Calculation Methodology Research Articles

PRODUCTIVITY, EFFICIENCY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL - INNOVATIVE UNIVERSITY INDEX: AN ANALYSIS FOR UNIVERSITIES IN TÜRKIYE

The productivity and efficiency of universities were analysed in this study. The data and results of the Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index-EIUI, which is calculated by TÜBITAK every year by considering various information for universities, were used. The study aimed to discuss the index, productivity, and efficiency results comparatively. Four-year data (2019-2022) and the index values were used. Balanced panel data analysis was performed on universities consistently included in the list each year. In the calculation of the index, a weighted sum of values standardized by the min-max method was taken into account. This is available in the calculation methodology of the index. Total factor productivity and stochastic frontier model methods were used for the analysis of productivity and efficiency, respectively. Universities that enter the index list every year and are at the top are effective, but they could not increase their productivity in the previous years. Universities established before 1992 may have approached the saturation level in terms of the input-output relationship, but it can be said that they can maintain their effectiveness. Some public and private universities that were established in 1992 and later have raised their productivity and efficiency. Although the index value and efficiency values overlapped to a certain extent, the significant differences in productivity were remarkable. While the studies in the literature focused on the meta-analysis of the index and the efficiency analysis of universities with various methods, this study presented an inclusive and comparative analysis in terms of index, productivity, and efficiency with panel data analysis.

Punching and lateral cyclic behavior of concrete slab-column connections reinforced with steel sheets

During an earthquake, slab-column structures with high gravity-shear ratios often experience increased local shear stress and deformation in the connection area, leading to reduced unbalanced moment capacity and drift capacity of the connections. This study aims to create a new and more efficient method of enhancing the unbalanced moment capacity and deformation capacity of reinforced concrete slab-column structures through using steel sheets as punching reinforcement. Tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the thickness, extension length, and layout of this new type of punching reinforcement on the unbalanced moment capacity and deformation capacity of the connections when subjected to vertical and horizontal cyclic loads. The results indicated that as the steel sheet thickness increased, the unbalanced moment capacity of SC-2 and SC-3 rose by 24 % and 48 % respectively, while the drift capacity improved by 20 % and 40 % compared to SC-1. Furthermore, the failure mode shifted from stress-induced punching to drift-induced punching. Compared to SC-1, a cruciform layout with an additional diagonal arrangement of sheets increased the unbalanced moment capacity and drift capacity by approximately 17 % and 20 %, respectively. The extension length of the sheets reduced from 600 to 420 had negligible effect on the unbalanced moment capacity and deformation capacity. Utilizing experimental data, this study compared the relationship between the drift capacity and gravity shear ratio of connections reinforced with different shear reinforcements. The underlying causes for the observed lower drift capacity of the specimens are analyzed, and design recommendations for optimizing the steel sheets are subsequently proffered. After thoroughly analyzing the experimental results, a simplified calculation methodology for assessing the shear strength of steel sheets was developed, taking inspiration from the shear strength calculation approach outlined in ACI 318–19. The efficacy of this simplified approach was subsequently validated by comparing the experimental results with those predicted by current design codes. Furthermore, by comparing the experimental results with the predicted values, the relationship between the punching failure mode of connections and their punching strength was discussed.

Study of Various Mechanical Properties of Maize (Zea mays) as Influenced by Moisture Content

The mechanical properties of agricultural materials influence not only the loads occurring inside agricultural silos, but also the design of several types of post-harvest machinery. The loads generated by these materials inside silos can be predicted with silo calculation methodologies from their mechanical properties. It has been known for many years that these properties are highly dependent on the moisture content of the material. However, to date, there are not many studies focused on its determination. The goal of this research is the determination of the internal friction angle, apparent cohesion, angle of dilatancy and apparent specific weight of maize when different moisture contents are applied. The equipment used for this study consisted mainly of direct shear and oedometer assay apparatus. The maize samples used were moistened using a climatic chamber. Moisture contents applied to maize samples ranged from 9.3% to 17.4%. Results similar to those provided by other authors were obtained for the internal friction angle, apparent cohesion and apparent specific weight. On the other hand, the values obtained for the dilatancy angle of maize as a function of moisture content could not be compared because nothing has been published so far. The values obtained for this parameter overlap with those published for this material under ambient conditions. In addition, for the samples tested, these results did not allow confirming the existence of a direct relationship between the dilatancy angle and the moisture content. Finally, the increase in moisture content led to an increase in apparent specific weight, which differed from that published in the literature. The values provided here can be used for the optimization of storage and handling structures for granular agricultural materials.

