An Efficient Protocol for Negotiation over Combinatorial Domains with Incomplete Information

We study the problem of agent-based negotiation in combinatorial domains. It is difficult to reach optimal agreements in bilateral or multi-lateral negotiations when the agents' preferences for the possible alternatives are not common knowledge. Self-interested agents often end up negotiating inefficient agreements in such situations. In this paper, we present a protocol for negotiation in combinatorial domains which can lead rational agents to reach optimal agreements under incomplete information setting. Our proposed protocol enables the negotiating agents to identify efficient solutions using distributed search that visits only a small subspace of the whole outcome space. Moreover, the proposed protocol is sufficiently general that it is applicable to most preference representation models in combinatorial domains. We also present results of experiments that demonstrate the feasibility and computational efficiency of our approach

Dynamic of the Accelerated Expansion of the Universe in the DGP Model

According to experimental data of SNe Ia (Supernovae type Ia), we will discuss in detial dynamics of the DGP model and introduce a simple parametrization of matter $\omega$, in order to analyze scenarios of the expanding universe and the evolution of the scale factor. We find that the dimensionless matter density parameter at the present epoch $\Omega^0_m=0.3$, the age of the universe $t_0= 12.48$ Gyr, $\frac{a}{a_0}=-2.4e^{\frac{-t}{25.56}}+2.45$. The next we study the linear growth of matter perturbations, and we assume a definition of the growth rate, $f \equiv \frac{dln\delta}{dlna}$. As many authors for many years, we have been using a good approximation to the growth rate $f \approx \Omega^{\gamma(z)}_m$, we also find that the best fit of the growth index, $\gamma(z)\approx 0.687 - \frac{40.67}{1 + e^{1.7. (4.48 + z)}}$, or $\gamma(z)= 0.667 + 0.033z$ when $z\ll1$. We also compare the age of the universe and the growth index with other models and experimental data. We can see that the DGP model describes the cosmic acceleration as well as other models that usually refers to dark energy and Cold Dark Matter (CDM)

Green Hydrogen Production from Residual Lignocellulosic Biomass via Dark Fermentation: Maximizing Hydrogen Yield via Optimal Pretreatment Method and Substrate-to-Inoculum Ratio

Master's thesis in Environmental engineeringThis thesis presents an investigation into the biohydrogen production potential of Lignocellulosic Aquatic Residue (LAR), a byproduct of an industrial process. A detailed examination of the substrate and inoculum characterization, pretreatment methods, biohydrogen production via dark fermentation at different Substrate-to-Inoculum Ratios (SIRs), and kinetics modelling was conducted. The study aims to illustrate that LAR can serve as an effective substrate for renewable biohydrogen production via dark fermentation. After mild acid hydrolysis and lipid extraction pretreatment, LAR showed a high carbohydrate and lipid content. However, the pretreatment process needs to be optimized to avoid the introduction or release of inhibitory compounds since no gas production was observed from those pretreated LAR. Further examination revealed an optimal SIR of 2.7, where Hydrogen Yield (HY) of LAR reached around 280 mL H2 g −1 VS. A Continuous Flow Stirred-Tank Reactor (CFSTR) was built to upscale the biohydrogen production, which produced promising preliminary results. Energy output estimation indicated that biohydrogen production from LAR could contribute between 2.6 to 3.5 TWh per year, equating to 1.2 to 1.6 % of Norway’s total energy demand. This approach turns an otherwise waste product into a source of renewable energy. These findings suggest that the utilization of LAR for biohydrogen production via dark fermentation holds significant potential for future green energy solutions. Continued research is necessary to optimize pretreatment methods, operational conditions, and to fully understand this unique biomass resource

Droplet ejection by electrowetting actuation

Fast contact-line motion of a droplet spreading on a solid substrate under the electrowetting effect generates strong capillary waves on the droplet's surface. The capillary waves may be strong enough to induce ejection of a satellite droplet from the primary one. In this study, we show that the size of the satellite droplet and the ejection time are not only dependent on the contact-line velocity, which directly relates to the applied voltage enabling the electrowetting effect, but also affected by the ejection dynamics. We derive a theoretical model of the criteria for droplet ejection and experimentally verify the proposed criteria for wide ranges of viscosity, droplet size and the applied voltage