Operational Perspective Research Articles

Exploring Ancillary Parameters for Quantifying Interpolation Uncertainty in Digital Bathymetric Models

The oceans remain one of Earth’s most enigmatic frontiers, with approximately 75% of the world’s oceans still unmapped. To create a seamless digital bathymetric model (DBM) from sparse bathymetric datasets, interpolation is employed, but this introduces uncertainties of unknown nature. This study aims to estimate and characterize these uncertainties, which is important in many fields, particularly nautical charting, and navigational safety. Complete seafloor coverage sonar depth data for five testbeds that varied in slope and roughness are sampled at a range of densities (1% to 50%) and interpolated across an entire area using Spline, Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), and Linear interpolation. The resulting uncertainties are evaluated from both scientific and operational perspectives. Employing linear regression and machine learning techniques, the relationships between these uncertainties and ancillary parameters (distance to the nearest measurement, seabed roughness, and slope) are examined for quantifying and characterizing the interpolation uncertainty. Results indicate insignificant operational differences among the three interpolators in depth estimation, as well as the statistical significance of the examined uncertainty predictors. Additionally, findings suggest the potential presence of unaccounted-for factors shaping uncertainty, yet this work lays a foundational understanding for improving the estimate of uncertainty in DBMs.

THE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT OF POWER TRANSFORMERS

This research investigated the assessment of power transformer reliability with emphasis on the transmission network within Rivers State in Nigeria, focusing on the perspectives of electricity consumers, organizational personnel, and business operators using descriptive survey. The study encompassed the entire population of 725,372 electricity consumers in the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PEDC) in Rivers State, which included both households and business owners. To select a representative sample, the Convenience Sampling Technique was employed, resulting in the inclusion of 390 electricity consumers in Rivers State. Data collection utilized the Consumers Perception of Electricity Power Transformer Reliability (COPEPT) questionnaire and Structured Interview, with the instrument's reliability established through the test-retest technique, yielding a reliability coefficient for each investigation. Research questions were addressed through the weighted mean score (WMS) analysis. Key findings indicated dissatisfaction among electricity consumers in Rivers State, primarily attributed to factors such as transformer age, overall condition, uncontrolled overloading, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate transformer capacity to meet increasing demand. Addressing these issues, different approaches including upgrading or replacing outdated transformers, implementing limits on transformer loading, introducing robust earthing systems, and increasing transformer capacity, were recommended to enhance consumer satisfaction and overall reliability. The study further revealed that persistent power transformer failures resulted in power outages, adversely impacting businesses, households, communication, and contributing to reduced production and national income. Based on these findings, recommendations in the form of strategies were provided, emphasizing a comprehensive analysis of power surge control during adverse weather conditions, a plan for upgrading or replacing outdated transformers, an assessment of power transformer capacity needs, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies mitigating the negative economic impact and enhancing communication with consumers.
 Keywords: Reliability Assessment, Power Transformers, Rivers State and Transmission Network.

Analysis and Simulation of Lateral Collision Risk under Paired Approach

The paired approach can improve the efficiency of closely spaced parallel runways. Calculating the probability and frequency of horizontal overlap is an indispensable step when evaluating the horizontal collision risk of the paired approach. As the generation of horizontal overlap probability is closely related to horizontal position error, we propose a calculation method of horizontal overlap probability based on position error from the perspective of pilot operation. First, according to the principle of flight mechanics, the attitude adjustment model is established for the horizontal direction of the approach process, and the pilot’s operation model for various position errors is based on the concept of the stochastic process. This attitude adjustment model can replicates the process of the pilot operating the steering column to change the aircraft’s attitude. When combined with the pilot’s operation model, it is possible to simulate the position errors generated during the approach process. Building on this, the horizontal overlapping conditions of two aircraft are analyzed to simulate the horizontal overlap process in the paired approach. The duration and instances of overlap counted and the ratio between these results and the total running time give the overlap probability and frequency. Multiple simulations in MATLAB reveal that higher pilot operating accuracy shortens the time for the aircraft to align with the course, whereas lower accuracy leads to unstable horizontal position errors. Furthermore, the horizontal overlap in paired approaches primarily occurs at the beginning of the procedure, and enhancing the pilot’s operating accuracy does not significantly affect the probability and frequency of horizontal overlap.