Comparative post-therapeutic dosimetry between 2D planar-based and hybrid-based methods for personalized Lu-177 treatment.

This study aims to compare the calculated absorbed dose in target organs and tumors obtained using the different imaging protocols and the calculation methodologies implemented by HERMES HybridViewer dosimetry software for 177Lu-PSMA I&T and 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy. Multiple time-point whole-body planar images and one SPECT/CT image were acquired from 18 patients including 177Lu-PSMA I&T (13 patients) and 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment (5 patients) after administration of 3.80-8.58GBq injected activity. The regions of interest were drawn in the whole body, kidneys, liver, urinary bladder, salivary glands, and tumors to determine the time-integrated activity (TIA) in source organs. Absorbed doses in target organs were calculated according to the Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) scheme using the HERMES HybridViewer dosimetry integrated with OLINDA/EXM V.2.1 that utilizes the non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) for computational digital phantom. The planar-based dosimetry showed a higher dose per injected activity compared to the hybrid-based dosimetry, primarily due to organ overlap. The highest difference in absorbed dose between the imaging scenarios was observed in the spleen with a variation of up to 51.6%, while the difference for other target organs and tumors was less than 40%. The dosimetry calculation derived from the 2D planar-based method consistently demonstrates a significantly higher absorbed dose in organs and tumors compared with the hybrid-based method. However, the hybrid method outperforms the planar method in terms of tumor visualization and overlap-free organ delineation.

Defining cage subsidence in anterior, oblique, and lateral lumbar spine fusion approaches: a systematic review of the literature.

One of the most common complications of lumbar fusions is cage subsidence, which leads to collapse of disc height and reappearance of the presenting symptomology. However, definitions of cage subsidence are inconsistent, leading to a variety of subsidence calculation methodologies and thresholds. To review previously published literature on cage subsidence in order to present the most common methods for calculating and defining subsidence in the anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) approaches. A search was completed in PubMed and Embase with inclusion criteria focused on identifying any study that provided descriptions of the method, imaging modality, or subsidence threshold used to calculate the presence of cage subsidence. A total of 69 articles were included in the final analysis, of which 18 (26.1%) reported on the ALIF approach, 22 (31.9%) on the OLIF approach, and 31 (44.9%) on the LLIF approach, 2 of which reported on more than one approach. ALIF articles most commonly calculated the loss of disc height over time with a subsidence threshold of > 2mm. Most OLIF articles calculated the total amount of cage migration into the vertebral bodies, with a threshold of > 2mm. LLIF was the only approach in which most articles applied the same method for calculation, namely, a grading scale for classifying the loss of disc height over time. We recommend future articles adhere to the most common methodologies presented here to ensure accuracy and generalizability in reporting cage subsidence.

AN APPROACH OF WEB STIFFENER CALCULATION IN THIN-WALLED COLUMNS

This article presents an analytical approach for calculating web stiffeners in thin-walled columns. A novel method is introduced, which treats each bending point in the cross-section web as a separate stiffener. The advantages of this calculation method are discussed, highlighting its increased versatility in designing cross-section geometry. The load-bearing strength of axially compressed thin-walled closed cross-section columns, calculated using this method, is compared to analytical calculations based on the Eurocode 3-1-3 methodology and to the finite element method analysis. Calculation results of columns with cross-sections including shallow web stiffeners were up to 9.22% less conservative when compared to the Eurocode 3-1-3 methodology. The results demonstrate great compliance of the proposed method for column crosssections with deep stiffeners. Finite element method (FEM) analysis was performed to verify the calculated load bearing strengths of the columns according to both calculation methodologies. FEM analysis confirmed the reliance of the calculated results and showed, that the load bearing strengths calculated using the newly presented methodology were ranging from 88.77% to 97.86% of load bearing strength calculated using finite element method. These results proved, that the proposed method provides an accurate load bearing strength of thin-walled columns with web stiffeners.

