Certification Procedures Research Articles

Minimax strategy in approximate model predictive control

It is known that a model predictive control law for a linear dynamical system with a linear or quadratic cost function can be explicitly computed as a piece-wise affine function. However, the number of regions required grows rapidly with the horizon length, the number of states and constraints limiting the deployment of explicit solutions to relatively small MPC problems, and motivating approximate solutions requiring less storage for online implementation. Unfortunately, the offline computation required to generate the approximate solution can be very high using many existing algorithms. In this paper, we propose a new procedure to generate the approximate solution based on barycentric interpolation whilst retaining a (less conservative) certification of the controller. This novel certification procedure requires solving a number of small-scale multiparametric linear programs together with convex optimization problems. During the online implementation of the approximate MPC, only a small linear program has to be solved to evaluate the control law. The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated through both simulation and also in application to a canonical cart–pole stabilization problem.

Novel approach for connecting real driving emissions to the European vehicle laboratorial certification test procedure.

Vehicle emission certification is evaluated under laboratorial conditions, where vehicles perform a standard driving cycle in controlled conditions leading to several critics, which have resulted in the implementation of the Worldwide harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) and the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing procedure, as a complementary certification procedure. RDE is still under debate since boundary conditions; evaluation and trip selection methods are still being studied to allow test reproducibility. Currently, the official data analysis method uses the moving average window (MAW_EC), based on the WLTP CO2 emissions for trip validity evaluation (RDE package 4) and emissions (RDE package 3). However, this does not consider the impact of vehicle dynamics. Consequently, this work focuses on developing a novel method to relate certification driving cycle dynamics and on-road test vehicle dynamics, to evaluate RDE tests fuel use and exhaust emissions in a comparable way to certification driving cycles, indicating how close, or far, real-world driving is from the laboratorial certification test. For this, a new method was developed called road vehicle evaluation method (ROVET), which relies on the cycle vehicle dynamic and on-road trip dynamics for assessing if both tests are comparable. Results from 5 measured vehicles with a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) through reproducibility tests and 2 case studies, show that the ROVET provides results closer to the certification calculated reference than the most commonly used method in Europe (1% avg. difference for ROVET while 8% avg. difference for MAW_EC, regarding CO2 emission, for example). The use of vehicle dynamics on construction and references of a method could be used to incentivize the regulators to review the references used by the current used methods, which suffers several criticisms since their release. As the regulated methods are in constant update, this study could be useful for helping to improve or to be used as additional method for future vehicle certification procedures. Graphical abstract.

Addressing the Сompetence of Experts and Specialists in the Light of Provisions of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and International Experience in Applying Specialized Knowledge

The purpose of the study is to reflect differences in approaches to determining the competence of experts and specialists in domestic forensic expertise and based on international standards for forensic examination. According to the international standard, ISO/IEC 17025:2017 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”, competence is determined by the demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and/or skills and personal qualities. An attempt has been made to adapt this formulation to the realities of the Russian forensic activities. Also – based on a standard approach – consideration has been given to the issue of specialized knowledge in the field of trades and crafts, as well as opportunities to determine the level of expertise have been discussed considering two possible professional situations: individuals who have passed state certification procedures relating to their trades or crafts, and individuals working in their trades or crafts without having received such certification. International standards for forensic examination and comments thereto, foreign expert practice, publications on domestic forensic expertise and the procedural codes of the Russian Federation have served as materials for the research. The methods of the general theory of forensic examination have been used in the process of research, which are comparative analysis, abstraction and modeling and legal analysis. Regarding people with special knowledge the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” demonstrates the breadth and universality of an approach to their competent activity. What is important here is the demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and/or skills, as shown by a specialist or expert at the time of competence assessment or verification within the framework of forensic laboratory accreditation. A situation when there is equality of knowledge and/or skills and personal qualities can be adapted (to some extent and without significant adjustments) to the Russian realities in forensic activities. For example, in areas of application of specialized knowledge such as skilled trades or crafts or in narrowly specialized or rare spheres of human activity. The various formulations of the term “competence” contain one unchanging feature – the obligatory verification of the level of knowledge and skills. The mechanisms that have been developed through practice to verify the competence of experts and specialists can be supplemented by the capabilities provided by standards. Assessing an expert’s competence taking into account the processes of standardization in forensic activities, currently pending updates to legislation on forensic activities in the Russian Federation and also foreign experience in the application of specialized knowledge in courts of the USA, will contribute to the formation of an integrated position of the Russian expert community and a better implementation of standardization into domestic science, as well as of the unification of rules for the forensic expert activity.

