Maintenance Of Conditions Research Articles

Impulse perturbation reveals cross-modal access to sensory working memory through learned associations

We investigated if learned associations between visual and auditory stimuli can afford full cross-modal access to working memory. Previous research using the impulse perturbation technique has shown that cross-modal access to working memory is one-sided; visual impulses reveal both auditory and visual memoranda, but auditory impulses do not seem to reveal visual memoranda (Wolff et al., 2020b). Our participants first learned to associate six auditory pure tones with six visual orientation gratings. Next, a delayed match-to-sample task for the orientations was completed, while EEG was recorded. Orientation memories were recalled either via their learned auditory counterpart, or were visually presented. We then decoded the orientation memories from the EEG responses to both auditory and visual impulses presented during the memory delay. Working memory content could always be decoded from visual impulses. Importantly, through recall of the learned associations, the auditory impulse also evoked a decodable response from the visual WM network, providing evidence for full cross-modal access. We also observed that after a brief initial dynamic period, the representational codes of the memory items generalized across time, as well as between perceptual maintenance and long-term recall conditions. Our results thus demonstrate that accessing learned associations in long-term memory provides a cross-modal pathway to working memory that seems to be based on a common coding scheme.

Study on Road Performance of Polyurethane Cold-Recycled Mixture.

To give full play to the advantages of polyurethane as a binder, such as mixing at room temperature, short curing time, and high curing strength, polyurethane was used as the binder of a waste asphalt mixture, and the pavement performance of PCRM (Polyurethane Cold-Recycled Mixture) was analyzed. Firstly, the adhesion performance of polyurethane binder with new and old aggregates was evaluated using the adhesion test. Then, the mix proportion was designed according to the material characteristics, and the reasonable molding process, maintenance conditions, design indexes, and the optimal binder ratio were proposed. Secondly, the high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, water stability, and compressive resilient modulus of the mixture were evaluated through laboratory tests. Finally, the pore structure and microscopic morphology of polyurethane cold-recycled mixture were analyzed by industrial CT (Computerized Tomography) scanning, and the failure mechanism of polyurethane cold-recycled mixture was revealed. The test results show that the adhesion between polyurethane and RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) is good, and the splitting strength of the mixture increases greatly when the ratio of glue to stone reaches 9%. Polyurethane binder has low sensitivity to temperature and poor water stability. With the increase of RAP content, the high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, and compressive resilient modulus of PCRM showed a decreasing trend. When the RAP content was less than 40%, the freeze-thaw splitting strength ratio of the mixture was improved. After the incorporation of RAP, the interface was more complex and there were many micron-scale holes, cracks, and other defects; after high-temperature immersion, the polyurethane binder appeared to show a certain degree of peeling at the holes of the RAP surface. After freeze-thaw, the polyurethane binder on the surface of the mixture produced many cracks. The study of polyurethane cold-recycled mixture is of great significance to realize green construction.

Efficiency Study of Combined UAS Photogrammetry and Terrestrial LiDAR in 3D Modeling for Maintenance and Management of Fill Dams

Low-cost unmanned aerial system (UAS) photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanner (TLS, terrestrial LiDAR) technologies are being used as noncontact measurement methods for collecting unstructured data for the maintenance of construction infrastructure facilities. This study investigated the possibility of settlement, which is a maintenance condition evaluation item for fill-dam bodies, using point clouds based on the UAS (unmanned aerial system) structure from motion (UAS-SfM) and TLS (terrestrial laser scanner) point clouds. Specifically, the Z-axis RMSE of the point cloud improved to 0.012 m and the shape reproducibility rate to 98.53% by complementing the heterogeneous data of the UAS and TLS by combining the two systems with block coordination and ICP algorithms. The maximum settlement height and volume (heaving) of the dam crest and upstream and downstream slopes were derived from the combined UAS/TLS point-cloud-based 3D model. The quantitative values for the settlement of the fill-dam body were derived using the combined 3D model with high accuracy and density. This result verified the possibility of using the combined 3D model for evaluation of the maintenance condition.