Data collection framework for enhanced carbon intensity indicator (CII) in the oil tankers

AbstractThe International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2030 compared with 2008. The carbon intensity indicator (CII) calculates the annual reduction factor required to continuously improve a ship's operational carbon intensity at a specific rating level. Verification and documentation of the achieved annual operational CII against the prescribed target are necessary to establish the operational carbon intensity rating. This study focuses on the intricate process of data collection for CII within the oil shipping industry, targeting engineering departments and shipboard management teams. Against the backdrop of the industry's substantial carbon dioxide emissions, the IMO has mandated the calculation of CII values for ships exceeding 5000 gross tons to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact. We have collected emission data of 20 oil tankers over a period of 2 years using our ship maintenance and operating system (SMOS) and analyzed the data to compare the CII ratings. Our results indicate that a staggering ~63% of the vessels had the lowest CII rating of category E. It is therefore crucial to properly collect, organize, and evaluate data for CII calculation and take necessary measures to improve rating. This paper provides a deeper insight into the evolving CII calculation methodology, emphasizing the incorporation of correction factors and exclusions, and delineates the essential data collection practices needed to facilitate accurate CII calculations.

Calculation Methodology to Determine Electricity Distribution Tariffs Using an Approach Based on Cost Causation

The cost reflectivity of electricity distribution network tariffs has been debated in several countries, and various ways to enhance it have been investigated in recent years. However, the recent academic literature regarding the approach based on cost causation has a clear gap because no case studies show how distribution network tariffs can be determined in practice for large customer groups. This article offers a calculation methodology to determine distribution network tariffs based on cost causation along with a case study where unit prices are determined for the tariff structures still widely used today using the data for two separate network areas being operated by two Finnish distribution system operators (DSOs) in an unbundled electricity market environment. The results of the case study show that the total differences between the target and the realized turnovers in both investigated networks are smaller than 1%, which means almost a full cost recovery. In addition to traditional tariff structures, the proposed calculation methodology can also be modified to design and determine other pricing schemes. The need for systematic calculation processes is growing to improve the cost reflectivity of present tariffs and adapt to the needs of the evolving operating environment, novel tariff structures, and new emerging customer groups.

Consumer loyalty index of a higher educational institution: application, calculation methodology and factors influencing the indicator

Consumer loyalty index of a higher educational institution: application, calculation methodology and factors influencing the indicator

Entropic analysis: understanding economic sector relationships with Leontief's input-output tables

The article delves into the evolution of the "entropy" concept and its corresponding theoretical interpretations. Employing Shannon's entropy formula and leveraging the methodology of entropy calculation through Leontief's input-output tables, the study conducts entropy calculations for the economic systems of Australia, the Republic of South Africa, the United States, Luxembourg, Russia, South Korea, Japan, India, and China. These calculations are based on the tables published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The primary finding of the study can be summarized as follows: Economic entropy, determined through the coefficients of total costs in Leontief's input-output tables, serves as a gauge of the interconnectedness among various branches within the economic system. Furthermore, financial and economic crises, as well as natural disasters, contribute to an escalation in the interconnectedness of economic branches, signifying a rise in entropy.

THE NEED TO CREATE AN ADDITIONAL RESERVE FUND OF ASSETS IN TIMES OF INFLATION / ՍՂԱՃԻ ՊԱՅՄԱՆՆԵՐՈՒՄ ԱԿՏԻՎՆԵՐԻ ՀԱՎԵԼՅԱԼ ՊԱՀՈՒՍՏԱՅԻՆ ՖՈՆԴԻ ՍՏԵՂԾՄԱՆ ԱՆՀՐԱԺԵՇՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆԸ

