A review on plasma-based CO_(2) utilization:process considerations in the development of sustainable chemical production

Plasma-based processes,particularly in carbon capture and utilization,hold great potential for addressing environmental challenges and advancing a circular carbon economy.While significant progress has been made in understanding plasma-induced reactions,plasma-catalyst interactions,and reactor development to enhance energy efficiency and conversion,there remains a notable gap in research concerning overall process development.This review emphasizes the critical need for considerations at the process level,including integration and intensification,to facilitate the industrialization of plasma technology for chemical production.Discussions centered on the development of plasma-based processes are made with a primary focus on CO_(2) conversion,offering insights to guide future work for the transition of the technology from laboratory scale to industrial applications.Identification of current research gaps,especially in upscaling and integrating plasma reactors with other process units,is the key to addressing critical issues.The review further delves into relevant research in process evaluation and assessment,providing methodological insights and highlighting key factors for comprehensive economic and sustainability analyses.Additionally,recent advancements in novel plasma systems are reviewed,presenting unique advantages and innovative concepts that could reshape the future of process development.This review provides essential information for navigating the path forward,ensuring a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities in the development of plasma-based CCU process.

Application of modified discontinuous deformation analysis to dynamic modelling of the Baige landslide in the Jinsha River

Accurate dynamic modeling of landslides could help understand the movement mechanisms and guide disaster mitigation and prevention.Discontinuous deformation analysis(DDA)is an effective approach for investigating landslides.However,DDA fails to accurately capture the degradation in shear strength of rock joints commonly observed in high-speed landslides.In this study,DDA is modified by incorporating simplified joint shear strength degradation.Based on the modified DDA,the kinematics of the Baige landslide that occurred along the Jinsha River in China on 10 October 2018 are reproduced.The violent starting velocity of the landslide is considered explicitly.Three cases with different violent starting velocities are investigated to show their effect on the landslide movement process.Subsequently,the landslide movement process and the final accumulation characteristics are analyzed from multiple perspectives.The results show that the violent starting velocity affects the landslide motion characteristics,which is found to be about 4 m/s in the Baige landslide.The movement process of the Baige landslide involves four stages:initiation,high-speed sliding,impact-climbing,low-speed motion and accumulation.The accumulation states of sliding masses in different zones are different,which essentially corresponds to reality.The research results suggest that the modified DDA is applicable to similar high-level rock landslides.

Unlocking the Potential:A Comprehensive Systematic Review of ChatGPT in Natural Language Processing Tasks

As Natural Language Processing(NLP)continues to advance,driven by the emergence of sophisticated large language models such as ChatGPT,there has been a notable growth in research activity.This rapid uptake reflects increasing interest in the field and induces critical inquiries into ChatGPT’s applicability in the NLP domain.This review paper systematically investigates the role of ChatGPT in diverse NLP tasks,including information extraction,Name Entity Recognition(NER),event extraction,relation extraction,Part of Speech(PoS)tagging,text classification,sentiment analysis,emotion recognition and text annotation.The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis of the existing literature,addressing a critical gap in understanding ChatGPT’s adaptability,limitations,and optimal application.In this paper,we employed a systematic stepwise approach following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)framework to direct our search process and seek relevant studies.Our review reveals ChatGPT’s significant potential in enhancing various NLP tasks.Its adaptability in information extraction tasks,sentiment analysis,and text classification showcases its ability to comprehend diverse contexts and extract meaningful details.Additionally,ChatGPT’s flexibility in annotation tasks reducesmanual efforts and accelerates the annotation process,making it a valuable asset in NLP development and research.Furthermore,GPT-4 and prompt engineering emerge as a complementary mechanism,empowering users to guide the model and enhance overall accuracy.Despite its promising potential,challenges persist.The performance of ChatGP Tneeds tobe testedusingmore extensivedatasets anddiversedata structures.Subsequently,its limitations in handling domain-specific language and the need for fine-tuning in specific applications highlight the importance of further investigations to address these issues.

