Efficient Layout Research Articles

A novel design layout of three disjoint paths multistage interconnection network & its reliability analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to design a efficient layout of Multistage interconnection network which has cost effective solution with high reliability and fault-tolerence capability. For parallel computation, various multistage interconnection networks (MINs) have been discussed hitherto in the literature, however, these networks always required further improvement in reliability and fault-tolerance capability. The fault-tolerance capability of the network can be achieved by increasing the number of disjoint paths as a result the reliability of the interconnection networks is also improved. Design/methodology/approach This proposed design is a modification of gamma interconnection network (GIN) and three disjoint path gamma interconnection network (3-DGIN). It has a total seven number of paths for all tag values which is uniform out of these seven paths, three paths are disjoint paths which increase the fault tolerance capability by two faults. Due to the presence of more paths than the GIN and 3-DGIN, this proposed design is more reliable. Findings In this study, a new design layout of a MIN has been proposed which provides three disjoint paths and uniformity in terms of an equal number of paths for all source-destination (S-D) pairs. The new layout contains fewer nodes as compared to GIN and 3-DGIN. This design provides a symmetrical structure, low cost, better terminal reliability and provides an equal number of paths for all tag values (|S-D|) when compared with existing MINs of this class. Originality/value A new design layout of MINs has been purposed and its two terminal reliability is calculated with the help of the reliability block diagram technique.

Redesign of Facility Layout at Pelangi Advertising Printing Using the SLP Method

This paper aim is to investigate the work system for printing service and redesign facility layout improvement. A case study was conducted in small company namely Pelangi Advertising Printing. The Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) was adopted in this paper. The input data and activities in the SLP process are as follows: material flow, activity relationship, string diagrams, area requirement, area available, space relationship diagrams, modification consideration and practical limitations. The results of this study indicated the application of SLP in case study company can increase in facility layout efficiency from 96.7% to 98.5%. The redesign facility layout result was more effective than the initial layout.

Virtual reality supported interactive tower crane layout planning for high-rise modular integrated construction

Tower crane layout planning (TCLP) is critical to achieving safe and efficient module installation for high-rise modular integrated construction (MiC). Nevertheless, the existing TCLP methods are inefficient in addressing the multiple heavy lifts in high-rise MiC. Therefore, this paper aims to develop an innovative virtual reality (VR) tool to support main contractors in selecting the optimal tower crane layout plan for high-rise MiC. The paper adopts the design science methodology for tool development and evaluation. The tool is designed with three functional components, i.e., crane layout generation with real-time feasibility checking, layout selection using multi-criteria performance evaluation, and interactive crane-lift simulation. Using a real-life high-rise MiC project, the tool is proved to be innovative in interactive human-in-the-loop planning, effective in determining the safe and efficient crane layout, and efficient in use. The work described integrates human-in-the-loop simulation and multi-criteria decision-making via VR technologies.

Life Cycle Blue and Grey Water in the Supply Chain of China’s Apparel Manufacturing

Apparel manufacturing involves high water consumption and heavy water pollution in its supply chain, e.g., planting cotton, producing chemical fibers, and dyeing. This study employs a multi-regional input–output (MRIO) model to (1) assess the life cycle of blue and grey water (chemical oxygen demand (COD) specific) of China’s apparel manufacturing; (2) reveal the hidden linkage among sectors and regions in the whole supply chain; and (3) identify the key regions and upstream sectors with the most water consumption and heaviest water pollution. We found that the agricultural sector (i.e., planting fiber crops) is responsible for primary water consumption and water pollution. In addition, different provinces assume different production roles. Guangdong is a major output province in apparel manufacturing. However, its economic output is contributed to by other regions, such as blue water from Xinjiang and Jiangsu and grey water from Hebei and Shandong. Our research reveals the significance of taking an inter-regional perspective on water resource issues throughout the supply chain in apparel manufacturing. The sustainable development of China’s apparel manufacturing relies on improving water-use efficiency and reasonable industrial layout. The results are of significance and informative for policymakers to build a water-sustainable apparel industry.

