Cost Index Research Articles

Motion Planning for Autonomous Vehicles in Unanticipated Obstacle Scenarios at Intersections Based on Artificial Potential Field

In unanticipated obstacle scenarios at intersections, the safety and mobility of autonomous vehicles (AVs) are negatively impacted due to the conflict between traffic law compliance and obstacle avoidance. To solve this problem, an obstacle avoidance motion planning algorithm based on artificial potential field (APF) is proposed. An APF-switching logic is utilized to design the motion planning framework. Collision risk and travel delay are quantified as the switching triggers. The intersection traffic laws are digitalized and classified to construct compliance-oriented potential fields. A potential violation cost index (PVCI) is designed according to theories of autonomous driving ethics. The compliance-oriented potential fields are reconfigured according to the PVCI, forming violation cost potential fields. A cost function is designed based on compliance-oriented and violation cost potential fields, integrated with model predictive control (MPC) for trajectory optimization and tracking. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified through simulation experiments comparing diverse traffic law constraint strategies. The results indicate that the algorithm can help AVs avoid obstacles safely in unanticipated obstacle scenarios at intersections.

Development of a Cost Normalization Framework for Healthcare Facilities Cost Elements

Healthcare facilities (HCFs) are complex building structures that are becoming more challenging with ever-changing codes and regulations. Previously completed projects become a basis for future guidance regarding costs and scope. A robust normalization framework to assess previously completed projects with today’s costs and location will benefit various stakeholders. The current study provides a complete picture for normalizing the overall project cost and phase cost by life cycle and HCF cost elements. This study aims to develop a cost normalization approach tailored to HCF-specific cost elements to extend the normalization framework for the overall project cost. Further, the researchers developed a distinct framework for normalizing the effect of shell space on the normalization of Total Installed Cost (TIC) to establish fixed cost adjustment rates for cold and warm shell spaces in HCFs, which can increase the accuracy of cost normalization of the overall project cost. This study identified an appropriate set of cost indices for normalizing HCF cost elements using publicly available indices. The cost elements identified for normalization included HCF-specific and Construction Specifications Institute Master Format (CSIMF) cost elements for assigning individual normalization procedures. This study provides individual and unique approaches for normalizing all identified cost elements, such as mechanical, concrete, etc. The initial framework was evaluated through a case study analysis that developed into the proposed approach built upon the collaborative efforts of academic researchers and industry experts. This study introduced shell space cost adjustment rates for warm and cold shell spaces to further develop a space normalization framework. This paper addresses the challenges of normalizing HCF project costs using the breakdown of HCF cost elements. Moreover, the paper provides the HCF’s overall cost normalization approach, emphasizing cost elements that allow accurate comparisons between various HCFs for early scope and cost guidance.

Neural Network Algorithm Optimization for Financial Budget of Universities

Efficient budget management is crucial for the successful execution of construction projects. To achieve this, the design of a Construction Project Audit Budget Management System based on combinatorial optimization offers significant advantages. Combinatorial optimization techniques focus on finding optimal solutions from a vast number of possible combinations, making them well-suited for complex budget management scenarios. This system employs advanced algorithms to analyze and optimize various factors such as resource allocation, cost estimation, risk assessment, and scheduling. This paper focused on the construction of the Project Fuzzy Audit System in China. The developed model computes total investment decision, preliminary design, design, contracting, construction, completion acceptance and other stages of the investment/cost, namely investment estimation, budget estimate, control price, contract price and settlement price. According to the project total investment/cost control needs in China Project. The constructed model uses the combinatorial Optimization model for the estimation of the investment estimation of the Construction Project for the cost index. Through the Fuzzy Audit System new method abolishes the "maximum price" in the bidding document with the limit as the unit, and gradually terminates the preparation of the budget quota, highlighting the market price, so there is an urgent need for a set of cost index in line with the actual needs. The results demonstrated that with the fuzzy Audit system new method abolishes the "maximum price" in the bidding document with the limit as the unit, and gradually terminates the preparation of the budget quota, highlighting the market price, Through analysis it is concluded that with fuzzy based optimization model effectively accumulate fast and accurate calculation of the Project cost.

