Modernization of Hoisting Operations Through the Design of an Automated Skip Loading System—Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability

Evidence on long-term economic impact of assisted reproductive technology: a systematic review

The aim of this study is to compare water depths measured by manually and PLC from a Class A Pan in field conditions using ultrasonic transducer. The study was conducted in garden of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam in the summer season of 2019. A steel meter was used to measure water depth manually in the evaporation pan. Using the ultrasonic transducer, PLC measured water depth from the evaporation pan between 140 and 223 mm water depth at 8:00 am. An ultrasonic transducer is attached one end of sliding buttress, at which was 50 cm above from its inner-bottom at the center of the evaporation pan. The ultrasonic transducer was set to be able to read water depth and calibrated using sliding buttress. A program was written in CODESYS-ST language to measure the water depth from a Class A Pan using PLC, which was connected the ultrasonic transducer and uploaded to PLC. With the program, digital water depths were converted to millimeter water depths. To be able to read the water depth more accurately, each depth value read by the PLC was determined by averaging 30 measurements made successively at 300 millisecond intervals. In this processes, moving average method was used. Water depth measured by PLC was saved on the SD (secure digital memory) card. In the manual water depth measurements, there were 26 observations. The water depths on the manual measurement dates were matched with the water depths measured by PLC. A regression analysis was performed between the water depths measured by the steel meter and PLC in the pan, and determination coefficient (R2) was result as 0.96. The Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) of these two data sets was calculated as 2.3%. The level of agreement between the two data sets; if the MAPE is below 10%, it is considered “very good”. The results of this study revealed that the PLC could measure the water depth close to the measured manually water depth in the evaporation pan with an ultrasonic transducer.

Traditional hydraulic <span>cylinders are widely used in industry as load lifting tools. There is difficulty in employing these cylinders in narrow installation space like building elevators as well as they require a long working stroke, so solving this problem requires using the telescopic hydraulic cylinder instead. This cylinder is a unique hydraulic cylinder design that uses a sequence of decreasing diameters to create a long operating stroke in a compact-retracted form. In this work, the Auto Station software is used to build a telescopic hydraulic cylinder model that includes hydraulic elements such as double-acting hydraulic telescopic cylinders, pump, valves, pipeline, and filter, as well as electrical parts such as programmable logic controller (PLC), push-bottoms, and position sensors. The proposed model is operated by a PLC controller and has three floors with an overall height of around 300 cm for lifting a 100 kg payload. The accuracy and validity of this model in lifting big weights were demonstrated by the analytical findings of characteristic curves for cylinder position and velocity. This model can be used a basic reference to analyze and construct hydraulic cylinders with any number of stages. The findings of simulations reveal that a quick change in pressure due to phase change causes multi-phase vibration.</span>

Stepper Motors (SMs) are precise and exact in generating discrete stationary angular revolutions, and for these reasons it has recently been used in Robotic Devices. This paper introduces a design and implementation of three methods to control a two SMs using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). These methods are: wave, half, and full Stepping Excitation Method (SEM). The speed, number of rotations, and direction (Bidirectional) of SMs are manipulated in each one of these methods. Experimentally, Siemens LOGO! 230 RC (as a basic PLC unit), with the aide of Digital Module LOGO! DM8 230R (as an expansion module) has been used in our work. LOGO! Soft Comfort Version 8.2 has been used to build our algorithms for the speed, displacement of rotations, and direction control of SMs. Function Block Diagram (FBD) semantic design program is employed to achieve the proposed PLC controller programs for SMs. This paper highlights the simplicity of possibility to control the SMs by using any type of the SEMs based on PLC . Using the PLC will save electronic components used in the drive circuit because it is not required any interface circuit linking the PLC and the SMs, as a result this will minimizing the cost and develop the whole reliability of the controller.

