Sao Carlos present program for purchasing specific types of products from these farms could be used as a model for increasing aquaponics adoption and relieving success concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions of minimum entropy production in a two-flow heat exchanger, in which one of the contacting flows has a definite temperature, were determined. The simplification of a heat-exchange system with flows whose heat capacity depends on their temperature was considered for the particular case where one of these flows changes its phase state. The thermodynamic equivalence of two-flow and multiflow heat transfer processes was investigated. An algorithm is proposed for the synthesis of a heat-exchange system, integrated in a technological process, in which the temperature and heat capacity of all the flows or some of them are fixed and which has a minimum surface of contact interaction of the flows in it. It is shown that this algorithm holds for a heat transfer process of any kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent interest in integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems has prompted numerous investigations to quantify ecosystem service tradeoffs associated with management. However, few investigations have quantified ICL management effects on net global warming potential (GWP), particularly in semiarid regions. Therefore, we determined net GWP for grazed and ungrazed cropland in a long-term ICL study near Mandan, ND USA. Factors evaluated for their contribution to net GWP included carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with production inputs and field operations, methane (CH4) emissions from enteric fermentation by beef cattle, change in soil carbon stocks, and soil-atmosphere CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes. Net GWP was significantly greater for grazed cropland (946 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1) compared to ungrazed cropland (200 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1) (P=0.0331). The difference in net GWP between treatments was largely driven by emissions from enteric fermentation (602 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1). Among other contributing factors, CO2 emissions associated with seed production and field operations were lower under ungrazed cropland (P = 0.0015 and 0.0135, respectively), while soil CH4 uptake was greater under grazed cropland (P = 0.0102). Soil-atmosphere N2O flux from each system negated nearly all the CO2equiv. sink capacity accrued from soil carbon stock change. As both production systems resulted in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere, novel practices that constrain GHG sources and boost GHG sinks under semiarid conditions are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ingeniare is the property of Universidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aquaculture effluents are nutrient-rich water containing both inorganic and organic nutrients with a potential to replace chemical fertilizer applications under integrated agricultural systems. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of fish effluent as an irrigation water source on the growth, yield, and essential oil composition of sweet marjoram. A randomized complete block design was followed with three irrigation treatments and three replicates i.e. fertigation with chemical fertilizers (control), irrigation with effluents only (effluents), and mixed treatment with 50% effluent and 50% chemical fertilizers (mixed). Marjoram seedlings were transplanted, and two cuts were done at the flowering stage. Samples were analyzed for yield and essential oil. In the first cut, effluents recorded an average of 40.4 cm height and 30.2 branches. It also had significantly higher yields, reaching 12.5ton ha−1 and 2.8ton ha−1 for fresh and dry yields, respectively. For the second cut, mixed had the highest average number of branches (58.8) and average height (59.2 cm). It recorded the highest yields of 26.5ton ha−1 and 10.5ton ha−1 of fresh and dry yields, respectively. Similarly, mixed gave the highest oil content (0.98%), compared to the control (0.84%). Essential oil analysis showed six main constituents; terpinen-4-ol (27.11–32.38%), β-terpineol (9.84–17.22%), γ-terpinene (11.09–15.55%), α-terpinene (6.68–10.34%), sabinene (8.18–9.25%), and cis-sabinene hydrate (5.01–8.64%). The results, therefore, suggest that growing marjoram with a mixed treatment would give the best herbage yields and the highest essential oils with reduced environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Reducing dependence on auxiliary energy is the basic objective in all farming systems. Based on scientific research, potential production of different agricultural ecosystems assists to improve the efficiency of production. Since energy consumption is one of the most important necessities in different production systems (ecologic, low-input, medium-input, high-input and integrated), introduction of an efficient system of agriculture will contribution to the economic cycle of agriculture. So far, a few studies have been conducted to evaluate energy consumption of different production systems of beans in Iran, therefore this study examine energy budget of different input intensity for bean varieties. There have been many attempts to define agricultural sustainability in recent decades; In fact, the concepts of sustainable agriculture have been common since the late twentieth century. But in the first decades of this century it was used as synonymous with terms such as organic agriculture, ecological, precision agriculture, biodynamic, organic and low input agriculture. The main objectives of sustainable agriculture are optimal production of food with increased quality and quantity, conserving water and soil conservation and increased economic benefits for farmers, agricultural activity accordance with ecological processes and environmental protection, the use of appropriate technologies, non-deployment of harmful inputs to the environment, as well as human health and animal. Materials & Methods The experimental design was a split plot with five intensities of inputs: ecologic, low-input, medium-input, high-input and integrated comprising the main treatments, and different bean varieties (navy bean cv. Dorsa, kidney bean cv. Ks-31169 and pinto bean cv. Sadri) as sub-treatments that were applied with three replications. The experiment was conducted in 2016 in National Bean Research Station at Khomeyn, Iran. Based on the energy equivalents of the inputs and outputs, energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, energy intensiveness, net energy and energy intensity of