scholarly journals PeTroShare: Blockchain-Managed, Logistics-Aware, Privacy-Friendly, Comparative, and Efficient Petroleum Transportation

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 7066
Author(s):  
Salwa M. Hassan ◽  
Mohamed Azab ◽  
Amal O. Hamada
Keyword(s):  
Crude Oil ◽  
Transportation Cost ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Product Availability ◽  
Political Conflicts ◽  
Loading And Unloading ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Oil Tankers ◽  
Very High

Crude oil is one of the critically needed resources. It is the main pillar supporting almost everything we rely on in daily life. Unfortunately, due to many factors, crude oil costs too much. Transportation is one of the critical factors that affect such costs. Due to many environmental risks attached to the transportation process, many countries added very high tariffs to cover any hazards during the transportation, loading, and unloading process. Logistics concerns and political conflicts are the other key factors that can massively impact the transportation cost. This paper presents an Industry 4.0-compliant PeTroShare (PTS), a blockchain-powered trustworthy, logistics-friendly, and cost-efficient crude oil trading platform. PTS is a novel ride-sharing platform that enables an anonymous exchange of crude oil between oil producers and customers, focusing mainly on the product quality, not the source of origin. In our scenario, floating crude oil tankers will hold the cargo to an intermediate position in the open ocean. PTS will match the product availability based on the location and the needed quality of the customer requests. Consequently, the time and distance travelled are minimized. Our simulation results show that enabling the anonymous sharing of crude oil products can significantly enhance system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Towards Efficient Trust Aware E-Marketplace Frameworks

2010 ◽  
pp. 273-283
Author(s):  
Malamati Louta ◽  
Angelos Michalas
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Quality Level ◽  
Service Provisioning ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Service Operation ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Posted Offer

In the liberalized and deregulated e-marketplace some key factors for service providers’ success are the following. First, the efficiency with which services will be developed. Second, the quality level, in relation with the corresponding cost, of new services. Third, service providers’ reliability with respect to service provisioning. Fourth, the efficiency with which the services will be operated (controlled, maintained, administered, etc.). The aim of this paper is, in accordance with efficient service operation objectives, to propose enhancements to the sophistication of the negotiation functionality that can be offered by e-commerce systems in open competitive communications environments. In the highly competitive and dynamic emarketplaces, Service/Product Requestors (SPRs) should be provided with mechanisms that enable them to find and associate with the most appropriate Service/Product Providers (SPPs), i.e., those offering the desirable quality of service / product at a certain time period, in a cost efficient manner. Such mechanisms may entail a wide variety of negotiation mechanisms, including auctions, bilateral (1 to 1) and/or multilateral (M to N) negotiation models and strategies, as well as posted offer schemes (i.e., a nonnegotiable, take-it-or-leave-it offer) in order to establish the ‘best’ possible contract terms and conditions with respect to service / product access and provision.

scholarly journals Problem of Boil - off in LNG Supply Chain

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Đorđe Dobrota ◽  
Branko Lalić ◽  
Ivan Komar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Power Systems ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Cryogenic Liquid ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Cryogenic Tank ◽  
Loading And Unloading ◽  
The Republic

This paper examines the problem of evaporation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) occurring at different places in the LNG supply chain. Evaporation losses in the LNG supply chain are one of the key factors for LNG safety, technical and economic assessment. LNG is stored and transported in tanks as a cryogenic liquid, i.e. as a liquid at a temperature below its boiling point at near atmospheric pressure. Due to heat entering the cryogenic tank during storage and transportation, a part of the LNG in the tank continuously evaporates creating a gas called Boil-Off Gas (BOG), which changes the quality of LNG over time. The general methods of handling and utilization of the Boil-Off Gas at different points in the LNG supply chain are presented. Attention is given to the issue of LNG energy content transferred during loading and unloading of LNG tankers, as well as to the Boil-Off Gas generated by evaporation of the cargo during maritime transport. The results presented in the paper have been derived from the scientifi research project 250 - 2502209 - 2366 „Management of Ship Power Systems under Fault Conditions and Failure“ supported by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia.

Ground water quality of selected areas of Punjab and Sind Provinces, Pakistan: Chemical and microbiological aspects

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chem Int
Keyword(s):  
Ionic Concentration ◽  
Chloride Ions ◽  
Potassium Ions ◽  
Ammonium Ions ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Phosphate Ions ◽  
Sodium Magnesium ◽  
Very High ◽  
Microbiological Aspects

The assessment of groundwater is essential for the estimation of suitability of water for safe use. An attempt has been made to study the groundwater of selected areas of Punjab (Sheikhupura & Sahiwal) and Sindh (Sindh, Jawar Dharki and Dharki), Pakistan. The results indicate that pH, color and odor were all within limits of WHO that is pH ranges 6.5–8.5, colorless and odorless, respectively. The high values of suspended solids were observed in the Sindh-1 and Dharki samples. Microbiologically only Sahiwal and Jawar Dharki were found fit for drinking purpose. Trace metals analysis of Sheikhupura-1 and Sindh-1 showed that values do not fall within limits of WHO for Iron. The ionic concentration analysis showed that high bicarbonate (HCO3-), ions are present in the samples of Sahiwal and Dharki; Sindh-1 and Jawar Dharki samples showed very high concentration for chloride ions, all samples were satisfactory level for sulphate (SO42-), sodium, magnesium and phosphate ions except samples of Sindh-1 and Jawar Dharki. High concentration of calcium and potassium ions was observed in samples of Sindh-1, while all other samples were found fit for drinking purposes in respect of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ions. The high concentration of Fluoride was found only in Sheikhupura-2 samples.

