Flexible Management Research Articles

Coordinated Configuration of SOPs and DESSs in an Active Distribution Network Considering Social Welfare Maximization

In recent years, the penetration rate of intermittent distributed generation (DG) in active distribution networks has been steadily increasing, leading to prominent issues such as voltage violations and network congestion. Coordinated operation of soft open points (SOPs) and distributed energy storage systems (DESSs) enable flexible resource management in both spatial and temporal dimensions, allowing real-time voltage regulation and flow control. This enhances the controllability, sustainability, and economic efficiency of the distribution network, ultimately improving user satisfaction. The optimization of this coordinated configuration has become a central challenge in research. Taking the different characteristics of DESSs and SOPs into account, this paper proposes a coordinated configuration method by introducing local marginal price (LMP) under the configuration scheme. The framework is modeled as a three-level problem, including planning and operation levels. Initially, typical scenarios are generated to address the uncertainty of distributed generation operation. At the upper level, the DESS configuration is optimized to minimize annual operational costs, while at the middle level, SOPs are planned based on the annual comprehensive operational cost of the distribution network. At the lower level, the objective is set as social welfare maximization to reflect user satisfaction by incorporating LMP as a planning indicator. It is then transformed and solved as a mixed-integer second-order programming model with a hybrid optimization algorithm. The model is established with the modified IEEE 33-node distribution system as a case study to validate the feasibility of the proposed configuration method. The case study results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in optimally configuring SOPs with DESSs to reduce overall annual operating costs and enhance the economic efficiency of the system.

EVSE Effectiveness in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings Using Composite Optimization and Heuristic Search

The effectiveness of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is a very important factor in multi-unit residential buildings (MRBs) when planning to invest in an electric vehicle (EV). However, the expected benefits depend on not only technology but also need many non-functional requirements such as building facilities, electrical infrastructure, operating costs, and energy demand management of EVSE. We discuss the functional and non-functional constraints in utilizing EVSEs in MRBs and addresses them by constructing a composite optimization problem with a heuristic boundary selection. The proposed model urges the use of electrical safety codes –to mitigate the hazard risk– and promotes deploying a flexible and scalable energy management system (EMS) to schedule, reserve, and tune the charging sessions. This article provides an effective EMS for mitigating the energy demand growth caused by EV charging on MRBs, by finding the equilibrium number of EVSEs and their energy usage through a heuristic search. The proposed EMS is reinforced by embedding machine learning tools such as k-means, silhouette scoring, heuristic search, and autoregressive model to adjust the optimal operational state of EVSEs. We delineated the proposed framework and the outcomes using two case studies with real data. The results showed that more EVSEs can be utilized in MRBs and 100% EVs can be fully charged with a lower capital cost and no additional energy demand cost.

A static robust energy management approach for modelling low emission multi-vectored energy hub including emission markets and power-to-gas units

This paper develops a robust and sustainable energy management framework to model a multi-vectored energy hub (MVEH) system. A max-min-based static robust optimization model is developed to counter the uncertainties. Furthermore, a flexible energy demand management program, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and compressed air battery storage (CABS) are integrated to enhance MVEH's flexibility. Hybrid power-to-X units (electrolyser, methanization reactor and fuel cells) are modelled to reduce green energy spillage and improve operational independence, including heat pumps. Moreover, the emission (carbon cap and trade) market along with carbon capture storage and utilization units (CCS–U), are incorporated to establish a low-emission multi-energy model. Simulation results demonstrate that with flexible resources and power-to-X units, MVEH reduces the operating energy cost by 46.4 % and improves the system independence by 19.06 %. Besides, CCS-U units produce 92 % less emission while increasing the energy cost by 5.1 %. However, MVEH gains the right to sell carbon credits under the emission market. Thus, the multi-vectored system's economical, reliable, and environmental viability are ensured. Finally, sensitivity analysis proves the robustness of the proposed framework against natural gas and carbon price fluctuations.