Application of Choquet Integral-Importance-Performance Analysis and TOPSIS Methods in Approaching the Preference Factors of Calligraphy and Seal Engraving Imagery

Classical Chinese characters,presented through calligraphy,seal engraving,or painting,can exhibit different aesthetics and essences of Chinese characters,making them the most important asset of the Chinese people.Calligraphy and seal engraving,as two closely related systems in traditional Chinese art,have developed through the ages.Due to changes in lifestyle and advancements in modern technology,their original functions of daily writing and verification have gradually diminished.Instead,they have increasingly played a significant role in commercial art.This study utilizes the Evaluation Grid Method(EGM)and the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)to research the key preference factors in the application of calligraphy and seal engraving imagery.Different from the traditional 5-point equal interval semantic questionnaire,this study employs a non-equal interval semantic questionnaire with a golden ratio scale,distinguishing the importance ratio of adjacent semantic meanings and highlighting the weighted emphasis on visual aesthetics.Additionally,the study uses Importance-Performance Analysis(IPA)and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS)to obtain the key preference sequence of calligraphy and seal engraving culture.Plus,the Choquet integral comprehensive evaluation is used as a reference for IPA comparison.It is hoped that this study can provide cultural imagery references and research methods,injecting further creativity into industrial design.

Flexible Fixture Design for the Top and End Surface Processing of NP2_NP4 Cylinder Heads

This paper focuses on the design of fixtures for NP2 and NP4 cylinder heads on a horizontal machining center of flexible machining automatic lines.It began with an analysis of the diagrams of part processing and working procedure which formed the basis for the design of the processing technology scheme,a selection of suitable machine tools,and the setting of processing parameters.Fixtures tailored to the chosen machine tools were then designed to meet the processing requirements.Additional aspects of the project included the design of part drawings,calculation of working time quota,design of auxiliary guides,support clamping,and hydraulic circuits,all aimed at fulfilling practical production requirements.

Analysis of Characteristic and Causes of a Strong Cooling Process in China in the Early Winter of 2020/2021

The characteristics and causes of a drop in temperature during a cold wave process in the early winter of 2020/2021 were analyzed.The results show that the air temperature at 700-600 hPa over China was firstly and mostly influenced by the cold wave process,and then the cold air gradually extended to the lower layer,causing the most severe cooling in North China and its nearby areas.During the cold wave,the longitude of the upper-level jet over the Chinese mainland was larger;the Ural blocking high and the East Asian trough were stronger,so that the geopotential height gradient between the two was also significantly larger;the meridional air flow was abnormally strong,which was conducive to the southward transport of cold air from the middle and high latitudes.Results of the diagnostic analysis further show that the outbreak of the cold wave and the negative temperature tendency anomaly in the key area were mainly caused by the meridional temperature horizontal advection anomaly,while the temperature rise accompanied by abnormal air subsidence compensated for the abnormal decrease in temperature,which was conducive to the gradual rise of temperature in the key area.

Impact of climate and human activity on NDVI of various vegetation types in the Three-River Source Region, China

The Three-River Source Region(TRSR)in China holds a vital position and exhibits an irreplaceable strategic importance in ecological preservation at the national level.On the basis of an in-depth study of the vegetation evolution in the TRSR from 2000 to 2022,we conducted a detailed analysis of the feedback mechanism of vegetation growth to climate change and human activity for different vegetation types.During the growing season,the spatiotemporal variations of normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI)for different vegetation types in the TRSR were analyzed using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer(MODIS)-NDVI data and meteorological data from 2000 to 2022.In addition,the response characteristics of vegetation to temperature,precipitation,and human activity were assessed using trend analysis,partial correlation analysis,and residual analysis.Results indicated that,after in-depth research,from 2000 to 2022,the TRSR's average NDVI during the growing season was 0.3482.The preliminary ranking of the average NDVI for different vegetation types was as follows:shrubland(0.5762)>forest(0.5443)>meadow(0.4219)>highland vegetation(0.2223)>steppe(0.2159).The NDVI during the growing season exhibited a fluctuating growth trend,with an average growth rate of 0.0018/10a(P<0.01).Notably,forests displayed a significant development trend throughout the growing season,possessing the fastest rate of change in NDVI(0.0028/10a).Moreover,the upward trends in NDVI for forests and steppes exhibited extensive spatial distributions,with significant increases accounting for 95.23%and 93.80%,respectively.The sensitivity to precipitation was significantly enhanced in other vegetation types other than highland vegetation.By contrast,steppes,meadows,and highland vegetation demonstrated relatively high vulnerability to temperature fluctuations.A further detailed analysis revealed that climate change had a significant positive impact on the TRSR from 2000 to 2022,particularly in its northwestern areas,accounting for 85.05%of the total area.Meanwhile,human activity played a notable positive role in the southwestern and southeastern areas of the TRSR,covering 62.65%of the total area.Therefore,climate change had a significantly higher impact on NDVI during the growing season in the TRSR than human activity.

