We propose a modified relation between heat flux and temperature gradient, which leads to a second-order equation describing the evolution of temperature in solids with finite rate of propagation. A comparison of the temperature field spreading in the framework of Fourier, Cattaneo-Vernotte (CV) and modified Cattaneo-Vernotte (MCV) equations is discussed. The comparative analysis of MCV and Fourier solutions is carried out on the example of simple one-dimensional problem of a plate cooling.
The recent crisis-filled period has placed a significant burden on various businesses, including in the tourism sector. As a result, the concept of resilience, the flexible ability to resist, has become more and more tangible. This study aims to update the quantitative organizational resilience assessment scale of Orchiston, Prayag and Brown. The paper analyses a sample of 87 tourism service providers managing attractions, and factor analysis was carried out to identify the factors in order to be able to measure the resilience of tourism service providers. Four factors could be identified: Leadership and Organization, Strategy, Independence, and Internal Identity. These identified factors and the included 14 items mean the key contribution, as a new, updated assessment system.
At present, states and entire regions that possess significant reserves of sought-after minerals have great potential to maintain and even improve their socio-economic position in the foreseeable future. Since the beginning of 2000, the increase in mining volumes of minerals has been more than 50%; however, more than half of all extracted raw materials fall to only five leading countries: China, the USA, the Russian Federation, Australia, and India. This article presents the results of the analysis of the global structure of mineral production by type and geographic region. The article provides an in-depth analysis of the world’s leading mining companies, identifying the key players in the industry. A comprehensive overview of each company’s performance, including key financial indicators and production statistics, is presented. The main environmental risks as a result of the continued increase in the global scale of mining have been identified. The prospects for the development of the mining sector are shown. The results of the study can be used by the scientific community as an information source.
The economic viability of a photovoltaic (PV) installation depends on regulations regarding administrative, technical and economic conditions associated with self-consumption and the sale of surplus production. Royal Decree (RD) 244/2019 is the Spanish legislation of reference for this case study, in which we analyse and compare PV installation offers by key suppliers. The proposals are not optimal in RD 244/2019 terms and appear not to fully contemplate power generation losses and seem to shift a representative percentage of consumption to the production period. In our case study of a residential dwelling, the best option corresponds to a 5 kWp installation with surplus sale to the market, with a payback period of 18 years and CO2 emission reductions of 1026 kg/year. Demand-side management offers a potential improvement of 6%–21.8%. Based on the increase in electricity prices since 2020, the best option offers savings of up to €1507.74 and amortization in 4.24 years. Considering costs and savings, sale to the market could be considered as the only feasible regulatory mechanism for managing surpluses, accompanied by measures to facilitate administrative procedures and guarantees for end users.
The food industry progressively requires innovative and environmentally safe packaging materials with increased physical, mechanical, and barrier properties. Due to its unique properties, cellulose has several potential applications in the food industry as a packaging material, stabilizing agent, and functional food ingredient. A coffee pod is a filter of cellulosic, non-rigid, ready-made material containing ground portions and pressed coffee prepared in dedicated machines. In our study, we obtained, with homogenization and sonication, cellulose micro/nanoparticles from three different coffee pods. It is known that nanoparticulate systems can enter live cells and, if ingested, could exert alterations in gastrointestinal tract cells. Our work aims to investigate the response of HT-29 cells to cellulose nanoparticles from coffee pods. In particular, the subcellular effects between coffee-embedded nanocellulose (CENC) and cellulose nanoparticles (NC) were compared. Finally, we analysed the pathologic condition (Cytolethal Distending Toxin (CDT) from Campylobacter jejuni) on the same cells conditioned by NC and CENC. We evidenced that, for the cellular functional features analysed, NC and CENC pre-treatments do not worsen cell response to the C. jejuni CDT, also pointing out an improvement of the autophagic flux, particularly for CENC preconditioning.
As the complexity and scale of software applications increase, the challenges associated with testing these systems grow correspondingly, necessitating innovative and sustainable testing strategies. This paper explores a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing the intricate challenges inherent in testing large-scale software applications. Through a comprehensive examination of current industry practices and emerging trends, this study introduces a novel framework that integrates advanced testing techniques with state-of-the-art tools. This framework not only mitigates the challenges posed by the complexity and size of modern applications but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. Key aspects of this research include a detailed exploration of test methodologies suited for large-scale applications, an evaluation of advanced tools designed for complex test scenarios, and an analysis of the impact of the test environment on sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for software development and testing professionals aiming to optimize testing processes and improve the quality and sustainability of their software in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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