Operational Objectives Research Articles

Solving real-world optimization tasks using physics-informed neural computing

Optimization tasks are essential in modern engineering fields such as chip design, spacecraft trajectory determination, and reactor scenario development. Recently, machine learning applications, including deep reinforcement learning (RL) and genetic algorithms (GA), have emerged in these real-world optimization tasks. We introduce a new machine learning-based optimization scheme that incorporates physics with the operational objectives. This physics-informed neural network (PINN) could find the optimal path in well-defined systems with less exploration and also was capable of obtaining narrow and unstable solutions that have been challenging with bottom-up approaches like RL or GA. Through an objective function that integrates governing laws, constraints, and goals, PINN enables top-down searches for optimal solutions. In this study, we showcase the PINN applications to various optimization tasks, ranging from inverting a pendulum, determining the shortest-time path, to finding the swingby trajectory. Through this, we discuss how PINN can be applied in the tasks with different characteristics.

Customs Broker Services Operational Performance: Basis for the Development of Corporate Strategy

This study investigated the operational performance of customs brokers and its implications for developing a corporate strategy. In total, 277 respondents participated, comprising 121 customs brokers and 156 importers from the Philippines, providing demographic information and responding to selfadministered questionnaires. We evaluated operational performance based on quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, and cost using a 4-point Likert scale. The findings revealed that both groups of respondents highly rated customs brokers in terms of quality, dependability, flexibility, and cost. Specific examples illustrating these high ratings were noted. We analyzed differences based on demographic profiles between customs brokers and importers, including gender, speed, and educational attainment. Significant differences were found based on gender and speed. Additionally, variations in educational attainment were identified regarding dependability and flexibility. A significant difference was observed between customs brokers and importers regarding operational performance objectives in terms of speed, with customs brokers rated higher than importers. Addressing this identified difference by implementing targeted measures to enhance speed can contribute to overall operational improvement, meeting the time-sensitive needs of importers and further strengthening the reputation of customs brokers. These findings have practical implications for developing a strategy to enhance the operational performance of customs broker services. By recognizing their strong performance in quality, dependability, flexibility, and cost, customs brokers can continue to prioritize and maintain high standards in these areas, thereby improving overall service delivery.

The Effect of Legal Uncertainties on the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry operates under stringent legal frameworks that are subject to frequent changes and interpretations, creating a landscape riddled with uncertainties. These uncertainties can impede strategic decision-making, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. This study aims to elucidate the effects of legal uncertainties on the operational, strategic, and interpersonal facets of the pharmaceutical industry, offering insights into how companies navigate these challenges. A qualitative research design was utilized, involving semi-structured interviews with 28 professionals from various sectors of the pharmaceutical industry, including regulatory affairs, R&D, legal, and corporate governance. Theoretical saturation was achieved to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topic. Data were analyzed using NVivo software to perform thematic analysis, allowing for the identification and exploration of recurring themes and concepts within the collected data. The analysis revealed three main themes: Regulatory Compliance Challenges, Strategic Decision-Making, and Stakeholder Perceptions and Reactions. Regulatory Compliance Challenges included subthemes such as Licensing Processes, Legal Risk Management, and Impact on R&D. Strategic Decision-Making covered Market Entry Strategies, Product Life Cycle Management, Investment Uncertainty, and Corporate Governance. Stakeholder Perceptions and Reactions encompassed Industry Reputation, Regulatory Relationships, and Employee Impact. Each category was populated with specific concepts illustrating the pervasive and varied impact of legal uncertainties. Legal uncertainties significantly influence various dimensions of the pharmaceutical industry. Effective navigation of these uncertainties requires robust compliance structures, proactive strategic planning, and vigilant management of stakeholder relationships. By understanding and addressing these challenges, pharmaceutical companies can enhance their resilience against legal risks and better support their operational and strategic objectives.

