Optimized electrochemical ammonia production:From metal-N_(2)/NO_(x) batteries to aqueous metal-NO_(x)^(–) batteries

Ammonia plays a crucial role in contemporary society,impacting medicine,agriculture,and the chemical industry.The conventional industrial synthesis of NH_(3) through the Haber-Bosch technique,carried out under severe reaction conditions,leads to substantial energy consumption and environmental pollution.It is thus imperative for NH_(3) synthesis methods to be investigated under more favorable conditions.Synthesis of ammonia by electrocatalysis can effectively reduce the environmental damage and other urgent problems,which is a promising solution.Metal-nitrogen series batteries(M-N batteries),such as metal-nitrogen gas batteries,metal-nitrogen oxide batteries and metal-oxynitride batteries have been regarded recently as an exemplar of concurrent NH_(3) synthesis and energy production.Nonetheless,the large-scale application of these batteries is still limited by numerous challenges are currently existing in building high-efficiency M-N batteries,including poor Faradic efficiency and low NH_(3) yield.Therefore,a comprehensive overview of M-N batteries is offered,specifically focusing on advanced strategies for designing highly efficient cathode catalysts in anticipation of future developments.The metal anodes,cathodic electro-reduction reactions,and design principles are encompassed in the discussion,offering detailed insights to enhance understanding.Mechanisms,feasibility analyses,technoeconomic assessments,device combinations,and comparative evaluations are delved into in the review,contributing to a thorough comprehension of diverse systems and their application potential.Perspectives and opportunities for future research directions are also delineated.

The Practical Application of Lean Management Model to the Production and Operation of China＇s Small and Medium- sized Apparel Enterprises

In this paper, the prospect and advantages of applying prospect and advantages to the production and operation of China＇ s small and medimn-sized apparel enterprises, the main waste parts in the apparel production and operation process are systematically analyzed, an efficient production, management, and operation model meeting the characteristics of the small and medium-sized apparel enterprises is explored according to the solutions in lean management, and also the technical transformation in the key positions is fully implemented, so that the production efficiency of the sewing workshop is improved, the bottlenecks of the backward production management way to restrict the development of enterprises are broken, the vitality of the enterprises is restored, and also significant economic and social benefits are achieved.

Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine promotes lipid uptake of macrophage via cluster of differentiation 36 and receptor for advanced glycation end products

BACKGROUND Advanced glycation end products(AGEs)are diabetic metabolic toxic products that cannot be ignored.Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine(CML),a component of AGEs,could increase macrophage lipid uptake,promote foam cell formation,and thereby accelerate atherosclerosis.The receptor for AGEs(RAGE)and cluster of differentiation 36(CD36)were the receptors of CML.However,it is still unknown whether RAGE and CD36 play key roles in CML-promoted lipid uptake.AIM Our study aimed to explore the role of RAGE and CD36 in CML-induced macrophage lipid uptake.METHODS In this study,we examined the effect of CML on lipid uptake by Raw264.7 macrophages.After adding 10 mmol/L CML,the lipid accumulation in macrophages was confirmed by oil red O staining.Expression changes of CD36 and RAGE were detected with immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.The interaction between CML with CD36 and RAGE was verified by immunoprecipitation.We synthesized a novel N-succinimidyl-4-18Ffluorobenzoate-CML radioactive probe.Radioactive receptor-ligand binding assays were performed to test the binding affinity between CML with CD36 and RAGE.The effects of blocking CD36 or RAGE on CML-promoting lipid uptake were also detected.RESULTS The study revealed that CML significantly promoted lipid uptake by macrophages.Immunoprecipitation and radioactive receptor-ligand binding assays indicated that CML could specifically bind to both CD36 and RAGE.CML had a higher affinity for CD36 than RAGE.ARG82,ASN71,and THR70 were the potential interacting amino acids that CD36 binds to CML Anti-CD36 and anti-RAGE could block the uptake of CML by macrophages.The lipid uptake promotion effect of CML was significantly attenuated after blocking CD36 or RAGE.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the binding of CML with CD36 and RAGE promotes macrophage lipid uptake.