Unveiling the potential of forward osmosis desalination: Multi-objective optimization for peak efficiency

Forward osmosis (FO) has emerged as a promising technology with diverse applications. While recent advancements in FO have primarily focused on developing efficient membranes and draw solutes, studies on process optimization remain scarce. This work aims at identifying optimal operating conditions to use FO in seawater and brackish water desalination. Central Composite Design was conducted to investigate the effects of draw solution concentration, temperature, and flow rate on water flux (Jw), reverse solute flux (RSF), and specific cost index (Isc) responses. Response Surface Methodology analysis was performed to identify factors influencing responses. The desirability function was used to determine the best-input variables. The optimum operating conditions for the FO process are found at a flow rate of 0.6 L/min, a temperature of 32.9 °C, and a concentration of 1.79 mol/l, with corresponding values for water flux, RSF and Isc of 18.16 L/m2h and 41.03 g/m2h and 0.274, respectively. These results were experimentally validated. Experiments were also performed using seawater and brackish water feed solutions.

Predicting construction cost index using fuzzy logic and machine learning in Jordan

Purpose The process of predicting construction costs and forecasting price fluctuations is a significant and challenging undertaking for project managers. This study aims to develop a construction cost index (CCI) for Jordan’s construction industry using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and predict future CCI values using traditional and machine learning (ML) techniques. Design/methodology/approach The most influential cost items were selected by conducting a literature review and confirmatory expert interviews. The cost items’ weights were calculated using FAHP to develop the CCI formula. Findings The results showed that the random forest model had the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.09%, followed by Extreme Gradient Boosting and K-nearest neighbours with MAPEs of 1.41% and 1.46%, respectively. Originality/value The novelty of this study lies within the use of FAHP to address the ambiguity of the impact of various cost items on CCI. The developed CCI equation and ML models are expected to significantly benefit construction managers, investors and policymakers in making informed decisions by enhancing their understanding of cost trends in the construction industry.

Standarisasi Kinerja Waktu dan Biaya dengan Metode Earned Value pada Tahap Pekerjaan Struktur Proyek

The Jember Millennium Home Center Project experienced delays, because there was a difference between the costs that should have been spent not in accordance with the scheduled work performance and the difference here is negative. Therefore, research on cost index analysis and schedule performance index on the Jember Millennium Home Center project has no shortage of costs and the realization of completion work in the field is late. The purpose of this research is to calculate CPI and SPI. The method used in this research is Earned Value Analysis. The results showed that the Schedule Variant (SV) had a negative value of -Rp.30,940,091.57. While the value (CV) for 15 weeks has a positive value of Rp. 16,779,031.46, - from the difference in BCWP fees of Rp. 47,719,123 and ACWP Rp. 30,940,091, - means the project does not suffer losses.

A comparative study on fluorescent performance of several heterocyclic dyes: In aqueous solution or immobilized on zirconia nanotube arrays

The solution pH values, cosolvent type, and immobilization of the fluorescent dyes affect their dispersion state and fluorescent performance significantly. Zirconia, with abundant resources, low cost and high refractive index, is a commonly used immobilization material for fluorescent dyes. In this paper, zirconia nanotube array films (ZNAF) prepared by anodic oxidation method were used as immobilization materials for common heterocyclic dyes (fluorescein, rhodamine B, acridine, acridine orange). A systematically comparative study on their fluorescent performance of aqueous solutions at different pH values with or without cosolvent sodium benzenesulfonate and of immobilization films with ZNAF as carriers was investigated. Moreover, the performances of acridine orange-rhodamine B fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system with different dispersion states were studied in detail. Results demonstrate that the solution pH values, immobilization and sodium benzenesulfonate have great influence on the performance of these fluorescent dyes, and the change rules of different fluorescent molecules are obviously different, which is closely related to their molecular structure and dispersion state. Compared with aqueous solutions, the fluorescence emission of acridine orange and rhodamine B is greatly improved by immobilization, which is 8.6 and 5.4 times higher than the original, respectively. Furthermore, energy transfer efficiency (E) and enhancement ratio of the acridine orange-rhodamine B system are significantly increased by loading it on ZNAF, with a maximum E value of 84.8% (pH = 13) and a maximum enhancement ratio of 5.27 (pH = 5).

