Large Equipment Research Articles

A multi-perspective approach to support collaborative cost management in supplier-buyer dyads

Joint cost management is a decisive factor for sustainable collaboration in supplier-buyer dyads. For both parties the establishment of an accurate cost estimation (CE) framework supports managing suppliers' costs as well as manufacturer's quotation costing. Grounded on resource dependence theory and following a design science research approach, this study introduces a multi-perspective CE system inspired by statistical learning, deep learning, decision making, and multi-agent theory. We evaluate our system by a single case and computer simulation study, using empirical data coming from observations and archives at a large Bavarian original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The results indicate that our CE approach allows to select the most significant cost-drivers and predict total costs of parts and assemblies with high accuracy. This supports the supplier in efficiently managing its costs. In making the CE blackbox model transparent using a combination of model agnostic post-hoc explainable artificial intelligence approaches we foster user acceptance for both suppliers and OEMs. All CE artifacts are ensembled in a multi-agent system to automatically manage costs with suppliers and furthermore, as a model extension, can lead to a collaborative price agreement. Our system supports supply chain managers on both sides in entering into a sustainable long partnership.

Hydrogen-Rich 2D Halide Perovskite Scintillators for Fast Neutron Radiography.

A fast neutron has strong penetration ability through dense and bulky objects, which makes it an ideal nondestructive technology for detecting voids, cracks, or other defects inside large equipment. However, the lack of effective fast neutron detection materials limits its application. Perovskites have shown excellent optical properties in many areas, but they are absent from fast neutron detection imaging because they cannot directly absorb fast neutrons and emit luminescence. Here, we demonstrate a hydrogen-rich long-chain organic amine modified two-dimensional (2D) perovskite fast neutron scintillator, Mn-(C18H37NH3)2PbBr4(Mn-STA2PbBr4). Its hydrogen density can reach 9.51 × 1028 m-3, and the photoluminescence quantum yield can reach 58.58%, so it is possible to integrate fast neutron absorption and luminescence into a single compound. More importantly, Mn-STA2PbBr4 can be made into a large-area self-supporting fast neutron scintillator plate with satisfactory spatial resolution (0.5 lp/mm (lp: line pairs)). This strategy provides a simple and promising choice for fast neutron scintillator nondestructive testing.

A study on mechanical properties of high strength concrete with alccofine as partial replacement of cement

Concrete is considered as a strong and durable construction material lasting over a century. Reinforced concrete is one among the most popular materials used for construction around the world. Reinforced concrete is subjected to deterioration in harsh environments like in coastal regions. Therefore, several researchers are striving hard with their efforts towards developing a new material to overcome this problem. Invention of large construction plants and equipment around the world added to the enlarged use of construction materials which has raised the curtain to the use of additive mineral by product admixtures to improve the quality of concrete. As an outcome of the experiments and researches, cement-based concrete which meets special performance with respect to strength, durability and workability known as “HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE” (HPC) is being developed. This concrete can be designed to give optimized performance characteristics for a given set of load, usage and exposure conditions consistent with the requirements of cost, service life and durability. The high-performance concrete does not require special equipment but only needs careful design and production. HPC has many advantages like lesser micro cracking than conventional concrete and improved durability characteristics. HPC is the concrete designed to give optimized performance characteristics for the given set of materials, usage and exposure conditions, consistent with requirement of cost, service life and durability.In this paper, concrete with different grades were tested (M30 to M70) and cement is partially replaced with the ALCCOFINE at different proportions 0, 5%, 10% 15% and 20% to reduce the heat of hydration, so as to develop a durable concrete with the addition of said mineral admixture. Compression, Split tensile and Flexural tests were performed on concrete of different grades with Alccofine as admixture. Chemical admixtures were used in concretes of higher grades (beyond M50 grade) where the W/B ratio is very low (in the range of 0.28–0.35) to overcome the problem of workability. The concrete with Alccofine has shown encouraging results compared to conventional concrete.