Production Facility Layout Design Using Activity Relationship Chart (ARC) And From To Chart (FTC) Methods


 XYZ is a company engaged in the field of transformers which produces several types of transformers. Transformer production process is made to order a production process that has a fluctuating pattern. Companies also often cannot estimate the number of transformers that will be produced to meet consumer demand.
 
 The purpose of this study is to improve plant layout with an efficient layout. One method used in this study is the Activity Relationship Chart and From To Chart methods. Activity Relationship Chart and From To Chart are methods that can help solve problems which are then explained in more detail through several stages of completion to the optimal point. This research is expected to produce a more efficient layout using the Activity Relationship Chart and From To Chart method.

Prediction of the layered ink layout for 3D printers considering a desired skin color and line spread function

We propose a layout estimation method for multi-layered ink using a measurement of the line spread function (LSF) and machine learning. The three-dimensional printing market for general consumers focuses on the reproduction of realistic appearance. In particular, for the reproduction of human skin, it is important to control translucency by adopting a multilayer structure. Traditionally, layer design has depended on the experience of designers. We, therefore, developed an efficient layout estimation to provide arbitrary skin color and translucency. In our method, we create multi-layered color patches of human skin and measure the LSF as a metric of translucency, and we employ a neural network trained with the data to estimate the layout. As an evaluation, we measured the LSF from the computer-graphics-created skin and fabricate skin using the estimated layout; evaluation with root-mean-square error showed that we can obtain color and translucency that are close to the target.

PENGARUH TATA RUANG KANTOR DAN EFISIENSI KINERJA PEGAWAI TERHADAP MUTU PELAYANAN DI BALAI BESAR PENGEMBANGAN PENJAMINAN MUTU PENDIDIKAN VOKASI (BBPPMPV) BISNIS DAN PARIWISATA, SAWANGAN-DEPOK

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of office layout on service quality and efficiency of employee performance on service quality and to determine the effect of office layout and employee performance efficiency simultaneously on service quality. This study uses quantitative methods to determine the relationship between variables in a population. The research sample was 67 people from a total population of 204 people. Sampling was carried out using a stratified random sampling technique based on the demographics of the respondents. The demographics of the respondents in this study included gender, age, years of service, and education level. These demographic factors are seen as influencing the quality of service which is the topic of this research. The results showed that the Fcount was 217.416 with a significance of 0.000. Testing by comparing sig = 0.000 < a = 0.05, as well as testing by comparing the calculated F value = 217.416 > Ftable = 3.140. Based on the test results, it can be concluded that together there is a significant influence between Office Layout and Employee Performance Efficiency on Service Quality.

Forest Wildfire Monitoring and Communication UAV System Based on Particle Swarm Optimization

Forest fire is one of the major disasters faced by the society at present. During the drought every year, devastating wildfires often occur all over the world, causing serious economic losses and life injuries. The effective layout of unmanned aerial vehicles in the monitoring system is the key to effectively prevent forest wildfires. Wildfires occur suddenly and rapidly, and most of them occur in dense forest areas which are difficult for firefighters to reach. Considering the factors of economy, security and capability, an efficient and accurate integrated optimization layout model of UAV is proposed. The UAV monitoring system based on this model can make the emergency operation centre best guide the active crew through two-way radio communication, so as to achieve the best effect and maximum safety. We optimized the number and combination of drones by using optimization algorithm, and got the highest scoring drone procurement plan in different types of areas. For example, when meeting low terrain without obstacles, the optimal number of drones for SSA is 20 and for Radio Repeater is 1 in high risk. Finally, we analysed the influence of global climate change, fire scale, UAV density and terrain on the optimal location of UAV.

