Search Results (15)

Digital supply chains (DSCs) are value-driven and collaborative digital systems designed to generate business value for firms through various innovative technologies. Today, we are witnessing companies transitioning from traditional supply chain models to DSCs through digital technologies. The effective selection of digital suppliers during these digital transformation processes is a strategic research topic. Additionally, factors such as the proliferation of information and communication technologies, globalization, and the pandemic have contributed to the expansion of e-commerce platforms. In this rapid growth phase, identifying the right supplier is crucial for the success of e-commerce sites. This study aims to develop an innovative, integrated, and comprehensive decision-making methodology to assist e-commerce platforms in selecting appropriate suppliers for their DSCs. To achieve this, an extended fuzzy VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is tested, where criteria and alternative evaluations made by decision-makers (DMs) are characterized by interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs). The proposed decision mechanism is tested on the DSS problem of an e-commerce platform specializing in household products. Findings of the application, which uses three experts’ opinion to evaluate four digital suppliers based on the seven criteria, are discussed to help e-commerce sites conduct the DSS process more effectively. Full article

The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) faces obstacles like range anxiety and inadequate charging infrastructure. To address these challenges, dynamic EV-to-EV charging technology has emerged. This innovative method enables one EV with surplus battery to charge another EV while both are in motion. This study focuses on efficiently pairing and routing energy suppliers (ESs) to meet energy requesters (ERs) and transfer energy via platooning. The key objective is to manage the ES fleet effectively, framed as a vehicle routing problem, to maximize profit by serving as many energy requests as possible. We formulate the problem as an integer programming model within a time-space network and propose a local search-based heuristic algorithm designed to efficiently handle large-scale networks. Numerical experiments conducted on Sioux Falls validate the efficacy of our approach, allowing for an assessment of algorithm performance under realistic large-scale conditions. The findings illustrate enhancements in ER travel time and energy overhead, alongside maximized profits for ESs. Full article

In modern society, the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) is continuously increasing, presenting new challenges that necessitate integration with smart grids. The operational data from electric vehicles are voluminous, and the secure storage and management of these data are crucial for the efficient operation of the power grid. This paper proposes a novel system that utilizes blockchain technology to securely store and manage the black box data of electric vehicles. By leveraging the core characteristics of blockchain—immutability and transparency—the system records the operational data of electric vehicles and uses federated learning (FL) to predict their energy consumption based on these data. This approach allows the balanced management of the power grid’s load, optimization of energy supply, and maintenance of grid stability while reducing costs. Additionally, the paper implements a searchable black box data storage system using a public blockchain, which offers cost efficiency and robust anonymity, thereby enhancing convenience for electric vehicle users and strengthening the stability of the power grid. This research presents an innovative approach to the integration of electric vehicles and smart grids, exploring ways to enhance the stability and energy efficiency of the power grid. The proposed system has been validated through real data and simulations, demonstrating its effectiveness and performance in managing black box data and predicting energy consumption, thereby improving the efficiency and stability of the power grid. This system is expected to empower electric vehicle users with data ownership and provide power suppliers with more accurate energy demand predictions, promoting sustainable energy consumption and efficient power grid operations. Full article

For skin health promotion and cosmetic applications, combinations of plant cell extracts are extensively utilized. As most natural ingredient suppliers offer crude extracts from individual plants or specific isolated compounds, the potential interactions between them are assessed in the development phase of cosmetic products. The industry seeks extract combinations that have undergone optimization and scrutiny for their bioactivities. This study presents a combination of two sustainably produced botanical ingredients and outlines their chemical composition, in vitro safety, and bioactivity for skin health enhancement. The amalgamation comprises the extract of Matricaria recutita processing waste and the extract from Juniperus communis callus culture. Chemical analysis revealed distinct compounds within the extracts, and their combination led to a broader array of potentially synergistic compounds. In vitro assessments on skin cells demonstrated that the combination possesses robust antioxidant properties and the ability to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation, along with regulating collagen type I and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) production by dermal fibroblasts. The identified traits of this combination render it an appealing cosmetic component. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first case when the extracts derived from medicinal plant processing waste and biotechnological plant cell cultivation processes have been combined and evaluated for their bioactivity. Full article