DEVELOPMENT OF A RESOURCE MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY FOR A SERVICE COMPANY

This article discusses the specifics of managing a service-related company. It shows how the preparation of input data and their transformation takes place. Peculiarities of model preparation for training and testing are demonstrated. The general scheme of interaction between customer end-users and project and third-party technical support taking into account the conditions of service maintenance is given. The scheme of logic of processing incoming incidents between support lines is shown. The logic diagram of the prediction module for determining the support team is given. After the work has received the trained model that allows to carry out prediction of a support team on the basis of methods of logistic regression, by means of language Python it can be saved as a special file, it can then be connected as an independent module.
 Purpose. Determination of methods and techniques of analysis used in the analysis of export operations.
 Methodology the article used systems analysis and enterprise management methods.
 Results: an example of resolved incident data for a specific support team with engineers is considered, as well as an example of numerical feature calculations to adjust the support team engineer’s baseline prediction. A logic diagram of the improved software solution model is shown.
 Practical implications can be used with the improvement of IT service management in terms of incident coordinator activities.

Productivity of pigs under the conditions of introduction of the additive of the mixed ligand complex of Cuprum

The intensification of the pig industry requires the breeding of highly productive young animals capable of providing high-growth energy under good conditions of maintenance and full feeding. Full feeding of suckling piglets in most farms of Ukraine is provided by pre-starter compound feeds of imported production, which leads to an increase in the cost price of pork. In addition, the traditional sources of trace elements in these compound feeds are mineral salts in the form of sulfate and chloride compounds, the bioavailability of which is 12–35 %, which leads to environmental pollution with heavy metals, and the crystallized water contained in sulfate molecules in the premixes destroys vitamins and other biologically active substances. The degree of assimilation of trace elements increases with the use of feed additives with trace elements of organic origin. Representatives of such feed additives are mixed ligand complexes of trace elements (chelates). Taking into account the fact that suckling piglets need Ferrum addition to mother's milk and a sufficient amount of Cuprum on the 4–5th day of life since Cuprum catalyzes the incorporation of Ferrum into the heme structure and is an indispensable activator of hemoglobin synthesis and a stimulator of erythrocyte maturation, the study of the action of this element in the composition of a mixed ligand of the complex in the pre-starter compound feed is relevant. In addition, the study of the economic and economic significance of the use of the mixed ligand complex of Cuprum in the feeding of suckling piglets, the establishment of optimal norms of this supplement taking into account the breed and parent age, has an important scientific and practical significance. The domestic and foreign experience of effective pig farming shows that the realization of the hereditary qualities of modern high-performance pig breeds and obtaining ecologically clean products is possible only under the condition of the development and implementation of perfect technologies for the production of pig farming products, which must be consistent with the biological needs of animals.

LSTM based artificial intelligence predictive maintenance technique for availability rate and OEE improvement in a TPM implementing plant through Industry 4.0 transformation

PurposeThe artificial intelligence (AI) based total productive maintenance (TPM) condition based maintenance (CBM) approach through Industry 4.0 transformation can well predict the breakdown in advance to eliminate breakdown.Design/methodology/approachMeeting the customer requirement as per the delivery schedule with the existing resources are always a big challenge in industries. Any catastrophic breakdown in the equipment leads to increase in production loss, damage to machines, repair cost, time and affects delivery. If these breakdowns are predicted in advance, the breakdown can be addressed before its occurrence and the demand supply chain can be met. TPM is one of the essential operational excellence tool used in industries to utilize the existing resources of a plant in a optimal way. The conventional time based maintenance (TBM) and CBM approach of TPM in Industry 3.0 is time consuming and not accurate enough to achieve zero down time.FindingsThe proposed AI and IIoT based TPM is achieved in a digitalized data oriented platform to monitor and control the health status of the machine which may reduce the catastrophic breakdown by 95% and also improves the quality rate and machine performance rate. Based on the identified key signature parameters related to major breakdown are measured using the sensors, digitalised by programmable logic controller (PLC) and monitored by supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and predicted in server or cloud.Originality/valueLong short term memory based deep learning network was developed as a regression forecasting model to predict the remaining useful life RUL of the part or assembly and based on the predictions, corrective action has been implemented before the occurrence of breakdown. The reliability and consistency of the proposed approach are validated and horizontally deployed in similar machines to achieve zero downtime.