Energy Efficient Configurable Layout of Logic Block in QCA Frame Work for an FPGA

Aims: Embedded system plays a vital role in today’s life. Hence, our interest is in areadelay- energy efficient embedded system design in post-CMOS technology, i.e., QCA. Objectives: The research is focused on efficient area-delay-energy Configurable Logic Block (CLB) design for Field-Programmable Gate Array architecture (FPGA) with successful simulation-based on next-generation technology, Quantum-dot cellular automata. Methods: Each proposed circuit is designed on post CMOS 4 dot 2 electron technology, i.e. QCA (Quantum dot Cellular Automata), is adopted in circuit implementation due to low power dissipation, high clock frequency and high package density. QCADesigner is used to verify the functionality of every circuit. QCAPro tool is used for determining power dissipation. Results: In contrast, a new approach of using de-multiplexer replacing the decoder has been introduced that results in the reduction of the average energy dissipation by almost 57%. A NOR based D flip-flop memory architecture and multiplexer are also used in the lookup table for the configurable logic block. The proposed architecture thus reduces the overall latency. The proposed CLB consists of 6356 QCA cells covering 7.44 um2 area. Write and read latency of proposed CLB are 12 and 7.25 QCA clock, respectively. Conclusion: The present paper concludes that read and write latency reduction occurs; average energy dissipation, leakage, and switching energy dissipation are reduced in a large amount resulting in an advantage of the overall minimization of the latency for the proposed CLB in the process.

Progressive compressed records

Deep learning accelerators efficiently train over vast and growing amounts of data, placing a newfound burden on commodity networks and storage devices. A common approach to conserve bandwidth involves resizing or compressing data prior to training. We introduce Progressive Compressed Records (PCRs), a data format that uses compression to reduce the overhead of fetching and transporting data, effectively reducing the training time required to achieve a target accuracy. PCRs deviate from previous storage formats by combining progressive compression with an efficient storage layout to view a single dataset at multiple fidelities---all without adding to the total dataset size. We implement PCRs and evaluate them on a range of datasets, training tasks, and hardware architectures. Our work shows that: (i) the amount of compression a dataset can tolerate exceeds 50% of the original encoding for many DL training tasks; (ii) it is possible to automatically and efficiently select appropriate compression levels for a given task; and (iii) PCRs enable tasks to readily access compressed data at runtime--- utilizing as little as half the training bandwidth and thus potentially doubling training speed.

Critical considerations on tower crane layout planning for high-rise modular integrated construction

PurposeModular integrated construction (MiC) is the most advanced off-site construction technology. However, the application of MiC for high-rise buildings is still limited and challenging. One critical issue is tower crane layout planning (TCLP) to guarantee safe and efficient multiple crane-lifts for module installation, which, however, has been insufficiently explored. For filling this knowledge gap, this paper aims to systematically explore the critical considerations on TCLP for high-rise MiC to support contractors in determining the optimal crane layout plan.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a multimethod strategy. First, previous studies on TCLP and critical features of MiC were reviewed to develop a conceptual model of TCLP considerations. Second, expert interviews with 15 construction planners were conducted to identify the critical TCLP considerations for high-rise MiC. Third, a multicase study with three high-rise MiC projects was undertaken to demonstrate and verify the identified considerations.FindingsThe paper characterises critical considerations on TCLP as performance criteria and influencing factors and identifies 7 critical performance criteria and 25 influencing factors for high-rise MiC. Specifically, the features of MiC (e.g. various modularised layout design, heavyweight and large size of modules) were found to significantly affect the crane layout performance (i.e. technical feasibility, safety and economic efficiency).Originality/valueThe paper is the first-of-its-kind study on crane layout planning for high-rise modular buildings, which contributes a two-stage multicriteria decision-making framework integrated with systematic TCLP considerations. The findings should help contractors determine safe and efficient tower crane layout plans for high-rise MiC projects.

