Cost Aspects Research Articles

Topology Optimization, Part Orientation, and Symmetry Operations as Elements of a Framework for Design and Production Planning Process in Additive Manufacturing L-PBF Technology

This paper investigates the possibility of the application of different optimization techniques in the design and production planning phase in the metal additive manufacturing process, specifically laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive technology. This technology has a significant market share and belongs to the group of mature additive technology for the production of end-use metal parts. In the application of this technology, there is a space for additional cost/time reduction by simultaneously optimizing topology structure and part orientations. Simultaneous optimization reduces the production time and, indirectly, the cost of parts production, which is the goal of effective process planning. The novelty in this paper is the comparison of the part orientation solutions defined by the software algorithm and the experienced operator, where the optimal result was selected from the aspect of time and production costs. A feature recognition method together with symmetry operations in the part orientation process were also examined. A framework for the optimal additive manufacturing planning process has been proposed. This framework consists of design and production planning phases, within which there are several other activities: the redesign of the part, topological optimization, the creation of alternative build orientations (ABOs), and, as a final step, the selection of the optimal build orientation (OBO) using the multi-criteria decision method (MCDM). The results obtained after the MCDM hybrid method application clearly indicated that simultaneous topology optimization and part orientation has significant influence on the cost and time of the additive manufacturing process. The paper also proposed a further research direction that should take into consideration the mechanical as well as geometric, dimensioning and tolerances (GDT) characteristics of the part during the process of ABOs and OBO, as well as the uses of symmetry in these fields.

A State‐of‐the‐Art Review of Through‐Silicon Vias : Filling Materials, Filling Processes, Performance, and Integration

Through‐silicon via (TSV) technology realizes high‐density interconnections within and between different dies (chips) by vertically drilling holes in silicon and filling them with various conductive materials. It is an effective way to achieve miniaturization, lightweight, and multi‐functionality in post‐Moore microelectronics. In this review, the process optimization in TSV preparation, various filling techniques, and different filler materials are comprehensively summarized and discussed. It also delves into the characterization and reliability analysis of TSV performance under multi‐physical fields of mechanical, thermal, and electrical. Moreover, the review explores the challenges and solutions for TSVs in regards of integration/packaging and cost aspects. This review can be used to understand the latest research progresses and applications of TSVs, and provide reference and guidance for future research and applications for advanced TSV technology.

Optimization of Resin Infusion Processes in Composite Manufacturing: An Experimental Study on Void Formation

This research aims at determining the effect of the process parameters namely the vacuum pressure, resin viscosity, temperature and flow rate on formation of voids in the composite manufacturing during resin infusion process. Thus, the study executes controlled experiments and quantitatively examines void content under different parameter configurations to determine that certain conditions substantially reduce voids, improving composite quality. The study reveals that selected vacuum pressure of about 100 kPa, resin viscosity of 200-250 cP at higher temperature and carefully regulated flow rates of 10- 15mL/min help to reduce air bubbles to the barest minimum. These findings provide significant advantages to composite producers on aspects of productivity, mechanical properties and material costs. Similarly, the results indicate the following from secondary research and comparative analysis: Further investigation of real-time void monitoring, exploring advanced optimization with machine learning models. This research is relevant for the enhancement of low-cost and efficient manufacturing techniques in industries that incorporate high-performance composites

Co-production of sustainability indicators in a vulnerable South American agricultural frontier

Deforestation linked to agricultural activities is a major sustainability concern. Planning towards sustainable agricultural landscapes in the (sub-)tropics requires indicators that capture the many aspects of social-ecological cost and benefit of agriculture. Agricultural production strategies are developed using the best available data and knowledge such as high-yield locations, distance to storage facilities, or certification bonuses. However, there is often a divide between sustainable production data generated by the scientific community and current data that are of interest to actors, such as those in the agribusiness sector. Here, we describe how the harmonization of crop production, conservation, and social data used by scientists and agribusiness is possible using a participatory exercise based on knowledge co-production (i.e., generation of knowledge in a collaborative way) of socio-economic and environmental indicators (such as agricultural production, logistics, or the location of indigenous communities). This was made available through an online decision support platform that facilitated the generation of sustainable entrepreneurial strategies. We tested this exercise for the social-environmentally vulnerable Argentine Chaco dry forest, subject to some of the highest rates of deforestation globally, mainly due to soybean production. The cooperation between participants of this exercise built a knowledge exchange network that was key for informing decision-makers and highlighted information gaps including agricultural productivity, accessibility of regions, and the vulnerability of rural communities. Our exercise may be applicable to other agricultural commodity frontiers and showcases the value of including actors’ priorities in the design of indicators to ensure their policy impact and to achieve food systems’ sustainability.