production were calculated. Results & Discussion The total energy input for ecologic, low-input, medium-input, high-input and integrated system was 14121, 32432, 24260, 37118 and 57390 MJ ha-1, respectively. The total energy output for ecologic, low-input, medium-input, high-input and integrated systems was estimated as 40135, 51382, 33824, 46417 and 60142 MJ ha-1, respectively. Averaged over five evaluated systems and three varieties of bean, the greatest and the least direct energy used in ecologic system of Sadri and integrated system of Ks-31169 (58% vs. 36%), indirect energy used in integrated system of Ks-31169 and ecological system of Sadri (64% vs. 42%), renewable energy used in ecological system of Ks-31169 and high-input system of Sadri (37 vs. 6) and non-renewable energy used in high-input system of Sadri and ecological system of Ks-31169 (94 vs. 63). The greatest energy efficiency and environmental efficiency of support energy was observed in ecologic system of Sadri (3.3 and 3.5, respectively), indicating 155 and 169 percent greater efficiency compared with the high-input system of Sadri. Zare-Faizabad and Koocheki (2000) compared conventional and ecological systems of wheat and concluded that yield of low-input and organic system is lower than other systems, but efficiency of energy is higher in this system. In a study to evaluate the energy efficiency of organic and conventional systems in corn and wheat reported that energy use efficiency of organic system was 29-70 percent greater than conventional system. Ozkan et al. (2004) on their study on different agronomic systems reported that, in integrated management systems urea fertilizer and machinery are the most important inputs and efficient use of them are essential to improve energy use efficiency of these systems. Nassi et al. (2011) stated that low-input systems had less energy inputs compared to conventional systems. This decrease in input energy resulted in greater energy use efficiency in these systems. Conclusion It could be concluded that ecologic system improved ecosystem service, especially non-market service in comparison with other systems. Although reduction of energy intensity of production (output energy) and energy intensity of consumption (input energy) reduced total value of the services in ecological agriculture, however moving toward sustainable and ecologic agriculture resulted in more non-market services such as health maintenance system of production and the production of healthy food.

In this study, the performance of an integrated desiccant air conditioning system (IDACS) activated by solar energy is evaluated by back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN). The IDACS consists of a liquid desiccant dehumidification cycle combined with a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The integrated system performance is assessed utilizing the system coefficient of performance (COP), outlet dry air temperature (Tda-out), and specific moisture removal (SMR). The training of the BP-ANN is accomplished utilizing experimental results previously published. The results of the BP-ANN model revealed the high accuracy in predicting system performance parameters compared with experimental values. The BP-ANN model has shown relative errors in the trained mode for COP, Tda-out, and SMR within ±0.005%, ±0.006%, and ±0.05%, respectively. On the other side, the BP-ANN model is inspected in the predictive mode as well. The relative errors of the model for COP, Tda-out, and SMR in the predictive mode are within ±0.006%, ±0.006%, and ±0.004%, respectively. The influences of some selected parameters, namely regeneration temperature, desiccant solution temperature in the condenser and evaporator, and strong solution concentration on the system performance are examined and discussed as well.

To cate for the rapid development of flexible, wearable and implantable microelectronics, the miniaturized and integrated energy storage devices with mechanically robust properties, high voltage, and highly compatible integration are in extreme demand. Here, potassium ion micro‐supercapacitors (KIMSCs) are rationally designed by applying MXene‐derived potassium titanate (KTO) nanorods anode and porous activated graphene (AG) cathode to power the sensitively integrated pressure sensing system. Benefiting from the advanced nanostructure of KTO nanorods, it offers a high potassium ion storage capacity of 145 mAh g−1. Notably, the constructed KIMSCs exhibit a large operating voltage window of 3.8 V, outperforming the previously reported micro‐supercapacitors. Furthermore, an extraordinary volumetric energy density of 34.1 mWh cm−3 is achieved for KIMSCs with robust rate capability and remarkable capacitance retention, due to the dominated capacitive mechanism and tiny volume change of reversible intercalation/deintercalation of K cations in KTO and adsorption/desorption of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide anions on AG. More importantly, a KIMSC compatibly integrated with a wireless pressure sensor on a flexible substrate can monitor body movement. Therefore, this work not only provides insight on designing high‐performance KIMSCs, but also presents a blueprint for KIMSCs powered flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with a brief overview of literature data on energy storage technologies utilising hydrogen and metal hydrides, this article presents results of the related R&D activities carried out by the authors. The focus is put on proper selection of metal hydride materials on the basis of AB 5 - and AB 2 -type intermetallic compounds for hydrogen storage and compression applications, based on the analysis of PCT properties of the materials in systems with H 2 gas. The article also presents features of integrated energy storage systems utilising metal hydride hydrogen storage and compression, as well as their metal hydride based components developed at IPCP and HySA Systems. • Use of metal hydride storage and compression in hydrogen energy storage systems. • AB5- and AB2-type hydrides for hydrogen storage and compression applications. • Development of the energy storage systems and their metal hydride based components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison to traditional bulky and rigid electronic devices, the human–machine interaction (HMI) system with flexible and wearable components is an inevitable future trend. To achieve effective, intuitive, and seamless manipulation of high‐performance wearable HMI systems, it is important to develop effective strategies for designing material microstructures on flexible sensors and electric devices with excellent mechanical flexibility and stretchability. The