In research of a better description for information uncertainty, Z-numbers, which are related to both the objective information and the subjective criticism, were first conceptualized by Zadeh. Because of its neologism, there have been multitudinous attempts toward continuation and expansion of the prototype. In this paper, we mainly study varieties of theoretical preparations for classical Z-numbers and derive the maximum expected linear programming model of Z-numbers, which are constructed on the basis of reliability conversion factors and proliferation on applications due to their simplicity. Firstly, by means of transforming Z-numbers into LR fuzzy intervals through their reliability variable, the credibility distribution and inverse distribution of converted Z-numbers are stated precisely. Then, the operational law of independent variables and its expected value can be derived via credibility distribution. The maximum expected Z-number linear programming model is determined on the basis of previous theoretical preparations, and it transforms from a classical Z-number chance-constrained model into a crisp one. Finally, with the aim of improving the programming method, its application in pragmatic practice with the realistic examples of a supplier section and optimal portfolio problems are enumerated to interpret the effectiveness of our model. Full article

In addition to their standard inorganic phosphate (Pi) nutritional function, Pi transporters have additional roles in several cells, including Pi sensing (the so-called transceptor) and a crucial role in Pi metabolism, where they control several phenotypes, such as virulence in pathogens and tumour aggressiveness in cancer cells. Thus, intracellular Pi concentration should be tightly regulated by the fine control of intake and storage in organelles. Pi transporters are classified into two groups: the Pi transporter (PiT) family, also known as the Pi:Na⁺ symporter family; and the Pi:H⁺ symporter (PHS) family. Highly proliferative cells, such as protozoan parasites and cancer cells, rely on aerobic glycolysis to support the rapid generation of biomass, which is equated with the well-known Warburg effect in cancer cells. In protozoan parasite cells, Pi transporters are strongly associated with cell proliferation, possibly through their action as intracellular Pi suppliers for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity. Similarly, the growth rate hypothesis (GRH) proposes that the high Pi demands of tumours when achieving accelerated proliferation are mainly due to increased allocation to P-rich nucleic acids. The purpose of this review was to highlight recent advances in understanding the role of Pi transporters in unicellular eukaryotes and tumorigenic cells, correlating these roles with metabolism in these cells. Full article

In this paper, we validate PREDIS, a decision support system for disaster management using serious games to collect experts’ judgments on its performance. PREDIS is a model for DISaster response supplier selection (PREDIS). It has a PREDictive component (PRED) for predicting the disaster human impact and an estimation component to Estimate the DISaster (EDIS) needs to optimise supplier-based resource allocation. A quasi-experiment design embedded in a participatory simulation game is conducted to compare the opinions of equal samples of 22 experts and non-experts. The following questions are put forward. First, “Does PREDIS model assists the decision makers to make the same decisions faster?” Second, “Does the PREDIS model assist the non-experts as simulated decision makers to decide like an expert?” Using AHP weights of decision makers’ preferences as well as Borda counts, the decisions are compared. The result shows that PREDIS helps to reduce the decision-making time by experts and non-experts to 6 h after the disaster strike, instead of the usual 72 h. It also assists 71% of the non-experts to make decisions similar to those made by experts. In summary, the PREDIS model has two major capabilities. It enables the experts and non-experts to predict the disaster results immediately using widely available data. It also enables the non-experts to decide almost the same as the experts; either in predicting the human impact of a disaster and estimating the needs or in selecting suitable suppliers. Full article