Optimal control of vaccination for an epidemic model with standard incidence rate

A critical challenge for diseases spread is the development of effective prevention and control measures while minimizing costs, representing the foremost priority. Unfortunately, research in this crucial area remains inadequately explored. Consequently, this paper addresses the issue by leveraging an SI reaction–diffusion epidemic model incorporating a logistic birth rate and standard incidence rate. Employing vaccination as a control variable and integrating sparse optimal control theory, the study elucidates the achievement of epidemic prevention and control through the optimization of resource allocation, emphasizing a perspective rooted in pattern structure transformation. On the one hand, we theoretically prove the existence of the optimal solutions, first-order necessary optimality conditions, and the sparsity properties. On the other hand, we use numerical simulations to verify the rationality of the control method and the effectiveness of the control strategy from three aspects of control effect, control error and control cost. In addition, tailored targeting options are proposed based on the economic status of each region, specifying the required inoculum amount for each moment. Ultimately, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of input vaccination in controlling epidemics in a majority of areas. In summary, this work offers crucial insights into the prevention and control of a non-quasimonotonic reaction–diffusion epidemic model.

PERBANDINGAN BIAYA DAN WAKTU ANTARA METODE KONVENSIONAL DENGAN METODE MODULAR MENGGUNAKAN MICROSOFT PROJECT

<p><em>Indonesia's construction sector is experiencing rapid growth, this proven by numerous development projects, including a sub-district building construction project, aiming to optimize community services. </em><em>A project must have three aspects, namely cost, quality and time. Choosing an implementation method is very important </em><em>so that a project can achieve these three goals.</em><em> </em><em>The research method used a quantitative descriptive approach with the aim of comparing cost and time aspects between conventional methods and modular methods. The conventional approach involves working on site using conventional building materials, while the modular approach involves the use of pre-fabricated modules. In analyzing the costs and time of construction of the Grabag Sub-district office building, Purworejo Regency, Microsoft project application was used to calculate the duration of the work. The cost analysis show that building structure work using the conventional method costs Rp.3,086,929,413.11, while the modular method costs Rp.3,646,018,620.52. So the difference in the cost of construction work is Rp.559,089,207.42 or 18.11% higher for work using the modular method. The time analysis obtained building structure work using conventional methods require 150 days while the modular method is 87 days or time efficiency of 63 days or 42% lower for work with modular methods. The results of the Time Cost Trade Off (TCTO) calculation showed that the total project cost for conventional construction was Rp.2,781,017,489 while the cost for modular construction was Rp.3,117,530,328. So a difference of Rp.336,512,839 is higher for modular construction. Therefore, conventional construction is the most economical option for the sub-district building.</em></p>

SOSIALISASI PENGEMBANGAN POTENSI WISATA PITKANO MENUJU DESA TUJUAN WISATA DI DESA SIBANGGEDE

Based on observations and field surveys in Sibanggede Village, Abiansemal District, Badung Regency has the potential for a tourist attraction, namely pitkano water sports, this tourist area uses the Tukad Ayung river path as a vehicle for pitkano activities. Pitkano Tourism is a means of promoting the Tourism Destination Village to attract tourists so as to grow the economy of the Sibannggede Traditional Village community. However, from the results of the interview, it was found that the management needs information related to the advantages and disadvantages along the pitkano route, this will affect the readiness of Sibanggede Village to become a tourist destination area (DTW) in the coming year. The efforts taken to solve these problems are to create the right media and means of socialization. This decision takes into account the cost aspect and the latest trends in public communication. Thus, it was decided that socialization would be carried out through the creation of adventure genre videos that would emphasize the main selling point of this potential for piccanoe tourism through the visual values of Tukad Ayung as a trial route as well as excitement or excitement in its implementation. And in addition to reviews of experiences from trial participants related to advantages or disadvantages during the activity.

