Efficiency Evaluation System Research Articles

Policy Analysis of the Japanese Academic Evaluation System

Background and Aim: This study thoroughly analyzes the 2017 revision of the Japanese "Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Guidelines for Research and Development Evaluation", exploring its response to the evolving demands of society and technology, and enhancing the scientific and practical aspects of the research evaluation system. The aim is to deeply understand the policy objectives of the evaluation system and its actual implementation in scientific practices. Materials and Methods: Utilizing document analysis and comparative methods, this research revisits the historical development of Japan's academic evaluation system, particularly focusing on the 2002 and 2017 editions of the guidelines. Moreover, through comparative analysis, the evolution between these versions and their effectiveness in practical applications are assessed. Results: The 2017 edition of the guidelines emphasizes a problem-oriented approach, focusing more on aligning research with societal needs. Enhancing the transparency and public visibility of the evaluation processes effectively boosts the social value and economic impact of research activities. This edition also specifically supports young researchers by reducing their evaluative burdens and providing a more favorable environment for their scientific careers. Conclusion: (1) The 2017 edition of the guidelines shifts the focus of the evaluation system towards addressing actual social and technological challenges, enhancing the societal value and economic impact of technological innovations. It also improves the credibility of research activities and public support for scientific funding. (2) In its implementation, Japan has introduced more detailed evaluation standards and a diversity of evaluative bodies, enhancing the comprehensiveness and objectivity of the evaluations. This has led to increased job satisfaction among researchers and sustained research activities. Overall, the implementation of the 2017 guidelines has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of Japan's academic evaluation system.

Assessment of the viability of photovoltaic system implementation on the New Media Tower of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara using PVSyst software: A feasibility study.

The urgency of addressing climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions, necessitates sustainable solutions, including green building practices and renewable energy adoption. This study focuses on the feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic systems at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), particularly in Building C, known as the New Media Tower, which is designed with green building principles. Solar energy, an increasingly prominent renewable source, presents a viable solution to reduce carbon footprints. Before installation, thorough simulations using software like PVSyst are essential to predict energy output and evaluate system efficiency. Several studies have explored PV system feasibility using simulations, highlighting the importance of software selection for accurate assessments. Building C offers potential locations for PV installation, with the rooftop being a primary consideration due to its expansive area and minimal shading. The rooftop PV system simulation shows an annual energy production of 202 MWh, close to the target of 209.64 MWh, while the parking area system only generates 64.5 MWh/year. Technical evaluations reveal that only the rooftop PV system meets electricity generation targets, highlighting its superiority over the parking area system. Financial analysis demonstrates the rooftop system's viability, with a payback period of 8.2 years and a return on investment (ROI) of 115.8%. Although the upfront investment is substantial, the long-term benefits justify implementation. Overall, this study underscores the technical and financial feasibility of rooftop photovoltaic systems on Building C at UMN, offering valuable insights for sustainable energy initiatives in academic institutions.

Computer‐Guided Navigation System Efficiency Evaluation Using Surgical Instruments for Spinal Fusion

ABSTRACTBackgroundNavigation surgical systems have been widely used in spinal fusion to ensure accuracy and safety during pedicle screw insertion.MethodsThe research was performed under laboratory conditions, using stereotactic navigation, surgical instruments for spinal fusion, development of additional devices and software. During the experiments, all stages of the computed tomography‐guided navigation system use were performed—preoperative preparation of patient data and planning to provide visual control of the navigation of surgical instruments during the insertion of screws.ResultsThe 20 screws were inserted into the vertebrae of the lumbar spine phantom with an average pedicle width of 12.6 ± 1.29 mm with 100% clinical accuracy. The 30 screws were inserted into cadaveric sheep vertebrae with an average pedicle width of 6.56 ± 0.58 mm with 96.67% efficiency.ConclusionsThe proposed navigation technique of the CT‐guided navigation system is highly effective in the navigation process of surgical instruments and pedicle screws during spinal fusion.

