Operational Performance Index Research Articles

Analyzing the Traffic Operational Performance of School Pick-Up and Drop-Off Dynamics in Saudi Arabia

In seeking sustainable, safe, and efficient school commuting tours as non-recurring sources of congestion, it is essential to investigate the dynamic interaction between school students’ pick-up and drop-off (P&D) movements and the traffic operational performance of the surrounding area. This study investigates the traffic operational performance in the vicinity of schools at various P&D time intervals. The Travel and Planning Time indices (TTI, PTI), along with the Level of Service (LOS) are utilized as traffic operational performance indices in this article. A Python script was developed to employ the Google API for estimating the travel times from a real traffic dataset comprising 40 schools distributed across six cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The results indicate that LOS varies from C to D for all cities except Riyadh, which exhibits the poorest traffic performance during P&D time intervals. This paper serves as a guideline for city planners and policymakers seeking to provide valuable insights to enhance traffic operational performance in Saudi Arabia.

Analysis of Indian Port Performance Post Reforms in an Overlapping Hinterland: A Segmented Regression Approach

India has about 12 major ports under the aegis of the Indian Government, in its approximately 7,500 km long coastline and competing with another 200 state- government-run ones. Over the last 20 years, the Indian government has implemented several reforms. This article answers two research questions. RQ1: Have port reforms improved port performance? RQ2: Do ports with overlapping hinterlands compete, or does one port’s performance complement the other? The article proposed a composite operational port performance index (PPI) and carried out a breakpoint (segmented) regression analysis to study the impact of port reforms. This article makes three crucial propositions––First, port performance affects its output, that is, the ship calls when competition is high, but the same does not hold if the port enjoys monopoly or oligopoly status or due to other factors such as cargo demand. Second, performance of ports with lower capacity, also referred to as satellite ports, is affected by the performance of its complementing ports with higher capacity. Third, Reforms may lead to competition and cannibalisation of profits and growth of ports in a dynamic environment.

IoT-Based Mobile Energy Storage Operation in Multi-MG Power Distribution Systems to Enhance System Resiliency

Multi-microgrids have gained interest in academics and industry in recent years. Multi-microgrid (MG) allows the integration of different distributed energy resources (DERs), including intermittent renewables and controllable local generators, and provides a more flexible, reliable, and efficient power grid. This research formulates and proposes a solution for finding optimal location and operation of mobile energy storage (MES) in multi-MG power distribution systems (PDS) with different resources during extreme events to maximize system resiliency. For this purpose, a multi-stage event-based system resiliency index is defined and the impact of the Internet of things (IoT) application in MES operation in multi-MG systems is investigated. Moreover, the demand and price uncertainty impact on multi-MG operational performance indices is presented. This research uses a popular PG & E 69-bus multi-MG power distribution network for simulation and case studies. A new hybrid PSO-TS optimization algorithm is constructed for the simulations to better understand the contributions of MES units and different DERs and IoT on the operational aspects of a multi-MG system. The results obtained from the simulations illustrate that optimal operation of MES and other energy resources, along with the corresponding energy sharing strategies, significantly improves the distribution system operational performance.

Distribution Systems Planning Considering Operational Performance and Power Quality Indices

Distribution Systems Planning Considering Operational Performance and Power Quality Indices

Presenting an environmental performance evaluation model for gas refineries: A case study in the South Pars Gas Complex, Iran

Background: Controlling and validating the environmental performance of organizations, is a major problem that has been stated in the international standard ISO 14031. The aim of this study was to present a model for evaluating the environmental performance of Iran’s gas refineries using the environmental performance evaluation (EPE) method, based on the operational performance index (OPI) and management performance index (MPI). This case study was conducted in the ninth refinery of the South Pars Gas Complex (SPGC), Bushehr province, Iran, during 2019-2020. Methods: The research method comprises two stages. The first stage was distinguishing the standards and markers of the MPI and OPI using the Fluffy Delphi strategy and the second one was focusing on and relegating loads to the measures and pointers using the logical analytical hierarchy process (AHP) prior to confirming the outcomes by applying the TOPSIS. Results: The total normal scores of the total OPIt and OPTt were obtained to be 2.3409 and 2.2647, respectively. Considering these coefficients, the organization is balanced in terms of the environmental performance. The implementation steps of the TOPSIS method in the ninth refinery (A1 ) with the first (A2 ), second (A3 ), and third (A4 ) refineries, which had the same extraction indices of OPIt and MPIt, were ranked as A1 > A3 > A4 > A2 , respectively. Conclusion: Petrochemical industries have the potential to cause adverse effects on the environment due to the nature of activities and effluents production, emissions, and hazardous wastes. However, they can increase their weight to be more competitive and reach the ranks of mature organizations by planning on important indices.