A system-wide approach to minimize the operational cost of bench production in open-cast mining operations

The production cycle of open-cast coal mines generally in eludes drilling, blasting, loading, hauling and coal preparation activities. Individual optimization of these activities does not mean that the whole system is optimized. This paper proposes a cost model considering all activities in mining cycle and system-wide approach to minimize the total mining cost of bench production. Since the fragmentation size and blast-hole diameter are linked to all activities of mining system, they are considered as decision variables in the problem form ul at io n. The operatio n costs are then minimized by using the evolutionary algorithm. Moreover, the impact of the change in the explosive price, and the hourly unit cost of equipment on total mining cost is quantified by sensitivity analysis. A case study is implemented to demonstrate the developed model.

Exploiting Virtual Elasticity of Production Systems for Respecting OTD-Part 1: Post-Optimality Conditions for Ergodic Order Arrivals in Fixed Capacity Regimes

Respecting the on-time-delivery (OTD) for manufacturing orders is mandatory. This depends, however, on the probability distribution of incoming order rate. The case of non-equal distribution, such as aggregated arrivals, may compromise the observance of on-time supplies for some orders. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the conditions of post-optimality for stochastic order rate governed production systems in order to observe OTD. Instead of a heuristic or a simulative exploration, a Cartesian-based approach is applied to developing the necessary and sufficient mathematical condition to solve the problem statement. The research result demonstrates that increasing speed of throughput reveals a latent capacity, which allows arrival orders above capacity limits to be backlog-buffered and rescheduled for OTD, exploiting the virtual manufacturing elasticity inherent to all production systems to increase OTD reliability of non JIT-based production systems.

Application of vertically integrated sampling approach to study of new production via ^(234)Th -^(238)U disequilibria

The spatial and temporal distributions of new production vary largely in different sea areas. To understand the level of new production in the sea area studied better, an estimate of new production must be obtained in large spatial and temporal scales. The ~234Th/ ~238U disequilibrium is an effective method for the study of new production. Two sampling strategies, vertically integrated sampling ap proach based on trapezoidal integration principle and discrete layer sampling approach, were compared in the studies of the xiamen Bay and the northern South China Sea. The scavenging fluxes and removal fluxes of ~234Th and the residence times for dissolved and particulate ~234Th were calculated. The coinci dent results from two Sampling approach suggest that vertically integrated sampling approach is not only effective and reliable, but also significantly reduces the number and volume of samples. It allows us to study new production by ba ^(234)Th - ^(238)U disequilibria in large spatial scale.

The Scenario of Lean Product Development in Brazilian Auto-industry

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of lean product development （LPD） in the Brazilian automotive sector. A mailed-questionnaire survey was used to examine 23 questions about LPD principles and practices. The target population for the study was Brazil＇s largest product development and design companies. The study identified that although the automobile sector is seen as a reference in the adoption of lean practices, there is still potential for improvement by establishing partnership relations with suppliers, and with those on the other points of the chain by identifying what provides value to clients. Set-based concurrent engineering is also a practice that needs to be better developed, as well as the value stream mapping tool to identify waste and activities that add value to the product development process. There has been no previous study of this nature in Brazil that characterizes the sector and highlights its importance in relation to the global scene, providing incentives to international investors. The value of the work is in the results that allow diagnosing the lean development practices that are most used in the automotive sector. Moreover, the survey questions can be applied in other economic sectors and at companies of other sizes. The study contributed to providing a systematic view of the product development process from the perspective of people, processes, and technology, and assists companies and academics manage change.

Study on Tobacco Leave Lean Production Management System

In recent years, tobacco lean production infrastructure is almost full-fledged through development, and professional service scope expands accordingly. Hence, the developing emphasis has transformed from hardware facilities improvement to software updating of lean management and precise work. With related documents released by China Tobacco and Guizhou Tobacco, the achievement of comprehen- sive lean management probably becomes one of the key goals for the future devel- opment of tobacco business. The construction goal of tobacco leaves lean produc- tion management system is to internalize technology, information, human resources, material and other production elements into value stream of flue-cured tobacco pro- duction, and strict control value stream of input costs and output benefits, and then create management profit, promote enterprise, core competitiveness. The lean pro- duction management is both extension and expansion of modern tobacco agriculture, closely related to agricultural standardization and GAP management, which is based on professional service training and production machinery upgrading, with team management and station working as carriers, and information feedback, key quality monitoring and benefit evaluation as assessment references.