Exploring provincial farmland use and demand through coupling production efficiency under domestic trade across China

Exploring farmland production efficiency and demand is helpful to realize the efficient, economical and intensive use of farmland. This study improved the farmland production efficiency evaluation system by incorporating both natural and anthropogenic indices, calculated the farmland use embodied in domestic trade, identified the realistic farmland demand under the assumption of no domestic trade and explored the potentiality of farmland demand reduction by considering the efficiency difference. The results showed that the farmland production efficiencies were high in the eastern coastal, mid-western and northern regions, while the efficiencies of some major grain-producing areas (MGPAs) were low. Embodied in domestic trade, compared with other areas, MGPAs undertook higher direct and indirect farmland use with lower production efficiencies. However, the realistic farmland demand of high-efficiency regions was lower than their initial farmland use area. By coupling production efficiency, the land-use pattern that high-efficiency regions provide farmland externally could create 7.49 × 104 km2 of farmland demand reduction potentiality for the whole country under the current domestic trade system. Some suggestions have been made to reduce the current farmland demand, such as improving the overall production efficiency by strengthening the management of natural elements input, narrowing the efficiency gap between regions by promoting agricultural technology progress, optimizing planting and industrial structure, and adjusting the policy of major grain-producing areas by rationally planning agricultural development and accelerating land transfer.

Insights into turbulent airflow structures in blind headings under different ventilation duct distances

The paper explores the 3D stationary vortex structure of turbulent airflow near the dead-end face of a blind heading, ventilated via a forcing ventilation system. Despite its significance in blind heading ventilation, previous studies primarily focused on temporal dynamics of harmful impurities, overlooking flow structure details crucial for mass transfer processes. Our study delves into the ventilation flow structure across diverse parameters of the auxiliary ventilation system. Alongside standard flow visualization tools, we introduce three dimensionless indicators to comprehensively characterize flow structure, facilitating analysis of its variations with parameter changes and quantitative evaluation of system efficiency. Analysis revealed the formation of a single large-scale vortex within the entire range of considered ventilation system parameters in the heading. This vortex induces a significant increase in air circulation, approximately 2.5–3.5 times greater than airflow emerging from the ventilation duct’s end, thus intensifying mass transfer processes within the heading. We found that ventilation efficiency of the dead-end face zone in a blind heading with a 29.2 m² cross-section decreases linearly with increasing distance between the ventilation duct’s end and the dead-end face. However, compensating for this distance by increasing duct velocity is feasible, bearing significant implications for mine ventilation safety, particularly in ventilating blind headings with distant ducts from the dead-end face.

Study of spatial spillover effects and threshold characteristics of the influence of urbanization on grain green production efficiency in China under carbon constraints.

Food security is a basic guarantee for maintaining social stability, and improving green and healthy grain production is the way to promote food security. China is currently experiencing rapid urbanization that has an impact on grain production and security, with reduced arable land, environmental pollution, insufficient agricultural population, and inadequate resource allocation. How to deal with the relationship between urbanization and grain production becomes the key to solve this problem. Therefore, this study constructs an evaluation system of grain green production efficiency (GGPE) with non-expected output containing carbon emissions, and uses the super-efficient SBM model to measure the level of GGPE, and constructs a spatial econometric model to examine the spatial correlation and spillover effect of urbanization on GGPE; then constructs a panel threshold model to analyze the nonlinear threshold characteristics between urbanization and GGPE. It was found that (1) from 2000 to 2019, China's GGPE showed an overall upward trend, and the performance of GGPE varied among different provinces. (2) According to the results of the spatial econometric model, China's GGPE shows obvious spatial characteristics, and the level of urbanization not only directly affects regional GGPE but also can indirectly affect neighboring regions' GGPE through spatial spillover effects, and the indirect effects among regions are larger than the direct effects. (3) Spatial threshold effect results, there is a significant non-linear threshold characteristic of the impact of urbanization rate on GGPE. In terms of the influence effects of other variables, the influence of each variable on GGPE is roughly in the same direction as the influence under the spatial spillover effect, but the degree of influence is slightly different.