On the issue of applying the dynamic thermal rating in electric power distribution system

The article considers separate studies and review articles on dynamic thermal rating system in power transmission lines and electrical equipment. Available researches of foreign authors are mainly devoted to forecasting algorithms, model-ing methodologies and implementation of dynamic thermal rating in order to increase the capacity of power transmis-sion lines. It is shown that for the tasks of planning and management of the electric power system in Russia, the need to study and coordinate domestic and foreign developments on the assessment of the capacity of power transmission lines and power distribution is currently relevant. The expansion of residential areas increases the load on electric distribution network due to the shift of maximum power consumption. The currently dynamically changing conditions of electricity consumption direct attention to the development of new technological concepts and the applicability of the existing approaches to assessing the capacity of electricity transmission lines to distribution networks. Available research on dynamic thermal rating in electric distribution networks has focused much attention on both the potential problems and benefits of its implementation in the integration of distributed generation based on the renewable energy sources, in particular wind generation. The ambiguous impact of dynamic thermal rating systems on the reliability of the electric distribution network and the need for their reasonable use, as well as a significant lack of research in relation to cable distribution networks and consistency in assessing their capacity depending on the cable insulation material are being not-ed. Few studies have verified the adaptation of the state-of-the-art approach of dynamic thermal rating of overhead transmission lines to cable lines for predicting parameters corresponding to operational objectives. The research results can be useful in the development and modernization of metering systems, in which new functions of power loss moni-toring and automated determination of distribution network reliability indicators are implemented, which will allow, within the framework of “smart grids”, to ensure the required level of reliability of power supply to consumers.

Carbon-Energy Synergetic Energy Power System Economic Dispatch Method

Low carbon is a key driver for the future development of power systems. This paper proposes a carbon-energy synergetic approach for economic dispatch in energy power systems. Firstly, by integrating multi-energy conversion models and carbon emission flow theories, a coupled interactive mechanism model is constructed. Building upon this foundation, an economic optimization dispatch model for comprehensive energy power systems is introduced, leveraging the synergistic value of carbon energy. This method supports economic dispatch in comprehensive energy power systems, considering both security and economic requirements while reducing carbon emissions. This integrated approach offers a promising solution for achieving low-carbon operational objectives and supporting the transition to sustainable energy infrastructure. Typical case studies in this paper validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Targeting. Evolution through the Years

Joint targeting is the result of the need to translate the joint force commander’s (JFC) plan into tactical actions. Joint targeting involves the process of selecting and prioritizing targets (classified in NATO as Facility, Individual, Virtual Entity, Equipment, or Organization – FIVE-O), and determining the appropriate means to influence them, taking into account operational requirements and available capabilities, to produce desired effects consistent with the objectives of the operation. It links tactical actions to the strategic desired end state through operational objectives by influencing prioritized impact objectives. Its practical application began in the early 20th century, the First and the Second World Wars (Japanese Theatre), in the conflict between North Korea and the United States, the Vietnam War, being used during Operation Desert Storm, the Kosovo Conflict, the Iraq War, and continuing to be applied in modern warfare.

Angajarea țintei. Evoluție în timp

Joint targeting is the result of the need to translate the joint force commander’s (JFC) plan into tactical actions. Joint targeting involves the process of selecting and prioritizing targets (classified in NATO as Facility, Individual, Virtual Entity, Equipment, or Organization – FIVE-O), and determining the appropriate means to influence them, taking into account operational requirements and available capabilities, to produce desired effects consistent with the objectives of the operation. It links tactical actions to the strategic desired end state through operational objectives by influencing prioritized impact objectives. Its practical application began in the early 20th century, the First and the Second World Wars (Japanese Theatre), in the conflict between North Korea and the United States, the Vietnam War, being used during Operation Desert Storm, the Kosovo Conflict, the Iraq War, and continuing to be applied in modern warfare.