Sonic boom prediction and measurement analysis methods for certification of quiet supersonic aircraft

New sonic boom noise certification procedures for quiet supersonic aircraft are needed as part of proposed regulations to potentially amend the ban on civil supersonic overland flight worldwide. In preparation for developing these procedures, analyses are performed on an existing N-wave dataset to exercise various methodologies. Six noise metrics (PL, ASEL, BSEL, DSEL, ESEL, and ISBAP) are calculated for the measurements obtained on the ground and aloft above the turbulent boundary layer. Predictions are performed for these same locations under test day conditions and compared to measurements. In addition, predictions are performed under standard day conditions to facilitate assessment without the effects of real-world winds and atmospheric turbulence. Methods for validating prediction tools or correcting for the atmospheric effects are discussed, and limitations of these methods are identified. Ideas on robust methods for implementation in certification procedures are proposed.

Emission Control Technologies and Certification Test Methods for Inland Vessel Engines

New stringent emission limits require the drastic reduction (80 to 95%) of harmful emissions of NOx and PM. Due to the special characteristics of vessels (long engine lifetime, small series, greater variety of technical configurations) also retrofit after-treatment solutions, or solutions where new engines and after-treatment systems are purchased separately are necessary. For these options economical and effective certification procedures are needed.

Effect of SME Food Entrepreneurs Knowledge on Halal Certification for Certified Awareness Using Partial Least Square

This study aims to predict the impact of the understanding of halal certification by Small Medium Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs on the intention to conduct halal certification. This study was conducted in the Cooperative and SME Office of Surakarta City. The Halal Certification Comprehension Rate was assessed using three variables. We had knowledge of halal (PGT), perceived halal certification advantages (MNF), and perceived halal certification procedures (PROS). Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was used for data analysis. The results show that SMEs have a good knowledge of halal and agree that halal certification is beneficial to their businesses. We found, though, that the processes for handling Halal Certification are relatively complex. Based on the study, the perception of Halal Certification Benefits (MNF) is significantly affected by the intention of SMEs to conduct Halal Certification (NHL). The other two results show a positive correlation. However, they are not statistically significant.This study aims to predict the impact of the understanding of halal certification by Small Medium Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs on the intention to conduct halal certification. This study was conducted in the Cooperative and SME Office of Surakarta City. The Halal Certification Comprehension Rate was assessed using three variables. We had knowledge of halal (PGT), perceived halal certification advantages (MNF), and perceived halal certification procedures (PROS). Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was used for data analysis. The results show that SMEs have a good knowledge of halal and agree that halal certification is beneficial to their businesses. We found, though, that the processes for handling Halal Certification are relatively complex. Based on the study, the perception of Halal Certification Benefits (MNF) is significantly affected by the intention of SMEs to conduct Halal Certification (NHL). The other two results show a positive correlation, but they are not statistically significant.

Effect of SME Food Entrepreneurs Knowledge on Halal Certification for Certified Awareness using Partial Least Square

This study aims to predict the impact of the understanding of halal certification by Small Medium Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs to conduct halal certification. This study was conducted in SMEs in Surakarta, Indonesia. The Halal Certification Comprehension Rate was assessed using three variables. We used knowledge of halal (PGT), perceived halal certification advantages (MNF), and perceived halal certification procedures (PROS). Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was used for data analysis. The results show that SMEs have a good knowledge of halal and agree that halal certification is beneficial to their businesses. We found, though, that the processes for handling Halal Certification are relatively complex. Based on the study, the perception of Halal Certification Benefits (MNF) is significantly affected by the intention of SMEs to conduct Halal Certification (NHL). The other two results show a positive correlation. However, they are not statistically significant.

Strengthening of Masonry Structures: Current National and International Approaches for Qualification and Design

The strong seismic events that have occurred in Italy during the past few years have shown the vulnerability of unreinforced masonry structures all over the country. The growing interest in the use of composite materials as a fast and effective way for structural strengthening pushed Italian public authorities to define common rules for qualification and design. Different guidelines are being developed at the national, but also at the international level, considering the different composite systems currently present on the market, generally constituted by continuous fibres in the form of fabrics or meshes embedded in a polymeric or inorganic matrix. The paper will summarize and compare the various assessment and design approaches of the composite system, highlighting the different aspects which characterize national and international procedures of certification.