Mitigating Membrane Fouling in Abattoir Wastewater Treatment: Integration of Pretreatment Step with Zwitterion Modified Graphene Oxide-Polyethersulfone Composite Membranes.

Composite polyethersulfone (PES) membranes containing N-aminoethyl piperazine propane sulfonate (AEPPS)-modified graphene oxide (GO) were integrated with either of the two pretreatment processes (activated carbon (AC) adsorption or polyelectrolyte coagulation) to assess their effectiveness in mitigating membrane fouling during the treatment of abattoir wastewater. The AEPPS@GO-modified membranes, as compared to the pristine PES membranes, showed improved hydrophilicity, with water uptake increasing from 72 to 118%, surface porosity increasing from 2.34 to 27%, and pure water flux (PWF) increasing from 235 to 673 L.m-2h-1. The modified membranes presented improved antifouling properties, with the flux recovery ratio (FRR) increasing from 59.5 to 93.3%. This study compared the effectiveness of the two pretreatment processes, AC, coagulation, and the integrated system (coagulation/AC-UF membrane), in the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) and improvement of abattoir wastewater's pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, and turbidity. The integrated systems produced improved water quality in terms of pH, EC, TDS, turbidity, and organic content. The fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (FEEM) analysis exhibited almost no fluorescence peak post-treatment following organic loading removal. The quality of the water met the South African non-potable water reuse standards. The sole membrane treatment systems exhibited good fouling resistance without the pretreatment systems; however, integrating these systems can offer extended longer filtration periods, thereby assisting in cost aspects of the abattoir wastewater treatment system.

Optimizing Road Pavement Projects Through Earned Value Concepts

Every construction project faces constraints of cost, schedule, and quality that must be managed to achieve the desired objectives. This research aims to control the aspects of time and cost in construction projects by applying the Earned Value Concept and Crash Program methods. The subject of the study is the Preservation of Roads and Bridges project in Bireuen City - BTS, Lhokseumawe/Aceh Utara, Krueng Mane Buket Rata, SP. Krueng Geukeueh - PEL. Krueng Geukeueh (PEL. Lhokseumawe). The data analyzed includes the Budget Plan (RAB), project schedule, and reports on planned and actual work. This data is processed into three main indicators: BCWS, BCWP, and ACWP, which are then analyzed through Schedule Variance (SV), Cost Variance (CV), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), and Cost Performance Index (CPI). The analysis results show that during weeks 22 to 23, the project had a positive Schedule Variance (SV) (0), which then turned negative during weeks 24 to 28, with an average Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 1.0096, indicating that project execution was ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the Cost Variance (CV) was positive throughout the project, and the average Cost Performance Index (CPI) was 1.2118, indicating that actual costs did not exceed the budget. The application of the Crash Program method resulted in changes in heavy equipment rental costs and worker wages, from IDR 1,440,469,946.99 over 50 days to IDR 1,853,072,988.06 over 25 days, with a cost increase of IDR 412,603,041.07 and an acceleration ratio of 1.29. This research demonstrates that the Earned Value Concept and Crash Program methods are effective in controlling time and cost in construction projects, thereby helping to achieve better efficiency in project management.

Evaluation of practicality of wireless charging for electric vehicles in the next 10 years

As the electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly due to the need for sustainable development; a solution is needed to deal with current problems related to electric vehicles, this includes relatively limited driving range, relatively lack of charging spots during busy season, and the inconveniences of plug-in charging, such as dealing with cables. Therefore, wireless charging technology capable of charging electric vehicles while they are in motion becomes a potential solution. Assessing whether this technology will be mass-applied in the future is crucial. Given the limited current research that evaluates the practicality of wireless charging technology for electric vehicles with a time scale, this article aims to assess the aspects of safety, cost, efficiency, materials, user acceptance and other factors to determine the likelihood of making wireless charging practical for electric vehicles in the next decade. Furthermore, by distributing questionnaires to electric and gasoline car owners to gather participants’ opinions and expectations on wireless charging for electric vehicles, statistical analysis of the questionnaire results; interview with a professor at Shanghai University who is an expert in magnets and electricity, conducting secondary research, this article concludes whether wireless charging technology for electric vehicles can be implemented in the decade or not. As an impact, this article includes a time scale by conducting an evaluation instead of implicitly mentioning the time scale.

