Academic literature on the topic 'Industry 4.0 (I4.0)'

In this work, crystal structure, magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of Nd0.7Gd0.3Mn2Si2 alloy were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Nd0.7Gd0.3Mn2Si2 crystallizes in ThCr2Si2-typed structure with space group I4/mmm, in which the Nd, Gd, Mn and Si atoms occupy 2a (0, 0, 0), 2a (0, 0, 0), 4d (0, 1/2, 1/4) and 4e (0, 0, 0.38261) position, respectively. The Curie temperature (Tc) of Nd0.7Gd0.3Mn2Si2 alloy is 42 K, while the spin reorientation temperature (TSR) is 26 K and the Nel temperature (TN) is 410 K. The Tc and TN were determined using PPMS and DSC, respectively. The maximum value of the magnetic entropy change (-Smax) in the field change of 0-5 T is 11.862 J/kg K, while the value of relative cooling power (RCP) in Nd0.7Gd0.3Mn2Si2 alloy is 69.666 J/kg under the field change of 5 T.

Review of: The Early Transnational Chinese Cinema Industry, Fu Yongchun (2019)London: Routledge, 156 pp.,ISBN 978-0-42949-006-4, e-book, £29.59ISBN 978-0-36766-134-2, p/bk, £29.59ISBN 978-1-13859-237-7, h/bk, £96.00

The nominal compositions of La1.4Sr1.6-xMgxMn2O7(x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) have been synthesized using solid-state reaction method. The XRD analyses show that the x=0 compound is pure I4/mmm tetragonal bilayered perovskites phase, while they are mixture of an orthorhombic ABO3-type perovskite and tetragonal bilayered perovskites for x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3). When x is 0.4, the compound is pure orthorhombic ABO3-type perovskite. For lightly doped samples (x=0.1 and 0.2), the Curie and Nair temperature decreases with the increasing Mg2+doping, while the metal-insulation transformation temperature is 90K and 140K, respectively. For heavy doped samples (x=0.3 and 0.4), the magnetic property shows spin-glass state, and the resistance increases nearly 4 order of magnitudes.

Abstract Machine learning algorithm is the core of artificial intelligence, is the fundamental way to make computer intelligent, its application in all fields of artificial intelligence. Aiming at the problems of the existing algorithms in the discrete manufacturing industry, this paper proposes a new 0-1 coding method to optimize the learning algorithm, and finally proposes a learning algorithm of “IG type learning only from the best”.

AbstractSheep of three hill breeds, Scottish Blackface, Cheviot and Welsh Mountain and the reciprocal crosses among these breeds were inbred (mostly by parent × offspring mating) for four generations to five levels with inbreeding coefficients ofO, 0·25 (I1), 0·38 (I2), 0·50 (I3) and 0·59 (I4). Inbred females were also mated to unrelated inbred males of the same breed type to produce line crosses (LC). Each type of dam (except LC and I4) was mated to produce lambs of up to three different inbreeding levels thus allowing the effects of the individual's own inbreeding to be separately assessed from the effects of maternal inbreeding. This study examined body weight at a sequence of ages from birth to 4 years of age with 2369 animals (ages up to 78 weeks old) or 1062 animals (2 to 4 years old) contributing to the analyses.Inbreeding of the individual had a highly significant retarding effect on body weight and growth rate up to the I2 level for weights of lambs up to 24 weeks old, with a slight recovery in performance thereafter. For the later ages examined, the maximum depression was reached at the I3 stage. The partial recovery in performance at the higher levels of inbreeding for lambs less than 24 weeks of age was also noted within lines and did not therefore appear to arise only from a loss of lines as inbreeding proceeded. The effect of dam's inbreeding was to depress growth up to the I3 level and at most ages up to I4. Line-cross lambs were generally heavier (but not significantly so) than non-inbred (F2 and the pure equivalent, O2) and progeny of line-cross dams were similar in weight to those from other non-inbred (F1, or F2 and O1, or O2 dams) or slightly better. The more highly inbred the individuals the more, in general, they fell behind the weights of the corresponding non-inbreds as they grew older. Inbreeding may thus have permanently stunted the sheep.There were no significant differences between purebred and crossbred sheep in the rate of inbreeding depression. Only at the ages of 3 and 6 weeks was there a significant difference between the three pure breeds in the changes in weight attributable to inbreeding. Up to the age of weaning (15 weeks) the changes with inbreeding of individuals could not be explained statistically in terms of dominance effects alone and non-allelic interactions may therefore also be involved. At all ages the effect of inbreeding of the dam was consistent with dominance effects alone.