Evaluation of periglacial landforms and formation of soil properties on the Mount Honaz,SW Türkiye

The main aim of this study is to explain periglacial processes on the summits of Mount Honaz(2571 m a.s.l.),define periglacial landforms,and determine the relationships between morphometric features and topographic factors.Mud circles,stony earth circles,non sorted steps,and non sorted stripes were identified on the summits of Mount Honaz.Pearson's correlation coefficient(r)and linear regression analyses were performed by taking metric measurements from 125 periglacial landforms to describe their morphometric features(length,width,height)of periglacial landforms and explain the relationships between them and topographic factors(elevation,slope).To explain the relationships between periglacial landforms and soil properties,soil samples from 11 periglacial landforms were taken and analysed.Periglacial landforms,which continue to develop on the summits of Mount Honaz today,have been evaluated with present climate data.Analysis of soil samples indicates a notable impact of parent material on the genesis of periglacial landforms.The high ratio of organic matter in mud circle and non sorted step landforms and the high lime ratio in stony earth circle landforms prove a strong relationship between the formation mechanisms of landforms and the soil properties.Furthermore,it is consistent with the findings obtained from the analysis that severe periglacial processes and washing and scavenging events are experienced more on the northern slopes.

Study Progress Analysis of Effluent Quality Prediction in Activated Sludge Process Based on CiteSpace

In this paper, CiteSpace, a bibliometrics software, was adopted to collect research papers published on the Web of Science, which are relevant to biological model and effluent quality prediction in activated sludge process in the wastewater treatment. By the way of trend map, keyword knowledge map, and co-cited knowledge map, specific visualization analysis and identification of the authors, institutions and regions were concluded. Furthermore, the topics and hotspots of water quality prediction in activated sludge process through the literature-co-citation-based cluster analysis and literature citation burst analysis were also determined, which not only reflected the historical evolution progress to a certain extent, but also provided the direction and insight of the knowledge structure of water quality prediction and activated sludge process for future research.

Sentiment Analysis of Low-Resource Language Literature Using Data Processing and Deep Learning

Sentiment analysis, a crucial task in discerning emotional tones within the text, plays a pivotal role in understandingpublic opinion and user sentiment across diverse languages.While numerous scholars conduct sentiment analysisin widely spoken languages such as English, Chinese, Arabic, Roman Arabic, and more, we come to grapplingwith resource-poor languages like Urdu literature which becomes a challenge. Urdu is a uniquely crafted language,characterized by a script that amalgamates elements from diverse languages, including Arabic, Parsi, Pashtu,Turkish, Punjabi, Saraiki, and more. As Urdu literature, characterized by distinct character sets and linguisticfeatures, presents an additional hurdle due to the lack of accessible datasets, rendering sentiment analysis aformidable undertaking. The limited availability of resources has fueled increased interest among researchers,prompting a deeper exploration into Urdu sentiment analysis. This research is dedicated to Urdu languagesentiment analysis, employing sophisticated deep learning models on an extensive dataset categorized into fivelabels: Positive, Negative, Neutral, Mixed, and Ambiguous. The primary objective is to discern sentiments andemotions within the Urdu language, despite the absence of well-curated datasets. To tackle this challenge, theinitial step involves the creation of a comprehensive Urdu dataset by aggregating data from various sources such asnewspapers, articles, and socialmedia comments. Subsequent to this data collection, a thorough process of cleaningand preprocessing is implemented to ensure the quality of the data. The study leverages two well-known deeplearningmodels, namely Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), for bothtraining and evaluating sentiment analysis performance. Additionally, the study explores hyperparameter tuning tooptimize the models’ efficacy. Evaluation metrics such as precision, recall, and the F1-score are employed to assessthe effectiveness of the models. The research findings reveal that RNN surpasses CNN in Urdu sentiment analysis,gaining a significantly higher accuracy rate of 91%. This result accentuates the exceptional performance of RNN,solidifying its status as a compelling option for conducting sentiment analysis tasks in the Urdu language.