real‐time acquisition of human physiology and surrounding signals through accurate and flexible sensors is the basis of wearable HMIs. Herein, the construction of a wearable HMI system that utilizes sensors, communication modes, and actuators is reviewed. The mechanisms and strategies for designing various flexible sensors based on different mechanisms are analyzed and discussed. The functional mechanism, material selection, and novel design strategies of each part are summarized in detail. The different communication modes in interactive systems and the manufacturing technology of soft machines are also introduced. Additionally, the most advanced applications of wearable HMI systems in intelligent identification and security, interactive controls for robots, augmented reality, and virtual reality have been highlighted. The review concludes with an overview of the remaining key challenges and several ideas regarding the further improvement of wearable HMI systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for healthier protein sources and the growing demand for food by an increasing world population require aquaculture systems to not only be economically and technologically viable, but also sustainable. Among other methods, emergy synthesis is a powerful tool to assess the sustainability of production systems in a biophysical perspective. However, applications of emergy synthesis on aquaculture systems are seldomly found in the scientific literature. This work provides a literature review on emergy synthesis applied to aquaculture systems and discusses its constraints and potentials. The sixteen papers published between 2000‐2020 support the adoption of polycultures more than monocultures and highlight the importance of feed (4–70%) in the total emergy required by aquaculture systems, which require efforts for natural food. Methodological aspects of emergy synthesis applied in aquaculture systems that deserve attention by developers and analysts to avoid mistakes and erroneous conclusions were identified and discussed, and we propose some ways to solve them. These aspects are mainly related to inaccurate unit emergy values for water and feed, dubious procedures in quantifying and classifying water as renewable or non‐renewable resources, and the need to recognize the importance in accounting for ecosystem services and disservices. After overcoming these methodological inconsistencies, we foresee that emergy synthesis has potential political implications in supporting most sustainable aquaculture systems through economic (tax reduction and loans with reduced interests) and political (green labels) incentives. All these policies are important to achieve the ultimate goals of the United Nations' Agenda 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies a vendor–buyer integrated inventory system with buyers’ variable demand and warehouse space limitation where the consignment stock (CS) replenishment operates under a controllable lead time. Within any cycle, the production rate, the number of shipments and the shipping size are all fixed. Based upon the CS policy, the vendor agrees to maintain the buyer’s inventory to be above a safety level and less than the buyer’s space limitation. Due to the uncertainty in the demand, shortages/over stocks are sometimes inevitable. In such cases, penalties are incurred to discourage such occurrence. The holding cost consists of a storage component and a financial component, and the lead time is controlled with an extra investment which is a function of both the shipment size and the reduced time. Two-constraint, five-variable mix-integer optimisation models are established to describe the CS system. Two doubly-hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms are employed to solve the models that are complex and difficult to solve with available techniques. Two numerical examples are used to illustrate the solution procedure and the analysis of the computational results reveals the effects of some important parameters used for the annual joint total expected cost of the integrated system. The computational efficiency and quality of the solutions are evaluated by comparing them with other existing and popular methods. The results founds in all comparative evaluation are very encouraging and competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To achieve the radical improvements in building energy efficiency being called for by the State of California, it will be necessary to apply an integrated approach involving new designs, new technologies, new ways of operating buildings, new tools for design, commissioning and monitoring, and new understanding of what comprises a comfortable and productive indoor environment.  All of these themes define important goals that have guided the broad and comprehensive research effort described in this report. Research methods have included field studies, laboratory studies, energy and thermal comfort modeling, and technology transfer through participation on American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers standards and technical committees. Center for the Built Environment research is also guided by its 40 industry partners, who serve as the project advisory board for the project.The work done under this project has advanced the understanding of new and innovative approaches to space conditioning in buildings featuring integrated design with combined low-energy systems. The research has generated the following findings, new tools and modeling capabilities, and recommendations: (1) lessons learned from three case studies of advanced integrated systems, (2) new guidelines for design, performance, and control of underfloor air distribution, radiant, and personal comfort systems from simulation studies, (3) updated software and improved guidance for simulation of underfloor air distribution, radiant and personal comfort systems in EnergyPlus, (4) advancement of personal comfort system technology to the field demonstration stage through the development and fabrication of several prototype personal comfort system devices, (5) a building performance evaluation toolkit based on wireless sensing and web-based analysis applications and data archiving, (6) guidelines for the development of building performance feedback systems (energy dashboards) that encourage building operators and occupants to reduce energy use, (7) an updated advanced Berkeley thermal comfort model, and (8) important updates to American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 55 that support advanced integrated systems and significant contributions to other American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers guideline documents.