Abstract Greenhouse experiment was carried out to study the effects of superabsorbent and water deficit stress on seedling growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Urmia University of Iran. Three amounts of superabsorbent polymer (0 (S1), 2 (S2) and 4 g (S3) were mixed with 500 g soil before sowing, and four levels of irrigation regimes (irrigation at 20 (I1), 40 (I2), 60 (I3) and 80% (I3) field capacity) were set as treatments. The root length, root volume, root and shoot dry weight, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, SPAD and root-shoot ratio were affected by treatments. Means comparisons indicated that the highest root length (19 cm) observed in the I4 irrigation regime and the lowest of it (16.18 cm) obtained in I1 condition. Barley plants that received 4 g and no superabsorbent had the utmost (1.13 cm) and lowest (0.54 cm) root volume, respectively. Whereas plant situated in I4 and I1 irrigation regimes produced greatest and smallest amount amount of shoot dry weight and SPAD. The maximum (12.83 cm) and minimum (8.33 cm) leaf length was obtained from S3I3 and S1I1 condition, respectively. Generally, the results showed the most of measured barley seedling traits in irrigation at 40 % field capacity (I2) were the equal with I3 and I4 irrigation regimes treatments, which indicated the resistance of barley seedling to the water deficit stress. Also, we found that the improving of root dry weight and root volume of barley seedling along with increasing in the superabsorbent application.

The travelling solvent floating zone (TSFZ) growth of Eu-substituted LSCO (La1.81−xEuxSr0.19CuO4, with nominal x = 0 ÷ 0.4) single crystals was systematically explored for the first time. The substitution of La with Eu considerably decreased the decomposition temperature. Optimal growth parameters were found to be: oxygen pressure 9.0–9.5 bars; Eu-free CuO-poor solvent (66 mol% CuO) with a molar ratio of La2O3:SrCO3:CuO = 4:4.5:16.5 and growth rate 0.6 mm/hour. The obtained single crystals were characterized with optical polarized microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The solubility of Eu in LSCO appeared to be limited to x~0.36–0.38 under the used conditions. The substitution of La3+ with smaller Eu3+ ions led to a structural transition from tetragonal with space group I4/mmm for La1.81Sr0.19CuO4 (x = 0) to orthorhombic with space group Fmmm for La1.81−xSr0.19EuxCuO4 (x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4), and to a substantial shrinking of the c-axis from 13.2446 Å (x = 0.0) to 13.1257 Å (x = 0.4). Such structural changes were accompanied by a dramatic decrease in the superconducting critical temperature, Tc, from 29.5 K for x = 0 to 13.8 K for 0.2. For x ≥ 0.3, no superconductivity was detected down to 4 K.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are highly limited on resources for the transformation into smart factories. Nytt AB, a new startup specialized in smart manufacturing solutions, is completely focused on taking down the barriers with a basic solution: implementing a machine vision system with the purpose to monitor the machines of the factories. The main aim of this thesis is to analyze the data collected from two different machines of a medium-sized factory by monitoring the color states of the stack lights.First of all, some topics are analyzed in order to get a better understanding and knowledge of the main topic of this thesis: smart manufacturing. Secondly, the methodology used during the project is explained. Thirdly, the product developed by Nytt AB is described to get a better understanding. Together with this, the companies where the product is implemented are described. The next step is the presentation of the results by analyzing the data according to these parameters:(i), the availability of the machines, (ii), critical machine tool analysis; (iii),machine idling time; (iv), disruption events; and finally, (v), information transfer. In the results, some graphs and discussions are presented. In the following chapter the conclusions are presented, which allow the analyzed company to improve its current state. Lastly, the relocation of the product into the critical machine, the implementation of new sensors to detect temperature and vibration values of the machines and the implementation of the module OpApp within the factories are suggestions presented as future work at the end of this report.
Små och medelstora företag har mycket begränsade resurser för omvandling till smarta fabriker. Nytt AB, ett nystartat företag inom smart tillverkning, är helt fokuserad på att ta bort hinder med en enkel lösning: implementering av ett kamerasystem för övervakning av maskiner i fabriker. Huvudsyftet med detta examensarbete är att analysera data som samlats in från två olika maskiner i en medelstor fabrik genom att övervaka färgändringar i deras ljuspelare. För det första analyseras några ämnesområden för att få en bättre förståelse och kunskap om huvudtemat i detta examensarbete: smart tillverkning. För det andra förklaras den metod som används under projektet. För det tredje beskrivs den produkt som utvecklats av Nytt AB för att få en bättre förståelse. Tillsammans med detta beskrivs de företag där produkten implementeras. Nästa steg är presentationen av resultatet genom att analysera data enligt följande parametrar:(i), maskinens tillgänglighet; (ii), kritisk verktygsmaskinanalys; (iii), maskinens tomgångstid; (iv), störningshändelser och slutligen; (v), informationsöverföring. I resultatet presenteras några grafer och diskussioner. Slutsatserna presenteras därefter. Dessa slutsatser gör att det analyserade företaget kan förbättra sitt nuvarande tillstånd. Som framtida arbete föreslås slutligen flytt av kamerasystemet till den kritiska maskinen, införande av nya sensorer för att övervaka temperaturer och vibrationsvärden för maskinerna och implementeringav modulen OpApp i fabriker.