Benchmarking and visualization of building portfolios by applying text analytics to maintenance work order logs

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMSs) of large commercial and institutional buildings archive work order logs. These logs contain invaluable operational performance indices pertaining to occupants and building systems. However, there are barriers to extract and visualize meaningful metrics from CMMSs. This study proposes a three-part framework to facilitate this process. The first part includes text mining techniques to preprocess and normalize the textual and other types of data. The second part develops benchmarking methods and metrics to evaluate the maintenance performance of buildings as well as to identify the buildings with most work orders on a complex. The last part adopts visualization methods to transform valuable information such as total work orders, the intensity of work orders of buildings and their change rates into more intuitive forms. To do so, a visualization method is implemented via building information model (BIM). Finally, the framework is applied to a case study to demonstrate how effectively the proposed methods perform in practice. The application of the framework can be used to quantify the distribution of WOs among buildings. For example, the case study revealed that 80 percent of all WOs originated from fewer than half of the buildings of a university campus.

A review of coupled heat and mass transfer in adiabatic liquid desiccant dehumidification and regeneration systems; advances and opportunities

AbstractIn this paper, a comprehensive technical review of liquid desiccant (LD) dehumidification and regeneration techniques is presented. The operational features, processes and performance indices of various flow configurations of adiabatic dehumidifier and regenerator are extensively covered. The heat and mass transfer assessment is presented in terms of past experimental and modelling evaluations and procedures. The existing adiabatic dehumidifier/regenerator heat and mass transfer models are categorized into finite difference, effectiveness-number of transfer units and simple empirical correlation models. The respective performance prediction models are critically analysed in details and compared in terms of assumptions, iterative procedures, solution methods, accuracy, computation time, output variables and applications. The solar regenerator models are also highlighted with a focus on the collector module. The ideal settings, formulation procedures, current state-of-the-art and opportunities for improvements are outlined. The review provides meaningful insight into the research status and available opportunities in the LD adiabatic dehumidifier and regenerator modelling and optimization as well as conceptualization of the applicable models. Finally, some very impactful suggestions for improvement and further research are outlined.

Optimal power flow solution in power systems using a novel Sine-Cosine algorithm

This paper presents the application of a novel algorithm, which is based on a modified Sine-Cosine technique for solving the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. It is a highly coupled non-linear constrained optimization problem. The modified Sine-Cosine algorithm (MSCA) aims at reducing the computational time with a sufficient improvement in finding the optimal solution and feasibility. Levy flights are added to the original Sine-Cosine algorithm to enhance the ability to focus on optimal and avoids local optima. Decreasing search agents number based on the objective function speeds up the MSCA. The MSCA presents a simple and robust solution for the OPF problem under different objective functions. The MSCA is validated with solving the OPF problem for a number of benchmark test systems, namely the IEEE-30 bus and IEEE 118-bus systems under selected objective functions, which are based on operational and economic performance indices of the power system. The proposed MSCA is compared with other optimization methods to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of the SCA and MSCA algorithms.

Translating removal efficiencies into operational performance indices of wastewater treatment plants

Removal efficiencies are often used to assess the performance of a single or a group of unit operations/processes (UOPs) of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). However, depending on the influent concentration (Cin), the same efficiency of removal (Er) may be insufficient or excessive to achieve the UOP or WWTP effluent quality requirements, expressed by concentration limit values (LVs). This paper proposes performance indices (PXs), Er-based, as new metrics for benchmarking, i.e. for assessing and improving the performance of each UOP or treatment step and ultimately of the WWTP as a multi-barrier system, and comprehensively describes the stepwise method of translating Ers into PXs. PXs are dimensionless and vary between 0 and 300 to define three performance levels: unsatisfactory (0–100), acceptable (100–200) and good (200–300) performance. The method developed takes into consideration Cin and LV, and the reference values for judging the performance are given from Er-Cin typical ranges and Er vs. Cin model curves, LV based and field data based. The general equations of the Er model curves are derived. A set of six curves is calibrated for TSS (Total Suspended Solids) and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) removal by primary sedimentation and activated sludge systems (carbon or combined carbon and nutrients removal), using 5-year (2006–2010) field data from five Portuguese WWTPs. A statistical analysis of the PX results is additionally proposed to assess treatment reliability. The new method is applied in two WWTPs and the PX results are compared with those of conventional measures – Er and performance indicators (PIs). The results demonstrate that, whereas a simplistic Er-driven or PI-driven management of the WWTPs shows limitations, the developed PXs are adequate measures for benchmarking removal efficiencies towards WWTP reliability and sustainability.