Dielectric flow- and tab-based battery thermal management system for EV high performance application

From the perspectives of security, durability, and proper operation, effective temperature control via thermal management systems (TMSs) on lithium-ion batteries is crucial for electric vehicle use. In this regard, a novel TMS based on dielectric flow and tab cooling was presented in this paper. A functional prototype of the system was developed and experimentally tested for performance analysis. A thermal model was built on computational fluid dynamics software, and a comparative analysis of the initial and an optimised geometry of the prototype was carried on after validation. Results demonstrate the adequate response of the system. Thermally speaking, temperature decrease was noticed during operation, and the internal and among-cells thermal gradient was preserved into the recommended span. Besides, the used dielectric fluid assisted with a low auxiliary consumption due to its particular viscosity. With the new geometry, the dielectric flow duct volume was reduced by 79.8%, and the system particularities were enhanced due to heat dissipation improvement: operating temperatures were even lower in every scenario examined. The temperature difference among cells was reduced by 15%. Thermal dispersion within the cells was still below the limit, despite being increased. Moreover, the necessary pumping energy consumption was below 0.004% of the exchanged battery module’s energy, demonstrating the TMS efficiency. Thus, the application potential of the dielectric tab cooling-based system for electric vehicles was highlighted.

Accuracy of cumulonimbus cloud prediction using Rapidly Developing Cumulus Area (RDCA) products at Pattimura Ambon airport

Extreme weather conditions caused by cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds are closely related to the world of aviation, which is the main mode of transportation in Indonesia. Thus, the delivery of information regarding Cb predictions needs to be optimized to support flight safety and minimize the impact that can be caused. The RDCA product from the Himawari satellite can be a solution for predicting cumulus clouds that have the potential to become Cb within the next 1 hour. How accurate is the prediction of the RDCA, is considered important to be carried out in its application in the Ambon Pattimura airport area. This study focuses on the spatial and statistical analysis of categorical scores from dichotomous verification using weather radar data and surface observations, which were also verified using several parameters. Based on analysis in July and December 2021, RDCA verification results using weather radar aligned with surface observation data show that RDCA has a high accuracy value in predicting Cb in the next 10-60 minutes. Meanwhile, the results of research with several parameters have a proficient level of accuracy, although in certain cases, there are still quite a lot of false alarms and misses, indicating that the RDCA point cannot predict perfectly. The results of this research have led to progress in the development of techniques or ways to obtain the accuracy of RDCA products. The results of the accuracy of the application of RDCA can be used as a basis for nowcasting considerations as well as practical use from an operational perspective in aviation. In addition to using surface data or observations as one of the verification considerations, this paper is a initial step in assessing the accuracy of RDCA products in the tropics, especially in Ambon.

Fairness-oriented multicast routing for distributed interactive applications

Facing the challenges of network services on the edge, such as routing considering Quality of Service, is a crucial issue for current networking research efforts. Multicast routing is an essential technique for delivering routing services at a high level of optimization from the perspective of operators and application providers when there are user groups. Furthermore, routing that considers latency constraints has obstacles when it comes to merging different conditions in the solution, particularly when there is a need for fairness in the users’ communication. This work addresses this fairness requirement in multicasting, showing an efficient solution to increase the balance in routing by choosing better options for fair group interaction.

Afinal, o que é um argumento?