Research on the Construction of an Integrated and Efficient Training and Evaluation System for Flight Dispatchers, Driven by Digital Technology and Integrating the Concept of CBTA

The flight dispatch teaching team of Guangzhou Civil Aviation College focuses on the existing problems in the field of flight dispatch training, innovatively integrating the CBTA core concept of "Competency Based Training and Assessment based on Competency: Analysis, Data Driven; Capability Based: Precise Determination, Data Reflected", and is committed to exploring a new training mode for flight dispatch talents: using advanced technologies such as big data analysis and artificial intelligence to accurately quantify and dynamically track the learning behavior, ability performance, and training effectiveness of trainees, ensuring the scientificity and accuracy of training decisions, and realizing personalized customization of training content and refined management of the training process; Relying on new generation information technologies such as virtual reality, by simulating real operating scenarios, students can accurately grasp the core skills and key knowledge of dispatch business under data-driven guidance.

Spatiotemporal evolution of land use efficiency in 357 cities across mainland China from 2000 to 2020 based on SDG 11.3.1

High-efficiency land use facilitates the maximization of land utilization, lowers urban construction costs, and optimizes urban functional patterns. The Sustainable Development Goal 11.3.1 (SDG 11.3.1) can be used to assess land use efficiency (LUE), understand the current state of land use, and identify the potential for optimization. This study combines SDG 11.3.1 with other supplementary indicators to establish a land use efficiency evaluation system. This system provides a more precise understanding of internal city changes and enables a scientific assessment of urban LUE in Mainland China. The results showed that: (1) A significant number of cities were growing cities, particularly in the eastern region, with the population of built-up areas increased by 2.92 times from 2000 to 2020; (2) From 2000 to 2020, cities in China underwent rapid urban expansion, with the most significant urban expansion index in 2015–2020; (3) The coordination between population growth rate (PGR) and land consumption rate (LCR) worsened in the western region, while the central and eastern regions showed better coordination. (4) As the urban expansion index increased, the compactness index of the cities in the above three regions decreased and were at lower levels. This study establishes an evaluation system to assess the LUE and reveals the spatial and temporal characteristics of urban and population change. It holds paramount significance in enhancing LUE and encouraging sustainable development in Mainland China and serves as a valuable reference for global urban management.

Integrating discrete event simulation and data envelopment analysis for system performance and efficiency evaluation

ABSTRACT Healthcare facilities, particularly outpatient clinics, are crucial for local communities’ medical needs. To enhance their performance, these facilities need to optimize their operations. Key system performance metrics, such as patient throughput, waiting times and cycle times, can quantitatively be measured using discrete event simulation (DES). DES replicates facility structures and behaviours, offering a valuable platform for assessing the configuration effects of resources on system performance. However, current DES tools cannot identify the best resource configurations for future performance improvement. To address this issue, this paper develops a DES model for an outpatient clinic and improves its performance through data envelopment analysis (DEA). The case study involves a clinic in Northern Malaysia, where relevant data were observed and collected. The analysed data were then input into the DES model. The model measured the clinic’s current performance and assessed the impact of its resource configurations. 37 different resource configurations were tested, and their relative efficiencies were evaluated using DEA. The analysis revealed room for improvement in resource allocation.

Forensic efficiency evaluation of a mtDNA whole genome sequencing system constructed with long fragment amplification strategy on DNA nanoball sequencing platform