ROLE OF MEDIATION IN A CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The article considers the role of mediation to conflict resolution. The problem of mediation is disclosed as an alternative way of resolving disputes. It has been revealed that in all the concepts of mediation the participation of a third party is emphasized that of the mediator who provides some assistance in establishing an understanding and whose interests are not directly related to the misunderstanding issues. An active third party controls the process, facilitates a realistic assessment of the situation by the parties, adopts an adequate solution, reduces emotional stress, etc. The expediency and possibilities of using mediation in Ukraine are analysed. It has been investigated that presently Ukrainian legislation has not yet defined the legal status of a mediator as well as that of professional mediator organizations and the procedure for certification of mediators, additional requirements for professional mediation skills and the quality of services provided and similar requirements. In the current legislation of Ukraine there is no regulation of the relations between the mediation participants.The types of mediation and its techniques have been considered. Such kinds of mediation as preventive mediation and mediation of conflict that has already arisen, survey mediation, mediation of containment (escalation) of the conflict, conflict settlement mediation, of voluntary and obligatory types, mediation focused on problem solving, transformation, rehabilitation, assessment mediation and mediation, based on mutual understanding, as well as reflexive, contextual and independent intervention techniques have been dealt with. These should be used for the success and effectiveness of the mediation process.It has been found that the use of mediation has proven its appropriateness for solving a variety of conflicts, but the real effectiveness of mediation also depends on the mediator's professionalism, the type of conflict and the personal characteristics of the conflicting parties.

Update of the content for German KTQ quality certification system and its enlightenment for China

The German(Kooperation fur Transoarenz und Qualitat im Gesundheitswesen, KTQ)certification system was officially launched in Germany in December 2001.Over ten years′ development proves that the KTQ certification system as a high standard medical management system.The authors introduced its background, the update of certification content and procedures, and explained its characteristics and advantages.These insights provide valuable references for establishing a professional and efficient quality certification system, suitable for China′s social and economic development level. Key words: Quality management; Quality certification system; Standard; Germany

KEHALALAN MAKANAN CEPAT SAJI MENURUT FATWA MUI: STUDI ANALISIS TERHADAP RESTORAN CEPAT SAJI DI KOTA BOGOR

The results concluded that the criterias of fast food that is halal and which is haram in Islamic Shari'ah is determined by the presence or absence of unclean and unclean goods elements. MUI has arranged halal fast food products by establishing the System and Procedures for Stipulation of Fatwa Halal Products completely. LPPOM MUI has also set up MUI Halal Certification procedures in detail for fast-food restaurant products. National fast food restaurants in Bogor City have been certified halal MUI and have implemented Halal Assurance System (SJH). This is evidenced by the establishment of halal policy by Top Management; appointment of Halal Management Team; making HAS manual; implementation of Halal Assurance System training; preparation of HAS related procedures; internal audit implementation; and management review. The local fast food restaurants are generally not certified halal MUI, so it cannot be ascertained halal. Because to ensure it must go through an audit process that requires fast-food restaurant companies to register halal certification first. Therefore, the authors suggest that the government immediately implement the mandate of Halal Product Guarantee Act (JPH) by making the government regulation as derivative rule and complementing the working tool of the Halal Product Guarantee Organizer (BPJPH). In addition, fast-food restaurant entrepreneurs who have not been certified halal to immediately apply halal certification, in order to protect the interests of consumers of food products containing elements of illicit goods or impure. The people, especially the Muslims, are encouraged to consume halal certified halal food products, and be wary of processed food products that have not been certified halal, especially products that have a critical point on raw materials, additives, and auxiliary materials as well as on the production process.

Purity assessment using the mass balance approach for inorganic in-house certified reference material production at Inmetro

The production of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) is one of the essential activities of the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) to ensure metrological traceability of inorganic elemental measurements in Brazil. This work presents a set of procedures for purity assessment and in-house certification of high-purity salts, implemented at the Laboratory of Inorganic Analysis, from the Chemical and Thermal Metrology Division at Inmetro. We developed and validated methodologies based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry measurements with standard addition calibration in order to determine the mass fraction of up to 71 elements considered as possible impurities. The purity of inorganic salts was determined using the mass balance approach with expanded measurement uncertainties smaller than a mass fraction of 0.007 %. All procedures were performed according to the ISO 17034:2016 standard. The CRMs will be used for the production and certification of single-element calibration solutions at Inmetro.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СЕРІЙНОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА РЕГІОНАЛЬНИХ ПАСАЖИРСЬКИХ ЛІТАКІВ АН-148 ТА АН-158

