Process Diagram Research Articles

THE LOGISTICS PROCESS AND ITS ROLE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF MODERN ENTERPRISES

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE is to study the peculiarities of the logistics process in the activities of domestic enterprises. RESEARCH METHODS. In the process of writing the article, general scientific and special methods of researching the logistics process at the enterprise were used, including: epistemological analysis, theoretical generalization, analysis, synthesis, tabular and graphic. PRESENTATION OF THE MAIN RESEARCH MATERIAL. The article defines that at a modern enterprise, the organization of production, supply and sales processes is ensured with the help of logistics. The essence of the concept of "logistics" from the point of view of foreign and domestic scientists is summarized. It was found that the logistics process is the basis of logistics. The main and auxiliary logistics processes at the enterprise, which consist of separate logistics operations and functions, are summarized. A diagram of the logistics process at the enterprise, which occurs simultaneously with material and information flows, has been formed. Logistics operations with material flow in the logistics process of the enterprise are systematized, which include: supply, transportation, storage, production and sales. Logistics operations with information flow in the logistics process of the enterprise include: information collection; accumulation and storage of information; data processing; transmission of information. A descriptive description of the specified logistics operations is given. It has been proven that the complexity of the logistics process at the enterprise depends on the specifics of its activity and the technological process of manufacturing products. CONCLUSIONS FROM THE CONDUCTED RESEARCH. Under the influence of modern digital technologies, the enterprise's logistics process will continue to undergo transformations that will affect its duration, the change in the number of logistics operations and functions, the transition to automation, and the level of cost effectiveness. KEYWORDS: logistics; logistics process; logistics operations; logistics functions; enterprise; digitalization.

Study on the Mechanism and Control of Clogging Growth on the Submerged Entry Nozzle of Q355 Steel

To clarify the formation mechanism of clogging on submerged entry nozzle of Q355 steel, scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS), cathodoluminescence and FactSage7.1 thermodynamic software are used to study the morphology and stratified structure of Q355 steel nozzle. The results show that, clogging on Q355 steel can be divided into decarburized layer, ≈1.5 mm, dense accumulation layer, about 2 mm, and loose accumulation layer, ≈1.5 mm. The phenomenon of CaO·2Al2O3, CaO, Ti2O3, Al2O3, and 2CaO·Ti2O3 inclusions precipitated from the molten steel and deposited in the inner wall of the nozzle during continuous casting is analyzed. The formation mechanism of the clogging is explained by drawing the clogging process diagram and thermodynamic calculation. The range of total Ca content in molten steel which should be controlled between 0.0012% and 0.0016% to reduce clogging at the nozzle is given.

On the need to better integrate the social environment in research on climate change and health: recommendations and thinking tools

Social inequality impacts health, is aggravated by the consequences of climate change, and may be influenced by inappropriate policy responses. These interdependent effects create a self-perpetuating loop exacerbating the impact of climate dysregulation on health in an uncontrolled and poorly understood way. Holistic approaches to public health such as One Health, EcoHealth or Planetary Health are well suited to tackling the considerable and complex environmental and social issues underlying climate dysregulation. However, the extent to which research using such frameworks investigates social determinants of health is not clear. In this paper we discuss the ways in which the social environment has so far been considered in the literature to problematize and analyze the relationship between climate dysregulation and health within holistic frameworks and provide tools and recommendations to facilitate their apprehension. Social factors are investigated empirically only in a minor fraction of studies addressing the relation between climate and health in holistic frameworks, and not systematically. Barriers to such approaches are discussed. This work also provides two analytical tools (a process diagram and a knowledge framework) and a set of recommendations to help include the social environment more meaningfully in such frameworks. They are meant to facilitate our understanding of the current status of this type of research and to encourage trans-disciplinary and trans-sectorial endeavors towards directions which need to be taken to ensure societal factors and inequalities are placed at the center of research on climate and health and the ensuing policy response.