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is an important genetic marker for degraded biological sample identification, maternal pedigree tracing, and population genetic structure study owing to its characteristics of high copy number, anti-degradable ring structure, and maternal inheritance. Whole mtDNA genome sequencing is an optimal method for the analysis of mtDNA polymorphism and heterogeneity because it allows for the comprehensive use of maternal genetic information. However, because of lacking quantitative evaluations for sequencing data, the scientific interpretation standards for mtDNA sequencing results of the previously used sequencing systems are often different, and false positive or false negative results are prone to occur when faced with the interference of nuclear genomic DNA, or the heterogeneities of mtDNA sequence and structure. In this study, we evaluated a novel mtDNA whole genome sequencing system using long fragment amplification strategy on the DNA nanoball (DNB) sequencing platform. This system demonstrated high sequencing quality and specific mtDNA sequencing efficiencies on positive control DNA and FTA bloodstain samples, as the average Q20 and Q30 values of the corresponding samples were 97.17 % and 91.93 %; 97.37 % and 92.48 %, respectively. The mean mapping percentages for the reference sequences of whole genome DNA (wgDNA), mtDNA, and nuclear genomic DNA (ngDNA) in the corresponding samples were 99.98 %, 99.97 %, 0.03 %, and 99.91 %, 99.40 %, 0.60 %; respectively. The average error calling rates for the bases A, C, G, and T of the whole mtDNA genome were 0.2519 %, 0.2550 %, 0.2906 %; and 0.2392 %, respectively. The efficacy of heteroplasmy identification was assessed using a set of theoretical sites with predetermined rates. These sites were created by combining the samples with known mtDNA haplotypes in certain proportions. The absolute errors between observed and theoretical heteroplasmy values were 89.59 %, 74.68 %, 50.20 %, 12.65 %, 8.31 %, and 4.85 %, while the theoretical heteroplasmy values were 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, 80 %, 90 %, and 95 %, respectively. The absolute error exhibited relative stability when the mtDNA sequencing depth exceeded 500×. Furthermore, the system sequencing efficiency was also confirmed among different kinds of samples, and these samples included natural samples (e.g., peripheral blood samples preserved on FTA cards for 2 and 11 years, and on filter paper for 6 and 9 years), degraded samples, sensitivity samples, samples derived from various bodily fluids, and maternal pedigree samples. In summary, the whole mtDNA genome sequencing system used for forensic identification demonstrated high performance in analyzing mtDNA sequence information, and showed significant prospects for forensic application and maternal genetic research.

"Track style" children's fundamental movement skills test: construction and verification of an efficient evaluation system.

This study aimed to develop an efficient tool for assessing children's fundamental motor skills, the "Track style" Children's Fundamental Movement Skills Test (TCFMST), based on theories of motor development integrated with Chinese cultural context and physical education teaching situations. Starting from a literature analysis, the study selected items from existing fundamental movement skill (FMS) assessments, textbooks, physical education and health standards, and children's movement guidelines to construct a pool of test items. Subsequently, the items were screened and optimized using the Delphi method. Finally, the feasibility, discrimination, difficulty, reliability, and validity of the constructed test were examined using testing methods. The TCFMST includes three dimensions: locomotive skills, body control skills, and manipulative skills, with a total of 10 items. The difficulty and discrimination of each item are appropriate; the correlation coefficients for retest reliability range from 0.789 to 0.943 (p < 0.01). The results of exploratory factor analysis indicate that the common factors align with the hypothesized three dimensions, indicating good structural validity of the test. The concurrent validity results show a correlation coefficient of -0.510 (p < 0.01) between the TCFMST and the total score of TGMD-3, indicating a moderate correlation between the two tests. The TCFMST developed in this study has good difficulty, discrimination, reliability, and validity. It also features strong operability, a short duration, and high interest. It can serve as an important tool for monitoring children's fundamental motor skill levels.

Does the Upgrading of Development Zones Improve Land Use Efficiency under the Net-Zero Carbon City Goal? Prefectural-Level Evidence from Quasi-Natural Experiments in China

Given the challenges of restricted land resources and net-zero carbon city initiatives, it is crucial to seek a balance between intensive land use and carbon neutrality during the construction of development zones. By incorporating net-zero carbon balance into the land use efficiency evaluation system and utilizing a quasi-natural experiment based on the 2009 provincial development zone upgrading policy, this study investigates the policy’s impact on urban land use efficiency under the net-zero carbon city goal. The study finds that the upgrading of provincial development zones significantly enhances urban land use efficiency, while exhibiting the dual effects of reducing carbon emissions and increasing carbon sinks. Mechanism analysis reveals that the upgrade policy improves land use efficiency by enhancing land-use and environmental regulations, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering green technological innovation. Heterogeneity analyses show that the policy effect is more significant in eastern and central cities, with the impact being strongest in central cities. Additionally, the impact of upgrading to a national high-tech development zone is greater than that of upgrading to a national economic development zone. This article provides insights into how to use industrial policies effectively to achieve intensive land use and high-quality development while aiming for carbon neutrality.