The main results and peculiarities of putting the family of regional passenger airplanes An-148/An-158 into the batch production are presented. Based on the results of audits of the Aviation Register of the Interstate Aviation Committee and the State Aviation Service of Ukraine the complex of works that had been performed allowed to obtain approval for putting of airplanes into the batch production. The production is carried out in accordance with the requirements of «Guidelines21.2Cfor the Certification and Supervision of Aircraft Production», «Guidelines 21.2D of Certification and Control Procedures over the Civil Aircraft Production», Standards ISO9001-2009 and EN9100 of «Quality Management Systems. Requirements». The functioning of the quality system is constantly monitored by internal inspections.To put the AN-148-100/158 airplanes into the batch production: technological preparation of production for about 65 000 parts, units and assemblies has been made; more than 19 300 items of special technological equipment and tools have been designed and manufactured; more than 75 000 sets of design documentation for the processes of manufacturing, assembling, controlling and testing parts, units, assemblies and systems of airplanes have been worked out; new technological processes in the forging and stamping, mechanical assembly production, aggregate and assembly manufacturing have been completed, improved and implemented; advanced metalworking tools have been tested and implemented in the production; works on restoration of efficiency and improvement of technological equipment have been performed; new technological processes of manufacturing parts and units on numerically controlled programmable machines have been completed and implemented; complex manufacturing and new production processes of manufacturing products from composite and nonmetallic materials, forging and stamping products, foundry and thermal production have been completed and implemented; new equipment and production processes of welding have been mastered and implemented; the information infrastructure of the company has been organized and is being developed; an integrated automated production management system (ASC) has been developed. It functions based on the main data scope computation on a central computer capable to connect users to view the data; automated workplaces based on personal computers have been organized; measures on recruitment and training of the personnel have been organized and carried out.

FP6 Supporting Healthy Habits in Childcare with Online Trainings for CACFP Participants

Objective To develop interactive and engaging online trainings for CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) participants, based on adult learning principles and instructional strategy, including audience analysis, and formative evaluation of knowledge gained. The modules support healthy habits in childcare homes and centers. Description A training needs assessment of CACFP participants, completed as part of the Iowa Team Nutrition 2017 grant, revealed menu planning and healthy food purchasing were topics of greatest interest. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist wrote content for the modules and Iowa Public Television provided instructional design consultation on best practices for adult learners; online course template with discussion board; knowledge assessments; video production; and certification procedures. Healthy Menu Makeover and Healthy Food Purchasing modules were developed, including lesson content, assessments, graphics, links to resources, and certificates of completion. The modules were pilot tested by 10 CACFP participants who provided valuable feedback to make the modules relevant to users. The total budget for the project was $13,500. The modules are available at no cost, can be completed at the participant's own pace and accessed anywhere with an internet connection. Evaluation The modules were released in April 2018 and certificates earned through December 2018 included 516 for Healthy Menu Makeover and 288 for Healthy Food Purchasing. A participant is allowed to take a final quiz up to three times to reach a passing grade of at least 80% correct. Demographic survey results report 51% of users are from centers and 38% are home providers. Conclusions and Implications The online modules have been a popular and effective training option to meet CACFP training requirements in Iowa. Lessons learned include the value of a needs assessment to determine training topics, implementation of an instructional design process, use of an online learning platform, and use of discussion boards to engage learners.

Verification of the TIGRSP Computer Code as Applied to a 19-Rod Fuel Assembly Using CFD Computations

For assessing the core critical heat flux ratio in VVER-type nuclear reactors, the lattice computation code TIGRSP (steady-state thermal and hydraulic analysis of parameters in fuel rod bundles) is used. Despite the fact that quite a large amount of verification studies has been accomplished and that the code has passed the certification procedure, work on improving the code capabilities is still being continued. One of the modern tendencies is the wide-scale involvement of CFD codes for studying local parameters in fuel assemblies (FAs). Along with comparison with experimental data, it is advisable to carry out cross verification of lattice codes with the results of 3D thermal-hydraulic computations for conditions for which experimental data are either lacking or limited for some or other reasons. This article considers thermal-hydraulic processes during coolant flow in a 19-rod assembly with parameters close to the nominal conditions in the FAs of a VVER-1000 reactor. The 3D model is verified with respect to empirical formulas and experimental data. Based on the results of test and verification computations, we determined the mesh and turbulence model parameters using the ANSYS CFX code by means of which it is possible to obtain reliable results in estimating the hydraulic characteristics of FAs fitted with spacer grids, heat transfer in the single-phase region, and coolant flow distribution over the FA cross section. The CFD computation of coolant flow for the 19-rod assembly is carried out, and the coolant mass velocity and temperature in different sections over the length and corresponding cells of the TIGRSP code are calculated. The TIGRSP code has been verified against experimental data and taking into account the CFD simulation of the 19-rod FA, and a software module for graphically visualizing the lattice code output results has been developed. The presented data can be used for verification of thermal-hydraulic codes and in elaborating the design of FAs for VVER-type reactors.