Digital competence used to be a confusing concept, until recently when some researchers coined a comprehensive definition of digital competence and formulated a conceptual framework in an SME context. However, the framework was only at a conceptual level and required to be tested with the empirics of a qualitative or quantitative study. By an abductive qualitative approach, this research explored existing theories on digital competence and formulated a new digital competence framework in Swedish manufacturing SME perspective. Moreover, with cross-sectional study design, this research explored the role of digital competence in the internationalization process of six Swedish manufacturing firms, which is unprecedented in academic literature. Our findings indicate that digital competence is an evolving concept which develops gradually with technological advancements and requires a combination of three integral components: i) Digital technologies (basic and advanced level digitalization), ii) Automation of organizational processes, iii) Human resources who have the latest digital skills and are duly motivated to use these skills. This research affirms that after attaining digital competence Swedish manufacturing SMEs can sustain a competitive advantage in their international markets and it successfully facilitates in the firm’s internationalization process.
Digital kompetens brukade vara ett förvirrande koncept fram till nyligen när vissa forskare utarbetade en omfattande definition av digital kompetens och formulerade en konceptuell ram i ett små och medelstora sammanhang. Ramverket var dock endast på en konceptuell nivå och krävdes att testas med empiriken i en kvalitativ eller kvantitativ studie. Genom ett abduktivt kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt undersökte denna forskning befintliga teorier om digital kompetens och formulerade en ny digital kompetensram inom svenskt tillverkningspolitiskt perspektiv. Vidare undersökte denna undersökning rollen som digital kompetens i internationaliseringsprocessen av sex svenska tillverkningsföretag, vilket är enastående i den akademiska litteraturen. Våra resultat tyder på att digital kompetens är ett utvecklande koncept som utvecklas gradvis med tekniska framsteg och kräver en kombination av tre integrerade komponenter: i) Digital teknik (grundläggande och avancerad digitalisering), ii) Automatisering av organisationsprocesser, iii) Personal som har de senaste digitala färdigheterna och är vederbörligen motiverade att använda dessa färdigheter. Den här forskningen bekräftar att svenska tillverkare små och medelstora företag efter att ha uppnått digital kompetens kan upprätthålla en konkurrensfördel på sina internationella marknader och framgångsrikt underlättar företagets internationaliseringsprocess.