The object of study of the article is scarcity and the replaceability of depreciable/depreciated assets with similar assets and the goal is the acquisition of new assets during the inflation conditions and the neutralization of the poverty effect of the inflation by creating an additional reserve fund of assets. In Armenia, as in every developed and developing country, the permissible rate of inflation is fixed by law, with its deviations. For example, in RA, according to Article 4 of the RA Law "On the State Budget of RA 2024" (previous years similarly) and until these last years as well, the permissible amount of inflation is 4% ± 1.5%. In UK - 2%, in the USA - from 5%-1/4 to 5%-1/2, etc. Given that price stability or the restoration of price stability does not, in fact, mean a return to a fixed price or point, but rather a state of slow and steady price growth, this raises the question of when inflation deviates from the legally defined above the permissible limit, how it relates to the context of substitutability of real sector assets. In other words, during the useful life of assets, in addition to the effects of obsolescence and physical depreciation, there is a certain difference between the current value and the amount of accumulated depreciation at the time of acquisition of a similar asset, as a result of which the acquisition of a new or modern asset requires additional expenses. In this context, the article raises the issue of replaceability of depresiable fixed assets with new ones and the creation of an additional reserve fund during inflation in the form of an expense, as a deduction from the tax base in a given year. As a scientific result, it is proposed to define the amount of the reserve fund as a deduction from the tax base, and the calculation methodology as presented in the point of scientific result.

Development of a mechanism for managing the level of investment in R&D of city-forming enterprises (by the example of the metallurgical industry)

The object of the study is investment in R&D of enterprises. The problem of developing a mechanism for managing the level of R&D investment at industrial enterprises has been solved. The results are obtained: – gradation of R&D investment levels at enterprises based on the application of the beta coefficient calculation methodology adapted to the R&D sphere; – distribution of city-forming enterprises of the metallurgical industry by R&D investment levels: high level – 27 % of surveyed enterprises, average – 18 %, low – 55 %, critical – 0 %; – development of a matrix based on the comparison of the level of R&D investment and the level of sales volumes of the enterprise's products calculated according to one algorithm. For each cell of the matrix, management decisions of strategic nature are proposed to increase the level of R&D investment. The results obtained are explained by the assumption of a linear relationship between the size of R&D investment of a particular enterprise over time and aggregate industry R&D investment (as a benchmark). The tendency of R&D investment growth in the industry, regularity of R&D investments of the surveyed enterprises were confirmed, time series of R&D investment both at the evaluated enterprise and in the industry as a whole were processed using trend smoothing. The features of the obtained results lie in the application of comparable coefficients (investments in R&D), as well as in the application of the developed assessment in the management of the enterprise. The practical significance of this study results is the possibility of applying the obtained conclusions and recommendations to increase the level of R&D investment of large industrial enterprises in the volume, scope and conditions corresponding to the developing economy

Exploring Green Inventory Management through Periodic Review Inventory Systems—A Comprehensive Literature Review and Directions for Future Research

With the increasing environmental concerns and legislative pressures, the focus on incorporating ecologically sustainable practices into inventory management systems has grown, leading to the emergence of green inventory management. However, this field is not without its challenges, with numerous conflicting real-world constraints and goals. A comprehensive literature review targeting green inventory management operating under a periodic review inventory system was conducted to identify research gaps and potential directions for future research. Despite the growing interest in the field, this review highlighted the scarcity of relevant studies. Out of the 1272 papers reviewed, only 16 studies, or 1.3%, met the criteria for exploring periodic review inventory systems while simultaneously considering environmental and economic aspects. These studies were further analyzed in detail and categorized according to key classification criteria. The future research directions highlighted the need for additional studies on periodic review inventory systems operating under stochastic market demand in the context of green supply chain management. The standardization of emission calculation methodologies was also emphasized as a crucial step towards aligning inventory management practices with the aim of increasing inventory management efficiency and the related improvement in the environmental performance of supply chains.