Efficiency evaluation and promoter identification of primary health care system in China: an enhanced DEA-Tobit approach

BackgroundWith Primary Health Care (PHC) being a cornerstone of accessible, affordable, and effective healthcare worldwide, its efficiency, especially in developing countries like China, is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This study evaluates the efficiency of PHC systems in a southwest China municipality post-healthcare reform, identifying factors influencing efficiency and proposing strategies for improvement.MethodsUtilising a 10-year provincial panel dataset, this study employs an enhanced Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model integrating Slack-Based Measure (SBM) and Directional Distance Function (DDF) with the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index for efficiency evaluation. Tobit regression analysis identifies efficiency determinants within the context of China’s healthcare reforms, focusing on horizontal integration, fiscal spending, urbanisation rates, and workforce optimisation.ResultsThe study reveals a slight decline in PHC system efficiency across the municipality from 2009 to 2018. However, the highest-performing county achieved a 2.36% increase in Total Factor Productivity (TFP), demonstrating the potential of horizontal integration reforms and strategic fiscal investments in enhancing PHC efficiency. However, an increase in nurse density per 1,000 population negatively correlated with efficiency, indicating the need for a balanced approach to workforce expansion.ConclusionsHorizontal integration reforms, along with targeted fiscal inputs and urbanisation, are key to improving PHC efficiency in underdeveloped regions. The study underscores the importance of optimising workforce allocation and skillsets over mere expansion, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen PHC systems toward achieving UHC in China and similar contexts.

Enhancing efficiency of hospital quality monitoring and evaluation system using linked spreadsheets on Microsoft SharePoint

Background Establishment of a systematic way of measurement and utilization of indicators for improvement is one of the most challenging issues in monitoring and evaluation of indicators in healthcare settings. In realizing these fundamental challenges, we designed a monitoring and evaluation system incorporating a hospital-wide quality variance report (QVR) system using linked Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets on Microsoft SharePoint®. Methods Indicators were determined at the departmental/unit level in line with the institutional goals, departmental functions, quality expectations, inputs/outputs, clinical priorities, compliance to policies/procedures/protocols/guidelines/pathways as well as in response to gaps in service delivery picked during root cause analyses. The sample design was determined in accordance with the characteristics of the population. Drawing of sample units was done using a simple random sampling technique without replacement or systematic random sampling. The indicator’s monitoring was enhanced visually by allocating colour codes based on performance across the months and quarters. The action plan tab consisted of a platform that aids in documenting corrective actions arising from the performance reviews. Results and discussion The QVR reporting system ensured a standardized format of monitoring throughout the institution with a reduced turnaround time from data collection to analysis. Further, continuity of the monitoring and evaluation (M&amp;E) system was guaranteed even if an individual left the institution. The analysis of the QVR allowed hospital-wide trending on cross-cutting indicators with consequent ease of communication to multiple stakeholders. The automation has saved time and increased accuracy which has enhanced credible engagements during quality meetings. Conclusions Use of this system greatly enhanced quality performance monitoring in the hospital, identification of major bottlenecks that warranted hospital-wide projects or departmental-level projects. The QVR system enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of quality monitoring from data collection through to performance reviews. The QVR structure allows for customized development of an M&amp;E database application software.

Assessment of HVAC Performance and Savings in Office Buildings Using Data-Driven Method

Enhancing energy efficiency within the building sector is imperative to curbing energy losses, given that this sector alone contributes to over 34% of global energy consumption. Employing a building management system, along with its regular updates, presents a strategic avenue to decrease energy usage, enhance building energy efficiency, and more. Tailored control strategies, aligned with the unique characteristics and usage patterns of each building, are essential for achieving energy savings. This article presents an evaluation of HVAC system efficiency in office buildings, utilizing a data-driven approach coupled with simulations conducted in building performance simulation software. The research explores the control strategy of an office building equipped with a constant air volume HVAC system, featuring a regularly controlled air handling unit. The objective is to boost energy efficiency while striking a balance between occupant comfort and energy consumption. The findings indicate that by analyzing measured data and adjusting the configurable parameters, the energy consumption of buildings can be significantly reduced. The close monitoring of indoor parameters by building operators and making corresponding adjustments to the HVAC system can yield energy savings of up to 16%. Leveraging these insights, this paper suggests integrating data-driven and dynamic simulation methods into building management system models to optimize HVAC systems, enhance energy efficiency, and advance ambitious carbon neutrality objectives.

