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Publications - 6674

Load optimisation of cogeneration system via P-graph framework considering variable output-input ratios

Sharifah Rafidah Wan Alwi Kathleen B. Aviso Fakhrony Sholahudin Rohman Peng Yen Liew Jeng Shiun Lim John Frederick D. Tapia Raymond R. Tan Siti Nor Azreen Ahmad Termizi Peoy Ying Lee Hong An Er Jeng Shiun Lim Michihisa Suzuki Zainuddin Abd Manan

Publication Name: Energy

Publication Date: 2025-07-01

Volume: 326

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Load optimisation within the cogeneration system is crucial in enhancing energy efficiency. Instead of constructing the mathematical optimisation model or applying the commercial utility optimisation software with a licensing fee, this study proposes a holistic P-graph method to model and optimise the cogeneration system using the free and user-friendly software, P-graph Studio. To consider actual performance of unit operations, novel slope-constant element is introduced in the P-graph structure to adapt the variable output-input ratios in the form of linear performance model with non-zero constant. This overcomes the functionality of the conventional P-graph structure that only considers fixed output-input ratio. A case study of an industrial cogeneration system is optimised using the proposed P-graph method, resulting in 1.24 % reduction of operating cost and CO2 emission: equivalent to savings of RM 12,822,300/year and 4,300 tonnes CO2 emission/year. Two operating strategies are proposed to revise the optimal operating method by modifying the P-graph superstructure to ensure adequacy of the utility margin in meeting the potential maximum utility demand. The operating cost saving of 0.53 % is achieved after revision to meet both operational efficiency and reliability of the cogeneration system which results in savings of RM 5,454,900/year and 1,800 tonnes CO2 emission/year.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136148

The Effects of a 12-Week-Long Sand Exercise Training Program on Neuromechanical and Functional Parameters in Type II Diabetic Patients with Neuropathy

Tamás Atlasz Márk Váczi Miklós Bánhidi László Csóka Judit Prókai Viktória Gréci Zsolt Murlasits

Publication Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Publication Date: 2023-04-01

Volume: 20

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Studies have proven the effectiveness of different weight-bearing exercise interventions for diabetic patients with neuropathy; however, several adverse effects were reported using solid surfaces. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of a novel sand exercise training intervention on biomechanical and functional parameters in seven diabetic patients (age = 62.7 ± 9.7 years) with neuropathy. Patients underwent a 12-week sand exercise training program, using strengthening, stretching, balance, and gait exercises. They were tested for ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion peak torque, active range of motion (ROM), timed up and go (TUG), and bilateral static balance. EMG activity of tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), and lateralis (GL) muscles were measured during unilateral isometric contraction in plantar- and dorsiflexion. In the intervention period, plantarflexion peak torque improved significantly (p = 0.033), while dorsiflexion torque remained unchanged. Plantar- and dorsiflexion ROM increased (p = 0.032) and (p = 0.021), respectively. EMG activity of GM (p = 0.005) and GL (p = 0.002) measured during dorsiflexion and postural sway in the balance test, as well as time to complete the TUG test, decreased significantly (p = 0.021) and (p = 0.002), respectively. No adverse effect was reported during the intervention period. We concluded that sand exercise training can be a safe and effective method to improve plantarflexion strength, ankle flexibility, and balance, which is reflected in better gait function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075413

Social capital as a driver of e-commerce development: Evidence from European panel data analysis

Gagan Deep Sharma Maria M. Grzelak Elżbieta Roszko-Wójtowicz Barbara Dańska-Borsiak

Publication Name: Equilibrium Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy

Publication Date: 2025-06-30

Volume: 20

Issue: 2

Page Range: 681-712

Description:

Research background:E-commerce is a key driver of global economic growth, influenced by technological, economic, and social factors. While prior research has focused on economic andtechnological determinants, the macroeconomic role of social capital—defined by trust, norms, and networks—remains underexplored. Social capital reduces transaction uncertainty, strengthens consumer trust, and facilitates business expansion, yet its cross-national impact on e-commerce adoption requires further investigation. Purpose of the article: This study examines how social capital influences e-commerce development in European countries, exploring whether higher levels of social capital contribute to greater e-commerce adoption and transaction intensity while accounting for economic factors such as GDP per capita and disposable income. Methods: The study analyses panel data from 28 European countries (2015–2023) using the Social Capital Index (SCI) to measure national trust and networks. E-commerce activity is assessed based on online purchase participation and business turnover from digital sales. Panel data models with fixed and random effects are applied to examine the relationship between social capital and e-commerce adoption. Findings & value added: The results confirm that social capital significantly influences e-commerce adoption. Countries with stronger trust networks and social cohesion see higher participation in digital commerce. Economic conditions, including GDP per capita and disposable income, moderate this effect, with wealthier nations benefiting more from trustdriven e-commerce expansion. The study underscores the importance of fostering social capital to enhance consumer confidence, lower transaction costs, and promote sustainable digital market growth, offering policy recommendations to strengthen trust mechanisms and support e-commerce ecosystems.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.24136/eq.3781