Action Patterns of Organic Inspectors and their Importance for Saving the Integrity of Organic Farming

Certification is a crucial part of the organic farming system to protect the integrity of the whole organic sector. Process-oriented on-site auditing by skilled inspectors is the central element of the certification procedure to protect the organic sector against fraud. However, little is known about the role of the inspectors in the certification scheme. In recent years, the requirements and challenges for the organic certification system have changed significantly. The aim of the present study is to get insights into strategies and action patterns used by organic inspectors and thus to better understand their behaviour. Due to the exploratory character of the study, a qualitative approach was chosen. Twenty narrative expert interviews with organic inspectors were conducted. The evaluation was carried out with the narration analysis, which was basis for a typology analysis. The results of the study show that all organic inspectors develop strategies and behavioural patterns, which can be structured in two levels: an interpersonal and a professional level. On the interpersonal level, the results indicate that the inspectors’ behaviour patterns lie between goodwill and demonstration of power. At the professional level, the organic inspectors work with a risk or a checklist-oriented control approach. A risk-oriented control is characterised by the intrinsic motivation of the organic inspector to maintain the integrity of the organic sector. Risk-oriented inspectors set a control focus on the detection of fraud. The aspect of personal ethical involvement and interpersonal actions in control systems should be included when considering improvements in the organic sector.

BARRIERS OF EXTERNAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES TO RUSSIAN NON-COMMODITY EXPORTS

The non-commodity exports development issues from the Russian Federation to foreign countries have been considered. The main barriers, constraining the development of non-commodity exports have been analyzed. Also the classification of such “barriers of ignorance” has been developed and the measures, allowing to reduce the impact of these barriers have been proposed: creation of an electronic commercial site; creation of multifunctional centers, in which certification and licensing procedures would be carried out, customs and tax сonsultancy to potential exporters, advice and assistance in obtaining the necessary permission documentation in foreign countries; сounselling on the correct execution of foreign economic contracts to avoid double taxation and transfer pricing and other measures.

International Comparison of Professional Degree Education Certification in Environmental Engineering

This paper takes environmental engineering education professional certification as the research object. (1) Through extensive literature research, the environmental engineering education professional certifications such as ABET, ECUK and ASIIN are taken as examples to the certification institutions involved in engineering education certification in developed countries. The content of the certification standard, the certification procedure, the relationship between the certification and the qualification of the engineer were systematically sorted and analyzed in detail. Through comparative analysis, the similarities and differences between the three certification bodies are obtained. (2) The comparative analysis method was used to classify the characteristics of engineering education certification in developed countries as “six combinations”.

Efficient Profiled Attacks on Masking Schemes

Side-channel adversaries represent real-world threats against (certified and uncertified) cryptographic devices. Masking schemes represent prevailing countermeasures to reduce the success probabilities of side-channel attacks. However, masking schemes increase the implementation cost in terms of power consumption, clock cycles, and random number generation. Investigation of tools evaluating the degree of resilience of cryptographic devices using masking (against side-channel attacks) represents an important aspect in certification procedures (e.g., common criteria, FIPS 140-2, and EMVco). Several side-channel evaluation techniques exist such as template attacks and machine learning-based attacks. In this paper, we formalize results obtained in side-channel attacks community when targeting masked implementations. We report theoretical as well as practical results of parametric and non-parametric side-channel attacks on masking schemes. The theoretical part reports results based on a simulation of the execution of software devices, while the practical part focuses on actual leakages measured during the execution of a software implementation in three different contexts (that contain different levels of noise).

Совершенствование процедуры государственной итоговой аттестации выпускников по специальности 38.05.02 Таможенное дело

Совершенствование процедуры государственной итоговой аттестации выпускников по специальности 38.05.02 Таможенное дело