Palm kernel oil (PKO) is one of the promising starting materials for biodiesel production. Economic viability of large-scale biodiesel production from PKO happens to be the major challenge, as investors would like to know the overall cost-benefit value before making decisions. Therefore, this study develops artificial intelligence (AI) techno-economic models for predicting overall cost-benefit value which will provide fundamental investment decisions for potential investors. The two AI techniques used in this study were artificial neural networks (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The input-output data for modelling was gotten from a previous work which based solely on experimental design for PKO for biodiesel production. The input variables are Methanol:oil ratio, temperature, catalyst quantity, residence time and catalyst calcination temperature, while return on investment (ROI), payback time (PBT), net present value (NPV) and production capacity (PC) are the responses. ANN and Fuzzy Logic Toolboxes in MATLAB R2013a were used for model implementation. The developed models were appraised using statistical indices such as coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE). The results showed that, trimf based ANFIS models (ROI- R2: 0.9999; RMSE: 7.39 × 10−7; PBT- R2: 0.9999; RMSE: 5.32 × 10−7; NPV- R2: 0.9999; RMSE: 5.89 × 10−7; PC- R2: 0.9999; RMSE: 5.89 × 10−7) performed marginally better than ANN models (ROI- R2: 0.9496; RMSE: 0.0599; PBT- R2: 0.9945; RMSE: 0.0373; NPV- R2: 0.9957; RMSE: 0.0384; PC- R2: 0.9959; RMSE: 0.0376). Also, the relative significance of input parameters based on sensitivity analysis showed catalyst calcination temperature (CT) as the most significant input parameter. These findings show that both the ANFIS and ANN models are effective in predicting techno-economic parameters.

To the Editor, The return on investment (ROI) method is commonly quoted in the analysis of capital investments affecting the practice of anesthesiology, such as the Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS), handheld computer technology, and the Preoperative Evaluation Clinic. The ROI method is easy to compute and understand (Table 1). However, it measures risk rather than investment returns. The ROI method is biased against long-term projects and is based on an arbitrary, short-term cut-off date that ignores the investment’s performance after the cut-off point and disregards the possibility of growing cash flows after that point. For example, one cannot disregard the cost reductions and cost savings of an AIMS resulting from reductions in anesthetic-related drug costs and increases in hospital reimbursement occurring beyond a cut-off period. Expressing these future cash flows in terms of their value today is known as the discounted cash flow (DCF) method. The DCF method is superior to the ROI method for analyzing capital investment decisions because it incorporates the time value of money. The DCF method estimates the value of an investment’s projected future cash flows as if the cash flows were available today. It includes two main methods of discounting future cash flow. The discounted payback period rule includes the time value of money; however, like the ROI method, it is limited by an arbitrary short-term cut-off period that is biased against long-term investments. The net present value (NPV) method includes the time value of money and is a superior method for long-term projects, such as those commonly encountered in the practice of anesthesiology. The NPV method is a measure of financial value and one approach to assessing the profitability of a proposed investment. The calculation of NPV can result in one of three possible scenarios (Table 1). First, a NPV that is greater than zero adds monetary value to the organization. The capital budgeting process can be viewed as a search for investments with a positive NPV. From a financial standpoint, these projects should be undertaken because they add value. Second, a NPV that is less than zero would represent a loss of value to the organization if the investment were undertaken. From a financial standpoint, the investment should not be made. Third, a NPV that is equal to zero represents an indifference towards the project and the need to consider other non-monetary factors before proceeding with the investment. The NPV should not be used to the exclusion of other variables that influence capital investment decisions simply because it is superior to the ROI method. In clinical practice, many non-economic factors take precedence over capital investment calculations, including medical evidence, quality and safety, governmental regulations, incentives, penalties, and compliance requirements. Despite the NPV of the proposed investment, the improvement in a hospital’s welfare may exceed the expenditure on the project. In addition, the annual operating cash flow estimates that are based on D. R. Sinclair, MD (&) University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA e-mail: dsinclair@med.miami.edu Table 1 Summary of formulas and calculations