The rush of the humanitarian suppliers into the disaster area proved to be counter-productive. To reduce this proliferation problem, the present research is designed to provide a technique for supplier ranking/selection in disaster response using the principles of utility theory. A resource allocation problem is solved using optimisation based on decision maker’s preferences. Due to the lack of real-time data in the first 72 h after the disaster strike, a Decision Support System (DSS) framework called EDIS is introduced to employ secondary historical data from disaster response in four humanitarian clusters (WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Nutrition, Health, and Shelter) to estimate the demand of the affected population. A methodology based on multi-attribute decision-making (MADM), Analytical Hierarchy processing (AHP) and Multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT) provides the following results. First a need estimation technique is put forward to estimate minimum standard requirements for disaster response. Second, a method for optimization of the humanitarian partners selection is provided based on the resources they have available during the response phase. Third, an estimate of resource allocation is provided based on the preferences of the decision makers. This method does not require real-time data from the aftermath of the disasters and provides the need estimation, partner selection and resource allocation based on historical data before the MIRA report is released. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFB) and human gingival keratinocytes (HGKC) towards different dental implant abutment materials. Methods: Five materials were investigated: (1) titanium (Ti), (2) titanium nitride (TiN), (3) cobalt-chromium (CoCr), (4) zirconia (ZrO₂), and (5) modified polyether ether ketone (m-PEEK). Both cell lines were cultured, expanded, and seeded in accordance with the protocol of their supplier. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were evaluated at days 1, 3, 5, and 10 using colourimetric viability and cytotoxicity assays. Data were analysed via two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05 for all tests). Results: There was a statistically significant difference in cell proliferation of HGKC and HGFB cells in contact with different abutment materials at different time points, with no significant interaction between different materials. There was a significant effect on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity with different exposure times (p < 0.0001) for each material. Cell proliferation rates were comparable for both cell lines at the beginning of the study, however, HGFB showed higher proliferation rates for all materials at day 10 with better proliferation activities with ZrO and m-PEEK (40.27%) and (48.38%) respectively. HGKC showed significant interactions (p < 0.0001) in cytotoxicity between different materials. Conclusion: The present in vitro assessment investigated the biocompatibility of different abutment materials with soft tissue cells (HGFB and HGKC). The findings suggest that m-PEEK and TiN are biologically compatible materials with human cells that represent the soft tissue and can be considered as alternative implant abutment materials to Ti and ZrO₂, especially when the aesthetic is of concern. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate human osteoblast (HOB) responses towards different degrees of titanium (Ti) implant surface roughness. Methods: Four degrees of Ti surface roughness were investigated on a micrometer roughness scale: smooth (S: 0.08–0.1 µm), minimally rough (MM: 0.3–0.5 µm), moderately rough (MR: 1.2–1.4 µm), and rough (R: 3.3–3.7 µm). HOB cells were cultured, expanded, and maintained according to the supplier’s protocol. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity were assessed at day 1, 3, 5, and 10 using alamarBlue and lactate dehydrogenase colorimetric assays. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc test (p = 0.05 for all tests). Results: There was no significant difference in the cell proliferation or cytotoxicity of the HOB cells in contact with the different degrees of Ti surface roughness. There was, however, a significant time effect on cell proliferation (p < 0.0001) with different exposure durations for each roughness degree. Furthermore, a positive correlation (non-significant) between proliferation and cytotoxicity was observed for all investigated degrees of surface roughness. Conclusion: All investigated roughness degrees showed comparable HOB proliferation, with the MR surface presenting the highest percentage, followed by the R, MM, ad S, surfaces, respectively. The S surface showed the highest cytotoxic effect on HOBs; however, it did not reach the cytotoxic level suggested by the ISO for any medical device to be considered cytotoxic. Full article

In the deregulated electricity markets, trading prices are determined by the offer-demand mechanism, and retail consumers can negotiate tariffs with their supplier of choice. For classic wholesale suppliers, the tariffs are determined by the prices of transactions performed on the wholesale market. In parallel with becoming eligible for participating in the market, the consumers use increasingly local generation sources based mostly on renewable electricity generation equipment such as Photovoltaic (PV) panels, and become prosumers. They want to be able to sell back to the market the generation surplus, in order to obtain the maximum benefits from their initial investment. This paper proposes a two-tier local market model oriented for prosumers and consumers connected in microgrids, based on the blockchain technologies and other technologies and concepts such as smart grids, crowdsourcing and energy poverty. Its goals are to improve the possibilities of local prosumers to sell electricity to local consumers and to increase their profitability, compared to the trading model often used in developing markets, of selling the surplus back to the grid via aggregators. The research aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the electricity sector using new and renewable sources of energy, state-of the art technologies and smart contracts, leading to prosumer proliferation and electricity cost reduction for consumers. Full article