Este artigo busca discutir o conceito de argumento, alvo de considerável controvérsia no âmbito dos estudos da argumentação. Nosso objetivo central é apresentar uma contribuição a esse debate a partir de uma proposta unificadora e integradora orientada pela seguinte definição: o argumento é uma unidade de fundamentação de uma resposta a uma questão argumentativa. Com base nessa definição, procuramos, então, discorrer sobre as propriedades do fundamentar, propondo que tal processo possa ser delineado a partir de três operações: a operação lógico-inferencial de atribuição de plausibilidade à tese, que articula a noção de argumento à noção de esquema argumentativo em termos de uma relação tipo-instância; a operação retórica de geração de influência, que incorpora a discussão em torno de comprometimentos e acordos ao modo de funcionamento do argumento; e a operação dialética de deslocamento do ônus da prova para o outro, que conecta a realidade racional à interacional e intertextual. Cada uma dessas operações é discutida do ponto de vista teórico e operacional, destacando categorias relevantes de análise para dar conta desse conjunto. A fim de mostrar a produtividade da proposta, agregamos a tal debate a análise ilustrativa de um diálogo concreto entre uma menina de quatro anos e seu responsável, publicado no perfil Fatos de Crianças do então Twitter (hoje, X).

Analyzing flexibility options for microgrid management from economical operational and environmental perspectives

Power grids have undergone a massive transformation due to increasing number of renewable/non renewable distributed generators, storage technologies and electrical vehicles. This paper focuses on the flexible energy management of grid connected microgrid (MG) in order to analyze the effects of the flexibility options such as electric vehicle with demand response (EV-DR), battery storage system (BSS), hydrogen storage system (HSS) and dynamic line rating (DLR) in presence of renewable sources. In addition, microturbine (MT), fuel cell (FC), biomass (BIO), geothermal (GEO), and diesel engine (DIE) whose output is controllable are also considered as flexible sources. In this paper, optimum operation of grid-connected MG is modeled as a mixed-integer linear programming problem considering uncertainties of wind turbine (WT) and photovoltaic (PV) sources. A day-ahead forecasting of irradiance and wind speed are performed with Decision Tree Regression (DTR) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) algorithms for sensitive calculation of PV and WT output. The cost function merges operating costs including fuel, operation & maintains (O&M), depletion costs with emission cost of CO2, SO2, and NOx. Obtained numerical results show that total cost of the MG is reduced by 9.40% and emission cost is diminished by 5.59% with inclusion of all considered flexibility options. Further, load factor is improved from 0.7932 to 0.8236 with 100% flexibility condition for MG.

ANALISIS STRATEGI E-COMMERCE PADA PT. SPADA INOVASI DIGITAL MENGGUNAKAN METODE IT BALANCED SCORECARD

The use of information systems is one of the IS/IT investments in a company. Information systems can certainly improve company performance, but many information systems have not been implemented optimally, and do not meet the company's vision, mission and goals. This research was conducted with the aim of making strategic planning for the implementation of the E-Commerce information system at PT. Beware of Digital Innovation. The strategic plan was developed based on the IT Balanced method. Data collection was carried out through interviews, then the data obtained was subjected to SWOT analysis, then mapped into the IT Balanced Scorecard. This research produces strategic recommendations that companies can implement, including: 1) from an operational excellence perspective, companies need to determine IS/IT employees and regular maintenance; 2) user orientation perspective, companies need to adjust the interface design according to customer wishes and provider manuals as a template for system use; 3) future orientation perspective, companies need to recruit employees which can be done with background checks; 4) from a business contribution perspective, companies need to maintain and improve service quality. It is hoped that the results of this research can improve the quality of PT Waspada Innovation Digital's e-commerce.

A semantic model-based systems engineering approach for assessing the operational performance of metal forming process

Metal Forming is a basic and essential industrial process to provide materials for constructing complex products. To design an efficient metal forming process, the functional requirements and operational performance are two important aspects to be considered. In this paper, a semantic Model-based Systems Engineering (sMBSE) approach is proposed to support the design of the entire metal forming process. A multi-architecture modeling language KARMA is used to develop meta-models and architecture models of the metal forming process from the perspectives of mission, operation, function, logic flow and physical structure. Enabled by customized software, the KARMA models are transformed to ontology models, which are then converted to Petri Net (PN) models. Simulations are conducted based on the PN models to evaluate the operational performance of the created processes. A case study based on a real metal forming scenario is conducted to evaluate the proposed approach using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The result proves that the proposed approach enables to formalize the entire architecture modeling for metal forming process; and to provide an efficient approach for evaluating the operational performance of the designed solution for initial verification.