The application of the integrated solar-energy-based systems for water desalination and power production to some Iranian coastal regions has been investigated. For this purpose, the Integrated Multi Effect Desalination (MED) and Solar Rankine Cycle (SRC) are used. This work investigates the effects of the main thermodynamic parameters on the systems located at the southern Iranian cities of Chabahar, Qeshm, Kish and Asaluyeh. For each selected sites, the net power output of the system is 50 MWe. The results show that total exergy destruction is the highest for steam generator and cavity receiver which is in the range of 61% to 64% in several cases. Also, the Chabahar has the less total exergy destruction and the freshwater production is about 270.8 kg/s as most production. In addition, at other sites, the integrated cycle can produce about 266.2 kg/s of freshwater. Furthermore, the most total exergy destruction is related to Asaluyeh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulations of human behavior in water resources systems are challenged by uncertainty in model structure and parameters. The increasing availability of observations describing these systems provides the opportunity to infer a set of plausible model structures using data‐driven approaches. This study develops a three‐phase approach to the inference of model structures and parameterizations from data: problem definition, model generation, and model evaluation, illustrated on a case study of land use decisions in the Tulare Basin, California. We encode the generalized decision problem as an arbitrary mapping from a high‐dimensional data space to the action of interest and use multiobjective genetic programming to search over a family of functions that perform this mapping for both regression and classification tasks. To facilitate the discovery of models that are both realistic and interpretable, the algorithm selects model structures based on multiobjective optimization of (1) their performance on a training set and (2) complexity, measured by the number of variables, constants, and operations composing the model. After training, optimal model structures are further evaluated according to their ability to generalize to held‐out test data and clustered based on their performance, complexity, and generalization properties. Finally, we diagnose the causes of good and bad generalization by performing sensitivity analysis across model inputs and within model clusters. This study serves as a template to inform and automate the problem‐dependent task of constructing robust data‐driven model structures to describe human behavior in water resources systems. Key Points: Automated generation of model structure from data to describe human behavior in water systemsSystematic model evaluation along performance‐complexity tradeoff by clustering models with similar behaviorDiagnostic assessment of model generalization skill using global sensitivity analysis of features [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From small organisations to large, health projects are growing rapidly with the current situation related to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Efficient project management is increasingly more important to reach the objective while not wasting cost and time. An essential control element, the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), has proven to be a tool to monitor and plan for projects. The WBS decomposes the project to manageable components. This helps the project team to execute the project in a more efficient way, properly estimate the schedule and cost, efficiently allocate and assign resources, and track the project progress and performance. This will lead to the success of the managed projects. Through this case study, we will see the different models of WBS will be explored, including a multidimensional breakdown structure. The technical paper will also propose, based on comparison and evidence, the multidimensional breakdown structure for hospital projects to adopt to achieve project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examines the digitisation of records and archives at two state universities in Zimbabwe that have embarked on digitisation of their records and archives resources in line with new technological trends of doing business online. Objectives: One of the objectives of this research study was to identify the gaps existing in the digitisation of records and archives at the two selected state universities and recommend ways of filling those gaps. The other objective was to find out if the state universities have adopted a framework or model for the smooth digitisation process of the records and archives. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative multiple-case research design to provide an indepth understanding of the cases of the digitisation of records and archives at the selected state universities. Data were collected via purposive sampling using interviews. Results: The major findings of this study revealed that the two state universities are digitising records and archives without a framework or model for a smooth digitisation programme. Conclusion: The study recommends for a centralised model to cater for the digitisation of records and archives at the state universities in Zimbabwe. A model for managing digital records and archives which combines best practices and top management support with a centralised approach is proposed. This model is built on integrated systems that will enable the two selected state universities to enhance cost-effectiveness, sharing and exchanging digital records and archives amongst employees. This study is pertinent as it enriches the literature in the field of records and archives management and provides strategies on the management of digital records and archives in state universities in Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of diffusion of integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) and integrated livestock-forestry systems (ILFS) among cattle farmers in Brazil is still low, despite the environmental and economic benefits and governmental policy support. The present study aims at identifying the factors that determine the adoption of these systems in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The