Exploring small-scale direct air capture in a building ventilation system: a case study in Linköping, Sweden

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies have emerged as a promising solution to address climate change and meet global climate goals. However, despite the importance of DAC in designing carbon-negative buildings, there is a lack of research focusing on the energy and cost aspects in building ventilation systems. The objective of this research is to investigate the CO2 capture potential and economic viability of integrating small-scale DAC into a building ventilation system integrated within a gym space. A gym space located in the city of Linköping, Sweden, is used as the research object. Furthermore, the study investigates the CO2 capture potential across a portfolio of gym spaces corresponding to an area of 24,760 m2. The results show that the CO2 capture potential varies between 54 kg/day and 83 kg/day for the investigated gym space. Moreover, the total CO2 capture potential is between 588 ton CO2/year and 750 ton CO2/year for the portfolio of gym spaces. The results also demonstrate that regenerating the sorbent during non-operating hours is more energy-efficient and economically advantageous compared to performing four complete regeneration cycles during operating hours. Based on a sorbent capture potential of 0.2 mmol/g and 2.0 mmol/g, and a CO2 price of 1,000 SEK, the break-even price for energy is 0.25–0.53 SEK/kWh. Lastly, the research shows that, among the investigated cases, the only economically viable solution corresponds to sorbent capture potential 2.0 mmol/g and utilizing low-grade heat for the generation process, resulting in a total cost of 663 SEK/ton CO2.

Consideration on the efficient calibration method for low-cost microphones

Current microphone calibration methods in the international standards are basically targeting laboratory and working standard microphones specified in the IEC 61094-2 and IEC 61094-4, respectively. These methods are promising to ensure the reliability however there are many difficulties in applying it to low-cost acoustic sensors such as MEMS microphones, which are rapidly becoming widespread, with aspects of time and cost. Moreover, since the installation conditions for these low-cost microphones are different from those of standardized measurement microphones, calibration methods that take these usage conditions into consideration are required. As potential methods to overcome the problems, the feasibility of the active coupler method applicable to surface mounted condition and the bulk calibration method in the reverberation room are investigated. Both proposed methods can be applied under actual installation conditions and enable rapid and cost-efficient calibration. In this study, methods and procedures for securing traceability are proposed, and uncertainty evaluation is conducted.

Benchmarking the Performance of Lithium and Sodium‐Ion Batteries With Different Electrode and Electrolyte Materials

ABSTRACTSodium‐ion (Na‐ion) batteries are considered a promising alternative to lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries due to the abundant availability of sodium, which helps mitigate supply chain risks associated with Li‐ion batteries. Many studies have focused on the design of Li‐ion batteries, exploring their energy, power, and cost aspects. However, there is still a lack of similar research conducted on Na‐ion batteries. A comparison of the cell voltage characteristics and rate capability of sodium and lithium‐ion batteries using different types of electrodes and electrolytes. For sodium‐ion batteries electrolytes used are NaPF6 and NaClO4 and electrodes used are NaCoO2, NaNiO2, NaFePO4, (Na3V2(PO4)3), graphite, hard carbon, sodium metal, and sodium titanate. For lithium‐ion batteries with LiPF6 and KOH electrolytes and electrodes as LiCoO2, NMC, LVP, Li2MnSiO4, graphite, silicon, lithium titanate (LTO), lithium metal. A thorough analysis of six important performance metrics is part of the investigation: Ragone plots, Electrolyte salt concentration versus spatial coordinate, electrolyte potential versus spatial coordinate, Cell voltage versus battery cell state of charge, Cell voltage versus time, and state variable versus time. Comparing operating voltage and rated capacity NMC and graphite is selected for lithium‐ion batteries as this combination provides operating voltage up to 4.2 V and a rated capacity of 275 Wh/kg, for sodium‐ion for NaCoO2 and hard carbon which has an operating voltage of 2.5–3.8 V and rated capacity around 200 Wh/kg and another combination of electrode as NaFePO4 and sodium metal with NaClO4 electrolyte has a maximum operating voltage of 2.8–3.8 V and rated capacity around 200 Wh/kg. This paper shows significant influence of electrolyte selection on battery performance. The Ragone plots demonstrate that LiPF6 electrolytes in lithium‐ion batteries and NaPF6 electrolytes in sodium‐ion batteries both exhibit superior specific energy densities compared to their KOH and NaClO4 counterparts, respectively. The work presented in this paper encourages researchers to select alternate electrolytes and electrodes for lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries in order to obtain optimal device performance.