On the Relation Between Symmetry of Radio Galaxies and Their Physical Parameters

Gravity as a fundamental force plays a dominant role in the formation and evolution of cosmic objects and leaves its effect in the emergence of symmetric and asymmetric structures.Thus,analyzing the symmetry criteria allows us to uncover mechanisms behind the gravity interaction and understand the underlying physical processes that contribute to the formation of large-scale structures such as galaxies.We use a segmentation process using intensity thresholding and the k-means clustering algorithm to analyze radio galaxy images.We employ a symmetry criterion and explore the relation between morphological symmetry in radio maps and host galaxy properties.Optical properties(stellar mass,black hole mass,optical size(R_(50)),concentration,stellar mass surface density(μ_(50)),and stellar age)and radio properties(radio flux density,radio luminosity,and radio size)are considered.We found that there is a correlation between symmetry and radio size,indicating larger radio sources have smaller symmetry indices.Therefore,size of radio sources should be considered in any investigation of symmetry.Weak correlations are also observed with other properties,such as R_(50)for FRI galaxies and stellar age.We compare the symmetry differences between FRI and FRII radio galaxies.FRII galaxies show higher symmetry in 1.4 GHz and 150 MHz maps.Investigating the influence of radio source sizes,we discovered that this result is independent of the sizes of radio sources.These findings contribute to our understanding of the morphological properties and analyses of radio galaxies.

Colorectal cancer’s burden attributable to a diet high in processed meat in the Belt and Road Initiative countries

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)plays a significant role in morbidity,mortality,and economic cost in the Belt and Road Initiative(“B and R”)countries.In addition,these countries have a substantial consumption of processed meat.However,the burden and trend of CRC in relation to the consumption of a diet high in processed meat(DHPM-CRC)in these“B and R”countries remain unknown.AIM To analyze the burden and trend of DHPM-CRC in the“B and R”countries from 1990 to 2019.METHODS We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study to collate information regarding the burden of DHPM-CRC.Numbers and age-standardized rates(ASRs)of deaths along with the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were determined among the“B and R”countries in 1990 and 2019.Using joinpoint regression analysis,the average annual percent change(AAPC)was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDALR)from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade(2010–2019).RESULTS We found geographical differences in the burden of DHPM-CRC among“B and R”countries,with the three highest-ranking countries being the Russian Federation,China,and Ukraine in 1990,and China,the Russian Federation,and Poland in 2019.The burden of DHPM-CRC generally increased in most member countries from 1990 to 2019(all P<0.05).The absolute number of deaths and DALYs in DHPM-CRC were 3151.15[95%uncertainty interval(UI)665.74-5696.64]and 83249.31(95%UI 15628.64-151956.31)in China in 2019.However,the number of deaths(2627.57-2528.51)and DALYs(65867.39-55378.65)for DHPM-CRC in the Russian Federation has declined.The fastest increase in ASDALR for DHPM-CRC was observed in Vietnam,Southeast Asia,with an AAPC value of 3.90%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.63%-4.16%],whereas the fastest decline was observed in Kyrgyzstan,Central Asia,with an AAPC value of-2.05%(95%CI:-2.37%to-1.73%).A substantial upward trend in ASR of mortality,years lived with disability,years of life lost,and DALYs from DHPM-CRC changes in 1990-2019 and the final decade(2010-2019)for most Maritime Silk Route members in East Asia,South Asia,Southeast Asia,North Africa,and the Middle East,as well as Central Europe,while those of the most Land Silk Route members in Central Asia and Eastern Europe have decreased markedly(all P<0.05).The ASDALR for DHPM-CRC increased more in males than in females(all P<0.05).For those aged 50-74 years,the ASDALR for DHPM-CRC in 40 members exhibited an increasing trend,except for 20 members,including 7 members in Central Asia,Maldives,and 12 high or high-middle social development index(SDI)members in other regions(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The burden of DHPM-CRC varies substantially across“B and R”countries and threatens public health.Relevant evidence-based policies and interventions tailored to the different trends of countries in SDIs or Silk Routes should be adopted to reduce the future burden of CRC in“B and R”countries via extensive collaboration.