theory of adoption and diffusion of agricultural innovations takes into consideration several economic and non-economic determinants. Data from 175 farms and multinomial logit models were used to test hypotheses on the role played by farms' scale, farms' topography, farms' type of soil, farmers' knowledge, farmers' capacity for innovation, availability of local facilities for grain trade, extension service, and credit supply. The results highlighted the important role played by farmers' human and physical resources when adopting these systems. Knowledge, scalable agricultural land and fixed capital for crop farming being the most relevant ones. Access to credit and extension service helped to overcome lack of physical capital and knowledge. Farmers with innovative capacity were the ones who showed to be more prone to adopt. Availability of local infrastructure for grain trading facilitated the adoption of ICLS. Adoption of ILFS turn out to be an alternative option in slopping land and sandy soils. Results shed light on strategies to accelerate the diffusion of those systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power to gas process chain could play a significant role in the future energy system. Renewable electric energy can be transformed into storable methane via electrolysis and methanation. In the process, three water electrolysis technologies can be considered: alkaline, PEM and solid oxide. Alkaline electrolysis is currently the cheapest technology; however, in the future PEM electrolysis could be better suited for process chain. Solid oxide electrolysis could also be an option in the future, especially if heat sources are available. The methanation reaction can be catalytic, biological or bio-electrochemical, with respective advantages and disadvantages. Different sources of carbon dioxide can be used as biogas and syngas. Different process schemes are present in the literature about the integration of biogas and syngas plants with power to gas systems, also with the aim to improve the overall energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of carbon dioxide as building block for chemicals or source of carbon for energy products has been explored for over 40 years now, with varying allure. In correspondence with oil‐crises, the use of CO2 has come into the spotlight, soon set aside when the crisis was over due to the low price of fossil carbon and the convenience of using established technologies. Nowadays, there is a continuous shift from fossil‐C‐based to perennial (solar, wind, geothermal, hydro‐power) energy‐driven processes that will also have a great potential to convert large amounts of carbon dioxide. The integration of biotechnology and catalysis will be a key player towards the utilization of CO2 in several different applications, reducing both the extraction of fossil carbon and the carbon transfer to the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the primary beef producers globally, Brazil stands out due to livestock production based on pastures without massive grain dependence. Moreover, the adoption of integrated systems has increased in Brazilian farms in the past few years, reaching significant numbers such as 11.5 million hectares covered by some sort of integration, including silvopastoral systems (SPS). This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of Coleoptera species and dung pats decomposition in an open pasture (OP) of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu and in an SPS with Eucalyptus urograndis clone H13. There were no significant differences in dung beetle richness or abundance in OP and SPS, as well as similar rates of dung pats disintegration. Most insects were captured during the rainy season, and richness and diversity of species were similar between systems. The traps' distance to the Eucalyptus rows did not influence the number of dung beetles sampled; however, fewer individuals were captured under the tree rows. We suggest the importance of beetles for cattle dung decomposition and biological control of parasites, eventhough community structure was similar between systems with different habitat complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of new cropping practices such as integrated Crop-Livestock systems (iCL) aims at improving the land use sustainability of the agricultural sector in the Brazilian Amazon. The emergence of such integrated systems, based on crop and pasture rotations over and within years, challenges the remote sensing community who needs to implement accurate and efficient methods to process satellite image time series (SITS) in order to come up with a monitoring protocol. These methods generally include a SITS preprocessing step which can be time consuming. The aim of this study is to assess the importance of preprocessing operations such as temporal smoothing and computation of phenological metrics on the mapping of main cropping systems (i.e. pasture, single cropping, double cropping and iCL), with a special emphasis on the iCL class. The study area is located in the state of Mato Grosso, an important producer of agriculture commodities located in the Southern Brazilian Amazon. SITS were composed of a set of 16-day composites of MODIS Vegetation Indices (MOD13Q1 product) covering a one year period between 2014 and 2015. Two widely used classifiers, i.e. Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were tested using five data sets issued from a same SITS but with different preprocessing levels: (i) raw NDVI; (ii) raw NDVI + raw EVI; (iii) smoothed NDVI; (iv) NDVI-derived phenometrics; (v) raw NDVI + phenometrics. Both RF and SVM classification results showed that the “raw NDVI + raw EVI” data set achieved the highest performance (RF OA = 0.96, RF Kappa = 0.94, SVM OA = 0.95, SVM Kappa = 0.93), followed closely by the “raw NDVI” and the “raw NDVI + phenometrics” datasets. The “NDVI-derived phenometrics” alone achieved the lowest accuracies (RF OA = 0.58 and SVM OA = 0.66). Considering that the implementation of preprocessing steps is computationally expensive and does not provide significant gains in terms of classification accuracy, we recommend to use raw vegetation indices for mapping cropping practices in Mato Grosso, including the integrated Crop-Livestock systems.