Can positive input ventilation tackle surface condensation and mould growth? Literature review and case study of a UK dwelling

Insufficient ventilation is one of the main factors leading to damp and mould in residential buildings. One low-cost method to improve these moisture-related issues is positive input ventilation (PIV) but research data on performance is scarce in the literature. This paper presents a bibliographical review together with a case study based on monitoring a residential building by means of environmental sensors. The review reveals the importance of correct location, installation, operation and continued maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems. Specifically, PIV and exhaust ventilation units in existing buildings require routine checking to ensure these systems are working correctly and efficiently. The results of monitoring ambient and surface temperature and relative humidity show that the PIV and enhancement extract fan set-up can reduce atmospheric moisture levels and avoid surface condensation. Mould growth is no longer active, but it is always essential to perform thoughtful building inspections checking the right conditions for installation and maintenance to ensure the proper functioning of the units. It is critical to study the size of the building and structural characteristics of the roof and ceilings. Also to verify that the doors are well undercut to allow air flow and that the occupancy levels and regional climate are adequate for selecting the appropriate type of mechanical ventilation units and corresponding operational modes (flow rates, operational settings, etc.). More research, measurements and monitoring studies pre- and post-installation of PIV and other whole house mechanical ventilation systems are recommended to assess optimal performances. This could also help to ensure the success of retrofitting projects in residential buildings which aim to improve energy efficiency but also make buildings relatively airtight and prone to condensation damp. An effective, sufficient and appropriate ventilation system as well as a good installation practice and adequate maintenance is key to avoid surface condensation and mould growth and to improve the indoor air quality of both new and existing buildings.

Life-cycle traits in the demosponge Hymeniacidon perlevis in a land-based fish farm.

The demosponge Hymeniacidon perlevis is characterized by wide geographic distribution and great adaptability to numerous and highly variable climatic and hydrological conditions. Indeed, the species can colonize many different environments, including several unusual ones, such as concrete drainage conduits of a marine land-based fish farm plant. This research aimed to enhance existing knowledge on the reproductive cycle and growth performance of H. perlevis while also evaluating the impact of a controlled supply of trophic resources, wastewater flow and constant water temperature on these biological traits. Specimens included in this one-year study inhabited drainage conduits of a land-based fish farm. The approach included measurements of sponge biomass and occurrence and abundance of reproductive elements across different seasons and environmental parameters, such as fish biomass, trophic resources, and wastewater flow. Sponge growth and reproductive elements, including oocytes, spermatic cysts, and embryos, were measured monthly in sponges positioned in the drainage conduit, thus with different trophic resources but with constant water temperature. Finally, we used generalized additive models to describe variables that contribute the most to the growth of sponges. Growth performance showed marked variations during the study period. The highest increase in sponge volume was observed from August/September to January/March. The volume of sponges was principally determined by the reduction of reared fish biomass and the increase of pellet amount and wastewater flow. Sponge specimens exhibited an active state during the entire study, as proven by the occurrence of recruits. However, sexual elements were only sporadically observed, thus not permitting the recognition of a true sexual cycle. The results of the present study confirmed that H. perlevis exhibits high flexibility and adaptability to the differential, and somewhat extreme, environmental conditions. Indeed, this species can live, grow and reproduce in the drainage conduits of the fish farm, where the species face constant darkness, water temperature and continuous nutritional supply. In such conditions, H. perlevis display an active state during the entire year, while avoiding stages of decline and long dormancy usually observed in wild populations. It seems plausible that stable environmental conditions induce an almost continuous sexual phase, probably under the control of endogenous factors. No asexual elements were detected, although it was impossible to exclude the contribution of asexual reproduction in the origin of the newly settled sponges, which were repeatedly detected throughout the study. The growth performance seemed linked to the fish farm conditions, thus providing useful indications on the best maintenance conditions for H. perlevis in land-based integrated multitrophic systems, where the species could be used for wastewater treatment.