Spray nozzle for topical anaesthesia during flexible bronchoscopy: a randomised controlled trial.

The effectiveness of using a spray nozzle to deliver lidocaine for superior topical airway anaesthesia during non-sedation flexible bronchoscopy (FB) remains a topic of uncertainty when compared with conventional methods. Patients referred for FB were randomly assigned to receive topical lidocaine anaesthesia via the bronchoscope's working channel (classical spray (CS) group) or through a washing pipe equipped with a spray nozzle (SN group). The primary outcome was cough rate, defined as the total number of coughs per minute. Secondary outcomes included subjective perceptions of both the patient and operator regarding the FB process. These perceptions were rated on a visual analogue scale, with numerical ratings ranging from 0 to 10. Our study enrolled a total of 126 (61 CS group; 65 SN group) patients. The SN group exhibited a significantly lower median cough rate compared with the CS group (4.5 versus 7.1 counts·min-1; p=0.021). Patients in the SN group also reported less oropharyngeal discomfort (4.5±2.7 versus 5.6±2.9; p=0.039), better tolerance of the procedure (6.8±2.2 versus 5.7±2.7; p=0.011) and a greater willingness to undergo a repeat FB procedure (7.2±2.7 versus 5.8±3.4; p=0.015) compared with those in the CS group. From the operator's perspective, patient discomfort (2.7±1.7 versus 3.4±2.3; p=0.040) and cough scores (2.3±1.5 versus 3.2±2.4; p=0.013) were lower in the SN group compared with the CS group, with less disruption due to coughing observed among those in the SN group (1.6±1.4 versus 2.3±2.3; p=0.029). This study illustrates that employing a spray nozzle for the delivery of lidocaine provides superior topical airway anaesthesia during non-sedation FB compared with the traditional method.

Humanitarian principles and humanitarian disarmament: An operator's perspective

Abstract Conceptually rooted in the efforts to ban indiscriminate weapons and both their immediate and long-term effects, humanitarian mine action and humanitarian disarmament operations have developed significantly since 1988, when the United Nations first took on work on mine action operations for the protection and benefit of local communities. A large part of those operations has been carried out by humanitarian disarmament NGOs such as the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), one of the first organizations to be established on this issue. Drawing on MAG's experience and perspective, this article explores how the humanitarian principles apply to humanitarian disarmament operations. The aim of the article is to show that as an operator on the humanitarian–development nexus, MAG considers the four humanitarian principles as a critical and necessary part of its reference framework due to the influence of the humanitarian disarmament framework, even when operating in the development space. All in all, the case of humanitarian disarmament and MAG's experience are good examples to illustrate where the humanitarian horizon is extended because of long-terms serious needs, and that humanitarian principles remain essential to keep the focus on the needs of affected populations.

BANULA—A Novel DLT-Based Approach for EV Charging with High Level of User Comfort and Role-Specific Data Transparency for All Parties Involved

The core goal of the BANULA research project is to combine customer-oriented and grid-compatible charging of electric vehicles. It addresses the current challenges of the e-mobility ecosystem from the perspective of grid operators and charging infrastructure users and creates added value for every mass market role involved. In the project, the idea of a virtual balancing group based on blockchain technology is implemented. Thereby, it enables extended data acquisition, a real-time data exchange between grid and market participants, proper balancing and grid node-specific load flow determination and, thus, load management.

Intraoperative Videogrammetry and Photogrammetry for Photorealistic Neurosurgical 3-Dimensional Models Generated Using Operative Microscope: Technical Note.