The conversion of CO2 into added value chemicals, materials and fuels is a case of transition from the linear to the cyclic-C economy, a necessary change for stopping the putative negative effect of CO2 on climate and the environment. Several strategies can be implemented for CO2 conversion and their potential and timeframe is discussed in this perspective paper. The overall amount of avoided CO2 is evaluated in the short-, medium-, and long-term. The distinct contribution of Catalysis, Solar Chemistry and integrated Chemocatalysis-Biosystems is discussed.

Com a aplicação de técnicas agroflorestais, a produtividade de estabelecimentos agropecuários e de plantações florestais de diversas dimensões podem se estabilizar, evitando a degradação do solo ou perda de produtividade ao longo dos anos. Já os fatores edafoclimáticos, como luminosidade, temperatura e umidade no solo, também influenciam a manutenção da produção e os sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) por constituírem uma importante estratégia para garantir maior estabilidade dessas condições. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar propriedades físicas e químicas do solo em SAFs considerando a sazonalidade (período seco e chuvoso). O estudo foi realizado em três diferentes sistemas agroflorestais, todos localizados no município de Belterra (PA), por meio da avaliação química, física, da luminosidade e temperatura do solo em relação a variáveis climáticas. Os nutrientes apresentaram, na maior parte do ano, baixos teores no solo (0-20 cm de profundidade), e, em todos os SAFs, a ciclagem de nutrientes ainda não provê a quantidade necessária de nutrientes para a manutenção das necessidades de produção das culturas. O SAF 1 apresentou as maiores porcentagens de argila (24,0%) e o SAF 3, a maior quantidade de areia (89,5%). Os valores de densidade do solo determinados foram abaixo dos limites críticos ao desenvolvimento da vegetação. Observou-se maior umidade do solo em sistemas com teores mais elevados de argila. As condições edáficas foram fortemente influenciadas pelo manejo dos SAFs, pela composição e arranjo das espécies inseridas.

ABSTRACT The objective with this study was to calculate the total cost of maize production and beef cattle in permanent pasture activities in separate production systems (conventional) and integrated systems (maize production plus beef cattle), as well as to verify economic gains explained by the economy of scope. The first step for the development of the research was to obtain field experimental data. Six experimental treatments were studied: corn grain production, beef cattle in permanent pasture, and four integrated systems based on different crop and pasture sowings. The second step consisted in the collection, calculation, and allocation of variable and fixed costs to estimate costs of production in the systems. The crop-livestock integration showed economic gains in relation to conventional systems, which can be explained by the dilution of fixed costs and the presence of shareable inputs, resulting in economy of scope. It was also possible to demonstrate that total unit costs of both crop and livestock were lower in crop-livestock integration, showing that integrated systems resulted in economic benefits as compared with conventional ones.

The sustainable governance and management of small-scale fisheries (SSF) is challenging, largely due to their dynamic and complex nature. Agent-based modeling (ABM) is a computational modeling approach that can account for the dynamism and complexity in SSF by modeling entities as individual agents with different characteristics and behavior, and simulate how their interactions can give rise to emergent phenomena, such as over-fishing and social inequalities. The structurally realistic design of agent-based models allow stakeholders, experts, and scientists across disciplines and sectors to reconcile different knowledge bases, assumptions, and goals. ABMs can also be designed using any combination of theory, quantitative data, or qualitative data. In this publication we elaborate on the untapped potential of ABM to tackle governance and management challenges in SSF, discuss the limitations of ABM, and review its application in published SSF models. Our review shows that, although few models exist to date, ABM has been used for diverse purposes, including as a research tool for understanding cooperation and over-harvesting, and as a decision-support tool, or participatory tool, in case-specific fisheries. Even though the development of ABMs is often time- and resource intensive, it is the only dynamic modeling approach that can represent entities of different types, their heterogeneity, actions, and interactions, thus doing justice to the complex and dynamic nature of SSF which, if ignored can lead to unintended policy outcomes and less sustainable SSF.

Abstract Medical imaging is a vital part of the clinical decision-making process, especially in an oncological setting. Radiology has experienced a great wave of change, and the advent of quantitative imaging has provided a unique opportunity to analyse patient images objectively. Leveraging radiomics and deep learning, there is increased potential for synergy between physicians and computer networks—via computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), computer-aided prediction of response (CARP), and computer-aided biological profiling (CABP). The ongoing digitalization of other specialties further opens the door for even greater multidisciplinary integration. We envision the development of an integrated system composed of an aggregation of sub-systems interoperating with the aim of achieving an overarching functionality (in this case‚ better CAD, CARP, and CABP). This will require close multidisciplinary cooperation among the clinicians, biomedical scientists, and (bio)engineers as well as an administrative framework where the departments will operate not in isolation but in successful harmony. Key Points • The advent of quantitative imaging provides a unique opportunity to analyse patient images objectively. • Radiomics and deep learning allow for a more detailed overview of the tumour (i.e., CAD, CARP, and CABP) from many different perspectives. • As it currently stands, different medical disciplines have developed different stratification methods, primarily based on their own field—often to the exclusion of other departments. • The digitalization of other specialties further opens the door for multidisciplinary integration. • The long-term vision for precision medicine should focus on the development of integration strategies, wherein data derived from the patients themselves (via multiple disciplines) can be used to guide clinical decisions.