Touchable cell biophysics property recognition platforms enable multifunctional blood smart health care

As a crucial biophysical property, red blood cell (RBC) deformability is pathologically altered in numerous disease states, and biochemical and structural changes occur over time in stored samples of otherwise normal RBCs. However, there is still a gap in applying it further to point-of-care blood devices due to the large external equipment (high-resolution microscope and microfluidic pump), associated operational difficulties, and professional analysis. Herein, we revolutionarily propose a smart optofluidic system to provide a differential diagnosis for blood testing via precise cell biophysics property recognition both mechanically and morphologically. Deformation of the RBC population is caused by pressing the hydrogel via an integrated mechanical transfer device. The biophysical properties of the cell population are obtained by the designed smartphone algorithm. Artificial intelligence-based modeling of cell biophysics properties related to blood diseases and quality was developed for online testing. We currently achieve 100% diagnostic accuracy for five typical clinical blood diseases (90 megaloblastic anemia, 78 myelofibrosis, 84 iron deficiency anemia, 48 thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and 48 thalassemias) via real-world prospective implementation; furthermore, personalized blood quality (for transfusion in cardiac surgery) monitoring is achieved with an accuracy of 96.9%. This work suggests a potential basis for next-generation blood smart health care devices.

Simulation and Experimental Study on a New Successive Forming Process for Large Modulus Gears

A successive tooth forming process for producing large modulus spur gears (m>2.5 mm) is firstly proposed in this paper to break the restrictions of large forming load and large equipment structure of traditional plastic forming. It contains the preforming stage and the finishing stage. In the first stage, the die with a single-tooth preforms gear teeth one by one through several passes. In the second stage, the other die with multi-teeth refines the preformed teeth into required shape. The influence of total pressing depth and feed distribution in preforming stage on final forming quality is analyzed by numerical simulation, and the reasonable process parameters are presented. Successive tooth forming experiments are carried out on the self-designed gear forming device to verify the optimal simulation results. Gears without fold defects are well formed both in simulations and experiments, proving the feasibility of this method. Compared with the whole die forging process, the new technology has advantages of smaller load and simpler tooling, which shows a good potential for manufacturing large modulus and large size spur gears.

Six Cases of Philips Ingenuity CT Maintenance

The article describes the failure phenomenon, analysis and processing process of the high-voltage generator module, FRC unit, rack tilt circuit and slip ring system in the daily use of Philips Ingenuity CT, so as to sum up the experience, discuss with the medical staff, and further Deepen the understanding of Philips Ingenuity CT's structure and working principle, and jointly improve the maintenance skills of CT and other large equipments.

The Eastern European Automotive Industry in a Post-Pandemic World: What Drives Performance?

The automotive industry is one of the key drivers of economic growth in countries in Central and South-Eastern Europe, with contributions of up to 15% of gross domestic product. At the same time, the automotive industry is at the heart of key transformations: new technologies on the horizon at the verge of the global “green deal”; supply chain uncertainties because of the effects of pandemics in Asia; and unpredictable demand side factors ranging from purchasing power to consumer preferences. These aspects, coupled with large, fixed investments and costly distribution channels, put the industry at the core of (radical) change initiatives. Ahead of these changes, our paper investigated the presence of firm, industry, and country effects on the profitability of firms in the automotive industry in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern European countries, considering different industry definitions and firm size. We found that firm effects are significant for profitability variation across companies, but differ in intensity based on the size of the company, which signals that firm size matters significantly as a driver of operational profitability, as it is converted into sustained competitive advantages. While industry effects bear very little significance for profitability variation in the automotive industry, our most surprising finding was that country effects are important for profitability and have more of an impact for smaller companies. This may be the consequence of “historical” factors that led to large Original Equipment Manufacturers setting up their manufacturing facilities in the region, but also of specific economic policies in the form of state aid addressed to the automotive industry.
 Keywords: automotive industry, profitability, Central and South-Eastern Europe, variance components, industry effects, country effects

Data‐driven robust value iteration control with application to wind turbine pitch control

AbstractFor the large equipment, system model is usually difficult to obtain, or changes slowly with the running time. Therefore, some methods based on accurate model are difficult to apply, such as wind turbine. Therefore, the data‐based robust value iteration method based on data is studied for variable pitch control of wind turbine for the first time, which can deal with uncertainty and do not require an accurate model. First, a new data‐driven Bellman equation is derived base on the system operation data. Next, the robust VI structure based on data is designed, which is a model free iteration algorithm. Then, a data‐driven value iteration pitch controller is proposed, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the control method.

Real-Time Longitudinal Evaluation of Tumor Blood Vessels Using a Compact Preclinical Fluorescence Imaging System.