Excellent thermomagnetic power generation for harvesting waste heat via a second-order ferromagnetic transition.

Thermomagnetic generation (TMG), a promising technology to convert low-grade waste heat to electricity, utilizes high performance TMG materials. However, the drawbacks of large hysteresis, poor mechanical properties and inadequate service life hinder the practical applications. For the first time, we evaluated the effect of different phase transitions on the TMG performance by systematically comparing the TMG performance of three typical Heusler alloys with similar composition but different phase transitions. Ni2Mn1.4In0.6 exhibits second-order magnetic transition (SOMT) from the ferromagnetic (FM) to paramagnetic (PM) state around TC = 316 K without thermal hysteresis. It presents highly comprehensive TMG performance, which is not only better than those of other two Heusler alloys with different phase transitions, but also better than those of most typical TMG materials. The maximum power density (1752.3 mW m-3), cost index (2.78 μW per €), and power generation index PGI (8.91 × 10-4) of Ni2Mn1.4In0.6 are 1-5, 1-4, and 1-7 orders of magnitude higher than those of most typical reported materials, respectively. In addition, Ni2Mn1.4In0.6 with SOMT also shows some advantages that first-order magnetic transition (FOMT) materials do not have, such as zero hysteresis and a long-term service life. In contrast to the short lifetime of a few minutes for the materials with FOMT, Ni2Mn1.4In0.6 with SOMT can serve for one month or even longer with excellent cycling stability. Consequently, we conclude that the SOMT Ni2Mn1.4In0.6 Heusler alloy with good TMG performance as well as zero hysteresis and long service life can be a better candidate than FOMT materials for practical applications of TMG.

Development of an Integrated Solar-Biomass Energy System for Near-Zero Energy Buildings: A Technical and Environmental Study

The present study aims to satisfy the energy demands of a set of Norwegian residential structures with the least carbon dioxide and most renewable energy. Real-time data on building domestic hot water (DHW), heating, and electricity usage is used to plan and expand the renewable energy supply side. PVT panels provide DHW and electricity in the hybrid solar and biomass energy system. Heat is produced by the digester and heat pump. Also used is a twofold effect absorption refrigeration system for cooling. Rule-based regulation manages heat streams and redirects flows on the supply side. We provide the plant's size and execute the dynamic energy simulation. Electricity and biomass expenses determine building heating. The system is then tuned for operational conditions and compared to the design point. PVT may generate over 80% of annual DHW. Summertime radiation is more intense and can be turned into cooling energy, therefore 64.8% of cooling output comes from it. Digester/CC heats 66.55% of the structure, suggesting designers use biomass in winter due to increased energy costs. A parametric analysis shows that increasing PVT duration and tank size affects efficiency and emissions differently. Cost, efficiency, and emission index at TOPSIS are 9.73 $/hr, 36.8%, and 7.75 kg/MWh, according to optimization findings.

Enhancing Walking Performance With a Bilateral Hip Exoskeleton Assistance in Individuals With Above-Knee Amputation.