Daylight responsive dimming systems have been used in few buildings to date because they require improvements to improve reliability. The key underlying factor contributing to poor performance is the variability of the ratio of the photosensor signal to daylight workplane illuminance in accordance with sun position, sky condition, and fenestration condition. Therefore, this paper describes the integrated systems between automated roller shade systems and daylight responsive dimming systems with an improved closed-loop proportional control algorithm, and the relative performance of the integrated systems and single systems. The concept of the improved closed-loop proportional control algorithm for the integrated systems is to predict the varying correlation of photosensor signal to daylight workplane illuminance according to roller shade height and sky conditions for improvement of the system accuracy. In this study, the performance of the integrated systems with two improved closed-loop proportional control algorithms was compared with that of the current (modified) closed-loop proportional control algorithm. In the results, the average maintenance percentage and the average discrepancies of the target illuminance, as well as the average time under 90percent of target illuminance for the integrated systems significantly improved in comparison with the current closed-loop proportional control algorithm for daylight responsive dimming systems as a single system.

Brazil is one of the few countries in the world that can produce animal products, grains, fibers, and bioenergy in the same area, either in a consortium, rotation, or succession. Our objective was to compare pasture productivity and animal performance in agroforestry systems with grass monoculture in the Brazilian Amazon Biome. The experiment was carried out in Sinop, MT, Brazil, with Nellore steers in a continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with four systems and four replicates. The palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster cv. Marandu] was planted in the four systems: livestock (grass monoculture); livestock–forestry [eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus urograndis; hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake) arranged in three-row groves spaced 30 m apart]; crop–livestock (palisadegrass after two years of crops); and crop–livestock–forestry (palisadegrass after two years of crops with single rows of eucalyptus trees spaced 37 m apart). The herbage accumulation was greater in the systems with the two previous cropping years (crop–livestock and crop–livestock–forestry) than in the livestock and livestock–forestry, in both seasons. In the crop–livestock–forestry, the greatest herbage accumulation associated with the modified microclimate supported the greatest average daily gain (0.750 kg BW day− 1), stocking rate in both seasons, resulting in the greatest gain per area (940 kg BW ha− 1). We conclude that agroforestry systems assure pasture productivity and animal performance similar or greater than livestock (grass monoculture). Furthermore, the combination of two previous crop years and the least tree density optimized the synergy between crop, livestock, and forestry components, improving beef cattle productivity in crop–livestock–forestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to conventional cattle ranching that can be characterized by low biodiversity level and grass monoculture adoption, integrated systems have great potential to improve not only animal welfare but also livestock performance. Among several strategies combining crops, livestock and forestry, silvopastoral systems must be highlighted due to the microclimatic conditions, mainly in tropical countries such as Brazil, where cattle are frequently submitted to unfavorable thermal conditions. However, according to previous studies, shading can potentially worsen parasitism in herds raised in these systems due to more favorable microenvironmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate daily weight gain in Nellore steers in open pasture and in silvopastoral system and its relationship with microclimatic conditions and faecal egg count. A negative correlation (− 0.42677) between nematode egg counts and daily weight gain was found in both systems. Besides, the mean egg counts were equal in the silvopastoral system and in the open pasture. Regarding the effect of seasons over the year, there was an environmental influence on the egg counts, with higher averages during the dry seasons. Haemonchus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum were the genera identified in both systems. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the silvopastoral system was not able to influence the nematode egg counts and daily weight gain in Nellore steers raised in Mato Grosso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clean fuels are the critical requirement for industrialized world to combat emission of greenhouse gas. Hydrogen is one of the cleanest fuels that generates water as a result of combustion. Production of hydrogen from renewable and nonpolluting resources is an imperative task for sustainable clean fuel production. Biological processes provide an opportunity to produce hydrogen from renewable and economical bio-resources like biomass and solar energy through various processes such as direct/indirect photolysis, photo-fermentation, dark-fermentation, and CO gas-fermentation. This paper provides a comprehensive review on biological hydrogen production including organisms, type of substrates and their concentrations, role of chemical addition, operation conditions such as temperature, pH, and agitation, as well as illumination systems in case of light dependent processes. Further discussions in this work comprise various configuration of integrated biological processes of photolysis, dark, and photo-fermentation such as two component and three-component systems. • Presentation of recent progresses on biological hydrogen production processes. • Discussion of challenges on applications of biological hydrogen routes. • Comparisons of various configurations of integrated biohydrogen generation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a low-power fully on-chip tunable amplitude and frequency waveform generator (WFG) is proposed. In the proposed architecture, frequency and amplitude