Towards a comprehensive understanding of Integrated Community Care (ICC)

Introduction: Health and functional decline in older people greatly affects their need for care and support. Governments, when confronted with ageing populations, therefore use the policy perspective of ‘ageing in place’, which supports social and health care in the personal environment of people. Recent studies also accentuate the influence of the location in which people live on their health and social care needs. One possible way to implement social and health care in localities is by integrated community care (ICC) or caring neighbourhoods. In Flanders (Belgium), we see a couple of initiatives and policy using the concept of ICC. Although internationally there is progressively more attention towards this concept, there is virtually no agreement between scholars on what exactly it entails. This study aims to develop a framework for a better understanding of ICC by providing insight in its objectives and critical success factors. This framework can be used by initiators of ICC projects and policy makers to develop ICC projects and to formulate policy recommendations. 
 Method: The study consisted of five focus groups with stakeholders of ICC to identify the objectives and critical success factors. Two main groups of stakeholders were defined in Flanders and Brussels: (1) stakeholders with experiences regarding ICC, and (2) academic experts or policy makers of the Flemish or Brussels’ Government. The first group was questioned using the Multi-actor multi-criteria analysis method (Macharis et al., 2012). The second group reflected on the results of the first focus groups, using a semi-structure interview scheme. The results of the descriptive thematic analysis were compared and combined with key elements of ICC, as found in a review of academic and grey literature.
 Results: The five focus groups with the stakeholders led to the identification of objectives and critical success factors. We identified two sets of objectives: (i) process goals; and (ii) operational objectives, or effective objectives. For every objective, accompanying and general critical success factors were formulated. All objectives can be connected to key elements of ICC found in literature, dealing with methods or strategies, goals or ambitions and stakeholders. The presence of involved stakeholders was mostly cited in the critical success factors. The effective objectives correspond with the goals formulated in literature, however, there are some differences. In literature they focus heavily on social and health care, while goals formulated by the stakeholders target mainly social and societal changes.
 Conclusion: Focus groups allowed to define a clear set of stakeholder objectives that determine the success of ICC. The use of the Multi-actor multi-criteria analysis method allowed to build a framework that enable both practitioners and scholars to understand which quantitative and qualitative factors contribute to the success of an ICC project. Future research is needed to understand the relative importance of each factor and objective and how it contributes to the success of ICC. 
 Reference: 
 Macharis, C., Turcksin, L., & Lebeau, K. (2012). Multi actor multi criteria analysis (MAMCA) as a tool to support sustainable decisions: State of use. Decision Support Systems, 54(1), 610-620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2012.08.008 
 
 

The Dynamics of the Sensitive Sense. Feeling, Sensing, Perceiving and Conceiving

Based on the various semiotic works devoted to the sensory world and to perception, this article proposes to retrace the generative path of sensory meaning from the immediate perception to its conceptualization. The aim is to highlight not only the constitutive dynamics of the semioses involved in this journey, but also the complex relationships involved in the emergence of sensitive signification. In order to do this, we will return to the constitutive principles of the plan of expression of perceptual semiosis and the dynamics that animate it, before determining their role in the articulation of sensory meaning. In this way, the concept of structure will prove decisive in uncovering a theory of knowledge of the sensible world. We shall see that, from icon to diagram, structure is the object of an abstractive operation that reconfigures not only phenomena and their tensive dynamics, but also the intentional variations of subjects that are functionally associated with them. In this respect, we will underline the importance of the elementary contrast in the classification of the perceived and the construction of the concept, understood as a prototypical example of the class. Finally, we will raise the profoundly unstable character of the perceptual semiosis and the influence games that constantly renegotiate the elementary meaning of the sensory.