Quality-of-Life Measurement in Advanced Cancer: Assessing the Individual

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3603-3611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dympna Waldron ◽  
Ciaran A. O'Boyle ◽  
Michael Kearney ◽  
Michael Moriarty ◽  
Desmond Carney
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Internal Validity ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Incurable Cancer ◽  
Life Measurement ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Very High

PURPOSE: Despite the increasing importance of assessing quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced cancer, relatively little is known about individual patient's perceptions of the issues contributing to their QoL. The Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL) and the shorter SEIQoL–Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) assess individualized QoL using a semistructured interview technique. Here we report findings from the first administration of the SEIQoL and SEIQoL-DW to patients with advanced incurable cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: QoL was assessed on a single occasion using the SEIQoL and SEIQoL-DW in 80 patients with advanced incurable cancer. RESULTS: All patients were able to complete the SEIQoL-DW, and 78% completed the SEIQoL. Of a possible score of 100, the median QoL global score was as follows: SEIQoL, 61 (range, 24 to 94); SEIQoL-DW, 60.5 (range, 6 to 95). Psychometric data for SEIQoL indicated very high levels of internal consistency (median r = .90) and internal validity (median R2 = 0.88). Patients' judgments of their QoL were unique to the individual. Family concerns were almost universally rated as more important than health, the difference being significant when measured using the SEIQoL-DW (P = .002). CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced incurable cancer were very good judges of their QoL, and many patients rated their QoL as good. Judgments were highly individual, with very high levels of consistency and validity. The primacy given to health in many QoL questionnaires may be questioned in this population. The implications of these findings are discussed with regard to clinical assessment and advance directives.

scholarly journals Galileo L10 Satellites: Orbit, Clock and Signal-in-Space Performance Analysis

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1695
Author(s):  
Constantin-Octavian Andrei ◽  
Sonja Lahtinen ◽  
Markku Poutanen ◽  
Hannu Koivula ◽  
Jan Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Orbital Inclination ◽  
Navigation Data ◽  
Periodic Signals ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite ◽  
Minor Correction ◽  
Very High

The tenth launch (L10) of the European Global Navigation Satellite System Galileo filled in all orbital slots in the constellation. The launch carried four Galileo satellites and took place in July 2018. The satellites were declared operational in February 2019. In this study, we report on the performance of the Galileo L10 satellites in terms of orbital inclination and repeat period parameters, broadcast satellite clocks and signal in space (SiS) performance indicators. We used all available broadcast navigation data from the IGS consolidated navigation files. These satellites have not been reported in the previous studies. First, the orbital inclination (56.7±0.15°) and repeat period (50680.7±0.22 s) for all four satellites are within the nominal values. The data analysis reveals also 13.5-, 27-, 177- and 354-days periodic signals. Second, the broadcast satellite clocks show different correction magnitude due to different trends in the bias component. One clock switch and several other minor correction jumps have occurred since the satellites were declared operational. Short-term discontinuities are within ±1 ps/s, whereas clock accuracy values are constantly below 0.20 m (root-mean-square—rms). Finally, the SiS performance has been very high in terms of availability and accuracy. Monthly SiS availability has been constantly above the target value of 87% and much higher in 2020 as compared to 2019. Monthly SiS accuracy has been below 0.20 m (95th percentile) and below 0.40 m (99th percentile). The performance figures depend on the content and quality of the consolidated navigation files as well as the precise reference products. Nevertheless, these levels of accuracy are well below the 7 m threshold (95th percentile) specified in the Galileo service definition document.

scholarly journals Drought and Salinity in Citriculture: Optimal Practices to Alleviate Salinity and Water Stress

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1283
Author(s):  
Vasileios Ziogas ◽  
Georgia Tanou ◽  
Giasemi Morianou ◽  
Nektarios Kourgialas
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Cell Metabolism ◽  
High Water ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Negative Effect

Among the various abiotic stresses, drought is the major factor limiting crop productivity worldwide. Citrus has been recognized as a fruit tree crop group of great importance to the global agricultural sector since there are 140 citrus-producing countries worldwide. The majority of citrus-producing areas are subjected to dry and hot summer weather, limited availability of water resources with parallel low-quality irrigation water due to increased salinity regimes. Citrus trees are generally classified as “salt-intolerant” with high water needs, especially during summer. Water scarcity negatively affects plant growth and impairs cell metabolism, affecting the overall tree growth and the quality of produced fruit. Key factors that overall attempt to sustain and withstand the negative effect of salinity and drought stress are the extensive use of rootstocks in citriculture as well as the appropriate agronomical and irrigation practices applied. This review paper emphasizes and summarizes the crucial role of the above factors in the sustainability of citriculture.