Tele-psychotherapy for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative study.

One way of delivering psychological services is tele-psychotherapy, which has attracted significant attention as a viable approach. This study aimed to identify important variables in the application of tele-counseling and psychotherapy for the treatment of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in Isfahan, Iran. This research employed an exploratory qualitative methodology. The participants of this study consisted of all the clients with OCD and all the psychotherapists in the city of Isfahan. Purposive sampling was employed, and following a series of semi-structured interviews with 35 individuals with OCD and 11 counselors in this area, the sample size reached a saturation point. The data was analyzed by Braun and Clark's thematic analysis method. Based on the findings of Braun and Clark's analysis, three primary themes emerged concerning tele-counseling: opportunities, requirements, and challenges. According to the feedback received from therapists and clients, remote services could offer promising prospects to both groups by providing accessible locations and flexible time management. However, to get the full benefits of teletherapy, therapists should consider certain factors to enhance the therapeutic alliance. Moreover, there are challenges that need to be addressed.

An Embedded DC Power Flow Controller Based on Full-Bridge Modular Multilevel Converter

Meshed dc grids help improve the current network's configuration, flexible power management, and reliable power supply. However, the existing power converters implemented in dc grids do not have enough controllability in adjusting each feeder's power, leading to transmission congestion, overloads, and high-power loss issues. The DC power flow controller (DCPFC) is prominent in addressing problems with better system performance. This paper proposes an embedded DCPFC (eDCPFC) with full-bridge modular multilevel converter (FB-MMC) topology. The eDCPFC is directly integrated into a host MMC. The device's energy is balanced through the coordinated control of the eDCPFC and the host MMC without using isolation transformers or external power supplies. The working principle and the corresponding control strategies of the FB-MMC type eDCPFC and its host MMC are elaborated. Experimental results conducted in a scaled-down prototype validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed topology and control schemes under typical working conditions.

Stochastic Flexible Resource Operations in Coordinated Green-Seaport Energy-Logistics Systems Using Constraint Generation Approach

The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) in modern green seaports calls for more flexible management approaches that can minimize the daily seaport operation costs and RES curtailments. This paper establishes an optimal strategy in two-time intervals for flexible operations of energy storage systems and combined electric-thermal power demands of reefer containers in the coordinated green-seaport energy-logistics systems (ELS). For the day-ahead operation, a multi-stage stochastic optimization model is established to minimize the expected ELS operation cost according to the 24-hour-ahead forecasts. Uncertainties of RES power outputs, load demands, electricity prices, and ambient temperatures are considered in the optimization of day-ahead operation. For the intra-day operation, hydrogen, battery, and thermal storage systems as well as reefer containers operations are optimized based on the short-lead-time forecasts. Numerical simulations are carried out based on the Jurong seaport operation in Singapore to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimal operation strategy for the coordinated green-seaport ELS. Simulation results reveal that the proposed strategy can achieve the lowest operation cost and the lowest RES curtailment in a green-seaport.

Rasselas : The Enigma and the “Agile Music”

Abstract: This essay reads Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas (1759) against the background of negative or apophatic theology and argues that it is unique among Johnson’s works in expressing a sense of life as an enigma . The silent or hidden symbol of the story is the Giza Sphinx, one of the foundational symbols of such theology: the second-century Church Father Clement of Alexandria, whose works Johnson owned, associated the enigmas of the Hebrew Bible with the mystery of the Egyptian sphinxes. More widely, Rasselas contains absent objects and symbols, enigmatic silences and responses, hidden images and paradoxes, self-defeating dualisms and habits of style, apophatic philosophy (“philosophy can tell no more”), and an enigmatic conclusion (“ nothing ”). The apophatic quality is embodied in the text through what Jorge Luis Borges refers to as Rasselas ’s “agile music,” the subtle, flexible management of narrative voices, which generates a distinctive kind of attention in the reader.