Industry 4.0 represents both a vision and a concept that paves the way to the next industrial revolution. The rise of new IT-technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber-physical systems build the technological foundation of what is considered a paradigm shift in how goods and services are developed, produced and delivered. While the term was often criticised in the beginning as an empty promise that solely serves marketing purposes, Industry 4.0 gained recognition fast with governments, research institutes and corporations around the globe starting to invest into the idea. However, despite all the efforts and resources spent to make the vision a reality, studies have shown that the implementation of Industry 4.0 is far from being a smooth process, as companies need to rethink their entire business strategies. In fact, the transformational process has been investigated from various angles to provide companies with a compass that guides them through this challenging transition. However, a systematic understanding of the forces and their magnetic features that steer the needle into the future is still lacking. As a consequence, companies either hesitate to embark on the transition or struggle to implement Industry 4.0 on a broader scale. In order to address this shortcoming, this thesis seeks to synthesise the strongly fragmented knowledge about the factors that have an impact on the implementation of Industry 4.0 and to evaluate their importance for companies. The main objective of the thesis is addressed through three distinct publications. A systematic literature review has been conducted in Publication 1 to identify the factors that need to be considered when companies implement Industry 4.0. Based on this approach, the study identifies 14 factors, discusses their theoretical meaning, and proposes three categories to distinguish between them. Based upon these findings, Publication 2 assesses the importance of the previously determined implementation factors through the application of a convergent parallel mixed-study design which is based on surveys with 140 Industry 4.0 practitioners and in-depth interviews with 16 Industry 4.0 experts. In that context, results show that the factors are not equally important and that five key factors play an elementary role when it comes to the transitional process. What is more, the findings show that the importance of certain factors varies throughout the life cycle of the transition and that the practitioners’ perception has an impact on the perceived importance of the factors. Publication 3 complements the finding of the previous two studied by illustrating and visualising the relationship between the previously identified and assessed factors through the combination of network theory and systems thinking. This approach offers a new perspective on the importance of the implementation factors by showing that the importance of the examined factors is not static and that it changes depending on the relationship to other implementation factors. Consequently, the findings lay the foundations for the development of quantitative models that can be used to simulate specific implementation scenario.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Business School, 2021

Air-water two-phase flow in a pipeline often occurs in petroleum industry. It is important to study behavior of such flows in order to characterize two-phase flow in upstream production pipelines. This paper presents pressure drop measurements of air-water two-phase flow in a horizontal and inclined 4 inch diameter stainless steel pipe at different flow conditions. Experiments were carried out for different inclination angles including; 0°, 15°, 30° (upward and downward flows) and for different water-to-air volume fractions. Inlet superficial water velocities were varied from 0.3 to 3 m/s and reference pressure was set at 1 and 2 bars. For a given superficial air velocity, pressure drop has been found to increase with increase in superficial water velocity. Pressure drop was also affected by the inclination of pipe. Upward flows were associated with high pressure drops as compared to downward flows. Measured pressure drops were compared with existing empirical relations and good agreement was found.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code for Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Power Plants (OM Code) establishes the requirements for preservice and inservice testing and examination of certain components to assess their operational readiness in light-water reactor nuclear power plants. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) endorses and mandates the use of the ASME OM Code for testing air-operated valves in 10 CFR 50.55a(b)(3)(ii) and 10 CFR 50.55a(f)(4), respectively. ASME has recently approved Mandatory Appendix IV, Revision 0. NRC currently anticipates that Mandatory Appendix IV will first appear in the 2014 Edition of the ASME OM Code. Publication of the 2014 Edition of the ASME OM Code begins the NRC rulemaking process to modify 10 CFR 50.55a to incorporate the 2014 Edition of the ASME OM Code by reference. NRC staff has actively participated in the development of Mandatory Appendix IV, Revision 0, through participation in the ASME OM Code Subgroup on Air-Operated Valves (SG-AOV). The purpose of this paper is to provide NRC staff perspectives on the contents and implementation of Mandatory Appendix IV, Revision 0. This paper specifically discusses Mandatory Appendix IV, Sections IV-3100, “Design Review,” IV-3300, “Preservice Test,” IV-3400, “Inservice Test,” IV-3600, “Grouping of AOVs for Inservice Diagnostic Testing,” and IV-3800, “Risk Informed AOV Inservice Testing.” These topics were selected based on input received during NRC staff participation in the SG-AOV and other industry meetings. The goal of this paper is to provide NRC staff perspectives on the topics of most interest to NRC staff and members of the SG-AOV. Paper published with permission.