Mechanical ventilators are essential albeit expensive equipment to support critically ill patients who have gone into respiratory failure. Adequate numbers should always be available to ensure that a hospital provides the optimal care to patients but the number of patients requiring them at any one time is unpredictable. Finding therefore the best balance in providing adequate ventilator numbers while ensuring the financial sustainability of a hospital is important. A quantitative method using Monte Carlo Simulation was used to identify the optimal strategy for acquiring ventilators in a large private tertiary medical center in Metro Manila. The number of ventilators needed to provide ventilator needs 90% of the days per month (27/30) was determined using historical data on ventilator use over a period of four years. Four acquisition strategies were investigated: three ownership strategies (outright purchase, installment, and staggered purchase) and a rental strategy. Return on Investment (ROI), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Payback period (or Breakeven Point) for each strategy were determined to help recommend the best strategy.A qualitative survey was also conducted among doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists who were taking care of patients hooked to ventilators to find out their experiences comparing hospital-owned and rental ventilators. It was found that a total of 11 respirators were needed by the hospital to ensure that enough respirators were available for its patients at least 90% of the days in any month based on the previous four-year period. This meant acquiring three more ventilators as the hospital already owned eight. Among the strategies studied, projected over a 10-year period, the installment strategy (50% down payment with 0% interest over a 5-year period) proved to be the most financially advantageous with ROI = 9.36 times, IRR = 97% per year, MIRR = 26% per year, NPV = ₱39,324,297.60 and Payback period = 1.03 years). A more realistic installment strategy with 15% (paid quarterly or annually) and 25% annual interest rates were also explored with their financial parameters quite like but not as good as the 0% interest. The outright purchase of three ventilators came in lower (ROI = 4.53 times, IRR = 55% per year, MIRR = 19% per year, NPV = ₱38,064,297.60 and Payback period = 1.81 years) followed last by staggered purchase with ROI = 3.56 times, IRR = 64% per year, MIRR = 28% per year, NPV = ₱29,905,438.08, and payback period of 2.06 years. As there was no investment needed for the rental strategy, the only financial parameter available for it is the NPV which came out as ₱21,234,057.60.The qualitative part of the study showed that most of the healthcare workers involved in the care of patients attached to the ventilator were aware of the rental ventilators. The rental ventilators were generally described as of lower functionality and can more easily break down. The respondents almost uniformly expressed a preference for the hospital-owned ventilators. This analysis showed that the best ventilator ownership strategy from a purely financial perspective for this hospital is by installment with a 50% down payment and 0% interest. Moderate rates of 15% and 25% interest per year were also good. These were followed by outright purchase and lastly by staggered purchase. The rental strategy gave the lowest cumulative 10-year income compared to any of the ownership strategies, but may still be considered good income because the hospital did not make any investment. However, it seems that most of the healthcare workers involved in taking care of patients on ventilators thought the rental ventilators were of lower quality and preferred the hospital-owned ventilators.

The paper is giving a simple and economical solution but with high performance for programming and controlling of Stepper Motor ( SM ) by using an industrial Programmable Logic Controller ( PLC ). PLC is advanced as a control device without any interface or drive circuits, thereby reducing the number of circuit components lowering the cost and improving the whole reliability of the system. SM is precise and accurate in creating discrete stationary angular revolutions, and for this characteristic, it has been used in numerous applications. The interested applications its usage in Robotic Arm Controller ( RAC ). The proposed control algorithm involves the control of SM speed, direction ( both clockwise & counter-clockwise ), and the number of step of rotation. The SM that is proposed to be controlled in experimental is four phase ( 6 wires ), with hybrid coil category, unipolar connection of stator winding, 24V rated voltage, 1.5A rated current, and it has step angle equal to 1.8º. Function Block Diagram ( FBD ) program design language is used to realize the proposed PLC control program for SM. Wave Stepping Excitation Method ( WSEM ) was employed for driving the SM.

In this paper, a non-conventional control strategy is integrated with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for the precise position control of an integrated Stepper Motor (SM). Special function modules were used to generate the pulses and to read the encoder signal from the motor. IEC 61131-3 programming code was incorporated in the form of ladder logic diagram, function blocks, and structured text. This research focuses on the control of position and speed of the motor, leveraging the capabilities of control strategies embedded within a PLC. Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) which is one of the traditional control strategies used in industrial automation processes is implemented within PLC next engineer. This research integrates control strategy into PLC platforms to achieve superior control accuracy. The study uses a combination of simulation, experimentation, and real-world application to validate the proposed approach’s effectiveness. The inbuilt PID block within PLC was implemented and later the PD model developed and compiled in Simulink was integrated with PLC. The study shows that importance of sampling time and micro stepping in achieving precise positioning. The findings demonstrate that there was successful integration of Simulink with PLC for implementing control strategies. Detailed analyses of motor position and speed under varying conditions highlight the system’s adaptability and responsiveness. PD (Proportional Derivative) showed effective results in controlling the position by minimizing the overshoot. This research concludes that the integration of Simulink with PLCs offers a robust solution for achieving precise and dynamic control over motor position.