Analysis of Waste in the Production of Concrete Blocks---A Case Study in the Goias Industry

An ever more demanding consumer market and the need for companies to be more competitive have led organizations to try to eliminate waste. This research is a case study which presents a proposal for intervention in order to improve performance of a pre-cast concrete block factory in outer Goihnia. As a first step, waste in the production process was identified through analysis of data on time involved in each step of the process. Then, applying the concepts of lean production, a list of activities was drawn up with a view to eliminating non-value-added work, identifying waste, decreasing cycle time, streamlining the production process and increasing the flexibility and transparency of the process. From the results, it was possible to identify the sources of waste and provide management with information for strategic decisions about production. Finally, various suggestions were made with a view to eliminating or mitigating bottlenecks in the production process.

Overview of the Theoretical Exploration and Application of Lean Six Sigma

In contemporary contexts,Lean Six Sigma(LSS)is extensively utilized and has evolved across various sectors due to its substantial benefits.This paper aims to explore the definition,origin,and development of LSS,as well as its key tools,methods,theoretical research,and future prospects.Furthermore,it analyzes the theoretical foundations and practical applications of LSS in-depth,with an emphasis on anticipating future development trends.The goal is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of LSS and offer insights for enterprises seeking to implement LSS for process improvement and innovation.

A Roadmap to Lean Production Implementation for Small Scale Nigerian Wire and Cable Companies

The increasing customers＇ demands in terms of speed of service and reduced cost at higher quality has generated a new platform on which manufacturing companies compete. This heightened challenge is virtually driving all manufacturing companies to introducing lean manufacturing principles into their production systems. This paper focuses on the analysis of the current state mapping of a case study and then proposes a future state mapping to the company. The extruder 60 production line of Denki wires and cables limited, Akure, Nigeria was carefully evaluated. Data were collected from actual operators on the shop floor and feedbacks from the customers at the Gemba. Denki＇s extruder 60 production line production lead time was massively reduced from 38.42 days to 5.16 days with a 12.86% waste reduction. At the end, a practical way of implementing this aspect of lean manufacturing was suggested.

THE BROAD-BAND CCD PHOTOMETRY AND DUST PRODUCTION RATES OF COMET HALE-BOPP

Based upon broad-band CCD observation data of comet Hale-Bopp obtained by a 60cm telescope at Xinglong Station of Beijing Astronomical Observatory during March-August, 1996, the photometric results of comet Hale-Bopp are reported. Using the photometric results, the dust production rate, radius and mass of nucleus of comet Hale-Bopp are estimated as follows: dM/dt～1.5×10 5 kgs -1, R n～35.5km, and M n～5.65×10 16kg.

Study on In-vitro Production Technology of Embryos from Young Dorper Sheep

This study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro production technology of embryos from young Dorper sheep, so as to provide technical support for the utilization of ovarian follicles in young Dorper sheep. Tests were conducted from the induction of Dorper sheep of 4 to 8 weeks old using follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) and pregnant horse serum(PMSG), collection of oocytes, in-vitro oocyte maturation-fertilization-zygote cultivation and 2-4-cell-stage fertilized ovum transfer. The results showed that 585 oocytes were collected from eight Dorper sheep at the age of 4 and 8 weeks, with an average of 73.13 oocytes/sheep. 346 of the 2-4-cell-stage fertilized eggs were obtained, whose cleavage rate was 59.15%. 77 in-vitro fertilized eggs at 2-4-cell stage were transplanted into 17 recipient sheep, seven of which were pregnant and gave birth to 13 "test-tube sheep" with a conception rate of 41.18%. It is indicated that the hormone induction technique, in-vitro oocyte maturation-fertilization-zygote cultivation technique and 2-4-cell-stage fertilized ovum transfer technique used in this study can serve as effective techniques for the in-vitro production of embryos from Dorper sheep of 4-8 weeks old.