Intraoperative orientation during microsurgery has a prolonged learning curve among neurosurgical residents. Three-dimensional (3D) understanding of anatomy can be facilitated with realistic 3D anatomic models created from photogrammetry, where a series of 2-dimensional images is converted into a 3D model. This study implements an algorithm that can create photorealistic intraoperative 3D models to exemplify important steps of the operation, operative corridors, and surgical perspectives. We implemented photograph-based and video-based scanning algorithms for uptakes using the operating room (OR) microscope, targeted for superficial structures, after surgical exposure, and deep operative corridors, in cranial microsurgery. The algorithm required between 30-45 photographs (superficial scanning), 45-65 photographs (deep scanning), or approximately 1 minute of video recording of the entire operative field to create a 3D model. A multicenter approach in 3 neurosurgical departments was applied to test reproducibility and refine the method. Twenty-five 3D models were created of some of the most common neurosurgical approaches-frontolateral, pterional, retrosigmoid, frontal, and temporal craniotomy. The 3D models present important steps of the surgical approaches and allow rotation, zooming, and panning of the model, enabling visualization from different surgical perspectives. The superficial and medium depth structures were consistently presented through the 3D models, whereas scanning of the deepest structures presented some technical challenges, which were gradually overcome with refinement of the image capturing process. Intraoperative photogrammetry is an accessible method to create 3D educational material to show complex anatomy and demonstrate concepts of intraoperative orientation. Detailed interactive 3D models, displaying stepwise surgical case-based anatomy, can be used to help understand details of the operative corridor. Further development includes refining or automatization of image acquisition intraoperatively and evaluation of other applications of the resulting 3D models in training and surgical planning.

Integration of curtailed wind into flexible electrified heating networks with demand-side response and thermal storage: Practicalities and need for market mechanisms

Increasingly high renewable penetration in electrified energy systems causes increasing levels of curtailment that must eventually be mitigated. System flexibility, energy storage and demand-side response in the form of flexible heating and cooling demands are efficient solutions for curtailment mitigation, however challenges remain such as the economic benefits of energy storage and the financial impacts of curtailment mitigation on consumers, among others. In this paper the mitigation of curtailed wind energy, incentivised with discount payments, through flexible electrified heating networks with demand-side response and thermal energy storage is investigated with a genetic optimisation algorithm, and results are analysed in terms of overall costs, technical feasibility and level of curtailed wind use from the perspective of the network operator and consumer. It is found that large-scale thermal storage lowers the cost and increases levels of curtailed wind integration, and allows district heating networks to run almost entirely on otherwise curtailed wind energy (up to 97.0 % in the example considered here). However without adequate market mechanisms, demand-side response is financially beneficial to all stakeholders only at low levels; with a split cost approach, financial incentives or market mechanisms are necessary for higher levels of, and more efficient, wind curtailment mitigation.

The Quality 4.0 Roadmap: Designing a capability roadmap toward quality management in Industry 4.0

Literature shows that the path toward Quality 4.0 is unclear and that there is no roadmap to assist organizations in preparing or navigating this transition. This article aims to understand such a path, design, and develop a roadmap to guide organizations. The “Quality 4.0 Roadmap” allows organizations to position themselves and smoothly transition to Quality 4.0. It consolidates fundamental Quality Management practices to promote sustained progress toward stages of advanced technological integration. In each stage, the “Quality 4.0 Roadmap” highlights the necessary capabilities organizations need to develop and alerts them of potential pitfalls. This roadmap offers an original tool to assist organizations in achieving and developing the required capabilities for pursuing the digital transition with an operational and human-centered perspective. It also defines vital stages in the Quality 4.0 transition, identifying the evolving requirements and marking boundaries and touchpoints between Technology and Quality management.

An assessment of factors for the cruise port of call selection: The modified fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Improving cruise ports of call is essential for enhancing the overall cruise experience for passengers, promoting tourism, and supporting the economic development of the regions served by these ports. Therefore, this article aims to assess selection factors (SFs) for the cruise port of call from the perspective of cruise operators (COs) and port operators (POs). In doing so, this paper first identifies SFs for the cruise port of call and establishes their hierarchical structure thanks to the extensive literature and expert brainstorming. Afterwards, The Modified Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (MFAHP) is developed to gauge the discrepancy in SFs between COs and POs. Empirical results from MFAHP pinpoint two significant SFs for POs to improve and attract their customers: customs, immigration control and quarantine (CIQ), and incentive measures. Besides, theoretical and managerial implications, and potential limitations for the next research are discussed.