Cost implications and sustainable design for warehouses considering fire safety regulations

This paper explores the impact of sustainable design practices on warehouse construction costs in the context of fire safety regulations. The inherent fire risk during the operation of industrial facilities is a critical consideration in their design. This study evaluates various cost and technological aspects of sustainable solutions within the “design and build” framework, focusing on fire protection systems across three different fire zone configurations. The modeling analysis examines how fire zones influence smoke dispersion, temperature variations at a specific location above the fire source, and visibility. Numerical results reveal variations in smoke distribution among the three configurations, though these differences do not significantly affect evacuation efficiency. The findings indicate that increasing the number of fire zones within the warehouse can mitigate the potential impact of a fire. This research underscores that fire protection and evacuation conditions significantly affect investment costs.

Digital is Not the Alternative: Dilemma and Preserving Films in India

Abstract Films deteriorate over time and archival methods are still being developed to prevent this. Digital technology enables the conversion of films, but there are various issues with digital approaches that present Indian archivists with the dilemma of choosing the appropriate one to film preservation. It is perceived that digital technology is inferior to film and, thus, archivists in India are struggling to preserve their film heritage for future generations. Film archivists, curators and restorers in India were interviewed as part of this study, with a thematic analysis conducted to understand the perceived insufficiency of digital preservation. Film archivists dislike digital technology but recognise its benefits, however, digital film preservation faces issues of originality, obsolescence, cost, resolution and legal aspects. Archivists suggested that digital archiving is not an alternative to film archiving but rather a complement and the study finds that the problems in digital approaches can be minimised through measures such as diligence, technological advancement, multiple copies and raising awareness which can prolong the film artefact in a digital archive. Both methods must work together to preserve the unpreservable.

Analysis of Implementation Delay in Road Construction Project (A Case Study of Road Improvement Project in Jayapura Regency)

Planning and control over time and cost are important parts of overall construction project management. Work achievement of a project can be assessed through its quality, time, cost and safety aspects. So, in completing work project, time and cost incurred are aspects that must be continously measured for its deviation from the original plan. İn this study, time and cost deviations makes the management of road improvement project of Jayapura Regency getting worse. By employing several project performance indicators such as time and cost, it is possible to take preventative steps to make the road improvement project of Jayapura Regency can be proceed as planned. The research method applied in this research were qualitative and quantitative method where the qualitative method used a structured interview to respondents, while the quantity method involved a questionnaire distribution to total 100 respondents (10 project owners, 45 implementer contractors, and 45 consultants). Based on the result of this study, factors causing delays in the completion of road improvement project in Jayapura Regency are: (1) labor factor with value of 3.5400, (2) equipment factor with value of 3.4400, (3) finance factor with value of 3.4200, (4) material factor with factor of 3.3900, (5) scope of work and contract/work documents with value of 3.3900, (6) site characteristic factor with value of 3.3700, (7) changes factor with value of 3.3400, (8) managerial factor with value of 3.3300, (9) situation factor with value of 3.3200, (10) planning and scheduling factor with value of 3.2900, and (11) inspection, control and work evaluation systems with value of 3.2700. As for the ranking of variables causing delays for the completion of road improvement project in Jayapura Regency are: (a) workforce discipline with value of 3.5600, (b) inadequate number of workers or in accordane with the existing work activities with value of 3.5600 and (c) workforce nationalism with value of 3.5300