Start of Production at the Ya 13-1 Gas Field in South China Sea

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Lean Product Development Process with Design Verification Stages in the Value Stream of Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, lean projects and innovation creation come to life by being updated under the control of systematic interdisciplinary process flows. The lean product development process that changes the shell, defined under the light of the variables created by the competitive conditions, is today measured by the value flow efficiency and the global market spread of the final product. Consequently, the lean product development approach, which aims to identify and purify all the wastes that do none value or create value to the system or cause burdens in the new product development process, is shaped by step-by-step approvals in the flow. In the main automotive industry company practices within the scope of the research (3 national, 3 international), the beginning of the concept of lean in design is to define and optimize the steps in the product development process under the value stream map. Therefore, the product function for which the customer has paid for, the function of the new product or the physical structure used to meet the needs in question, the comfort, life, experience, innovations of the scope that constitute the new product concept are planned and verified and implemented in the simplified automotive design stages at the beginning of the lean product development process. In this research, initial automotive design objectives and stages are at the focal point of the innovation and added value creation brought by the concept of “lean” approach. The research is modelled on the determination of steps that do not create added value together with the points where the flow circuits’ or stems, the process is devalued, the interdisciplinary holistic studies intensify, the information and delay begin and end in the sequential and simultaneous design validation step transition stages, which are examined under the lean approach. As a visual and virtual tool that enables the elaboration of nominal values such as the total duration of the design verification stages and the influence of interdisciplinary stakeholders or the test level of the product design with the new product added, it reveals the value flow or losses. Hence research;from innovation creation and new product design steps, which constitute the initial stages of the lean product development process, to design verification analysis, the efficiency of the automotive company processes within the scope of the research has been measured by comparing using lean automotive design techniques, methods and concepts.

Characteristics and control mechanisms of coalbed permeability change in various gas production stages

According to dimensionless analysis of the coalbed methane （CBM） production data of Fanzhuang block in southern Qinshui basin, the dimensionless gas production rate is calculated to quantitatively divide the CBM well production process into four stages, i.e., drai- nage stage, unstable gas production stage, stable gas pro- duction stage, and gas production decline stage. By the material balance method, the coal reservoir permeability change in different stages is quantitatively characterized. The characteristics and control mechanisms of change in coalbed permeability （CICP） during different production stages are concluded on five aspects, i.e., permeability trend variation, controlling mechanism, system energy, phase state compositions, and production performance. The study reveals that CICP is characterized by first decline, then recovery, and finally by increase and is controlled directly by effective stress and matrix shrinkage effects. Further, the duration and intensity of the matrix shrinkage effect are inherently controlled by adsorption and desorp- tion features.

Cell Layout Application in Product Recovery： A Lean Proposal to Increase Efficiency in Remanufacturing

The growing demand of organizations for alternative technologies to reduce environmental damage and meet new legislative issues brought greater focus to the activities of product recovery. One way to recover and revalue a product is by remanufacturing, which is defined as the process of recovering a product to its original specifications, promoting the reuse of materials and improving its quality and functionality. However, the context of the remanufacturing industry faces difficulties and is considered unstable and inefficient if compared to manufacturing. In this sense, this paper aims to propose a cell layout based on lean concepts and adapted to the context of remanufacturing, aiming to minimize waste, reduce variability and thereby increase efficiency. The cell layout proposal was based on a literature review and researchers＇ practical experience in the area. This layout can provide the flexibility to handle the variations inherent in the context of remanufacturing, boosting product recovery and related environmental issues.

Evaluation of Lean Product Development Stages of Autonomous Vehicle Technologies with AHP Method

The potential innovation and emerging workforce created by autonomous vehicle technologies, which have just entered the lean product development disciplines, play an important role in the development or change of the automotive manufacturing industry. Therefore, the intensity of work and the innovation practices brought by the technologies in question at each step of very different and interdisciplinary studies deeply affect the new and lean product development steps. Comparatively measuring the operating weight of new autonomous vehicle technologies in different company structures in these lean product development steps has important consequences for the development and change of the automotive industry under heavy global competition. On the other hand, it is difficult to measure the innovation input or the use of new autonomous technology under the AHP mathematical model of each part that constitutes the whole of the lean product development process, but it also creates the future predictions of the sector. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is one of the multi-purpose decision-making methods, was used to determine the most intense value creation, the design and development phase where there is innovation input, or the lean product development discipline throughout the whole process. The AHP method was preferred for the comparative analysis and synthesis of different applications or similar approaches in the automotive manufacturing industry companies (global and local) and lean product development processes in the field study of the research, under qualitative data. Under the AHP mathematical model created in the research, it was aimed to measure interdisciplinary clusters with a focus on new technology and to identify similarities or differences under alternative applications created by different company structures and to compare them systematically and evaluate them mathematically. In the study, the AHP mathematical model was used to compare lean product development processes and the use of new autonomous vehicle technologies, and the Expert Choice program was preferred in the application of the method.