Tumor angiogenesis is enhanced in all types of tumors to supply oxygen and nutrients for their growth and metastasis. With the development of anti-angiogenic drugs, the importance of technology that closely monitors tumor angiogenesis has also been emerging. However, to date, the technology for observing blood vessels requires specialized skills with expensive equipment, thereby limiting its applicability only to the laboratory setting. Here, we used a preclinical optical imaging system for small animals and, for the first time, observed, in real time, the entire process of blood vessel development in tumor-bearing mice injected with indocyanine green. Time-lapse sequential imaging revealed blood vessel volume and blood flow dynamics on a microscopic scale. Upon analyzing fluorescence dynamics at each stage of tumor progression, vessel volume and blood flow were found to increase as the tumor developed. Conversely, these vascular parameters decreased when the mice were treated with angiogenesis inhibitors, which suggests that the effects of drugs targeting angiogenesis can be rapidly and easily screened. The results of this study may help evaluate the efficacy of angiogenesis-targeting drugs by facilitating the observation of tumor blood vessels easily in a laboratory unit without large and complex equipment.

Research on Structural Analysis Method of Long-span Steel Structure Construction Process Based on Feature Extraction Algorithm

The construction of long-span steel structure is a continuous process, and the stress state of its structure changes. Modern construction projects tend to be more and more high-rise buildings, because the span and height of construction projects are small at the early stage of development of construction industry, and the stress of building structures is not large compared with high-rise and large-span buildings, so the situation of components after construction is roughly the same as that before construction. Image mosaic technology is an important branch of image processing technology. Its significance is to use small image acquisition equipment to obtain large and high-definition images through software splicing. On the one hand, more and more complete information can be obtained on an image through splicing. On the other hand, the cost of small equipment is much lower than that of large equipment, which can greatly reduce the cost. Combined with feature extraction algorithm, this paper expounds the structural analysis method of long-span steel structure construction process.

Numerical simulation of particle screening efficiency of large multi-layer vibrating screen based on discrete element method

With the increasing requirements for energy conservation and environmental protection, multi-layer vibrating screens have become hot issues. Compared with single-layer vibrating screens, multi-layer vibrating screens has much better performance in terms of processing effect, treatment capacity, and environmental protection. The research on the physical parameters of the multi-layer vibrating screen is of great significance to the actual production. However, analysis and simulation studies of multi-layer vibrating screens are limited. In this paper, the screening process of wet particles on a multi-layer vibrating screen was simulated by using the discrete element method. The characteristics and application scope of the two vibration modes were analyzed. The particle penetration rate, the number of collisions, and the distribution of the particles under 23 combinations of structures and vibration parameters were investigated. The influence of different parameters on screening performance was analyzed. Several optimal combinations of frequency, amplitude and screen inclination angle under different working conditions were obtained. The screening efficiency of the balanced elliptic motion is higher than that of the linear motion. The best combination of the three parameters is 4 mm amplitude, 20 Hz frequency, and 3° inclination angle. The efficiency is higher when the particles follow a distribution of arithmetic on the screen. This study provides a reference for the efficient operation and optimal design of large multi-layer screening equipment.

Mastering continuous improvement (CI): the roles and competences of mid-level management and their impact on the organisation's CI capability

PurposeThis paper establishes a comprehensive basis for understanding the roles and competences of mid-level management and their influence on the effectiveness of continuous improvement (CI) capability within an organisation.Design/methodology/approachThis research builds upon the hypothesis that methods alone do not lead to successful CI capability development. It focuses on the role of mid-level management in driving a CI environment that underpins the effectiveness of CI capability. A reference model for the CI environment is synthesised based on critical literature review, integrating CI culture, CI enablers and CI leadership elements. A comprehensive framework is introduced to define CI leadership roles and competence indicators. A quantitative benchmarking study involving structured interviews with 15 UK organisations was undertaken to collect evidence for a causal relationship between CI leadership competences and CI capability.FindingsAnalysis of the benchmarking data provides clear evidence of the causal relationship between the CI leadership competences of mid-level management and CI capability of the organisation. Given that the empirical study was structured on the basis of the CI leadership roles and competences framework introduced in this paper, this also provides validation for the proposed framework and the CI environment model.Practical implicationsThe evidence-based knowledge of the positive relationship between the mid-management CI leadership competences and the effectiveness of the CI capability informs strategic organisational development interventions towards enhancing CI capability and effectiveness, ultimately underpinning productivity enhancement and sustainability. The framework for mid-level management CI leadership roles, responsibilities and competences introduced in this paper and grounded in underpinning work undertaken within a large automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), can be adapted by any organisation. The CI environment reference model should provide a comprehensive support for strategists to communicate the framework for CI capability improvement within an organisation, to enhance acceptability and adherence to improvement actions.Originality/valueThis research proves for the first time the significance of the causal relationship between the CI leadership competences and the effectiveness of the CI capability within an organisation, thus filling an important gap between established previous work, focussing on the role of mid-level management on one side and practitioner and team level roles, methodologies and tools. The proposed CI environment model is a theoretical contribution with reference value for both practice and further studies. The comprehensive framework for mid-level management CI leadership roles, responsibilities and competences introduced in this paper provides sound foundation to deliver CI leadership in the workplace.