Deterioration Models for Texas Bridges and Culverts

This paper discusses 38 bridge- and eight culvert deterioration models of three bridge and one culvert condition rating stored in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) as Items 58, 59, 60 and 62. The models were developed by age groups and by families of relevant variables such as span type, deck material, and bridges over water or land. Each model is a 2-year Markov matrix for every age group or family, containing the probabilities that each rating will remain the same, or transition to all possible lower ratings. These probabilities were calculated by counting all actual transitions in a database containing 19 years of bridge inspection data in Texas, unlike previous models which assumed that ratings cannot drop by more than 1 point in one inspection cycle. Models were validated and standard errors calculated. Updatable results were implemented in Excel workbooks and included 18-year forecasts of condition rating and network deterioration tables and curves, and comparisons between the current network condition and 10-year forecasts. The culvert models also included updatable cost forecasts to maintain the culvert network above Condition Rating 4. The main technical contribution of this project is the probabilities of bridge and culvert ratings decreasing by more than 1 in a 2-year inspection cycle being greater than zero for all condition ratings modeled (range: 8% to 61%). The models developed using the Texas data were strictly applicable to maintenance, environmental, and traffic conditions comparable to those prevalent in Texas. However, the modeling methodology is applicable to any state or location.

Real-time model predictive cooling control for an HVAC system in a factory building

This paper presents the results of model predictive control (MPC) using multiple deep neural network (DNN) models for the cooling system of a factory building. The target building accommodates a large space (80 m × 60 m × 9.7 m) and serves cooling via 45 diffusers connected to a direct expansion air handling unit that comprises two air supply fans and four condensing units. The authors developed 10 simulation models using a DNN: One predicts the supply air temperature of the HVAC system, while the others predict the indoor temperature of nine zones. The models can sufficiently predict the thermal behavior of the HVAC system (normalized mean bias error (NMBE): −1.2 %, coefficient of variation of the root mean square error (CVRMSE): 3.8 %) and indoor environment (NMBE: 1.1 %, CVRMSE: 1.3 %). The purpose of the MPC is to minimize the energy consumption of the condensing units while maintaining the cooling set-point temperature. The MPC was applied to the target building for a sampling time of 10 min, for four weeks, from August 23 to September 17, 2021. It was found that energy consumption decreased by 35.1 % compared with the baseline period, while satisfying the cooling set-point temperature maintenance condition. Finally, the authors highlight that the DNN-based MPC is a practical approach sufficient for predicting indoor thermal behavior and has significant potential for energy saving.

Physiological status and genetic abnormalities of imported cattle in extreme Arctic zone conditions

Blood in the body of animals performs various functions aimed at maintaining its vital activity. The main indicators of blood make it possible to judge the state of the body, since the processes associated with the growth, development of productivity. According to the researchers, the composition of peripheral blood is greatly influenced by the age of the animal, sex, physiological state, feeding and maintenance conditions. The current intensification of livestock development contributes to the strengthening of a number of adverse environmental factors that may lead to insufficient animal adaptation mechanisms. The most significant stress factor affecting the animal body is the seasonal factor. It was revealed that the most stressogenic for productive livestock are the winter and spring seasons of the year. At the same time, local (indigenous) animal breeds are well resistant to extreme environmental influences, but, as a rule, they have low productivity. Therefore, there has recently been a trend towards a qualitative improvement in livestock production in these areas by importing highly productive animals into them in order to acclimate them and use them to create new breeds based on crossing with natives. Yakut animals in the world gene pool of cattle in terms of distribution range occupy the northernmost part and are known for good adaptation abilities to harsh conditions of detention, resistance to many diseases. In world practice, there are no analogues to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in animal husbandry as a self-functioning system in the Arctic. The history of the development of cattle breeding shows that due to extreme natural and climatic conditions in Yakutia, a special approach to breeding work is needed. This is primarily due to the prolonged winter stall period. The basis of rational zoning accurate knowledge of the history of their development and formation of adaptive capabilities should be established. In this regard, the study of adaptive features, morphophysiological systems that cause increased resistance of animals to adverse environmental factors, in particular, to low temperatures, is of great theoretical and practical importance. Currently, in the republic, many farms are engaged in breeding specialized breeds of cattle of the dairy and meat direction. At the same time, animals are imported not only from the central regions of Russia, but even from foreign countries. In recent years, 3683 goals have been brought to the territory of Yakutia. livestock, including dairy – 2377 heads (64.5%). Among the introduced cattle there are completely new breeds for cattle breeding in the republic - such as Hereford, Kalmyk, red steppe, red-variegated, black-variegated and Sychov.