Each follicle represents the basic functional unit of the ovary. From its very initial stage of development, the follicle consists of an oocyte surrounded by somatic cells. The oocyte grows and matures to become fertilizable and the somatic cells proliferate and differentiate into the major suppliers of steroid sex hormones as well as generators of other local regulators. The process by which a follicle forms, proceeds through several growing stages, develops to eventually release the mature oocyte, and turns into a corpus luteum (CL) is known as “folliculogenesis”. The task of this review is to define the different stages of folliculogenesis culminating at ovulation and CL formation, and to summarize the most recent information regarding the newly identified factors that regulate the specific stages of this highly intricated process. This information comprises of either novel regulators involved in ovarian biology, such as Ube2i, Phoenixin/GPR73, C1QTNF, and α-SNAP, or recently identified members of signaling pathways previously reported in this context, namely PKB/Akt, HIPPO, and Notch. Full article

Fetal calf serum (FCS) is frequently used as a growth factor and protein source in bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (BMSC) culture media, although it is a xenogenic product presenting multiple disadvantages including but not limited to ethical concerns. A promising alternative for FCS is human platelet lysate (hPL), which is produced out of human platelet concentrates and happens to be a stable and reliable protein source. In this study, we investigated the influence of hPL in an expansion medium (ESM) and an osteogenic differentiation medium (ODM) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity of human BMSC. Therefore, we assessed population doublings during cell expansion, performed alizarin red staining to evaluate the calcium content in the extracellular matrix and determined the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as osteogenic differentiation correlates. The proliferation rate of BMSC cultured in ESM supplemented with hPL exceeded the proliferation rate of BMSC cultured in the presence of FCS. Furthermore, the calcium content and ALP activity was significantly higher in samples incubated in hPL-supplemented ODM, especially in the early phases of differentiation. Our results show that hPL can replace FCS as a protein supplier in cell culture media and does not negatively affect the osteogenic differentiation capacity of BMSC. Full article

The rapid proliferation of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) now affords the opportunity to schedule the operation of widely distributed domestic refrigerator and freezers to collectively improve energy efficiency and reduce peak power consumption on the electrical grid. To accomplish this, the paper proposes the real-time estimation of the thermal mass of each refrigerator in a network using on-line parameter identification, and the co-ordinated (ON-OFF) scheduling of the refrigerator compressors to maintain their respective temperatures within specified hysteresis bands commensurate with accommodating food safety standards. A custom model predictive control (MPC) scheme is devised using binary quadratic programming to realize the scheduling methodology which is implemented through IoT hardware (based on a NodeMCU). Benefits afforded by the proposed scheme are investigated through experimental trials which show that the co-ordinated operation of domestic refrigerators can i) reduce the peak power consumption as seen from the perspective of the electrical power grid (i.e., peak load levelling), ii) can adaptively control the temperature hysteresis band of individual refrigerators to increase operational efficiency, and iii) contribute to a widely distributed aggregated load shed for demand side response purposes in order to aid grid stability. Importantly, the number of compressor starts per hour for each refrigerator is also bounded as an inherent design feature of the algorithm so as not to operationally overstress the compressors and reduce their lifetime. Experimental trials show that such co-ordinated operation of refrigerators can reduce energy consumption by ~30% whilst also providing peak load levelling, thereby affording benefits to both individual consumers as well as electrical network suppliers. Full article

One of primary challenges for ensuring effective and efficient functions of the multilateral nuclear approaches (MNA) to nuclear fuel cycle facilities is harmonization between a MNA framework and existing nuclear cooperation agreements (NCA). A method to achieve such harmonization is to construct a MNA framework with robust non-proliferation characteristics, in order to obtain supplier states’, especially the US’s prior consents for non-supplier states’ certain activities including spent fuel reprocessing, plutonium storages and retransfers of plutonium originated in NCAs. Such robust characteristics can be accomplished by MNA member states’ compliances with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards, regional safeguards agreements, international conventions, guidelines and recommendations on nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear security, safety, and export control. Those provisions are to be incorporated into an MNA founding agreement, as requirements to be MNA members in relation to NCAs. Furthermore, if an MNA facility is, (1) owned and operated jointly by all MNA member states, (2) able to conclude bilateral NCAs with non-MNA/supplier states as a single legal entity representing its all member states like an international organization, and (3) able to obtain necessary prior consents, stable, smooth, and timely supplies of nuclear fuel and services can be assured among MNA member states. In this paper, the authors will set out a general MNA framework and then apply it to a specific example of Europe Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and then consider its applicability to the Asian region, where an establishment of an MNA framework is expected to be explored. Full article