A New Method of Manufacturing Hollow Shafts via Flexible Skew Rolling

The existing rolling process of large and long axle parts, such as the cross wedge rolling (CWR) process, requires special molds and larger equipment. Flexible skew rolling (FSR) hollow shafts with mandrel is a near net-shape rolling technology which can achieve the diversified production of rolled parts without special molds. It has significant advantages such as small equipment tonnage, small die size, low rolling load, simple process adjustment, and especially suitable for multi-variety and small-batch production. This paper proposes hollow train shafts formed by FSR with mandrel. Reasonable parameters were selected for experiments, and the forming process was calculated by finite element (FE) software. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, indicating that the FE model is reliable. The rolling force and rolling torque are analyzed by simulation. Finally, the microstructure of different positions of the rolled-piece is analyzed, and the microstructure of the rolled part is refined. It is provide a feasible scheme for the rolling of large hollow shaft parts.

Discussion to New Industrial Development in Africa I

The present and future trends from primary to tertiary industries are analyzed in detail. Put forward the implementation of agricultural mechanization, automobile manufacturing and mobile phone suggestions, and put them into practice. Specific response measures are pointed out in these large equipment, indicating that they are urgently needed to run the factory products. In additional wind generator and photovoltaic generator shall be established in Africa in order to promote new and non contamination energy. Due to its low labour and undeveloped industry many opportunity will await us to mine its countless challenge. Like south Africa they can live together with better status therefore the immigrant to south Africa has been our dream because of their development. So if endeavor is imported many new project will be found by us together. Let us continue to pay attention to Africa for better benefit and common development. In Africa the photovoltaic business makes a 3.5% in 2018 [1].

«…Отложить поход до зимы»: влияние природных факторов на военные действия XIV—XV вв. на псковских границах

The Pskov state, limited to its natural borders, seems to be a good object for the research of the influence of natural and geographical factors on military and political history. Thus, the military actions of 1323—1480 are explored to consider the influence that these factors had on the causes, course and results of the wars waged by Pskov. The inequality in natural resources in the border areas and the struggle for their redistribution determined the main directions of military expansion, forms of invasions and their seasonal dating. The rugged landscape characteristic for the western part of Pskov land and the dependence of the state of the Pskov-Peipus reservoir complicated the choice of the season for military operations. The incursions of small detachments, timed to the periods of economic activity (May-June, August) which were more diversionary than predatory in character, customarily prevailed. The February-March incursions into the fishing zones were usually carried out by larger forces and were aimed at capturing the product of fishery. The military clashes between Pskov and Veliky Novgorod and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, as well as the full-scale wars with Livonia, were mainly political, which was reflected in the active actions of the parties against the fortified settlements. In these cases, the necessity of large military contingents and siege equipment moving determined the choice of a season with the most predictable weather conditions.

Research on efficiency optimal torque distribution of stator module combined permanent magnet synchronous machine

The large permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) usually adopts a modular technique to facilitate manufacture and maintenance. The rated power of large mechanical equipment is selected according to the limit capacity, and the motor efficiency is low at a low load. A kind of unwinding stator module combined permanent magnet synchronous machine (SMCPMSM) is proposed. Each module is mechanically and electrically decoupled. It can operate independently. The number of input modules can be flexibly selected according to the torque requirements in direct drive SMCPMSM to realise the optimum efficiency control of the ball mill. The work presents the loss model of the SMCPMSM and analyzes the torque distribution ratio of the modules. The mathematical model of torque distribution with optimum efficiency is established by using the genetic algorithm. The optimum efficiency control under different loads is determined. The motor performance of four operation modes is simulated by the finite element. An 80 kW prototype is developed, and its experiments are carried out. The experimental results verify the validity of the proposed method.