Problems of precipitation treatment in closed water management systems of industrial enterprises

The article is devoted to solving urgent problems of creating and improving closed water management systems of industrial enterprises. An overview and detailed analysis of the implementation of the federal program “Waste” in the existing regional centers of the Russian Federation is provided. During the analysis, the authors identified and solved the following tasks: justification of the need for the creation of closed water management systems (ZSVH); determination of the subject composition required for the development of SPM; selection of process diagrams and corresponding equipment. The article illustrates the experience of implementing the federal program “Waste” in various regions of the Russian Federation, which testifies to the cooperation of enterprises where industrial waste is generated with enterprises where it is processed and used as raw materials or disposed of. Based on the consideration of the types of industrial effluents and the directions of activities of enterprises, the authors came to the conclusion about the advisability of special treatment of industrial effluents before disposal directly at the site of their formation to obtain a dried final product, which should be carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements in the field of waste management.

Grading assistance for a handwritten thermodynamics exam using artificial intelligence: An exploratory study

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection in Artificial Intelligence Tools in Physics Teaching and Physics Education Research.] Using a high-stakes thermodynamics exam as the sample (252 students, four multipart problems), we investigate the viability of four workflows for AI-assisted grading of handwritten student solutions. We find that the greatest challenge lies in converting handwritten answers into a machine-readable format. The granularity of grading criteria also influences grading performance: employing a fine-grained rubric for entire problems often leads to errors and grading failures, as the model appears to be unable to keep track of scores for more than a handful of rubric items, while grading problems in parts is more reliable but tends to miss nuances. We also found that grading hand-drawn graphics, such as process diagrams, is less reliable than mathematical derivations due to the difficulty in differentiating essential details from extraneous information. Although the system is precise in identifying exams that meet passing criteria, exams with failing grades still require human grading. We conclude with recommendations to overcome some of the encountered challenges. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Experimental data and thermodynamic modeling for n-propane + Brazil nut oil at high pressures

This research aimed to uncover essential phase transition data for the pseudo-binary system of n-propane and Brazil nut oil. Over a range of temperatures from 313 to 343 K and pressures up to 3.42 MPa, our study identified various phase equilibria, including liquid-vapor, liquid-liquid, and liquid-liquid-vapor, using the visual synthetic-static variable volume method. The observed phase transitions fall under the type III classification proposed by Scott van Konynenburg. Leveraging the cubic Peng-Robinson equation of state with the van der Waals mixing rule, we were able to construct isopleths for the proposed system. Additionally, we examined the fatty acid profile of Brazil nut oil to accurately quantify its composition and estimate critical properties of the pseudo component in line with Kay's rule. This research provides critical insights into the behavior of phase diagrams for pressurized fluid-based extraction and separation processes, which are crucial for achieving maximum yield and minimizing energy expenditure.

On the need to better integrate the social environment in research on climate change and health: recommendations and thinking tools

Social inequality impacts health, is aggravated by the consequences of climate change, and may be influenced by inappropriate policy responses. These interdependent effects create a self-perpetuating loop exacerbating the impact of climate dysregulation on health in an uncontrolled and poorly understood way. Holistic approaches to public health such as One Health, EcoHealth or Planetary Health are well suited to tackling the considerable and complex environmental and social issues underlying climate dysregulation. However, the extent to which research using such frameworks investigates social determinants of health is not clear. In this paper we discuss the ways in which the social environment has so far been considered in the literature to problematize and analyze the relationship between climate dysregulation and health within holistic frameworks and provide tools and recommendations to facilitate their apprehension. Social factors are investigated empirically only in a minor fraction of studies addressing the relation between climate and health in holistic frameworks, and not systematically. Barriers to such approaches are discussed. This work also provides two analytical tools (a process diagram and a knowledge framework) and a set of recommendations to help include the social environment more meaningfully in such frameworks. They are meant to facilitate our understanding of the current status of this type of research and to encourage trans-disciplinary and trans-sectorial endeavors towards directions which need to be taken to ensure societal factors and inequalities are placed at the center of research on climate and health and the ensuing policy response.