Drive-cycle system efficiency evaluation of electrically excited synchronous machine with dynamic motor drive

Drive-cycle system efficiency evaluation of electrically excited synchronous machine with dynamic motor drive

Factors Influencing on the Evaluation System of Cold Chain Logistics Services for Agricultural Products in Guangxi Province, The People’s Republic of China

The objectives of this study were: (1) To study the factors that affect the evaluation system of cold chain logistics services for agricultural products in Guangxi Province, the People’s Republic of China. (2) To study the relationships between influence factors and the evaluation system of cold chain logistics services for agricultural products in Guangxi Province, the People’s Republic of China. (3) To build a model of relationship between quality management and the evaluation system of cold chain logistics services and propose suggestion for improving the evaluation system of cold chain logistics services for agricultural products in Guangxi Province, the People’s Republic of China. The study employed a mixed research methodology. In the quantitative analysis section, a questionnaire survey was conducted using simple random sampling. In the qualitative part of the analysis, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight senior managers from agricultural production departments, logistics management companies, fresh agricultural product sales companies, hotels, and government departments. The data analysis utilized statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and structural equation model. Major Findings: the factors influencing the evaluation system of cold chain logistics services for agricultural products in Guangxi Province were examined. The identified influencing factors included agricultural product cold chain logistics quality management, logistics environment, and transportation efficiency. It was found that agricultural product cold chain logistics quality management has a significant positive impact on the logistics environment, transportation efficiency, and agricultural product cold chain logistics service evaluation system. At the same time, the logistics environment and transportation efficiency have a significant positive impact on the agricultural product cold chain logistics service evaluation system. This study presents the issues with the development of the cold chain logistics service evaluation system for agricultural products in Guangxi, along with countermeasures and suggestions for improvement.(1)Full utilization of existing resources to promote industrialization and modernization of fresh agricultural product logistics; (2) Development of a systematic agricultural product cold chain logistics system to support the agricultural product industry; (3)Strengthening the construction of cold chain supply chains for urban and rural agricultural products; (4)Expediting the introduction of energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable long- and short-distance cold chain transport vehicles; (5)The application of information technology is To be encouraged with a view to enhancing the efficiency and transparency of cold chain logistics.

A novel method of refining the performance of rail systems: an evaluation of system dynamics using discrete event simulation

PurposeThis paper aims to trial a novel method of improving the performance of rail systems. Accordingly, an evaluation of rail system dynamics (SD) using discrete event simulation (DES) will be undertaken. Globally, cities and their transportation systems face ongoing challenges with many of these resulting from complicated rail SD. To evaluate these challenges, this study utilized DES as the basis of the analysis of Melbourne Metro Rail's SD. The transportation SD processes including efficiency and reliability were also developed.Design/methodology/approachUsing DES, this research examines and determines the Melbourne Metro Rail's SD. Although the Melbourne Metro Rail is still in progress, the DES developed in this research examined the system requirements of functionality, performance and integration. As the basis of this examination, the Melbourne Metro Rail's optimization was simulated using the developed DES. As the basis of the experiment, a total of 50 trials were simulated. This included 25 samples for each of efficiency and reliability. The simulation not only scrutinized the SD but also underlined some of its shortfalls.FindingsThis study found that information and communication technology (ICT) was the pinnacle of system application. The DES development highlighted that both efficiency and reliability rates are the essential SD and thus fundamental for Melbourne Metro Rail system functionality. Specifically, the three elements of SD, capacity, continuity and integration are considered critical in improving the system functionality of Melbourne Metro Rail.Research limitations/implicationsThis particular mega rail infrastructure system was carefully analyzed, and subsequently, the DES was developed. However, since the DES is at its inception, the results are relatively limited without inclusive system calibration or validation process. Nonetheless, with some modifications, such as using different KPIs to evaluate additional systems variables and setting appropriate parameters to test the system reliability measures at different intensities, the developed DES can be modified to examine and evaluate other rail systems. However, if a broader system analysis is required, the DES model subsequently needs to be modified to specific system parameters.Practical implicationsThrough evaluation of Melbourne's Metro Rail in the manner described above, this research has shown the developed DES is a useful platform to understand and evaluate system efficiency and reliability. Such an evaluation is considered important when implementing new transport systems, particularly when they are being integrated into existing networks.Social implicationsEfficient rail networks are critical for modern cities and such systems, while inherently complex, aid local economies and societal cohesion through predictable and reliable movement of people. Through improved system functionality and greater efficiencies, plus improved passenger safety, security and comfort, the traveling public will benefit from the enhanced reliability of the transportation network that results from research as that provided in this paper.Originality/valueThis research paper is the first of its kind specifically focusing on the application of DES on the Melbourne Metro Rail System. The developed model aligns with the efficiency optimization framework, which is central to rail systems. The model shows the relationship between increased efficiency and optimizing system reliability. In comparison with more advanced mathematical modeling, the DES presented in this research provides robust, but yet rapid and uncomplicated system enhancements. These findings can better prepare rail professionals to adequately plan and devise appropriate system measures.