Transfemoral amputation is a debilitating condition that leads to long-term mobility restriction and secondary disorders that negatively affect the quality of life of millions of individuals worldwide. Currently available prostheses are not able to restore energetically efficient and functional gait, thus, recently, the alternative strategy to inject energy at the residual hip has been proposed to compensate for the lack of energy of the missing leg. Here, we show that a portable and powered hip exoskeleton assisting both the residual and intact limb induced a reduction of walking energy expenditure in four individuals with above-knee amputation. The reduction of the energy expenditure, quantified using the Physiological Cost Index, was in the range [-10, -17]% for all study participants compared to walking without assistance, and between [-2, -24]% in three out of four study participants compared to walking without the device. Additionally, all study participants were able to walk comfortably and confidently with the hip exoskeleton overground at both their self-selected comfortable and fast speed without any observable alterations in gait stability. The study findings confirm that injecting energy at the hip level is a promising approach for individuals with above-knee amputation. By reducing the energy expenditure of walking and facilitating gait, a hip exoskeleton may extend mobility and improve locomotor training of individuals with above-knee amputation, with several positive implications for their quality of life.

Improving Walking Energy Efficiency in Transtibial Amputees Through the Integration of a Low-Power Actuator in an ESAR Foot.

Reducing energy consumption during walking is a critical goal for transtibial amputees. The study presents the evaluation of a semi-active prosthesis with five transtibial amputees. The prosthesis has a low-power actuator integrated in parallel into an energy-storing-and-releasing foot. The actuator is controlled to compress the foot during the stance phase, supplementing the natural compression due to the user's dynamic interaction with the ground, particularly during the ankle dorsiflexion phase, and to release the energy stored in the foot during the push-off phase, to enhance propulsion. The control strategy is adaptive to the user's gait patterns and speed. The clinical protocol to evaluate the system included treadmill and overground walking tasks. The results showed that walking with the semi-active prosthesis reduced the Physiological Cost Index of transtibial amputees by up to 16% compared to walking using the subjects' proprietary prosthesis. No significant alterations were observed in the spatiotemporal gait parameters of the participants, indicating the module's compatibility with users' natural walking patterns. These findings highlight the potential of the mechatronic actuator in effectively reducing energy expenditure during walking for transtibial amputees. The proposed prosthesis may bring a positive impact on the quality of life, mobility, and functional performance of individuals with transtibial amputation.

Physiological Cost Index of Walking Performance Over Treadmill and Synthetic Track in Post-COVID Patients

Background A majority Covid patients discharged from the hospital suffered challenges with long-term complications such as fatigue shortness of breath and endurance. The energy demand increases in all the activities especially while walking. Data for identifying the efficiency of ambulation after COVID-19 infection is lacking. Objectives To identify the difference in the lsquoPhysiological Cost Indexrsquo of walking on the treadmill and on a synthetic track in individuals recovering from COVID-19.Methods A single-group repeated study design was adopted in which 11 COVID-19-recovered individuals participated following discharge from institutional care. The physiological cost index was estimated by walking on a synthetic track and treadmill. Medically stable adults discharged from Alvarsquos Health center following the diagnosis of COVID-19 were recruited for the study. The physiological cost index was measured in Alvas Fitmaxx Moodbidri Dakshina Kannada Karnataka.Results Walking speed heart rate and time taken were the variables measured and the physiological cost index was estimated from these variables. A significant P lt0.003 relationship between the physiological cost index of walking on a synthetic track and treadmill was established. The energy efficiency of walking on synthetic tracks was noted to be economical compared to treadmills.Conclusion Treadmill walking had no role in improving the physiological cost index of patients recovered from COVID-19 and hence any post-COVID outpatient rehabilitation is ideal to be performed on a synthetic track rather than on a treadmill. Future studies with larger sample sizes on various walking surfaces could validate the results of this present study.

Forecasting Prices for Components of the Medical Cost Index

Abstract A new method is proposed to project future costs for medical components of a life care plan. The technique estimates the historical link between inflation in medical components of the CPI and overall inflation. This linkage for each component can then be applied to a CPI forecast to project inflation in that underlying component. Estimates are made for 17 separate medical cost components of the CPI. Root mean square errors show that our proposed method for forecasting component inflation performs better than more commonly used forecast methods. Our method incorporates the best parts of both historical and forecasting methods; it utilizes information from the financial markets and professional surveys to form the baseline inflation forecast, then adjusts the value using historical data, thereby leveraging both expert opinion and empirical observation.