Fleet operator perspectives on alternative fuels for heavy-duty vehicles

Despite the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) being one of the promising measures to reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, AFVs still represent a very small share in the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector. Understanding HDV fleet operator perspectives on alternative fuels is critical to developing effective demand-side strategies to facilitate wider and more rapid adoption of heavy-duty AFVs. This study explored California HDV fleet operator perspectives on viable alternative fuel options in the next 10–20 years, along with motivators for, and barriers to, such adoption. Eighteen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted, after which thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview data. Electric, hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG), and hybrid options were commonly perceived as viable in the 2030s by the participating organizations. Various optimistic aspects were addressed, including advanced technologies and emission reduction benefits (electric/hydrogen), continued fuel commitments due to their fleet or infrastructure investments already made (CNG), and lower complexity in fleet routing along with favorable driver acceptance (hybrid options). However, many concerns and uncertainties were also reported, including functional unsuitability (electric), uncompetitive upfront costs (hydrogen), unready infrastructure, perceived unavailability of vehicles, uncertain return on investment (electric/hydrogen), and unpromising support from state government (CNG). The study findings help fill a key knowledge gap in AFV fleet adoption research regarding HDV fleet operator perspectives, and contribute to developing demand-side strategies to aid the success of AFV diffusion throughout the HDV market.

MAXIMIZING BENEFITS FROM NETWORK COLLABORATION: HOW ORGANIZATIONS EXPLOIT NETWORK RELATIONS IN HIGHLY UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENTS

The main scientific purpose of this article is to identify how organizations maximize benefits from network relations in highly unpredictable environments, including both operational and strategic perspectives of network collaboration. The study is designed to deepen our knowledge about the nature of inter-organizational networks, and our understanding of the dynamics of relations between actors and the possibilities of exploiting networks in order to maximize benefit (network and relational rent). The research was carried out using the interpretative method of a multiple case study, following methodological rigor. It was divided into two stages: case-study analysis and cross-case analysis. The research shows that in highly unpredictable environments, when organizations have to face sudden and considerable unfavourable changes in operating conditions, they intensify relations’ features and at the same time modify expected benefits (including both operational and strategic perspective). The results allow for the identifying a pattern which shows how organizations modify the intensity of network-relation features in order to gain established benefits. The template serves as a tool for practitioners who can use it in planning and developing interactions with other members of networks (knots).

Energy and Economic Sustainability of a Small-Scale Hybrid Renewable Energy System Powered by Biogas, Solar Energy, and Wind

Reduction or elimination of reliance on traditional fossil fuels and of the emission of greenhouse gases and pollutants into the environment are affecting energy technologies, systems, and applications. In this context, one potential approach to achieving sustainability, decarbonization, and ensuring the energy and economic viability of existing and future energy systems involves adopting one or more renewable sources. The presented paper concentrates on examining the performance of a small-scale hybrid renewable polygeneration system. This system utilizes biogas produced through anaerobic digestion, which is then supplied to an internal combustion engine, along with solar energy converted into electrical energy by photovoltaic modules and wind energy harnessed through a wind turbine. A small-scale user, represented by residential buildings and a zootechnical farm with heating, cooling, and electrical energy demands, serves as the case study. TRNSYS software is employed to design and model the system, considering realistic assumptions about technical aspects and user energy requirements. The investigation involves analyzing the system’s operation, considering both energy and economic perspectives. The paper discusses the pros and cons of combining biogas, solar, and wind energy in the proposed hybrid system under the considered case study. Despite non-satisfactory economic profitability without incentives, the proposed system allows one to save significant amounts of primary energy and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.