Abstract: The study was carried out in the areas of studying the criteria of the social efficiency of occupational risk management by: assessing the general and occupational morbidity of workers, researching the quality of life, analyzing the social and hygienic factors of health and assessing the social protection of workers. It was found that the highest incidence rates were found in a group of workers with up to 9 years of experience, which amounted to 42.3 cases, 537.8 days of disability. When managing occupational risk in production for a five-year period, a tendency was determined to reduce the incidence of workers in sick persons by 6.1%, in cases by 4%, in days by 8.2% per 100 year-round workers. When assessing the quality of life of workers, it was found that the values of indicators on the scale "Vital activity" among employees significantly increase with increasing experience, and according to the scale "Mental health" of the psychological component of the quality of life, workers with experience of 0-9 years have significantly higher values compared to the rest of the senior groups. In the study of the criteria of social and hygienic factors of health and social protection of workers, a tendency was established to reduce the subjective assessment of their health by workers with an increase in age and work experience. So social efficiency in terms of subjective assessment of their health workers increased in all seniority and age groups. The greatest growth in the subjective assessment of their health was found among workers aged 30-39 - by 8% (0.4 points on the scale). Thus, the social effect of occupational risk management at chrysotile production is determined in a decrease in the incidence of sickness with temporary disability of employees and in an increase in the criteria for subjective assessments of their health by employees of the enterprise.

This work experimentally investigates the effects of confined cross flow and geometrical parameters in impingement flows on the jet discharge coefficient, Cd. Such cooling configurations are common in the gas turbine industry and all properties were chosen to be applicable in real applications. The effect on Cd was studied for square edged orifices with thickness to diameter ratio l/d = 1 in the range of jet to cross flow mass velocity ratio 0 ≤ Gc/Gj ≤ 6 at a jet Reynolds number of 104. The distance between orifices in the span wise yn/d = 2.5–8 and stream wise xn/d = 2.5–7 directions as well as the spacing to the target plate z/d = 1–3 were investigated. Generally, the conclusions from previous studies were confirmed. An exception to this was the observed increase of Cd with increasing Gc/Gj for Gc/Gj < 0.5. A correlation was developed for the discharge coefficient with the new experimental data as function of z/d, yn/d and Gc/Gj. The resemblance to the measured data was excellent with a maximum deviation of 4%.

The in vivo bleeding time has many disadvantages, some of which are obviated by an in vitro filter bleeding time. Normal native or heparinized blood is forced at 40mmHg through a filter made of glass microfibres with tortuous capillary sized pores which retain particles over lOμ. It is found that with high shear platelet aggregation occurs and when about 200,000 platelets (or 70/O of platelets are retained the filter becomes blocked. The test takes about two minutes to perform. Three routine measurements are easily made. (1) The % platelets retained between 10-20 secs; (2) the rate of blocking, e.g. drops 10-20/drops 0-5; (3) the blocking time. The within sample coefficient of variation (c of v) was 9% ± 4, n = 6. The c of v within stable patients studied over six months was 20% ± 11, n = 20. The correlation between platelet retention and the skin bleeding time is good overall when von Willebrand (VW) patients are included (r = ™0.73, n = 52) but absent when both tests are within the normal range. This test is sensitive to R:ag values from 0-160 (r = 0.62,n = 52) but poor within the VW and within normal groups. It is also abnormal in some patients with low platelet counts. Atherosclero-tics and diabetics have a normal test. Treatment of VW patients with DDAVP or with cryoprecipitate usually normalises this test. In one VW patient neither substance corrected this test and he bled. The test is thus useful in monitoring in vitro and in vivo the efficiency of various factor VIII concentrates to stop bleeding in VW disease. In vitro it is abnormal in the presence of many “membrane-active” drugs. Different drugs also have different effects on the retention of white cells; so it could be useful as a pharmacological screen. Thus it has uses as a quick and easy clinical screen for many forms of platelet-dependent haemostatic defects. It could also be used by the pharmaceutical industry and by producers of factor VIII concentrates.

Abstract Holes are pervasive in load-bearing composite structures within the aerospace industry, as a result of the use of mechanical fasteners in assembly and cutouts to accommodate wiring and hydraulic lines. In this work, static loading experiments were conducted on composite laminates to document the initiation and growth of damage and to record changes in the strain field. The main objective of this work was the development of an experimental database for comparison with the results from a three-dimensional stress analysis based on spline variational theory. Two multidirectional laminates considered in this study were [0/90]2s and [±30/90]s of IM7/5250-4 (graphite fiber/toughened BMI). For each loading increment strains were recorded at a number of locations in close proximity to the hole as well as far field, and the specimen was subjected to x-radiography. Acoustic emission was also monitored during loading and compared to strains and radiographic images to identify damage initiation and progression. Experimental strains were well with the analytical strains at low loadings, prior to extensive damage development. The details of damage progression in these laminates discussed.