The development of technology demands efficient and work speed, so it needs a system which can handleseveral things.This problem can be covered with PLC (Programmable Logic Control) that can integrateseveral self standing component to be an integrated control system and can be changed the configurationwithout change all instrument. Modify the ladder program can alter system of PLC. This paper showsHoist Hanger system in PTC/ED (Pre Treatment Chemical/Electrocoat Dispotition) process that controlledby PLC. Above input from limit switch, sensor, or the other input, PLC system drives the motorrelay Hoist Hanger machine. That cause the motor relay Hoist Hanger change its condition, so the movingof Hoist Hanger machine will be suitable with PLC program.

Stepper motors have found applications in multiple domains of technology. The use of stepper motors in automation and robotic projects is extremely notable; for example, dot matrix or inkjet printers make use of two stepper motors to control positioning, whereas CNC router machines might require around three or four stepper motors for three-axis position control. Basically, stepper motors are helpful in applications where exact positioning of a component or activity is required. Here below, we have discussed the control methods for a stepper motor and investigated in-depth about its control using a programmable logic controller (PLC) and the use of an HMI for interfacing it.

To develop a cost-efficient robot arm for a typical pick and place application that can applied in industry, this paper deployed a programmable logic controller (PLC) to control the rotation motion of the robot joints. The main tasks of the PLC controller are to calculate the kinematics, create high-speed pulse outputs for stepper motors, and implement sequence operations for a certain application. Functions are written into subprogram segments. When needed, the main program only turns on the corresponding flag for executing the subprogram. Using the pre-written subprograms, a logical sequence to implement the Pick and Place application is easily implemented and described in this paper. The PLC program is developed to control a SCARA robot with three rotation joins. Stepper motors drive the robot joints. The Delta DVPSV2 PLC is utilized to design the robot controller. This PLC series has four high-speed pulse output pins, which is suitable for this project. Synchronous motion of stepper motors is easily performed using high-speed pulse output commands built into the PLC program. Experimental results of robot arm control have demonstrated the efficiency and accuracy of the developed program. The robot arm's forward and inverse kinematics problems are verified using the simulator on the software. The robot's joints move synchronously as required to perform pick-and-place applications.

Preliminary techno-economic assessment and uncertainty analysis of scaled-up integrated process for bioactive extracts production from Senna alata (L.) leaves

We simulated growth and development from 481 plots within 21 even-aged, mixed hardwood stands (21‐35 years old) under no treatment and crop tree release (CTR) treatments using the new Central States Variant of the US Forest Service Forest Vegetation Simulator. We assumed a multiobjective approach focused on financial returns (timber production) and wildlife benefits (provision of species that produce hard mast) in crop tree selection. We compared simulation results by age class, site variables, and species groups. All age classes showed returns on investment (ROI) of 7.8% or greater, but stands 26‐35 years old exhibited greater net present values (NPVs). CTR treatments across site, as delineated by aspect and slope positions, also exhibited higher NPVs, with ROI of 8.4% or greater. North and east aspects yielded higher NPVs than south and west aspects within both no-thinning and CTR treatments, and no strong patterns of NPV or ROI emerged among slope positions. CTR treatment delayed financial maturity by 5‐10 years because of increased growth rates and assumed higher quality stems. Desirable overstory mast trees for wildlife habitat, primarily oaks (Quercus spp.) and hickory (Carya spp.), increased in importance value, and mortality of crop trees declined with CTR in all age classes. Simulated CTR treatments indicated potential benefits to enhance financial and wildlife forest values in even-aged, mixed hardwood stands.

The stepper motor movement process produced different frequency and pulses. This research explained about the frequency and pulses for the stepper motor movement by using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) as research method. The study was done to find the suitable frequency and pulses for stepper motor movement by developing a prototype stepper motor controller system. The pulse frequency used did not affected the distance of moving load in the stepper motor operations. The increasing number of pulse frequency only will affect the time taken for the stepper motor to complete its operations. The result showed that number of pulse frequency at high operation was 5000 Hz. Pulse number reacted as a manipulated variable that affected both factor which is time taken of stepper motor operation and the distance of moving load.