INVESTIGATING FACTOR TO PROJECT OBJECTIVES UNDERACHIEVEMENT IN MALAYSIAN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PROJECT

Malaysia landscape architecture projects frequently face several difficulties that expose their projects to a high degree of challenges. These challenges will become project issues that eventually affect the achievement of the project objectives. Understanding the factors of project objective underachievement is essential for project practitioners to manage and control their projects in the future. Thus, this study aims to investigate factors to project objectives underachievement in the Malaysian landscape architecture project. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with twenty-four landscape architect practitioners from Klang Valley. The interview information was analysed using the content and thematic analysis method. The snowball effect from project challenges to project issues and stakeholders’ factors causes underachievement of the landscape architecture project objective. Managing the project affects the organisation’s operational and cultural objectives directly, whereas the project outcome issues indirectly jeopardise the achievement of the project’s business objectives. The finding will be a lesson learnt for project practitioners to evaluate their current project management practice and recommend issue and stakeholder management applications, enabling the achievement of project objectives.

How to early integrate operational diagnosis objectives in model‐driven engineering processes: A methodological proposal based on fault and behavior trees

AbstractTo help operators perform their diagnosis tasks more efficiently, the authors put forward a novel methodology introducing a new type of model, dedicated to operations, co‐created in parallel with the design models, in the preliminary stages of system development, using the language semantics of behavior trees. In this paper, the authors present the need for this new model type as expressed by the industry and justify their choice for adopting behavior trees, while illustrating in detail the proposed methodology.

ANALISIS PETA STRATEGI BERIKUT PENJABARANNYA: LESSON LEARNED PENERAPAN BALANCED SCORECARD SEKTOR PUBLIK

This study aims to describe the strategy map and its translation into strategic targets within the framework of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) strategic management system implementation. The study used a qualitative approach based on document review, observation, interviews, and theoretical review. The study shows that the BSC strategic management system in the study object has been implemented through the translation of vision, mission, and strategy into operational objectives and performance measurement. The BSC system is considered successful in both organizational performance management and individual performance management. There is still a slight weakness in the application of BSC, namely in the preparation of key performance indicators (KPIs) for employee performance contracts, performance managers in the General Subdivision become coordinators and take over the work of all sections on the grounds of uniformity of format. Whereas the employee performance contract should be made by each employee in discussion with their direct supervisor. However, the coordination between the performance manager and the liaison officer of each section is enough to reflect the contribution of each section in the preparation of KPIs.

Green Hydrogen Production: Process Design and Capacity Expansion Integrating Economic and Operational Autonomy Objectives

Green Hydrogen Production: Process Design and Capacity Expansion Integrating Economic and Operational Autonomy Objectives

Operational Control Model Based on Integrated Failure Analysis and Risk Assessment in Sustainable Technological Processes

The simultaneous fulfillment of quality, environmental, and occupational safety requirements is a difficult task. The process flow is influenced by numerous factors, and different operational objectives are pursued in different ways. Methodologies reflecting the use of various models, methods, and tools in the integration and implementation of operational goals dedicated to sustainable operation are becoming increasingly important. The subject of the study is an operational control model considering the integrated risk and the steps taken under the conditions of “supervised risk” ensured by the monitoring of the operational criteria. The method was developed for coherent risk management, covering its identification, analysis, assessment, and acceptability estimation in the technological process. The methodology for the assessment, considering the quality, environmental, and occupational safety criteria, and based on the application of the unit risk ratio, allows for the determination of the key operational features, and the methodology of the identification of the key technological parameters applying the integrated risk ratio ensures that the crucial technological parameters are highlighted. The application of the algorithm in the heat treatment process confirms both the effectiveness of the proposed model and the correctness of the thesis: the different requirements set for the technological processes can be simultaneously fulfilled via the application of integrated operational control.

