A multi-objective, hub-and-spoke model to design and manage biofuel supply chains

In this paper we propose a multi-objective, mixed integer linear programming model to design and manage the supply chain for biofuels. This model captures the trade-offs that exist between costs, environmental and social impacts of delivering biofuels. The in-bound supply chain for biofuel plants relies on a hub-and-spoke structure which optimizes transportation costs of biomass. The model proposed optimizes the CO2 style= position: relative; tabindex= 0 id= MathJax-Element-1-Frame \u3eCO2 emissions due to transportation-related activities in the supply chain. The model also optimizes the social impact of biofuels. The social impacts are evaluated by the number of jobs created. The multi-objective optimization model is solved using an augmented ϵ style= position: relative; tabindex= 0 id= MathJax-Element-2-Frame \u3eϵ-constraint method. The method provides a set of Pareto optimal solutions. We develop a case study using data from the Midwest region of the USA. The numerical analyses estimates the quantity and cost of cellulosic ethanol delivered under different scenarios generated. The insights we provide will help policy makers design policies which encourage and support renewable energy production

Feedstock Pathways for Bio-oil and Syngas Conversi

The goal of this technical memorandum is to suppo

The Turing Teacher: Identifying core attributes for AI learning in K-12

IntroductionArtificial intelligence in the educational domain has many uses; however, using AI specifically to enhance education and teaching in a K-12 environment poses the most significant challenges to its use. Beyond usage and application, the quality of the education is made even more arduous due to the dynamics of teaching primary and secondary school children, whose needs far exceed mere fact recollection. Utilizing prior research using AI in education and online education in the K-12 space, we explore some of the hurdles that AI applications face in K-12 teaching and provide core attributes for a “Turing Teacher,” i.e., an AI powered technology for learning, specifically targeting the K-12 space.MethodsUsing a survey, which included qualitative responses during the implementation of online learning during the Covid Pandemic, we analyze the results using univariate and multivariate tests and analyzed the qualitative responses to create core attributes needed for AI powered teaching technology.ResultsThe results present the challenges faced by any technology in an education setting and show that AI technology must help overcome negative feelings about technology in education. Further, the core attributes identified in the research must be addressed from the three stakeholder perspectives of teachers, parents and students.DiscussionWe present our findings and lay the groundwork for future research in the area of AI powered education. The Turing Teacher must be able to adapt and collaborate with real teachers and address the varying needs of students. In addition, we explore the use of AI technology as a means to close the digital divide in traditionally disadvantaged communities

Ultrasound Features of Palmar Fibromatosis or Dupuytren Contracture

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147818/1/jum14699_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147818/2/jum14699.pd

Sonography of Wrist Ganglion Cysts: Which Location Is Most Common?

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/150565/1/jum14912.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/150565/2/jum14912_am.pd

Techno-economic analysis of decentralized biomass processing depots

AbstractDecentralized biomass processing facilities, known as biomass depots, may be necessary to achieve feedstock cost, quantity, and quality required to grow the future U.S. bioeconomy. In this paper, we assess three distinct depot configurations for technical difference and economic performance. The depot designs were chosen to compare and contrast a suite of capabilities that a depot could perform ranging from conventional pelleting to sophisticated pretreatment technologies. Our economic analyses indicate that depot processing costs are likely to range from ∼US$30 to US$63 per dry metric tonne (Mg), depending upon the specific technology implemented and the energy consumption for processing equipment such as grinders and dryers. We conclude that the benefits of integrating depots into the overall biomass feedstock supply chain will outweigh depot processing costs and that incorporation of this technology should be aggressively pursued

Antioxidants and cancer therapy: A systematic review

A B S T R A C T Purpose Many patients with cancer take antioxidant nutritional supplements during cancer treatment to alleviate treatment toxicities and to improve long-term outcomes, but little is known about the efficacy and safety of antioxidant use during cancer treatment. We reviewed English-language manuscripts published in the biomedical literature, reporting the results of observational studies of antioxidant status and cancer outcomes and of intervention trials of antioxidants among patients receiving chemotherapy with or without radiation for various malignancies. Methods We searched the Medline database and the bibliographies of the retrieved manuscripts, reviews, and books on antioxidants and cancer. The retrieved studies are grouped by study design, malignancy, and end points. Results More than 100 citations were retrieved; 52 met our criteria, 31 were observational studies, and 21 were intervention trials. The studies varied in study design, timing of observation/intervention, intervention protocol, malignancy, and anticancer regimen. Conclusion These inconsistencies preclude a definitive conclusion as to the effect of chemotherapy on antioxidant status in patients undergoing anticancer therapy. However, our review suggests that total antioxidant status (measured by total radical antioxidant parameter) declines during cancer treatment. Adequately powered trials or observational studies among patients with a specific cancer diagnosis receiving a specific treatment regimen are needed to address patients' and physicians' concerns regarding these associations

Process Design and Economics for the Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Hydrocarbon Fuels: Fast Pyrolysis and Hydrotreating Bio-Oil Pathway

This report describes a proposed thermochemical process for converting biomass into liquid transportation fuels via fast pyrolysis followed by hydroprocessing of the condensed pyrolysis oil. As such, the analysis does not reflect the current state of commercially-available technology but includes advancements that are likely, and targeted to be achieved by 2017. The purpose of this study is to quantify the economic impact of individual conversion targets to allow a focused effort towards achieving cost reductions

Liquid Medication Errors and Dosing Tools: A Randomized Controlled Experiment

Poorly designed labels and packaging are key contributors to medication errors. To identify attributes of labels and dosing tools that could be improved, we examined the extent to which dosing error rates are affected by tool characteristics (ie, type, marking complexity) and discordance between units of measurement on labels and dosing tools; along with differences by health literacy and language

Literacy disparities in patient access and health-related use of Internet and mobile technologies

Age and race-related disparities in technology use have been well documented, but less is known about how health literacy influences technology access and use