Optimized Conditions for the Long-Term Maintenance of Precision-Cut Murine Myocardium in Biomimetic Tissue Culture

Organotypic heart slices from mice might provide a promising in vitro model for cardiac research because of the vast availability of genetically modified specimens, combined with the unrestricted feasibility of experimental interventions. However, murine heart slices undergo rapid degeneration in culture. Therefore, we developed optimal conditions to preserve their structure and function in culture. Mouse ventricular heart samples were transversely cut into 300 µm thick slices. Slices were then cultured under various conditions of diastolic preload, systolic compliance and medium agitation. Continuous stimulation was performed either by optical stimulation or by electrical field stimulation. Contractility was continuously measured, and cellular survival, structure and gene expression were analyzed. Significant improvements in viability and function were achieved by elastic fixation with the appropriate diastolic preload and the rapid shaking of a ß-mercaptoethanol-supplemented medium. At 1 Hz pacing, mouse heart slices maintained stable contractility for up to 48 h under optogenetic pacing and for one week under electrical pacing. In cultured slices, the native myofibril structure was well preserved, and the mRNAs of myosin light chain, titin and connexin 43 were constantly expressed. Conclusions: Adult murine heart slices can be preserved for one week and provide a new opportunity to study cardiac functions.

A Dietary Plant Extract Formulation Helps Reduce Flea Populations in Cats: A Double-Blind Randomized Study.

There is a growing demand for natural products to be used to control fleas in pets. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of the biological plant-based food supplement Bioticks® (thyme, rosemary, lemon balm, fenugreek, wormwood, and lemongrass extracts) as a flea control product in naturally flea-infested cats with an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Ten cats were used as placebo controls (group A). Ten other cats were fed the same daily diet but supplemented with Bioticks® (group B). Fleas were counted by combing at D0 and D0 + 14 days, then one, two, three, four, and five months after the start of this study. No flea treatment was administered, and no environmental changes were made for six months prior to the start and throughout this study. The product was well-tolerated. The mean flea population in group B progressively and steadily decreased to reach 3.3 ± 2.1 at month five. At the same time and under similar maintenance conditions, the average flea population in group A remained stable (14.3 ± 2.5) until the fifth month. The percentages of efficacy (Abbott formula) in group B compared to group A was 27%, 20%, 52%, 66%, and 77%, respectively, at one, two, three, four, and five months after the start of this study.

Progress on the Role of Estrogen and Progesterone Signaling in Mouse Embryo Implantation and Decidualization.

Embryo implantation and decidualization are key steps in establishing a successful pregnancy. Defects in embryo implantation and decidualization can cause a series of adverse chain reactions which can contribute to harmful pregnancy outcomes, such as embryo growth retardation, preeclampsia, miscarriage, premature birth, and so on. Approximately 75% of failed pregnancies are considered to be due to embryo implantation failure or defects. Decidualization, characterized by proliferation and differentiation of uterine stromal cells, is one of the essential conditions for blastocyst implantation, placental formation, and maintenance of pregnancy and is indispensable for the establishment of pregnancy in many species. Embryo implantation and decidualization are closely regulated by estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries. Many cellular events and molecular signaling network pathways are involved in this process. This article reviews the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of estrogen- and progesterone-regulating uterine receptivity establishment, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization, in order to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of hormonal regulation of embryo implantation and to develop new strategies for preventing or treating embryo implantation defects and improving the pregnancy rate of women.