Development of a Web-Based GIS of Flood Zones in the Municipality of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso

This document describes the creation of an informative Web GIS aimed at mitigating the impacts of flooding in the municipality of Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso, a region that is highly sensitive to climate change. Burkina Faso, which is undergoing rapid urbanization, faces major natural threats, particularly flooding, as demonstrated by the severe floods of 2009 that caused loss of life, injury, structural damage and economic losses in Ouagadougou. The aim of this research is to develop a web map highlighting the municipality’s flood-prone areas, with a view to informing and raising awareness of flood risk reduction. Using the Leaflet JavaScript mapping library, the study uses HTML, CSS and JavaScript to implement web mapping technology. Data on Ouagadougou’s flood zones is generated by a multi-criteria analysis combining Saaty’s AHP method and GIS in QGIS, integrating seven (7) parameters including hydrography, altitude, slope, rainfall, soil types, land use and soil moisture index. QGIS processes and maps the themes, PostgreSQL with PostGIS serves as the DBMS and GeoServer functions as the map server. The Web GIS platform allows users to visualize the different flood risks, from very low to very high, or the high-risk areas specific to Ouagadougou. The AHP calculations classify the municipality into five flood vulnerability zones: very low (24.48%), low (27.93%), medium (23.01%), high (17.11%) and very high (7.47%). Effective risk management requires communication and awareness-raising. This online mapping application serves as a tool for communication, management and flood prevention in Ouagadougou, helping to mitigate flood-related natural disasters.

A New Method of Frequency Fluctuation Estimation and IPS Processing Results Based on the Downlink Signal of Tianwen-1

The radio-occultation observations taken by Tianwen-1 are aiming to study the properties of solar wind.A new method of frequency fluctuation(FF)estimation is presented for processing the down-link signals of Tianwen-1 during the occultation period to study the properties of the coronal plasma at the heliocentric distances of 4.48–19 R_(⊙).Because of low S/N as well as the phase fluctuation phenomena caused by solar activity,a Kalman based on polynomial prediction methods is proposed to avoid the phase locked loop loss lock.A new detrend method based on multi-level iteration correction is proposed to estimate Doppler shift to get more accurate power density spectra of FF in the low frequency region.The data analyze procedure is used to get the properties of the solar corona during the occultation.The method was finally verified at the point when the solar offset is 5.7 R_(⊙),frequency tracking was successfully performed on data with a carrier-to-noise ratio of about 28 dBHz.The density spectra obtained by the improved method are basically the same when the frequency is greater than 2 mHz,the uncertainty in the result of the rms of the FF obtained by removing the trend term with different order polynomials is less than 3.3%.The data without eliminating interference show a large error for different detrending orders,which justifies the need for an improved approach.Finally,the frequency fluctuation results combined with the information on intensity fluctuation obtained by the new method are compared with the results of the integrated Space Weather Analysis system and theoretical formula,which verifies that the processing results in this paper have a certain degree of credibility.

A Comparative Analysis of the New -3(-n) - 1 Remer Conjecture and a Proof of the 3n + 1 Collatz Conjecture

This scientific paper is a comparative analysis of two mathematical conjectures. The newly proposed -3(-n) - 1 Remer conjecture and how it is related to and a proof of the more well known 3n + 1 Collatz conjecture. An overview of both conjectures and their respective iterative processes will be presented. Showcasing their unique properties and behavior to each other. Through a detailed comparison, we highlight the similarities and differences between these two conjectures and discuss their significance in the field of mathematics. And how they prove each other to be true.

The Analysis of Chapter One of Pride and Prejudice——Via Material Processes and Relational Processes

This paper, based on the material processes and relational processes, aims to analysis the deep meaning of chapter one of Pride and Prejudice. The relevant theories will come first in this paper. I will then analyze this extract from three aspects: the analysis of the objective plane of narration, the analysis of Mrs. Bennet' s discourse and the analysis of Mr. Bennet' s discourse.