Clinical study on the safety and feasibility of AiWalker-K for lower limbs exercise rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy.

Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) devices are effective for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Many RAGT devices have been created and put into clinical rehabilitation treatment. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of a new RAGT for children with CP. This study is a cross-over design with 23 subjects randomly divided into two groups. The occurrence of adverse events and changes in heart rate and blood pressure were recorded during each AiWalker-K training. Additionally, Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), 6 Minutes Walking Test (6MWT), Physiological Cost Index, and Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) were used to assess treatment, period, carry-over, and follow-up effects in this study. Adverse events included joint pain, skin pain, and injury. Heart rate and blood pressure were higher with the AiWalker-K compared to the rest (P < 0.05), but remained within safe ranges. After combined treatment with AiWalker-K and routine rehabilitation treatment, significant improvements in 6MWT, GMFM-88 D and E, PBS, and EVGS were observed compared to routine rehabilitation treatment alone (P < 0.05). Under the guidance of experienced medical personnel, AiWalker-K can be used for rehabilitation in children with CP.

Application of Power System Reliability and Outage Cost Indices on 33/11 kV Distribution Injection Substation: A Case Study of Asaba Business District

The energy satisfaction that consumers can obtain from a power service provider solely depends on how reliable the feeder to which such customers are connected guarantees adequate and secure energy delivery. This research work is, therefore, to assess the reliability indices and the cost of expected electricity not supplied to the Asaba metropolis through the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Asaba 33/11 kV distribution injection substation. The method used consists of computing the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI), Average Service Availability Index (ASAI), and Expected Energy Not Supplied Index (EENS) of the four feeders emanating from the substation and radiating into the metropolis. This is achieved by first collecting the outage hour, frequency of outage, and expected energy at the point of outage from the station's hourly logbook. The input data is fed into a program written in a MATLAB/OCTAVE environment. The values of the most important reliability index, ASAI, or availability, computed on the SPC, Anwai, Express, and Asaba Commercial feeders are 0.24, 0.23, 0.23, and 0.76 p.u., respectively, in 2020, while in 2021, these values are 0.32, 0.31, 0.33, and 0.83 p.u., respectively. Using the ASAI standard value from IEEE Standard 1366-2003, which is 0.999 as a benchmark, shows that all the feeders can be categorized as less reliable in the years under study. The annual cost of expected energy not supplied during power interruptions to Asaba electricity consumers in 2020 is $2,426,187.046 and $2,214,669.91 in 2021, respectively.

Estimation of building project completion duration using a natural gradient boosting ensemble model and legal and institutional variables

Estimation of building project completion duration using a natural gradient boosting ensemble model and legal and institutional variables

Research on Comprehensive Evaluation Model of Regional Power Grid Construction Cost Based on Combined Weight

With the introduction of the "carbon peak, carbon neutrality" action plan, it has become an inevitable trend to invest in promoting supply-side structural adjustment and demand-side response to achieve bilateral development. Therefore, the construction expansion and construction cost assessment of key areas of power grid in the future are the focus of power enterprises. In this paper, a comprehensive evaluation model of regional power grid construction cost suitable for various environments is proposed. The ANP-CRITIC method, which combines the analytic hierarchy process with the CRITIC objective evaluation method, is used to determine the subjective and objective weights of the indicators. The comprehensive evaluation results are obtained by calculating the combined weights based on Euclidean distance. In terms of model verification, based on PEST theory, this paper constructs a regional power grid construction cost index system from 4 levels: political environment, economic environment, social environment and technical environment. Through the evaluation and analysis of regional examples, the rationality of the model is verified, and the lowest expected construction cost area is selected to assist enterprise decision-making and ensure the effective realization of power grid construction benefits.