НОРМИРОВАНИЕ ВОДОПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ УГОДИЙ И КУЛЬТУР С УЧЕТОМ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННО-ВРЕМЕННОЙ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТИ ГИДРОМЕТЕОРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ

The article presents the developed calculation methodology for environmental regulation of water consumption of agricultural land and crops, taking into account the spatiotemporal variability of climatic, hydrological, soil and biological indicators of the natural system. It is noted that the human pressure in the form of a deficit in water consumption of agricultural land and crops should be based on the principles of energy balance of heat, moisture and nutrients, taking into account natural conditions that ensure targeted regulation and management of soil-forming processes in hydro-agrolandscapes. The developed model and algorithm for assessing water consumption in agriculture are built using two models for rationing water consumption - agricultural land and crops, which makes it possible to determine the most important criteria for environmental management in irrigated agriculture and is of great importance in ensuring food security of the population.

STRENGTH CALCULATION METHODOLOGY FOR THE TECHNOLOGICAL CONTAINERS FOR CHEMICAL HEAT TREATMENT OF WORKPIECES

Purpose. Development of a strength calculation methodology for the special technological containers for chemical heat treatment of workpieces, which considers the consequences of complex influence of the load and the main technological factors. Creation of possibility of full-value mathematical modelling of the special technological containers with complex three-dimensional geometric shape for chemical heat treatment of workpieces using the finite element method. Research methods. Mathematical modeling taking into account the hypothesis of linear failure accumulation from low-cycle fatigue and creep of material. Results. A strength calculation methodology for the special technological containers for chemical heat treatment of workpieces has been developed, which considers the consequences of complex influence of the load and the main technological factors: high-temperature corrosion, interaction with the chemical environment, creep, low-cycle fatigue. This methodology makes it possible to determine safe operation life of the containers. Load combinations have been considered. The main features of the design of the technological containers for chemical heat treatment of workpieces have been considered. Scientific novelty. It has been considered at calculations of the special technological containers the consequences just of the complex influence of the load and the main technological factors which occur during the chemical heat treatment of workpieces: high-temperature corrosion, interaction with the chemical environment, creep, low-cycle fatigue. Practical value. The developed methodology provides the possibility of full-value mathematical modelling of the special technological containers for chemical heat treatment of workpieces using the finite element method. It opens a way for multi-criteria optimization of the design of the containers with complex three-dimensional geometric shape with prospect of reduction of their weight with a certain resource of safe operation. This is one of the main factors of the practical value of this work because the containers for chemical heat treatment of workpieces are made of expensive heat-resistant steels. One factor more is the possibility to determine safe operation life and thus satisfy the requirements of safety engineering.

NUMERICAL STUDIES OF THE DISTRIBUTION CAPACITY AND DEFORMABILITY OF THE SPATIAL MODEL OF THE SOIL BASE IN THE FORM OF A LINEAR-DEFORMED LAYER

The article analyses the existing approaches to modelling the interaction between a structure and a soil foundation, which consider the joint deformation of the soil and the structure. The “base-foundation-structure” models can be created in one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional space. Each of these models has its own set of boundary conditions and calculation methodology The advantages and disadvantages of each model, during application in engineering calculations, are presented. The purpose of research is to substantiate the methodology for assigning the geometric parameters of a three-dimensional model of a soil foundation, represented as a linearly deformed layer of finite resolution, for adequate modelling of interaction in the "base- foundation-structure" system. A finite-element model of the interaction between the soil base and the slab foundation was built using the modern SCAD software package. The modelling was performed in three dimensions. The soil base is represented by volumetric finite elements with constant deformation characteristics. The foundation is modelled by plate finite elements In context of this research, the slab model of the foundation was assumed to be rigid to neglect stress redistribution in the above-ground part of the building. Based on the analysis of modern approaches to the assignment of geometric parameters to the model of the soil base represented by a continuous linearly deformed layer with finite overall dimensions, which is created in a three-dimensional problem statement, it was shown that today there is no single approach to modelling such a “base-foundation-structure” system. Numerical studies of the effect of rigid horizontal constraints in the plan on the stress-strain state of a uniformly loaded rigid foundation interacting with a linearly deformed layer (compressible thickness) of finite distribution capacity were carried out using the SCAD program. Based on the analysis of the results of numerical calculations for a three-dimensional problem, the minimum allowable sizes in terms of the model of a linearly deformed layer of finite distribution capacity, which considers the distribution of compressive stresses along the depth at an angle of α = 25º to the vertical from the edges of the loaded foundation, are substantiated. At the same time, the overall size of the model in the plan according to the distribution angle α = 25º has practically no effect on the average settlement and maximum moment forces of the foundation compared to the angle α = 45º. Keywords: slab foundation, soil foundation, linear-deformed model, distribution angle, stress-strain state.