The composition diagram of a complex process: Enhancing understanding of hierarchical business processes

The article presents the Composition Diagram of a Complex Process (CDCP), a new diagramming method for modelling business processes with complex vertical structures. This Method addresses the limitations of traditional modelling techniques such as BPMN, Activity Diagrams (AD), and Event-Driven Process Chains (EPC).The experiment was carried out on 277 students from different study programs and grades to determine the effectiveness of the methods. The main objective was to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of CDCP compared to established methods, focusing on two primary tasks: interpretation and diagram creation. The participant's performance was evaluated based on the objective results of the tasks and the subjective feedback of the questionnaire. The results indicate that CDCP was the effective method for the reading and drawing tasks, outperforming BPMN and EPC in terms of understanding and ease of use. Statistical analysis of variance showed that while the year of the study did not significantly affect performance, the study program and Method used had a significant effect. These findings highlight the potential of CDCP as a more accessible and intuitive business process modelling tool, even for users with minimal prior experience.

Proposals for medical guidelines creation at the time of digital transformation of healthcare in Russian Federation

The article presents the experience of the «National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov» in creation of medical guidelines based on the patient’s route business process for vertically integrated medical information system for “Obstetrics and gynecology” and “Neonatology” (VIMIS “AKiNEO”), with simultaneous digitization of the document, describes the advantages of this an approach before the classical form of writing document.Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis of approaches to writing a medical guideline based on a digitized medical guideline and patient’s route business process for VIMIS “AKiNEO” and in the classical way.Materials and methods. The content of digitized medical guidelines and procedures for the provision of medical care, formed by experts on the basis of the “National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V.I. Kulakov” with the methodological support of the Center for Healthcare Quality Assessment and Control were used. The assessment of the methodological advantages of writing medical guidelines based on patient routes business processes in comparison with writing in the classical way was carried out using methods of analysis and synthesis.Results. Experts have created 17 patient routes using the content of digitized medical guidelines for immersion in the VIMIS “AKiNEO”. These routes fully reflect the amount and timing of medical interventions necessary to ensure the quality of medical care. Methodological approaches for writing medical guidelines based patient routes business processes have been developed. It has been demonstrated that digitizing the content of medical guidelines and medical care procedures, describing medical guidelines in the form of a business process diagram, identify “zones of uncertainty” that ar e not visible in the text document, and can significantly affec t the quality of medical care to the patient.Conclusion. The creation of regulatory legal acts on the organization and provision of medical care and medical guidelines in modern conditions of healthcare digital transformation should take place after digitizing the text of the document and creating a business process for the patient’s route, which will improve the quality of these documents.

Understanding Operation of Automated Inland Vessels using Process Diagrams

Abstract The functional design of a vessel requires a comprehensive understanding of vessel operations. This understanding can be enhanced through the development of process diagrams. The research presented here emphasizes the importance of developing diagrams that represent detailed process flows and allow the identification of appropriate interfaces between them. On remotely controlled and automated vessels, a number of functions performed by human operators are taken over by systems, requiring a clear understanding of the processes and the instances at which the handover between human and system takes place. This paper presents process diagrams for conventional, remotely controlled, and autonomous inland vessels. Such process diagrams can be used as blueprints for integration of automated systems on inland vessels, because they reveal the process interruptions which occur when the human operators are removed from the vessel.

Deep handwritten diagram segmentation

AbstractHandwriting is a natural way to communicate and exchange ideas, but converting handwritten diagrams to application‐specific digital formats requires skill and time. Automatic handwritten document conversion can save time, but diagrams and text require different recognition engines. Since accurate segmentation of handwritten diagrams can improve the accuracy of later diagram recognition steps, the authors propose to solve the problem of segmentation of text and non‐text elements of handwritten diagrams using deep semantic segmentation. The model, DeepDP is a flexible U‐net style architecture that can be tuned in complexity to a level appropriate for a particular dataset and diagram type. Experiments on a public hand‐drawn flowchart dataset and a business process diagram dataset show excellent performance, with a per pixel accuracy of 98.6% on the public flowchart datasets and improvement over the 99.3% text stroke accuracy and 96.6% non‐text stroke accuracy obtained by state of the art methods that use online stroke information. On the smaller offline business process diagram dataset, the method obtains a per‐pixel accuracy of 96.9%.