Wind farm layout optimization using pseudo-gradients

Abstract. This paper presents a heuristic building block for wind farm layout optimization algorithms. For each pair of wake-interacting turbines, a vector is defined. Its magnitude is proportional to the wind speed deficit of the waked turbine due to the waking turbine. Its direction is chosen from the inter-turbine, downwind, or crosswind directions. These vectors can be combined for all waking or waked turbines and averaged over the wind resource to obtain a vector, a “pseudo-gradient”, that can take the role of gradient in classical gradient-following optimization algorithms. A proof-of-concept optimization algorithm demonstrates how such vectors can be used for computationally efficient wind farm layout optimization. Results for various sites, both idealized and realistic, illustrate the types of layout generated by the proof-of-concept algorithm. These results provide a basis for a discussion of the heuristic's strong points – speed, competitive reduction in wake losses, and flexibility – and weak points – partial blindness to the objective and dependence on the starting layout. The computational speed of pseudo-gradient-based optimization is an enabler for analyses that would otherwise be computationally impractical. Pseudo-gradient-based optimization has already been used by industry in the design of large-scale (offshore) wind farms.

Optimization of Building Exit Layout: Combining Exit Decisions of Evacuees

Exits are essential to the efficiency of building evacuation due to its irreplaceable function, and the layout of multiple exits has always been the key concern for architectural design. To accurately evaluate the evacuation efficiency of different multiexit layouts and optimize the design rules, a dynamic exit decision model integrating an exit selection strategy and the social force model is developed to simulate the practical evacuation. And our proposed model outperforms the original social force model in terms of evacuation efficiency. Accordingly, different layouts are analyzed for evacuation in a single room with two exits. The analysis results reveal that evacuation time will be improved with the changes of exit locations and two parallel exits are validated as the most efficient layout among the three common categories. Affected by walking time and queuing time of evacuees, it is not conducive to evacuation whether the separation of two exits is too large or too small. Furthermore, an even symmetry is found more efficient than an asymmetric distribution of exits under some conditions. This work provides a basis for architectural designs of multiple exits and a foundation for further study of evacuation simulation.

Leveraging Materials in Topology Optimization: Inspiration from Design, Fashion, Art, and Architecture

Topology optimization offers a mathematical framework to determine the most efficient material layout and shape for prescribed objectives, constraints, material behaviors, and operational conditions. While the application of topology optimization for continuum-scale structures and material behavior is quite mature, there remains great potential for topology optimization to advance the frontiers of materials design. This potential lies in thinking broadly about materials, waste, economy, craft, and design. Here inspiration is drawn from award-winning leaders and inventors in design, fashion, art, and architecture regarding the role of materials, as well as challenges and opportunities of designing with and for materials.

Decision System for Plural Production Lines Layout by Using GA

We develop the system to decide the efficient layout of assembly production line by using Genetic Algorithm (GA). We call the system as Decision System of Plural Production-lines-layout by GA (PPG). PPG decides the efficient layout of production line by using GA, work-flow-line acquired by Chameleon code and the machine breakdown data. PPG evaluates the layout efficiency by calculating the operator’s walking time to fix the machine breakdown occurred on the production line. By the evaluation, it is ascertained that PPG was useful.

Methodological and On-Site Applied Construction Layout Plan with Batter Boards Stake-Out Methods Comparison: A Case Study of Romania

The layout or stake-out is one of the most important assignments of the surveying engineer, and it is of vital importance in the building process, as the designed geometries of the structure ensure the verticality and the correct positioning inside the terrain. The mission of the surveying engineer involves both legal and technical aspects, and the correct planning of the layout process must take into consideration aspects regarding the site conditions, instrumentation used, the required and achievable accuracies, network design and survey methods used. Given the vast applications of geodesy and topography in different domains and industries, the study incorporates general notions and technical aspects regarding the workflow in cadastre and construction surveying, guidelines for an efficient design of site layout plan with on-site applicability, as well as a novel comparison between four methods of construction lines geometry layout on batter boards. The results of this study aim to further consolidate the importance of accurate and efficient construction layout projects, with comprehensive design plans, methods and instrumentation selection, as well as recommendations. The presented discussions and conclusions are of interest to the geodetic community as well as the construction industry, and due to the pragmatic and experimental nature of the research, incorporates technical notes and original results of professional and academic importance.