Growth and development of piglets depending on their live weight at birth

Relevance. The main task in organizing the feeding of suckling piglets is habituation early to feed and supplements, as well as the prevention of diarrhea and anemia. Up to 2 months of age is the most important period in the life of a piglet. The need of piglets for nutrients up to 3 weeks of age is usually met by sow milk, but from the first days of life they need additional nutrients, which must be given in the form of supplements.Methods. Experimental studies were conducted on pigs of Large white breed. For scientific research, 5 sows were selected at their 2nd and 3rd farrowing with 10–12 piglets, covered with one hog-producer (Miron-149, age 42 months, live weight 317 kg. The zoohygenic parameters of the indoor microclimate were maintained. Pigs of all groups were in the same conditions of feeding and maintenance, and they were fed compound feed in accordance with the developed recipes.Results. As a result of the research, it was revealed that with an increase in the age of sows increase their prolificacy, milk yield and nest weight on the 30th day and at 2 months of age. By milk yield the difference between sows of the first and fifth farrowing was 5.3 kg (P < 0.001), by nest weight at the age of 2 months — 16.6 kg (P < 0.001). The livability of piglets after the first and second farrowing was 89%, the third — 90%, the fourth and fifth farrowing — 96 and 95%. In all studied periods of development piglets with a larger live weight at birth were distinguished by a high absolute increase in live weight.

THE HEAT STRESS INFLUENCE REDUCTION ON MILK PRODUCTIVITY

The article presents the results of research on the reduction of the negative influence of heat stress on the milk productivity of cows in the second half of lactation due to the use of a protein feed additive with protected protein and starch. One of the factors of effective milk production with intensive management of the industry is the creation of comfortable conditions for keeping animals on the farm. Highly productive cows are quite demanding on the conditions of maintenance and microclimate. The study of the productive action of the complex drug Bypass protein + passable starch under the influence of temperature stress was carried out by us for the first time. The influence of the thermal factor of the environment on the productivity of cows is well described in the literature and the mechanisms of such an effect are described. The main consequence of the reaction of cows to temperature stress is a decrease in the consumption of dry matter of feed. This factor becomes the main factor in reducing productivity due to energy and protein deficiency. The same reaction was observed in our studies, both in the control and experimental groups. But we confirmed for the first time that the actions of compensation of temperature stress can be controlled due to the configurations of protein and energy entering the body by bypassing the scar. In our research, it has been proven for the first time that even in the conditions of reduced feed consumption, this way of providing cows with protein and energy is a reliable way of managing the productivity of cows and stabilizing their homeostasis during the period of temperature conditions that are dangerous for the existence of animals. It was established that the decrease in daily milk yield by 1.3 kg is a consequence of the negative influence of the temperature factor, when the daily air temperature in the summer period was at the level of +24.5-36.4 oС. The proof of this is the decrease in the rate of decline in the level of milk productivity of the cows of the experimental groups in August, when the average daily air temperature dropped to +24-26 °C. Modernization of the feeding ration of high-yielding cows by increasing the content of non-degradable protein in the rumen to the norm during temperature stress contributed to better adaptation of animals to productivity and quality indicators of milk. Keywords: protected protein, cows, milk productivity, protein supplement, heat stress.

Тамбовский земский ремесленно-воспитательный приют для несовершеннолетних правонарушителей: к истории создания и деятельности