Model of the process safety management system at an airline

The purpose of the process safety management system is to identify hazard factors and develop a set of methods to prevent injuries at an airline, occupational illness, material costs in case of damage to property and the environment. The analysis of the structure of occupational pathology depending on the factors of the production environment and the working process for the period 2013–2022 shows that the percentage of diseases associated with the impact of production physical factors for this period remains at the same level. This fact, in turn, confirms the relevance of the chosen study. Analysis and identification of the current production situation is necessary to assess the impact of adverse production factors. In this study, a new approach to the mathematical model for a process safety management system is implemented. Mathematical modeling allows a deeper understanding of the nature of certain phenomena and to obtain information about the real situation, which in turn stimulates the development of new scientific problems and methods of solving them, and is also the basis for choosing specific solutions for the implementation of certain projects. The successful implementation of strategies in order to create a process safety system for a flexible monitoring and management structure depends on how effective its functional structure is; this provision is explained by the fundamental nature of the tasks that are solved at the management stage. The article discusses the theoretical statements concerning mathematical modeling. When creating the model, the apparatus of abstract algebra-set theory – was used. The model developed in the course of the study makes it possible to introduce a model of the process safety management system into the activities of aviation enterprises.

Healthcare management in a post-pandemic world: Lessons learned and future preparedness: A review

This review paper examines the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare management, highlighting lessons learned and proposing strategies for future preparedness. It explores the immediate challenges healthcare systems face, such as resource allocation and staff shortages. It discusses the rapid adaptations and innovations that emerged, including the expansion of telehealth and digital health technologies. The paper also reviews policy and management adjustments. It applies theoretical frameworks like organizational change, crisis management, and health systems resilience to understand these changes. Key findings emphasize the importance of resilience, flexibility, and innovation in healthcare management. Recommendations for practice and policy focus on enhancing public health infrastructure, investing in digital health, and fostering international cooperation. The paper concludes with directions for future research, including the evaluation of digital health interventions and strategies to address healthcare disparities, underscoring the need for a robust, adaptive, and equitable healthcare system in the post-pandemic world.

Community-based organizations at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic: Strategies for building equitable COVID-19 vaccine uptake and distribution.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the disproportionate negative health outcomes faced by racial and ethnic minority communities as a result of various factors that affect health equity. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the overwhelming disparities within communities, public health agencies have aimed to establish partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs) to distribute information about COVID-19 to populations expressing vaccine hesitancy, recognizing that they are necessary partners in ensuring and maintaining equitable distribution of resources. In line with the National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Foundation)'s Health Equity Strategy, the CDC Foundation's Response, Crisis and Preparedness Unit (RCPU) team is responsible for managing the portfolio of more than 110 grants to CBOs across 14 grant opportunities by private and federal funding that supports the COVID-19 response. The goal is to promote activities, including support for sharing of accurate, culturally appropriate vaccine information to address concerns and the development and strengthening of strategic partnerships to support effective community outreach and vaccination. Most, if not all of the CBOs use similar techniques to address equitable vaccine uptake and distribution by partnering or becoming vaccine providers via mobile or pop-up clinics, engaging community health workers, door-to-door canvasing, conducting listening sessions, providing incentives, and hosting community events and communications campaigns. As of June 23, 2022, the funded CBOs have collectively reached over 14.8 million individuals with COVID-19 safety and vaccine education messaging, administered 288,197 COVID-19 vaccinations within their communities, and partnered with 416 public health jurisdictions and 853 community organizations. Two case studies are provided to share specifics on strategies and activities done toward providing equitable information and vaccine distribution. This rapid and flexible grant management process al-lowed CBOs to focus on the areas of greatest need in their community and select strategies that would be well-received by community members.