Foreign direct investment and its influence on China’s economic growth: A comprehensive review

Laszlo Vasa Eszter Lukács Kamal Hossain

Publication Name: Investment Management and Financial Innovations

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 22

Issue: 4

Page Range: 421-448

Description:

This study aims to systematically analyze and synthesize the existing scientific literature on the determinants of long-term capital flows, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into China, with a focus on how prior empirical studies examine the roles of trade openness, infrastructure development, institutional quality, and financial modernization. Using the PRISMA framework, the study systematically reviewed 114 peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2025 to identify recent patterns, evaluate the impact of core sources, and highlight thematic trends in academic literature. The finding of this study indicates a clear upward trend in article production, with a significant jump from 124 publications in the UK to 1,855 in China, with China emerging as the leading contributor and host to several highly influential articles. The Journal of International Trade/Economics is the leading source with 109 documents, followed by China Economic Review (63), Research in Emerging Markets Finance and Trade (45), and Economic Modeling (36). A total of 780 authors contributed to these works, with 2.96 co-authors per document on average, but international co-authorship was limited. This study also highlighted FDI as a key theme with 254 counts following Economic Growth/Development (181 mentions) and Trade (146), which indicates a strong research interest in the role of capital flows and macroeconomic performance in the Chinese context. This study analyzed 639 articles for the bibliometric review, with a primary focus on FDI. However, other significant components of long-term capital flows, such as portfolio investment, external debt, and remittances, were not adequately covered, representing a key limitation of this study. Additionally, the direction of causality between FDI and China’s economic growth was not covered by this study.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.21511/imfi.22(4).2025.32

Dynamics of Classical Fuzzy Cognitive Maps

István Harmati

Publication Name: Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 427

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 105-119

Description:

In Fuzzy Cognitive Map based modelling, the final conclusion is based on the assumption that the system reaches an equilibrium point (fixed point) after a certain number of iteration. It is not straightforward that this leads to a fixed point, since the iteration may show various dynamical behaviours: multiple fixed points, limit cycle and unpredictable patterns may also occur. In this chapter, a gentle insight into the dynamics of FCMs’ is provided based on solid mathematical tools. We prove sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for sigmoid, hyperbolic tangent and rescaled sigmoid FCMs, which are also necessary in the case of the latter two. Additionally, symmetrical properties of fixed points and basins of attraction of hyperbolic tangent and rescaled sigmoid FCMs are also introduced with mathematical proof.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37959-8_9

A Species-Specific PCR Differentiates Two Causal Agents of Hazel Powdery Mildew and Reveals the Occurrence of Erysiphe corylacearum

Márk Z. Németh János Ágoston Klementina Kalmár Katalin Borostyán Éva Preininger Orsolya Molnár

Publication Name: Horticulturae

Publication Date: 2024-07-01

Volume: 10

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The demand for common hazel (Corylus avellana) fruit increases constantly. Powdery mildew (PM) on hazels in Hungary and throughout Europe was previously caused mainly by Phyllactinia guttata. However, less than a decade ago, another fungus of Asian origin, Erysiphe corylacearum, appeared on hazels in Europe, including Hungary. Our investigation aimed to develop a species-specific PCR (ssPCR) to aid the identification of P. guttata and E. corylacearum, and to assess the presence of the latter, non-native fungus in Hungary. For this study, 59 samples were collected from Hungary between 2021 and 2023. The chasmothecial morphology of the PM fungi was observed, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA was sequenced in representative samples. Morphological analysis distinguished two types of chasmothecia. Parts of the chasmothecia, typical of P. guttata, were flattened and spherical with bristle-like appendages, while other chasmothecia, characteristic of E. corylacearum, were distinctly smaller, bearing appendages with branched apices. Sequence data also verified the presence of P. guttata and E. corylacearum in our samples. The developed ssPCR revealed that E. corylacearum was present in more than three-quarters of the samples, more than a quarter of the samples contained both fungi and about one-fifth carried solely P. guttata. The alien fungus E. corylacearum was found in all but one of the sampled regions and was found on C. avellana and also on C. colurna. Erysiphe corylacearum spreads rapidly and can be considered an invasive pathogen. Its practical importance lies in its ability to infect hazelnuts, potentially causing economic losses. Our ssPCR ensures accurate and quick identification of the fungus, which is essential for effective plant protection.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae10070763