Analysis of a Cold Wave Weather Process in Chengdu in March 2010

[Objective] The aim was to analyze one cold wave weather process in Chengdu in March in 2010.[Method] Based on the NCEP 1°×1° 6 h interval reanalysis data and daily observation data,using synoptic analysis and diagnosis methods,and combining with the cold wave forecast index in spring of Sichuan,a cold wave event covering the whole region between March 21 and 24,2010 was analyzed from the aspects of circulation background,influencing weather systems and weather causation.[Result] Results showed that the 500 high-altitude cold vortex,700-850 hPa low layer shear,and ground cold front were the main systems that influenced this cold wave;there was a ridge from Lake Balkhash across Lake Baikal at 500 hPa.The early stage of the process was controlled by the high pressure ridge and the temperature was increasing obviously.The daily mean temperature was high.The range of cold high pressure was large and the central intensity was 1 043.0 hPa;the cold air was strong and deep which was in accordance with the strong surface temperature reduction center.The strong north airstream of Lake Balkhash to Lake Baikal,ground cold high pressure center intensity changes,north and south ocean pressure and temperature differences,850 hPa temperature changes,cold advection movement route and intensity were considered as reference factors for the forecast of cold wave intensity.[Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for improving the forecast ability of cold wave weather.

The State-of-the-Art Review on Applications of Intrusive Sensing,Image Processing Techniques,and Machine Learning Methods in Pavement Monitoring and Analysis

In modern transportation,pavement is one of the most important civil infrastructures for the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.Pavement service quality and service life are of great importance for civil engineers as they directly affect the regular service for the users.Therefore,monitoring the health status of pavement before irreversible damage occurs is essential for timely maintenance,which in turn ensures public transportation safety.Many pavement damages can be detected and analyzed by monitoring the structure dynamic responses and evaluating road surface conditions.Advanced technologies can be employed for the collection and analysis of such data,including various intrusive sensing techniques,image processing techniques,and machine learning methods.This review summarizes the state-ofthe-art of these three technologies in pavement engineering in recent years and suggests possible developments for future pavement monitoring and analysis based on these approaches.

The Surface Morphologies and Spectroscopy Analysis of VC Coatings on the Substrate of Cr12MoV Prepared by TD Process after Salt Spray

The normal temperature corrosion of VC coating on the substrate of Cr12MoV prepared by TD process was tested in 5% NaCl aqueous solution, its surface morphologies and corrosion components after salt spray were observed with SEM and EDS, respectively, and the effects of salt spray on micro-structures of VC coating were analyzed. Moreover, the invalidation mechanism of VC coating after salt spray and its effect on substrate material were discussed. The experimental results shown that the uniformity and integrity of VC coating surface are destroyed by salt spray for 120 h, a large number of the pits are produced on the coating surface, and the coating falls off, which speeds corrosion breakage of its substrate; the oxidated film on its surface becomes rougher, broken and discontinuous, and falls off easily, which reduce the ability of resistance salt spray; the failure modes of VC coating after salt spray are expressed with falling off of oxidated film, stress concentration and pore effect and so on, the corrosion breakage of oxidated film is the corrosion result of deoxidization corrosion from oxygen and HCl produced by NaCl and vapor.

Synthesis of indirect work exchange networks considering both isothermal and adiabatic process together with exergy analysis

In this paper, an efficient methodology for synthesizing the indirect work exchange networks(WEN) considering isothermal process and adiabatic process respectively based on transshipment model is first proposed. In contrast with superstructure method, the transshipment model is easier to obtain the minimum utility consumption taken as the objective function and more convenient for us to attain the optimal network configuration for further minimizing the number of units. Different from division of temperature intervals in heat exchange networks,different pressure intervals are gained according to the maximum compression/expansion ratio in consideration of operating principles of indirect work exchangers and the characteristics of no pressure constraints for stream matches. The presented approach for WEN synthesis is a linear programming model applied to the isothermal process, but for indirect work exchange networks with adiabatic process, a nonlinear programming model needs establishing. Additionally, temperatures should be regarded as decision variables limited to the range between inlet and outlet temperatures in each sub-network. The constructed transshipment model can be solved first to get the minimum utility consumption and further to determine the minimum number of units by merging the adjacent pressure intervals on the basis of the proposed merging methods, which is proved to be effective through exergy analysis at the level of units structures. Finally, two cases are calculated to confirm it is dramatically feasible and effective that the optimal WEN configuration can be gained by the proposed method.