Genetic Algorithm-Based Strategy for Routing in Virtual Electrical Substations Aiming for Security / Estratégia baseada em Algoritmos Genéticos para o Roteamento em Subestações Elétricas Virtuais Visando a Segurança

Maintenance in electrical substation equipment in- volves several daily risks to the worker. When carrying out the maintenance of a large equipment, a truck is assigned to the task. It is not any place that the truck has the ability to travel, nor the workers have the free transition through the place. The objective of this work is to develop a Genetic Algorithm to solve the problem, to create a route where the level of danger is low and does not pose a risk to the health of the worker. To test the genetic algorithm, a substation virtual environment was used where the dimensions and distances are reliable for a real environment. In order to do so, the map division strategy and the creation of individuals with variable sizes were applied. The results were satisfactory, obtaining a route from the point of departure and the point of arrival.

Multi-Modality guidance based surgical navigation for percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy

ObjectiveFluoroscopic guidance is a critical step for the puncture procedure in percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD). However, two-dimensional observations of the three-dimensional anatomic structure suffer from the effects of projective simplification. To accurately assess the spatial relations between the patient vertebra tissues and puncture needle, a considerable number of fluoroscopic images from different orientations need to be acquired by the surgeons. This process significantly increases the radiation risk for both the patient and surgeons. MethodsIn this paper, we propose an augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation system for PETD based on multi-modality information, which contains fluoroscopy, optical tracking, and depth camera. To register the fluoroscopic image with the intraoperative video, we design a lightweight non-invasive fiducial with markers and detect the markers based on the deep learning method. It can display the intraoperative video fused with the registered fluoroscopic images. We also present a self-adaptive calibration and transformation method between a 6-DOF optical tracking device and a depth camera, which are in different coordinate systems. ResultsWith the substantially reduced frequency of fluoroscopy imaging, the system can accurately track and superimpose the virtual puncture needle on fluoroscopy images in real-time. From operating theatre in vivo animal experiments, the results illustrate that the system average positioning accuracy can reach 1.98mm and the orientation accuracy can reach 1.19∘. From the clinical validation results, the system significantly lower the frequency of fluoroscopy imaging (42.7%) and reduce the radiation risk for both the patient and surgeons. ConclusionCoupled with the user study, both the quantitative and qualitative results indicate that our navigation system has the potential to be highly useful in clinical practice. Compared with the existing navigation systems, which are usually equipped with a variety of large and high-cost medical equipments, such as O-arm, cone-beam CT, and robots, our navigation system does not need special equipment and can be implemented with common equipment in the operating room, such as C-arm, desktop, etc., even in small hospitals.

PERENCANAAN GARDU DISTRIBUSI FAKULTAS KEGURUAN DAN ILMU PENDIDIKAN UNIVERSITAS TADULAKO

The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education is one of the Faculties that has the most buildings in Tadulako University, which of course requires large capacity electrical equipment facilities and also requires large electric power as well. To provide optimal services so that lecture, practicum and other activities are not disrupted due to electrical problems.
 Electricity problems at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education are currently caused by excessive loading that is not adjusted to the transformer capacity at the Economic Substation, The distance that is served by the Economic Substation is approximately 950 meters so that it causes losses on the network.
 Based on the calculation of the total load obtained for lighting, room conditioning and auxiliary contact boxes of 167,402 kVA and considering the addition of Loads and Buildings within the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, the transformer capacity used is 200 kVA and according to SPLN Transformers with capacities below 200 kVA must use Portal substation construction.

A method to improve the accuracy and efficiency for metallized-film capacitor's reliability assessment using joint simulation

Metallized-film capacitors are widely used in large capacity power electronic equipment to filter the harmonics, buffer the pulsation power and support an operating voltage. However, with the reliability design standard becoming more stringent, the demand to estimate the lifetime more precisely for capacitors surges out. Extracting the hot-spot temperature is the core step, but conventional methods could not fully consider the influence brought by internal and external stresses. Finite element method is more precise but the modification of parameters needs to be done manually, which could be time-consuming. A joint simulation method is then proposed by means of interface between different computer software. This method keeps the advantage of finite element method, taking both the aging of capacitor and the time-varying equivalent resistance into consideration, with the operations being automatically done. Hence the accuracy of hot-spot temperature estimation is improved compared to traditional ways and in the meantime, a more time-efficient reliability evaluation is fulfilled.