Sensitivity Parameters of Transport Networks and Vulnerability Assessment of Critical Network Elements

Balázs Horváth Anett Gosztola

Publication Name: Periodica Polytechnica Transportation Engineering

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 53

Issue: 3

Page Range: 292-300

Description:

Network sensitivity has recently become an important topic, with an increasing number of articles appearing on the subject. Identification of critical sections within transport networks is also essential for transport modelling. A well-developed methodology can help to improve the network to minimize the impact on road users in the event of future emergency cases (accidents or attacks). For this purpose, existing articles were assessed to determine what progress has been made in network sensitivity and what parameters and approaches have been used so far. After reviewing the articles, it became clear that a significant number of methods have been used to identify critical sections, and it became visible which areas are worth further work. Among the methodologies used, simplified networks have been the main focus, but there is a need for a more detailed analysis based on industry demand and available data.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3311/PPtr.39859

Statistical Analysis of Companies' Logistics Systems

Antal Balogh Timea Kozma Attila Kurucz Marah Almelhem

Publication Name: Wseas Transactions on Business and Economics

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 22

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 2185-2197

Description:

COVID-19, officially SARS-CoV-2, which originated in China in December 2019, has fundamentally disrupted globalization and economic growth. The strain on supply chains is difficult to manage, and it is expected that the problems can only be resolved once the pandemic is over, which could lead to a further increase in economic and globalization growth. Consumer goods reach the final consumer through supply chains and supply networks, and these supply chains are increasingly playing a role in fostering collaborative relationships across international companies. As a result, companies are becoming stronger, more developed, and growing. Logistics is an important part of a company's operations, managing the flow of materials. The development and positioning of logistics within a company have a major impact on the company's performance, its role in the supply chain, and its competitiveness. Advanced, large companies now consider the senior manager responsible for material flow processes to be the head of the supply chain within their company, as the process from raw material to consumer must be managed and controlled as a whole. Performance must also be assessed in context, recognizing the differences between companies that give them a competitive advantage or disadvantage. In addition, the aim is to develop sustainable logistics at the company level, which will be achieved in companies that pay particular attention to the strategic role of logistics within the company. The use of statistical methods to analyze these relationships is not common in business practice, but it can provide important information and can also be a major aid to future decision-making.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.37394/23207.2025.22.172

A new remarkable representative of Uropodina mites from Seychelles (Acari, Mesostigmata, Trematuridae)

Sergey G. Ermilov Jenő Kontschán

Publication Name: Zookeys

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 1229

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 289-296

Description:

A new genus, Trematirunella gen. nov. (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Trematuridae), with Trematirunella seychellia sp. nov. as its type species, is described, based on a female, males, and deutonymphs collected in soil samples from the Seychelle Islands. The new genus belongs to the family Trematuridae based on the shape of the corniculi, gnathosomal setae, tritosternum and chelicerae. Members of the new genus bear a preanal suture on the ventral shield, two pairs or more pairs of wide, robust and sword-like setae on the caudal part of the dorsal shield, very dense setation on the caudal area of the marginal shield and an incision on the anterior part of the dorsal shield. These characters are missing in the other genera of Trematuridae. Two previously described species (Trichouropoda lagunae Hirmatsu & Hirschmann, 1988 and Trichouropoda palawanensis Hirschmann & Hirmatsu, 1990) from the Philippines are transferred to the new genus, as Trematirunella lagunae (Hirmatsu & Hirschmann, 1988), comb. nov. and Trematirunella palawanensis (Hirschmann & Hirmatsu, 1990), comb. nov. The new species differs from its congeners in the sculptural pattern of the female genital shield and in the shape of the robust and sword-like setae on the caudal area of the dorsal shield.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1229.142822