are tuned by varying the currents in the respective branches. The waveform generator is designed and fabricated in the United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) 180-nm CMOS process technology with a 1.8-V supply. It generates a square wave of 50% duty cycle, and the output is symmetric with respect to the common-mode voltage. The measured results show tuning of amplitude from 500 mVpp to 1.15 Vpp and frequency from 50 to 650 kHz approximately. It consumes $620~\mu \text {W}$ of power while occupying 0.03-mm2 silicon area only, making it suitable for low-power integrated system applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind power intermittency represents one of the major challenges facing the future growth of grid-connected wind energy projects. The integration of wind turbines and energy storage systems (ESS) provides a viable approach to mitigate the unfavorable impact on grid stability and power quality. In this study, an economic model predictive control (MPC) framework is presented for an integrated wind turbine and flywheel energy storage system (FESS). The control objective is to smooth wind power output and mitigate tower fatigue load. The optimal control problem within the model predictive control framework has been formulated as a convex optimal control problem with linear dynamics and convex constraints that can be solved globally. The performance of the proposed control algorithm is compared to that of a baseline wind turbine controller. The effect of the proposed control actions on the fatigue loads acting on the tower and blades is investigated. The simulation results, with various wind scenarios, showed the ability of the proposed control algorithm to achieve the aforementioned objectives in terms of smoothing output power and mitigating tower fatigue load with negligible effect on the wind energy harvested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerrado biome is responsible for part of Brazilian food production. However, due to inadequate soil management practices, large areas of crop and forage are degraded, leading to environmental and economic losses. A crop-livestock-forest system (CLFS) is a sustainable production strategy that integrates different cultivations. This objective of this study was to evaluate agronomic characteristics and maize (Zea mayz L.) yield when consorciated with Panicum maximum cv. Tamani, cultivated between rows of eucalypts clones. The statistical design used was randomized blocks, constituted by the following treatments: Maize + AEC 043; Maize + AEC 007; Maize + AEC 2111; and Maize + AEC 2034. The analyzed variables included: spikes length, number of rows, number of grains per row, number of grains per spike, and grain yield. Based on the obtained data, it is possible to conclude that trees did not affect maize yield in a CLFS. Considering that only 60% of the area was used for agriculture, maize yield was higher than when it is planted in total area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of production systems involving the eucalyptus culture on infestation as well as the necessity of controlling its defoliator Glena unipennaria in order to qualify how sustainable integrated production systems are. Adult infestation was evaluated in the following systems: (1) eucalyptus monoculture, (2) agroforestry (grains integrated with eucalyptus), (3) silvopastoral (palisade grass integrated with eucalyptus) and (4) agrosilvopastoral (palisade grass cultivated after grains, both integrated with eucalyptus) production systems. Results showed that adult infestations in integrated systems are significantly lower and different from eucalyptus in monoculture. Consequently, the defoliation rate by caterpillars occurred mainly in monoculture, with greater intensity in the interior of the plot compared to the trees in the edge, suggesting that solar irradiance influences the pest establishment in the field. Besides that, in eucalyptus monoculture, it was necessary to use two sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticides at 1 L ha−1 with a 15-day interval, while in the integrated systems this was not needed due to the low damage caused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different land use systems have been proposed and implemented in the central-west region of Brazil. These new techniques guarantee the recovery of degraded areas and the potentialization use them, and for this reason they have become increasingly frequent, which requires technical knowledge to confirm their viability. The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical and microbiological attributes an area on Red-Yellow Dystrophic Latosol with three crop-livestock-forest integration systems and to compare them with a pasture and native forest area, in two evaluation years. The collections were carried out at a technological reference unit of Embrapa Agrossilvipastoril, in the north of Mato Grosso state. Soil microbiological analyzes were carried out with fumigation-incubation method for microbial biomass carbon determination and its derivatives; serial dilution and incubation in a selective medium for microorganisms cultivable enumeration; incubation in selective substrate and spectrophotometer reading for enzymatic activities; the chemical-physical characteristics followed conventional methodologies of soil analysis. The results indicate that microbiological activities are altered according to the collection period, where the first year shows the highest results for the variables Soil Respiration (RB), Metabolic Quotient (qMet), Total Bacteria, Total Fungi, Actinomycetes, Cellulolytics, β-glycosidase and Acid Phosphatase. The correlation between all variables, collections and management, identified that the total fungi are responsible for the activity of most enzymes, in addition to being influenced by chemical variables: potential acidity, organic matter and cation exchange capacity. The correlation within each year of evaluation showed the enzymes dynamics with respect to the magnesium attribute. It is concluded that there was a greater variation in relation to the harvesting period than in relation to the management adopted. In addition, the chemical condition has a direct correlation with the presence of total fungi and soil enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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