Automated forest inventory: Analysis of high-density airborne LiDAR point clouds with 3D deep learning

Detailed forest inventories are critical for sustainable and flexible management of forest resources, to conserve various ecosystem services. Modern airborne laser scanners deliver high-density point clouds with great potential for fine-scale forest inventory and analysis, but automatically partitioning those point clouds into meaningful entities like individual trees or tree components remains a challenge. The present study aims to fill this gap and introduces a deep learning framework, termed ForAINet, that is able to perform such a segmentation across diverse forest types and geographic regions. From the segmented data, we then derive relevant biophysical parameters of individual trees as well as stands. The system has been tested on FOR-Instance, a dataset of point clouds that have been acquired in five different countries using surveying drones. The segmentation back-end achieves over 85% F-score for individual trees, respectively over 73% mean IoU across five semantic categories: ground, low vegetation, stems, live branches and dead branches. Building on the segmentation results our pipeline then densely calculates biophysical features of each individual tree (height, crown diameter, crown volume, DBH, and location) and properties per stand (digital terrain model and stand density). Especially crown-related features are in most cases retrieved with high accuracy, whereas the estimates for DBH and location are less reliable, due to the airborne scanning setup.

The Effect of Inventory Flexibility on Financial Performance: Moderating Role of Firm Size and Growth

This study aims to explore how flexible inventory management affects financial performance from the perspective of quick adjustments of inventory deviations, in which firm growth and firm size are moderators. Using the empirical data collected from 1953 listed manufacturing enterprises in China from 2005 to 2021, this research employs the moderation model combined with the three-way interaction analysis to test hypotheses. The results reveal that the relationship between inventory flexibility and financial performance is positive, while firm growth weakens this relationship. Furthermore, firm size reduces the negative moderating effect of firm growth on the relationship between inventory flexibility and financial performance. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the role of quick adjustments in flexible inventory management. From a developing country perspective, this study identifies the important relationships between inventory flexibility, firm growth, firm size and financial performance. The findings will be of interest to both emerging and other developing countries.

HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD: LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE PREPAREDNESS - A REVIEW

This review paper examines the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare management, highlighting lessons learned and proposing strategies for future preparedness. It explores the immediate challenges healthcare systems face, such as resource allocation and staff shortages. It discusses the rapid adaptations and innovations that emerged, including the expansion of telehealth and digital health technologies. The paper also reviews policy and management adjustments. It applies theoretical frameworks like organizational change, crisis management, and health systems resilience to understand these changes. Key findings emphasize the importance of resilience, flexibility, and innovation in healthcare management. Recommendations for practice and policy focus on enhancing public health infrastructure, investing in digital health, and fostering international cooperation. The paper concludes with directions for future research, including the evaluation of digital health interventions and strategies to address healthcare disparities, underscoring the need for a robust, adaptive, and equitable healthcare system in the post-pandemic world.
 Keywords: Covid-19 Pandemic, Healthcare Management, Digital Health Technologies, Crisis Management Theory, Healthcare System Resilience.

Gradient-Based Optimization for Intent Conflict Resolution

The evolving landscape of network systems necessitates automated tools for streamlined management and configuration. Intent-driven networking (IDN) has emerged as a promising solution for autonomous network management by prioritizing declaratively defined desired outcomes over traditional manual configurations without specifying the implementation details. This paradigm shift towards flexibility, agility, and simplification in network management is particularly crucial in addressing inefficiencies and high costs linked to manual management, notably in the radio access part. This paper explores the concurrent operation of multiple intents, acknowledging the potential for conflicts, and proposes an innovative reformulation of these conflicts to enhance network administration effectiveness. Following the initial detection of conflicts among intents using a gradient-based approach, our work employs the Multiple Gradient Descent Algorithm (MGDA) to minimize all loss functions assigned to each intent simultaneously. In response to the challenge posed by the absence of a closed-form representation for each key performance indicator in a dynamic environment for computing gradient descent, the Stochastic Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) is integrated into the MGDA algorithm. The proposed method undergoes initial testing using a commonly employed toy example in the literature before being simulated for conflict scenarios within a mobile network using the ns3 network simulator.