Towards a Green and Inclusive Power Sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Abstract This paper examines the power sector and electricity market in the Greater Mekong subregion (GMS) and explores potential pathways for low-cost, low-carbon, and low-conflict development of the sector. The results show that implementing a smartly-designed regional power grid, combined with enhanced cross-border trade, can facilitate a transition to a 100 percent renewable electricity supply. It projects a three-fold increase in energy demand by 2050 and highlights the need for a transition to low-impact renewable electricity sources. It utilizes modelling tools to analyze four scenarios and assess their impacts on electricity cost, carbon emissions, and environmental and social aspects. Results indicate that a scenario combining an expanded regional grid and cross-border trade, increased share of non-hydro renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures yields the best outcomes. This approach reduces sectoral emissions, lowers costs, and minimizes conflicts. The paper recommends establishing coordinated and functional regional institutions, ratifying a regional grid code, and promoting standardized cross-border power trade arrangements. In conclusion, the report highlights the relevance of a well-designed regional power grid and cross-border trade for a successful transition. Implementing the recommended measures can lead to a greener and more inclusive power sector, ensuring the region’s long-term energy security and environmental sustainability.

Emergency Logistics and Distribution Modeling and Methods

With the frequent occurrence of all kinds of emergencies, the importance of emergency logistics distribution has become increasingly prominent. This thesis focuses on the field of emergency logistics distribution, aiming to analyze distribution models and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency material distribution. First, the characteristics and needs of emergency logistics distribution are analyzed in depth, including time urgency, uncertainty and multi-targeting. Then, for the two key aspects of cost and benefit, cost components such as transportation cost, warehousing cost, labor cost, loss and damage cost, and benefit indicators such as rescue effect, economic benefit and social benefit are elaborated in detail. It also explains that factors such as material response time, transportation speed, completion rate and accuracy should be considered. Meanwhile, in the cost and benefit analysis, methods such as cost-benefit ratio (CBA), cost-efficiency analysis (CEA) and benefit assessment are illustrated, and finally recommendations covering various aspects are put forward to improve the emergency logistics and distribution system.

Integrated planning for a multiproduct, multisite reforestation value chain: a Canadian case study

This paper addresses integrated supply and distribution planning for a multiproduct, multisite reforestation value chain (RVC) in a make-to-order context. The aim is to develop a tactical planning tool to determine the quantities of seedling species and sizes to order from nurseries to satisfy reforestation site needs while minimizing purchase and distribution costs. A mixed-integer linear programming model was developed and applied to the publicly managed RVC in the province of Quebec, Canada. This tool was also used to analyze scenarios considering the three pillars of sustainability: environmental (climate risk management to bolster resilience), social (fair production allocation), and economic (supply and distribution costs) aspects. This strategic analysis highlights the trade-offs between purely economic and more sustainable scenarios and discusses strategic deployment opportunities to improve the RVC. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful tool for efficiently allocating yearly seedling supply, minimizing costs, and promoting sustainable practices in reforestation planning which provides valuable insights for RVC managers.

Legal and Financial Risk Management in Large-Scale Construction Projects

Construction projects involve many parties and experts such as builders, contractors, designers, and consultants, which causes project arrangements to be complicated with many risks and uncertainties, including legal and financial risks. Legal risks include aspects of contracts, permits, certificates, claims, lawsuits, and sanctions. Conflicts or disputes can arise due to legal risks, which can lead to cost overruns and delays in project schedules. The project manager must be able to mitigate these risks in order to achieve the project objectives. This study uses descriptive qualitative and descriptive analytical methods to provide a detailed description of the research problem. The results showed that the risks adversely affect the legal aspects of construction, time, cost, and quality of the project. Legal risks in construction projects can arise due to several reasons, namely problems with documents and contract articles, lawsuits from third parties, and problems in acquiring project land. Good risk management is required to improve project efficiency, and project performance is improved when the organization can create a high fit between risk exposure and risk management profile.