Importance. The development of any scientific problem should be based on an analysis of the previous history of its development. The study of the experience and patterns of execution of punishments for juvenile offenders is no exception. The purpose of the study in a broad sense is to identify and analyze the historical experience of the formation and development of penitentiary institutions for the maintenance of convicted adolescents at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. In a narrow sense, the main task is to determine the role and place of the Tambov shelter in the matter of re-education and preventive influence on already convicted and potential criminals who have not reached the age of majority. Materials and methods Research. The object of research is determined here by the totality of social relations that took place during the implementation of the activities of the Tambov zemstvo vocational and educational orphanage for juvenile offenders. The basic sources are materials from the collections of the State Archives of the Tambov Region, publications and relevant legal acts. Traditional and new research methods are used to implement the tasks set. Let us name the historical-chronological method as the first ones, and elements of narrative and axiological approaches as the second ones. Results and Discussion. The reasons outlined for the creation of a craft and educational orphanage, its structure; conditions of maintenance, study and pupils’ work. A comparative description of some of the similar institutions operating in other provinces is given. The main administrative and educational means used to achieve the set goals are determined. Estimates of the effectiveness of the work being done are given. Conclusion. The materials of the study testify to the positive consequences of replacing imprisonment for juvenile delinquents by sending them to correctional orphanages and colonies. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the main provisions and conclusions made in the study can be used both in local history work and in the formation of modern criteria for the activities of juvenile justice.

Equipment Maintenance Effect on Energy Losses Reduction at Medium Voltage Distribution Network

The energy loss is one of primary problems at medium voltage distribution network. The declining quality of distribution network equipment is main factor of energy losses. The equipment maintenance has a significant correlation with energy losses reduction. This research discussed the effect of equipment maintenance on energy losses reduction at medium voltage distribution network. The research object was a feeder of 20 kV medium voltage overhead line at Bontoala Substation, Makassar. The research method was the quantitative calculation of energy losses in a month based on empirical formulas, with and without maintenance condition. The calculation was performed on three distribution network equipment: connector, transformer, and insulators. Based on the calculation results, the total energy losses without maintenance were 118,373.429 kWh. With maintenance, the value of losses can be reduced to 36,960.339 kWh or equal with 68.776% reduction. The research result shows the significant impact on equipment maintenance to distribution network energy losses.

Water Delivery Performance of Canal Irrigation: A Case Study of Chalakudy River Diversion Scheme

The role of irrigation is important in mitigating the challenges involved in food production under the changing climate scenarios. Adequacy and equity in water distribution are the primary concern regarding the performance of any irrigation scheme. Conveyance efficiency and two adequacy indicators, namely, Relative Water Supply and Adequacy were used to evaluate the performance of Chalakudy River Diversion Scheme (CRDS) located in central Kerala, India, in the present study, Water withdrawal data collected from Irrigation Department, and data collected from field measurements of canal discharge and seepage loss were used in the study. Irrigation requirement of the canal command area was worked out using the FAO’s CROPWAT 8.0 software. The results revealed that the average annual irrigation demand of the CRDS command area is 46.90 Mm3. Measured flow rate through the canal system showed that the flow decreases towards the tail end. Loss of water through seepage from the canal was high in the irrigation scheme due to the highly damaged condition of canal lining and poor maintenance. The CRDS canal system’s overall conveyance efficiency was found to be 51%. Based on Relative Water Supply and Adequacy Indicator, functioning of the irrigation scheme falls in the category of ‘fair’. Apart from proper repair and maintenance of canal system, conjunctive use of groundwater and canal water for irrigation is suggested towards the tail reaches to alleviate irrigation water inadequacy problems in the CRDS command area.

How Practices Come Together: Situating Design by Attending to Relational Practices

When acting in complex sociocultural contexts, designers often encounter other people engaged in differing practices. Non-design practices and design practices co-evolve in reciprocity. However, this article argues that design culture encourages designers to rely uncritically on performing established design activities as a way to demonstrate their professionalism. Designers may encounter difficulties in concretely perceiving and describing how their everyday practices are entangled with people and things. This may lead design professionals to adopt a detached position that can prompt self-doubt about whether they contribute positively to others’ lives. This article explores how designers can become attentive to the situated nature of their design practice. Drawing on recent theories of practice, this article argues that design professionals should attend to the relational practices of others who work near an acting designer. Design practice and other practices are relational. These relational practices mutually constitute the conditions of existence, maintenance, and transformation for each other. Using autoethnography and analysis, the article examines the positive potential of four ways of attending to relational practices. These four ways are tracking, recounting, repositioning, and responding. While they are not exhaustive, these four categories can enable designers to develop a more nuanced understanding of their working context and appropriate situated strategies for design action.