Synergy of Indonesian National Armed Forces, Indonesian national Police, Government and Society in Flood Mitigation in the Kodim 0301 Area, Fast Labuh Baru, Pekanbaru

The collaborative efforts involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (POLRI), government, and the local community in managing floods in Pekanbaru, Indonesia have been ongoing for an extensive period. These efforts require sustained attention, particularly during the prevailing rainy conditions. The military campaign approach comprises a series of joint operations executed to achieve strategic and operational objectives within specific spatial and temporal constraints. This military campaign involves Military Operations for War (MOW) and Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the synergy among the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian National Police (POLRI), the government, and the local community in addressing floods in Pekanbaru through a military campaign strategy. This strategy involved TNI units with distinct branches and functions. The approach undertaken by the TNI (specifically those from KODIM 031 Pekanbaru) in flood disaster relief operations included collaboration with the Regional Disaster Management Agency of Pekanbaru to mobilize all available TNI and POLRI forces within the vicinity of Pekanbaru. This collaborative effort involved various stakeholders, such as TNI, POLRI, the government, NGOs, youth organizations (Karang Taruna), and other relevant entities. These activities took place in the East Labuh Baru, Payung Sekaki District, particularly along Arjuna Street. This effort is expected to establish an effective synergy among these groups, foster closer ties with the community, and manage floods by addressing issues related to drainage systems, canals, and overgrown vegetation.

The Capitalization of the Authentic Documents in the Educational Activity of the Primary Cycle

Written, audio or audiovisual documents that were not designed to be used for pedagogical purposes, authentic documents are used by teachers in the teaching activity of different subjects, at different moments/stages of the lesson, aiming at the achievement of the proposed operational objectives, the interaction between pupils, the formulation and expression by them of their own points of view, the teaching staff being the mediator of the discussions. The use of this type of documents gives pupils an authentic picture of the subject in question, contributing to the development of a favorable attitude towards it, positively motivating them to search for similar information, helping them to overcome the limits of the textbook, making them become autonomous in learning. At the same time, the presence of authentic documents makes the lessons more dynamic, encouraging horizontal communication, presupposing on the part of the teaching staff the identification and use of the most effective activities in order to make full use of them. In this article we aim to present to what extent authentic documents are integrated into the didactic activity, which are these, how they are exploited in the primary cycle both by primary cycle teachers/teachers and by physical education teachers and sport, information obtained from the answers formulated by them to the questions in the applied questionnaire.

Beyond the Bitcoin Hype: A Structured Study of Blockchain’s Impact and Potential in Today’s Digital World

The development and application of blockchain-based technologies have been overshadowed by the performance of cryptocurrencies and the belief that these are all that this technology has to offer. This idea has led to the question on numerous occasions if this technology is just expectations or if there are indeed applications that solve problems in today’s world. This bibliometric study on the current state of blockchain applications in the context of digital transformation seeks to break down the myth that this technology is just expectations, synthesizing and ordering the wide variety of topics that arise from this relationship. The results showed that the development of blockchain in the context of digital transformation is growing at an exponential rate, and with this, its applications have come to cover a large part of the industries, interact with other technologies, and establish objectives of all kinds. Based on these topics of technologies, industries, operational objectives, and strategic objectives, a structure is proposed that will serve as a guide for the development of new solutions to some problems, research, applications, and integrations with other technologies.

397 Field Demonstration Analyzing the Implementation of Individual Animal Electronic Identification and Genetic Testing in Western Range Sheep Flocks