scholarly journals Nanocomposite scaffolds for accelerating chronic wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Nosrati ◽  
Reza Aramideh Khouy ◽  
Ali Nosrati ◽  
Mohammad Khodaei ◽  
Mehdi Banitalebi-Dehkordi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Wound Healing ◽  
Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
The Body ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Nanocomposite Scaffolds

AbstractSkin is the body’s first barrier against external pathogens that maintains the homeostasis of the body. Any serious damage to the skin could have an impact on human health and quality of life. Tissue engineering aims to improve the quality of damaged tissue regeneration. One of the most effective treatments for skin tissue regeneration is to improve angiogenesis during the healing period. Over the last decade, there has been an impressive growth of new potential applications for nanobiomaterials in tissue engineering. Various approaches have been developed to improve the rate and quality of the healing process using angiogenic nanomaterials. In this review, we focused on molecular mechanisms and key factors in angiogenesis, the role of nanobiomaterials in angiogenesis, and scaffold-based tissue engineering approaches for accelerated wound healing based on improved angiogenesis.

scholarly journals Development of multifactor index for assessing quality of life of a tribal population of India: multilevel analysis approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bagavandas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Tribal Population ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Multilevel Factor Analysis ◽  
The Social ◽  
Factor Index ◽  
The Village

Abstract Background The main objective of this study is to develop a multilevel multi-factor index to assess the quality of life of the Malayali tribal population of India at the household and village levels based on nine domains, namely, Demography, Economy, Health, Human Development, Infrastructure Development, Work Participation, Recreation, Social Capital and Self Perception. An attempt is made to classify the individuals as well as villages by the overall scores of a multi-factor -index within a community which will help policymakers to develop concrete policy recommendations for the improvement of the quality of life of this tribal group. Method Multilevel factor analysis is utilized to determine uncorrelated meaningful factors and their respective weights using Mplus software from the nested dataset consists of values of nine domains of 1096 individuals collected from 19 villages. A multilevel multi-factor index is constructed using the weights of these factors. The qualities of the lives of different households and different villages are assessed using the scores of this index. Results Three different factors are identified at household as well as village levels. The quality of life at Households and Village levels are classified as poor, low, moderate, good, and excellent based on five quintiles of the scores of the multi-factor index, and the contribution of each domain in this classification is ascertained. Discussion This study finds that at household as well as at village levels, the quality of life of the individuals of this tribal population increases with an increase in education, income, and occupation status which make them lead a healthy life and also make them to find time and money to spend on recreation. Infrastructure is not important at the household level but not so at the village level. Conclusion The main purpose of developing this kind of multi-factor index at different levels is to provide a tool for tribal development based on realistic data that can be used to monitor the key factors that encompass the social, health, environmental, and economic dimensions of quality of lives at the household and community levels of these tribal people.

scholarly journals Clinical profiles and quality of care of subjects with type 2 diabetes according to their cardiovascular risk: an observational, retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Basilio Pintaudi ◽  
Alessia Scatena ◽  
Gabriella Piscitelli ◽  
Vera Frison ◽  
Salvatore Corrao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
High Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Very High

Abstract Background The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recently defined cardiovascular risk classes for subjects with diabetes. Aim of this study was to explore the distribution of subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) by cardiovascular risk groups according to the ESC classification and to describe the quality indicators of care, with particular regard to cardiovascular risk factors. Methods The study is based on data extracted from electronic medical records of patients treated at the 258 Italian diabetes centers participating in the AMD Annals initiative. Patients with T2D were stratified by cardiovascular risk. General descriptive indicators, measures of intermediate outcomes, intensity/appropriateness of pharmacological treatment for diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, presence of other complications and overall quality of care were evaluated. Results Overall, 473,740 subjects with type 2 diabetes (78.5% at very high cardiovascular risk, 20.9% at high risk and 0.6% at moderate risk) were evaluated. Among people with T2D at very high risk: 26.4% had retinopathy, 39.5% had albuminuria, 18.7% had a previous major cardiovascular event, 39.0% had organ damage, 89.1% had three or more risk factors. The use of DPP4-i markedly increased as cardiovascular risk increased. The prescription of secretagogues also increased and that of GLP1-RAs tended to increase. The use of SGLT2-i was still limited, and only slightly higher in subjects with very high cardiovascular risk. The overall quality of care, as summarized by the Q score, tended to be lower as the level of cardiovascular risk increased. Conclusions A large proportion of subjects with T2D is at high or very high risk. Glucose-lowering drug therapies seem not to be adequately used with respect to their potential advantages in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction. Several actions are necessary to improve the quality of care.

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