Development of NEMESI: A Multiparameter Library Generator Prototype for Industrial VVER and PWR Applications Based on APOLLO3®

A nuclear reactor’s design and safety assessment relies on a calculation platform consisting of a series of calculations performed using different simulation tools, each dedicated to modeling a specific phenomenon. The European Union H2020 CAMIVVER Work Package 4 aims to establish lattice neutronics calculation methodologies for VVER and pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies employing the new-generation deterministic multipurpose neutron transport code APOLLO3®, developed by the CEA (Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives) with the support of EDF (Electricité de France) and Framatome. The present work aims to present NEMESI, an industrial prototype of a flexible lattice calculation tool developed as part of the CAMIVVER project, showing the applicability of APOLLO3 for industrial research and development and proposing dedicated VVER calculation schemes. Given the intense focus on the industrial issues of the entire CAMIVVER project, the elements constituting the rationale behind the development of such a computational platform are flexible modeling and analysis options, compliance with a series of specified requirements, implementation of innovative algorithms with improved precision, and a modern software and architectural base.

Effect of normalization techniques and criteria weight calculation methodologies on nontraditional machining process rank for m-polar fuzzy set ELECTRE-I algorithm

Effect of normalization techniques and criteria weight calculation methodologies on nontraditional machining process rank for m-polar fuzzy set ELECTRE-I algorithm

Evaluating Passive Housing Strategies in Extreme Climates: A Case Study of Dubai Using PHPP and IESVE Models

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable architecture necessitates precise building energy modeling, especially in regions marked by extreme climates. The focus of this study is to evaluate the potential and practicality of passive housing strategies in climates similar to Dubai. In this study, we employed the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) to create a meticulous representation of the Dubai environmental conditions, ensuring that detailed architectural elements and HVAC systems were captured to provide the most energy-efficient architecture. To validate the accuracy of the model, consumption data from 2020 was used as a benchmark, reflecting the observed hot water and electricity consumption. Additionally, we developed a linear state-space model using IES Virtual Environment software (IESVE) to capture the dynamic thermal behaviour of the proposed building. We assessed the merits of the Passivhaus model in harsh climates and compared them with those of various space calculation methodologies. The model showed significant congruence with the actual consumption data and external temperature metrics for 2020. Furthermore, the state-space model, along with its various state variables, inputs, and outputs, aligned well with the real-world observations. The results indicate that the Passivhaus model possesses significant potential to reduce carbon emissions, highlighted by a detected 10% variance in energy consumption during the simulated summer peak. Differences in space calculation methodologies were also determined, emphasising the necessity of context-driven architectural evaluation. This study provides invaluable insights into the energy dynamics of contemporary buildings and emphasises the transformative potential of passive housing in extreme climates.

A Methodology to Determine Undercutting Height in Block/Panel Caving

The undercutting process is a technique employed to initiate the caving of the ore mass in block caving, achieved by creating a basal cut on the block scheduled to be submerged. The effective execution of the undercutting process involves numerous variables, such as the undercut height and the vertical section’s undercut geometry, whose influence has often been overlooked. This research presents a methodology for determining the undercut height in a post-undercutting scenario, including variables such as the undercut level design, the extraction level design, and the air gap. Integral to this methodology is a parameterization that estimates the undercut height, from which design abacuses can be created to aid the assessment of present and future operations for any block/panel caving operation that employs the post-undercutting variant. Additionally, two examples demonstrate the application of this methodology, revealing how alterations in the dimensions of the crown pillar and drawbells significantly influence the undercut height. The calculation methodology outlined in this document delivers an undercutting height, providing an evaluation methodology for ongoing operations. Consequently, any height exceeding this suggests a conservative approach, potentially offering an opportunity for design improvement and alignment with the described parameters.