Abstract Air-cooled condensers (ACC) are commonly used for cooling applications in the petro-chemical and power generation industry. Common analysis techniques used include one-dimensional design codes, however, these fail to capture complex flow phenomena associated with ACCs subjected to adverse environmental conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is seen as an alternative, more accurate analysis tool. The model used in the present study co-simulates the CFD using ANSYS Fluent® to model the air-side with a system-level model in Flownex® to represent the steam-side. A 4 × 3 ACC bank is subjected to adverse cross-wind conditions and a single cell is co-simulated. The volumetric and thermal performance is predicted. Prior to the evaluation a discretization process is undertaken to ascertain an adequate level of detail required to accurately capture the complex flow phenomena which could affect the steam-side performance. A 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 discretization case is compared. A 13% difference in heat transfer rate is predicted between the cases. The 6 × 6 case is used to evaluate the cell performance when the ACC is subjected to cross-wind speeds of 0, 3, 6 and 9 m/s. Results show an increase in outlet steam quality as the cross-wind speed increases due to diminishing ACC performance.

There is increased demand for high quality fruit produced and marketed with reduced chemical inputs to minimize toxic effects on human health and the environment. Granny Smith (GS) apple quality is reduced by two major physiological disorders, superficial scald and bitter pit (BP). These disorders cause great loss to apple growers worldwide. Superficial scald is commonly controlled by chemical treatments, mainly the antioxidant diphenylamine (DPA) and/or the ethylene action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1–MCP). Both chemicals are ineffective in controlling bitter pit incidence. We proposed to investigate the beneficial use of non-chemical, abiotic stress with low O2 (LO2) applied for 10d at 20°C on GS apple fruit. During the project we expanded the treatment to more apple cultivars, Golden Delicious (GD) and Starking Delicious (SD) and another pome fruit, the pear. Apple and pear have similar physiological disorders that develop during cold storage and we examined if the LO2 treatment would also be effective on pear. Application of 0.5% LO2 atmosphere for 10d at 20°C or 500ppb 1-MCP at 20°C prior to cold storage at 0°C, was effective in reducing superficial scald in GS apple. Moreover, LO2 pretreatment was also effective in reducing bitter pit (BP) development in California GS and Israeli GD and SD apples The BP symptoms in GS from California were much more prominent, so the effect of LO2 was more dramatic than the effect on the Israeli cvs. GD and SD, nevertheless the LO2 treatment showed the same trend in all cultivars in reducing BP. The LO2 and 1-MCP -treated fruit exhibited lower levels of ethylene, - farnesene and its oxidation product, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (MHO), as determined by SPME/GC-MS analysis. In addition, LO2 pretreatment applied to California Bartlett or Israeli Spadona pears was effective in reducing superficial scald, senescent scald and internal breakdown after 4 m of cold storage at 0°C. For GS apple, low-temperature storage resulted in oxidative stress and chilling injury, caused by increased production of superoxide anions which in turn led to the generation of other dangerous reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using confocal laser-scanning microscopy and H2O2 measurements of apple peel, we observed ROS accumulation in control fruit, while negligible amounts were found in LO2 and 1-MCP treated fruit. Gene-expression levels of ROS-scavenging enzymes were induced by the various pretreatments: catalase was induced by LO2 treatment, whereas Mn superoxide dismutase was induced by 1-MCP treatment. We assume that LO2 and 1-MCP pretreated fruit remained healthier due to reduced production of ethylene and reactive oxygen substances, such as MHO, during cold storage. The LO2-treated apple exhibited greener peel and firmer fruit after 6 m of cold storage, and the fruit had high crispiness leading to high taste preference. In both pear cultivars, the LO2 treatment led to a reduction in internal breakdown and browning around the seed cavity. We tested the LO2 pre-storage treatment on a semi-commercial scale that would be applicable to a small organic grower by sealing the fruit within the plastic field bins. The treatment was most effective with a continuous flow of nitrogen through the bins; however, a single 6 hour flush of nitrogen was also fairly effective. In addition, we determined that it was very important to have the oxygen levels below 0.5% for approximately 10 days to achieve good scald control, not counting the time required to reduce the oxygen concentration. Our LO2 technology has been proven in this project to be effective in reducing several physiological disorders developed in pome fruit during cold storage. We hope that our non-chemical treatment which is friendly to the environment will be used in the near future for the organic apple and pear industry. The next step should be an analysis of the cost-benefits and commercial feasibility.