Pengembangan Kawasan Stasiun Tugu dengan Penekanan Wayfinding di Yogyakarta

<p class="AbstractTitle"><em>The proposal aims to bring an accessible, time efficient, and secure design of Tugu Train Station in Yogyakarta City. Yogyakarta happens to be located strategically on the main routes of Java. It is one of the reasons why the city becomes a tourist destination, both domestic and international. Tugu Train Station manages to reach passengers number increase by 10-17% annually. The train station has a good prospect to be developed into a multifunctional train station. The design proposal rises some problems: designing exterior spaces which directs users to the site, interior spaces which makes users navigate easily, and a seamless, time efficient, and clear movement flow from the site to the building. The implementation of wayfinding method is based on post-occupancy evaluation of the existing compound in which confusing building layout creates difficulties in mobility for the passengers. Wayfinding method focuses on spatial organisation, movement flow organisation, and signage placement. This design proposal would expand existing train station buildings to provide more rooms in the anticipation of passenger increase for year to come; as well as to build new public facilities. Furthermore, the implementation of wayfinding method is expected to create an accessible, time efficient, and secure layout which in turn caters various types of passenger.</em></p>

Efficient Fab facility layout with spine structure using genetic algorithm under various material-handling considerations

The Fabrication (Fab) layout design is a strategic issue and has a significant impact on the operational efficiency of semiconductor manufacturing. This research work was motivated by the actual problem to analyse and disperse the congested material flows of central corridor caused by an automated material-handling system (AMHS) in the spine-structure Fab of S Electronics in Korea, which is currently in mass production. In this paper, we suggest an efficient Fab facility layout determination method using genetic algorithm, while considering the interrelationship between manufacturing processors and AMHS. Specifically, we devise a special fitness function employing traffic congestion penalty for reverse and cross-material flows in addition to the usual material-handling distance. By using numerical experiments, we show the superiority of the suggested approach for reducing the overall distance of congested material handling by decreasing the reverse and cross-flows, which cause traffic congestions in the central corridor and entire Fab as well. We expect that this method is expected to be helpful in solving the Fab process layout problems at the Fab planning stage in the actual industrial field.

A simple method for rejection sampling efficiency improvement on SIMT architectures

We derive a probability distribution for the possible number of iterations required for a SIMT (single instruction multiple thread) program using rejection sampling to finish creating a sample across all threads. This distribution is found to match a recently proposed distribution from Chakraborty and Gupta (in: Communications in statistics: theory and methods, 2015) that was shown as a good approximation of certain datasets. This work demonstrates an exact application of this distribution. The distribution can be used to evaluate the relative merit of some sampling methods on the GPU without resort to numerical tests. The distribution reduces to the expected geometric distribution in the single thread per warp limit. A simplified formula to approximate the expected number of iterations required to obtain rejection iteration samples is provided. With this new result, a simple, efficient layout for assigning sampling tasks to threads on a GPU is found as a function of the rejection probability without recourse to more complicated rejection sampling methods.

Comparison of the impact of China’s railway investment and road investment on the economy and air pollution emissions

Traffic pollution threatens both human health and climate stability. The Chinese government issued the “Mid- and Long-term Railway Network Plan” and the “National Highway Network Plan (2013–2030)” in 2004 and 2013, respectively, aiming at building a national railway network and a national highway network with reasonable layout, wide coverage and economic efficiency. In the future, both railway and road investment will be further increased, which has the potential for a larger impact on air pollution emissions. However, comparison between the impact of railway investment and that road investment in China is lacking. In this study, we use a multiregion and multisectoral computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to investigate the difference in the impact of railway investment and that of road investment on the economy and air pollution emissions in China. We find that with a fixed amount of investment, road investment may lead to more economic growth than railway investment, mainly through influencing the motor equipment, other transport equipment, construction and road transport sectors. In addition, compared to railway investment, road investment promotes a greater emission reduction in CO2, CO, SO2, NOX, and PM2.5, especially in Hubei, Guizhou, and Guangdong provinces, where both energy consumption and the output of heavy industry will decrease significantly. Therefore, future investment in roads has a stronger promotional effect on both economic growth and air pollution emission reduction than railway investment.