Flexible demand-side management program in accordance with the consumers’ requested constraints

Increasing electrical energy consumption during peak hours leads to increased electrical energy losses and the spread of environmental pollution. For this reason, demand-side management programs have been introduced to reduce consumption during peak hours. The most important challenge of these programs is the low participation of consumers due to their special constraints. Hence, presenting a flexible demand-side management program that optimizes the consumption pattern of consumers in accordance with their requested constraints will have a significant impact on further participation of consumers in reducing the peak consumption. In this paper, a flexible demand-side management program is presented that provides the optimal consumption patterns, by using the stair-step pricing mechanism and considering the consumers requested constraints. The proposed method is carried out for a combination of consumers with various requested constraints such as the lowest and highest possible consumption per hour and the stability of the total consumption of each consumer in a certain period of time. The simulation outcome showed that the proposed algorithm is able to encourage consumers to participate more in energy management program by meeting their various requested constraints. Peak load total consumption experienced a decline of 25.09% from 36649.4 to 27454.3 kW-hours. As a result, the daily energy cost had been reduced by 10.27 % from 13854.466 to 12,431 dollars. This cost reduction was derived from reducing the need for additional energy generation during peak hours due to transferring consumptions to the lower-priced hours.

EFTA: An Efficient and Fault-Tolerant Data Aggregation Scheme without TTP in Smart Grid

Abstract With the rapid construction and implementation of smart grid, lots of studies have been conducted to explore how to ensure the security of information privacy. At present, most privacy-preserving data aggregation schemes in smart grid achieve privacy data protection through homomorphically encrypted data aggregation. However, these data aggregation schemes tend to rely on a trusted third party (TTP), and fail to efficiently handle the case of a meter failure. Besides, they are less flexible for overall user management, and resistance to collusion attacks needs to be improved. In this paper, we propose an efficient and robust privacy-preserving data aggregation scheme without TTP, called EFTA. Overall, the scheme eliminates the reliance on a TTP, combines with Shamir threshold secret sharing scheme to increase overall fault tolerance, supports flexible and dynamic user management, and effectively defends against entity initiated collusion attacks. According to security and performance analysis results, the scheme proposed in this paper meets the multiple security requirements of smart grid, and is more efficient in terms of overall overhead compared to the existing privacy-preserving data aggregation schemes.

ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ ТОРГОВЫХ ЦЕНТРОВ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ

The article studies the development of shopping centers from marketplaces to the mall formats of the future. The author notes that trade as a phenomenon has existed since ancient times, over time the formats of shopping places have experienced significant changes, from small markets to complex shopping centers, adapting to changes in society and technology. The historical development of shopping centers is described, from the agoras of ancient Greece to modern shopping complexes, whose emergence was triggered by the industrial revolution and the development of automobile transportation. 
 The article also discusses the impact of internet shopping and the pandemic on classic shopping centers, highlighting the shift in consumer preferences towards online shopping and the need for shopping centers to adapt to the new conditions. The author offers reflections on the future of shopping centers, their potential evolution into socio-cultural and entertainment spaces capable of offering visitors a unique experience not available with online shopping. The analysis emphasizes the importance of innovation and flexibility in mall management for malls to continue to thrive in a changing world.