Background PHS (pulmonary hypertension syndrome, ascites syndrome) is a serious cause of loss in the broiler industry, and is a prime example of an undesirable side effect of successful genetic development that may be deleteriously manifested by factors in the environment of growing broilers. Basically, continuous and pinpointed selection for rapid growth in broilers has led to higher oxygen demand and consequently to more frequent manifestation of an inherent potential cardiopulmonary incapability to sufficiently oxygenate the arterial blood. The multifaceted causes and modifiers of PHS make research into finding solutions to the syndrome a complex and multi threaded challenge. This research used several directions to better understand the development of PHS and to probe possible means of achieving a goal of monitoring and increasing resistance to the syndrome. Research Objectives (1) To evaluate the growth dynamics of individuals within breeding stocks and their correlation with individual susceptibility or resistance to PHS; (2) To compile data on diagnostic indices found in this work to be predictive for PHS, during exposure to experimental protocols known to trigger PHS; (3) To conduct detailed physiological evaluations of cardiopulmonary function in broilers; (4) To compile data on growth dynamics and other diagnostic indices in existing lines selected for susceptibility or resistance to PHS; (5) To integrate growth dynamics and other diagnostic data within appropriate statistical procedures to provide geneticists with predictive indices that characterize resistance or susceptibility to PHS. Revisions In the first year, the US team acquired the costly Peckode weigh platform / individual bird I.D. system that was to provide the continuous (several times each day), automated weighing of birds, for a comprehensive monitoring of growth dynamics. However, data generated were found to be inaccurate and irreproducible, so making its use implausible. Henceforth, weighing was manual, this highly labor intensive work precluding some of the original objectives of using such a strategy of growth dynamics in selection procedures involving thousands of birds. Major conclusions, solutions, achievements 1. Healthy broilers were found to have greater oscillations in growth velocity and acceleration than PHS susceptible birds. This proved the scientific validity of our original hypothesis that such differences occur. 2. Growth rate in the first week is higher in PHS-susceptible than in PHS-resistant chicks. Artificial neural network accurately distinguished differences between the two groups based on growth patterns in this period. 3. In the US, the unilateral pulmonary occlusion technique was used in collaboration with a major broiler breeding company to create a commercial broiler line that is highly resistant to PHS induced by fast growth and low ambient temperatures. 4. In Israel, lines were obtained by genetic selection on PHS mortality after cold exposure in a dam-line population comprising of 85 sire families. The wide range of PHS incidence per family (0-50%), high heritability (about 0.6), and the results in cold challenged progeny, suggested a highly effective and relatively easy means for selection for PHS resistance 5. The best minimally-invasive diagnostic indices for prediction of PHS resistance were found to be oximetry, hematocrit values, heart rate and electrocardiographic (ECG) lead II waves. Some differences in results were found between the US and Israeli teams, probably reflecting genetic differences in the broiler strains used in the two countries. For instance the US team found the S wave amplitude to predict PHS susceptibility well, whereas the Israeli team found the P wave amplitude to be a better valid predictor. 6. Comprehensive physiological studies further increased knowledge on the development of PHS cardiopulmonary characteristics of pre-ascitic birds, pulmonary arterial wedge pressures, hypotension/kidney response, pulmonary hemodynamic responses to vasoactive mediators were all examined in depth. Implications, scientific and agricultural Substantial progress has been made in understanding the genetic and environmental factors involved in PHS, and their interaction. The two teams each successfully developed different selection programs, by surgical means and by divergent selection under cold challenge. Monitoring of the progress and success of the programs was done be using the in-depth estimations that this research engendered on the reliability and value of non-invasive predictive parameters. These findings helped corroborate the validity of practical means to improve PHT resistance by research-based programs of selection.

This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU’s (African Union’s) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only “about” data, but which “is” data. According to an article1 by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), “At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge.” Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is “trust” – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. “This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy”, says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect2 project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa)3 project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly)4, have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System5 (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community6 (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high- performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array7 (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs 8 (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/ supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries 9 programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10 ). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management.