Abstract The lack of individual performance records derived from an extensively driven production system coupled with impracticality to utilize reproductive technologies makes commercial genetic improvement challenging in small ruminants. We collaborated with five producers throughout California to assess how Electronic ID (EID) and a genotyping panel can augment the productivity of a flock. We sought to study how the data collected from these technologies can hasten genetic improvement towards desirable operational objectives. Familiarity and use of EID tags on ranches at the start of the research varied; thus, allowing for a qualitative reflection on the perceptions of the participants of the usefulness of this technology. We partnered with Superior Farms, a slaughterhouse, to evaluate their targeted genotyping panel, Flock54. Flock54 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel containing 956 markers for assigning pedigree and includes markers linked to quantitative trait loci and/or known single gene causative markers to aid in disease management and fecundity scoring. Ear notch samples were collected from 2,963 animals for analysis. This included 305 total sires as well as their progeny, 989 female lambs and 1,669 male lambs, which were marketed. Nine lambs were positive at a fecundity marker. No other notable results were found from the Flock54 panel. Genomic data was used to ascertain prolific sires on every ranch; however, ram to ewe ratio altered the influence that a prolific sire had on a lamb crop. The lowest ram to ewe ratio was 1:10. Parentage results from this ranch reports the following progeny metrics: Average: 9.9 males (±12.5); Median: 4 males; Max: 61 males, minimum 1 male. In contrast, the greatest ram to ewe ratio was 1:50. Parentage results from this ranch reports the following progeny metrics: Average: 51.9 (± 41.7); Median: 43.5; Max: 135; Minimum: 4,524 carcass samples from terminal lambs at two ranches were processed at Superior Farms` plant and assessed with a USDA inspected camera grading system. Progeny contemporary group deviations were calculated for hot carcass weight, yield grade, ovine cutability calculation (OCC), and OCC yield. After coupling carcass metrics with USDA reported prices, we identified prolific sires within the flock that garnered significantly higher and lower dollar merit at slaughter. A two-tailed Student`s T-test was used on the dollar deviation of edible product sold to identify if there was a statistically significant difference (P-value < 0.05) between a given ram`s progeny and the rest of the progeny slaughtered. We found that twenty-three out of the forty-three rams with progeny from one ranch had a statistically significant dollar deviation difference with a T-value greater than 2.0167. For the other ranch, we found that nineteen out of the thirty-five rams with progeny had a statistically significant difference with a T-value greater than 2.0301.

Alternative Approaches to HVAC Control of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) for Autonomous Building System Operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has rapidly advanced and transformed the nature of scientific inquiry. The recent release of the large language model Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) has attracted significant attention from the public and various industries. This study applied ChatGPT to autonomous building system operations, specifically coupling it with an EnergyPlus reference office building simulation model. The operational objective was to minimize the energy use of the building systems, including four air-handling units, two chillers, a cooling tower, and two pumps, while ensuring that indoor CO2 concentrations remain below 1000 ppm. The performance of ChatGPT in an autonomous operation was compared with control results based on a deep Q-network (DQN), which is a reinforcement learning method. The ChatGPT and DQN lowered the total energy use by 16.8% and 24.1%, respectively, compared with the baseline operation, while maintaining an indoor CO2 concentration below 1000 ppm. Notably, compared with the DQN, ChatGPT-based control does not require a learning process to develop intelligence for building control. In real-world applications, the high generalization capabilities of the ChatGPT-based control, resulting from its extensive training on vast and diverse data, could potentially make it more effective.

Low-Carbon Economic Operation Optimization of Park-Level Integrated Energy Systems with Flexible Loads and P2G under the Carbon Trading Mechanism

Against the background of the “30 × 60” target, low-carbon policies and technologies have become the new starting point and destination of energy conservation and emission reduction in energy systems. Power-to-Gas (P2G), as a new energy conversion mode, provides a new way of consuming energy and reducing carbon emissions. An optimal dispatching model of a park-level integrated energy system considering flexible load and power-to-gas (P2G) participation in the carbon trading market is proposed. Firstly, a comprehensive demand response model for electricity and heat is established according to the system’s flexible load characteristics, adding power-to gas equipment and a combined heat and power (CHP) unit to the system. Secondly, against the background of the carbon trading mechanism and considering the incentive effect of P2G on the carbon trading mechanism, a systematic comprehensive carbon trading cost model is established. Finally, the operation objectives of the low-carbon economy, with minimum energy purchase costs, carbon emission costs, and operating costs, are constructed using a CPLEX commercial solver. The results verify the importance of considering the operational cost of P2G and the feasibility of considering both operating economy and wind power accommodation ability together in integrated energy systems.