İnşaat Maliyet Endeksi Tahmininde Holt-Winters Üstel Düzeltme Parametrelerinin PSO ve İleri Walk-Forward Cross-Validation ile Optimizasyonu

This research aims to enhance the accuracy of Construction Cost Index (CCI) forecasting using Holt-Winters exponential smoothing (ES) by optimizing its parameters, focusing on minimizing the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) for precise CCI forecasts. To reach this aim, The Holt-Winters model parameters are optimized through Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Walk-Forward Cross-Validation (WFCV). PSO, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, is being applied to search for optimal values of the smoothing parameters (alpha, beta, and gamma) that determine the weightage of past observations, trends, and seasonality, respectively. WFCV is assessed the model's performance and ensures robustness. Reduced MAPEs of 22 for CCI forecasts and 2 for training data are the findings of the optimized Holt-Winters model. The obtained alpha, beta, and gamma values are 0.99, 0.77, and 0, respectively, highlighting the importance of while neglecting seasonality. Convergence graphs demonstrate the superiority of the optimization approach over conventional parameter values or random selections. By employing PSO and WFCV, the study efficiently fine-tunes the Holt-Winters model for precise CCI forecasting. Optimized parameter values enable data driven decision-making in construction project cost estimation and budget management. This research contributes a reliable and robust optimization methodology for CCI forecasting, supporting advancements in the field.

Comparing partial repetition costs in two- and four-choice tasks: Evidence for abstract relational codes.

Responses are slower in two-choice tasks when either a previous stimulus feature or the previous response repeats than when all features repeat or all features change. Current views of action control posit that such partial repetition costs (PRCs) index the time to update a prior "binding" between a stimulus feature and the response or to resolve processing conflicts between retrieved and current features. However, violating a heuristic that stimulus feature repetitions and changes "signal" repetitions or changes of the previous response, respectively, may also contribute to such costs. To determine whether such relational codes affect performance, we compared PRCs in two- and four-choice tasks. While a stimulus feature repetition signals a response repetition in both tasks, a stimulus feature change signals a specific alternative response only in a two-choice task. Consistent with the signaling hypothesis, we observed similar complete repetition benefits in the two- and four-choice tasks but smaller complete change benefits in the four-choice task. We also investigated whether the smaller complete change benefit in the four-choice task-that is, the signaling effect-varies with the validity of the signal in the previous trial. In all four experiments, we observed a larger signaling effect after trials in which stimulus changes or repetitions corresponded to response changes or repetitions, respectively, than after trials in which stimulus changes did not correspond with response changes. We conclude that signaling contributes to PRCs, which indicates that bindings include relational codes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Economic Variables as an Early Warning Sign for Monitoring Construction Cost Indices – “An Empirical Study on Egypt”

The construction industry plays a crucial role in any nation's economic growth and prosperity through the implementation of the SDGs. Researchers reveal that the 17 SDGs are directly dependent by 17% and indirectly reliant by 27% on the construction industry's activities. In addition, the construction projects, whatever their type or components, continue for several years, during which many price changes and sharp economic fluctuations occur, whether at the local or international level, reflected in overall economic performance and the construction industry's health, leading to the project's cost changes and a shortage in the allocated budgets. Due to the difficulties this industry faces in reaching these goals, including the Egypt Vision 2030, we chose to look into these effects by using the ENR methodology to develop an explanatory construction cost indices model in Egypt similar to models used in other countries while making appropriate changes for the Egyptian markets. To illustrate the relationship between these selected economic variables and construction costs in Egypt and to act as an early warning sign to quantify, track, and predict the construction cost movements and trends in Egypt's construction sectors through a reliable model. A mixed research methodology consisted of semi-structured interviews with 15 industry experts and an empirical study covering 1990 through 2020 for selected local and international economic variables. We concluded that national and international economic variables significantly impacted as explanatory and predictive variables in Egypt's construction industry's cost indices; these variables are as follows: gross domestic product (GDP), consumer price index (CPI), USD to EGP exchange rate ($), inflation rate, lending rate, money supply, and unemployment rate, as well as international crude oil prices, gold prices, and copper prices. Nevertheless, further investigation is required with more economic variables across various construction industry sectors over various time intervals and different time series statistical and econometric modeling techniques.