Optimizing solar powered electrokinetic remediation of chromium contaminated groundwater: One step closer to a sustainable solution

Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) presents a promising solution for addressing soil and groundwater contamination challenges. However, practical viability is hindered by significant energy consumption and related expenses, necessitating a comprehensive sustainability approach beyond solely adopting renewable energy and low-carbon sources. This study aims to merge innovative solar-powered systems with a risk-based evaluation strategy for tackling chromium-contaminated groundwater, providing valuable insights into EKR economically viable and applicable approaches. Through the integration of environmental and electrical engineering expertise, this study introduces the Continuous Solar-powered Electrokinetic Remediation (CSER) system and risk-based energy efficiency (REF) evaluation approach, addressing intermittency issues while optimizing energy generation and minimizing costs. Experimental results demonstrate removal efficiencies ranging from 29.85% to 84.26%, highlighting the impact of intermittent current, voltage boosters, and electrolyte selection on risk reduction and energy consumption. While intermittent current intensifies the focusing phenomenon and reduces contaminant migration, it may offer promising results in specific cases, such as observed in the EK2 experiment. Conversely, the EK3 results reveal that the integration of conventional solar power with a voltage booster may enhance removal rates but often leads to unfavorable outcomes in risk reduction considering related higher energy consumption. However, CSER, with its utilization of constant current, proves more efficient in power generation, risk reduction, and energy usage compared to other systems. Integration of such a system with cost-effective and environmentally friendly chemical agents could significantly increase the REF index while minimizing related costs, thereby shifting EKR remediation techniques towards sustainable solutions for contaminated groundwater worldwide.

Efficient event-based robotic grasping perception using hyperdimensional computing

Grasping is fundamental in various robotic applications, particularly within industrial contexts. Accurate inference of object properties is a crucial step toward enhancing grasping quality. Dynamic and Active Vision Sensors (DAVIS), increasingly utilized for robotic grasping, offer superior energy efficiency, lower latency, and higher temporal resolution than traditional cameras. However, the data they generate can be complex and noisy, necessitating substantial preprocessing. In response to these challenges, we introduce GraspHD, an innovative end-to-end algorithm that leverages brain-inspired hyperdimensional computing (HDC) to learn about the size and hardness of objects and estimate the grasping force. This novel approach circumvents the need for resource-intensive pre-processing steps, capitalizing on the simplicity and inherent parallelism of HDC operations. Our comprehensive analysis reveals that GraspHD surpasses state-of-the-art approaches in terms of overall classification accuracy. We have also implemented GraspHD on an FPGA to evaluate system efficiency. The results demonstrate that GraspHD operates at a speed 10x faster and offers an energy efficiency 26x higher than existing learning algorithms while maintaining robust performance in noisy environments. These findings underscore the significant potential of GraspHD as a more efficient and effective solution for real-time robotic grasping applications.