Modelling and cycle‐by‐cycle control of an electromechanical engine valve actuator with impact speed limiter based on hydraulic damper

AbstractVariable valve actuation (VVA) systems based on electromechanical valve actuators (EMVAs) enable a flexible operation and management of internal combustion engines that results in a reduction of pollutant emission and fuel consumption while improving engine power and efficiency. However, to achieve the benefits promised by EMVAs, it is of utmost importance to guarantee the catch of the valve by the system magnets with an acceptable impact speed of the valve at the end‐strokes. Valve catching failures can severely damage engine valves while high impact speeds induce mechanical wear and unacceptable noise. The soft landing control of the valve at the end‐strokes is challenging because of system nonlinearities, parameter uncertainties, and external disturbances. The complexity of the control design increases further when industrial cost‐effective solutions are sought. This paper presents a novel solution for reducing the impact speed of the valve without the use of costly position valve sensors. The proposed solution leverages on a small hydraulic damper (HD) embedded into the EMVA and a feedback cycle‐by‐cycle controller. The passive element reduces the impact speed while the controller adjusts at every engine cycle the EMVA coil currents based on pressure peaks detected in the HD to guarantee valve catching while steering the impact speed toward its minimum. The design of the controller exploits a physics‐based model that maps the pressure peak in the HD onto the impact speed and a gradient descent algorithm is adopted searching the minimum. The closed‐loop permanence is assessed in simulation by using an experimentally validated EMVA model and considering detailed dynamics of the HD. Numerical results show the ability of the proposed control architecture to reduce the impact speed and its robustness to parameters variations (oil temperature) and external disturbances (gas pressure forces).

An advanced approach to operational quality evaluation for industry-finance integration enterprises based on integrated interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute decision making

With the acceleration of economic globalization, enterprises are facing fierce competition and huge challenges, requiring deep financial management transformation. In this context, the integration of industry and finance has gradually demonstrated extremely important value. The integration of industry and finance can not only effectively improve the efficiency of financial management, prevent business risks, and improve operational efficiency, but also enhance the comprehensive ability of enterprise financial management, providing a more flexible, transparent, and efficient financial management system for enterprises. The operational quality evaluation of industry-finance integration enterprises under lean management accounting is a multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM). In this paper, some calculating laws on IVIFSs, Hamacher sum, Hamacher product are introduced, and the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Hamacher interactive power averaging (IVIFHIPA) technique is proposed based on the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) Hamacher interactive weighted averaging (IVIFHIWA) technique and power average (PA) technique. Meanwhile, some ideal properties of IVIFHIPA technique are studied. Then, the IVIFHIPA technique is employed to cope with the MADM under IVIFSs. Finally, an example for operational quality evaluation of industry-finance integration enterprises under lean management accounting is employed to test the IVIFHIPA technique. Thus, the main research aim of this paper is concluded as follows: (1) the IVIFHIPA technique is constructed based on IVIFHIWA technique and classical power average (PA) technique; (2) the IVIFHIPA technique is put forward to cope with the MADM under IVIFSs; (3) an empirical example for operational quality evaluation of industry-finance integration enterprises under lean management accounting has been put forward to show the IVIFHIPA technique.

INCREASING MARINE TOURISM WITH MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING METHOD AND GROWTH OF MARINE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT OF UNUSED MARINE AREAS

The current state of the art of ecosystem-based marine spatial management (EB-MSM), a new approach to ocean management that is being supported all over the world as the best means of ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems. It aims to sustain robust, fruitful, and resilient ecosystems that supply essential products and services while withstanding human influences. It concentrates on all interactions within a marine ecosystem, including human interactions. The most cutting-edge science and innovative methods are needed for successful implementation. Focusing on the role of marine spatial planning (MSP) in marine ecosystem management and discussing the use of MSP to manage the risks associated with geohazards and climate change. Including creation of networks of marine protected areas (MPAs), how maritime activities are distributed both spatially and temporally, flexibility in fisheries management, actions to promote coastal resilience, the restoration of vital coastal ecosystems, the establishment of buffer zones between permanent structures and the coastline, and the implementation of risk-mitigation tools like monitoring programs and warning systems. More responsive demands of coastal countries and more actively supporting the economic integration of foreign operators and tourism. Even during disputes or cancellations, innovative ideas and agreements can stimulate the economy. For instance, a third party can create jobs in sub-Saharan West Africa, while a recreation area could increase tourist in Indonesia.