Revisit the Debate on Issues of Metropolitan Governance and Service Delivery: A Trajectory of Efficient Service Delivery Model for Water Supply in Bangalore, India

The pattern of urbanization in India is characterized by continual concentration of population and activities in large cities; this is manifested in a high percentage of urban population being concentrated in the large cities. This research article attempts to revisit the debate on ‘metropolitan governance’ and ‘service delivery concepts’ in the context of efficient service delivery model for water supply and comparative analysis of efficient service delivery model in Bangalore Metropolitan Center and Metropolitan region. The service delivery model for water supply was framed using various water utility indicators to know the service delivery index, operational efficiency index and performance index within the Bangalore Metropolitan Center and Metropolitan Region. This research article concludes that Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board stands good in position while comparing to other Water Boards (local bodies) within Metropolitan region. [Formula: see text]

Study of Automatic Fiber Placement Manipulator's Robotic Kinematics Manipulability Based on Volume Element

The method is proposed based on volume element in order to measure the manipulator’s robotic kinematics manipulability. Then studied the series redundant automatic fiber placement robotic manipulator’s operation space, draw the conclusion that the greater of the robotic manipulator’s operation space volume, the better of the robotic manipulator’s manipulability, volume element based on redundant robotic manipulator’s kinematics is proposed as an operational performance index. n-DOF serial robotic manipulator’s operation space is n-dimensional Riemannian manifold, the n-dimensional Riemannian manifold volume is calculated using the moving coordinate system and the exterior product definition in differential geometry and get the robotic manipulator’s operation space volume then compared the obtained results with the operation space volume using inner product determinant in the literature, it shows that the volume element as a kinematics operational performance index is feasible.

Assessment on intellectual capital management for Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry: Using GRA and MPI

In the new economy era, knowledge has already become the most vital enabler connection with a high technology enterprise. Intellectual capital is the core of knowledge management. Managing intellectual capital effectively can greatly enhance the competitive advantages of enterprises. The former studies about intellectual capital concentrated on its content and the stock measurement. This study focused on how to utilize intellectual capital more efficiently, in order to strengthen the competitiveness of enterprises. This research established a novel assessment model to measure the performance of intellectual capital management in two aspects, by using grey relational analysis to measure operational performance and Malmquist productivity index to judge productivity evolution. The research target is the Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry. The research collected data from the Listed Company Database of Taiwan Stock Exchange and the Department of Health of government during the period 2005 to 2008. A total of 12 major companies of Taiwan’s pharmaceutical industry were chosen as empirical samples. The results demonstrated that, this novel assessment method really identify the relative advantages and benchmarking for pharmaceutical companies. F8 is the best company both in operational performance and productivity improvement. These results are very valuable for both academic study and business enhancement. Key words: Grey relational analysis, Malmquist productivity index, intellectual capital.

Measuring efficiency of just in time implementation using a fuzzy data envelopment analysis approach: real case of Iranian dairy industries

In this paper, a procedure based on data envelopment analysis has been developed to measure the efficiency of complicated process in which just in time (JIT) practices transformed into operational and firm performance indices. A given organisation has been associated with a decision making unit (DMU) in which JIT practices are assumed to be inputs and operational and firm performance indices are considered. The fuzzy sets have been selected to measure the vague nature of JIT practices and performance indices. The proposed fuzzy DEA caused proper reduction in computational efforts. Real case study of Iranian dairy industry, as a proper testimonial in which high level of JIT practices play essential role, has been supplied to investigate the robustness of proposed approach.

Optimal Design of Closed-Loop Type Robot Module with Redundant Actuation

In this study, an optimal design of a 2 degree-of-freedom anthropomorphic robot module is performed. A composite design index is employed to deal with multi-criteria based design in a systematic manner. The results from kinematic optimization based on two different composite indices are compared with respect to the global design indices, operational performance indices, and optimal actuator sizes. It is found that incorporating the gradient properties of the design indices into the composite design index yields even distribution of operational performances throughout the workspace and reduces the sizes of the system actuators.

Factors influencing glide path control in carrier landing.

The carrier landing process involves the interaction of ship motions, the optical landing system, the pilot/air craft combination, air wake disturbances, and the Landing Signal Officer. Mathematical models for these elements are discussed, and methods are presented for determining operational performance indices from terminal landing error dispersion data. A new concept is described for stabilizing the optical landing system against carrier deck motions, which represent one of the most significant obstacles to safe aircraft recovery. Termed compensated-meatball stabilization, this technique considers the dynamics of the carrier landing system elements and optimizes the Fresnel lens logic scheme for increased landing performance. Simulator experiments were performed to determine the potential accident rate reduction with this stabilization method, and the major results are presented. A significant interaction exists between an aircraft design parameter, related to the lift curve slope, and the optical landing system stabilization. The fundamental factors limiting terminal landing performance are described and several basic solutions to the problem are presented.