Investigating building permit processes across Europe: characteristics and patterns

ABSTRACT Building permit processes serve as crucial gatekeepers for urban development, regulating compliance with building codes, land use policies, and safety and environmental standards. However, their complexity can lead to inefficiencies and hinder economic growth. While existing studies have made significant contributions to building permit process research, they often focus on individual countries or specific aspects, leaving a gap in comprehensive comparative analysis. Characteristics, and patterns of building permit processes vary widely across jurisdictions due to legal, cultural, technological, and institutional factors which makes a comparative analysis of these variations beneficial. To address the lack of building permit process studies, our research focusses on from an extensive comparative study of building permit processes in 17 European countries. Through semi-structured interviews and process diagrams, we investigate the differences and provide a comparative overview summarizing key characteristics. The findings have the potential to be used by policy makers and practice to better understand and compare the evolution of building permit systems in a broad international context. By bridging research gaps and providing a comprehensive view of these processes, we contribute to the awareness of the diversity of the processes and to fostering greater understanding of building permit processes.

Design and three-dimensional simulation of flat-knitted sports uppers based on loop structure

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to solve the diverse and complex problems of flat-knitting sports upper process design, improve the design ability of upper organization, and realize three-dimensional simulation function.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, the matrix is used to establish the corresponding pattern diagram and organizational diagram model, and the relationship between the two is established by color coding as a bridge to completed the transformation of the flat-knitted sports upper process design model. Secondly, the spatial coordinates of the loop type value points are obtained through the establishment of loop mesh model, the index of two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of uppers and the establishment of spatial transformation relationship. Finally, using Visual Studio as a development tool, use the C# language to implement this series of processes.FindingsDigitizing the fabric into a matrix model, combined with matrix transformation, can quickly realize the design of the flat-knitting process. Taking the knitting diagram of the upper process as the starting point, the loop geometry model corresponding to the element information is established, and the three-dimensional simulation effect of the flat-knitted upper based on the loop structure is realized under the premise of ensuring that it can be knitted.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a design and modeling method for flat-knitted uppers. Taking the upper design process and 3D simulation effect as an example, the feasibility of the method is verified, which improves the efficiency of the development of the flat-knitted upper product and lays the foundation for the high-end customization of the flat-knitted upper.

Strength characteristics and solidification carbonization mechanism of MgO based shield tunneling centrifugal waste silt

In response to the problem of the accumulation of waste silt produced by slurry shield tunneling, which is difficult to directly utilize, MgO carbonization acceleration technology is adopted. Carbonization modification equipment is used to test the water content (w) and unconfined compression strength (UCS) of waste silt produced by slurry shield tunneling under different soil curing agent content (as), curing time (T), and carbonization time (t). The strength characteristics of the process of MgO solidification carbonization shield tunneling centrifugal waste silt were clarified. The micro mechanism was revealed and its engineering usability was also explored. The results show that MgO cooperated with carbonization acceleration technology can improve the properties of waste silt, with a maximum decrease of 9.3∼31.7 % and UCS can be increased to a maximum of 776.8 kPa. The maximum UCS of MgO solidified carbonized silt was higher than that of CaO solidified carbonized silt at various contents. Under the condition of T=7d, by comparing UCS, it was concluded that MgO carbonated solidified silt is more suitable for building foundation filling. And as =7 % while t=1 h modified silt can meet the strength requirement of 180 kPa under the condition of small MgO content. An improved three-phase model diagram of MgO solidification carbonation process based on water conversion research has been proposed for centrifugal high liquid limit silt in slurry shield tunneling. It can be divided into three stages: solidification reinforcement, carbonation reinforcement, and carbonation deepening, with strength growth mainly concentrated in the solidification reinforcement stage. During the solidification process, the hydration product Mg(OH)₂ and the reaction products MSH and MAH from the pozzolanic reaction are gradually transferred into various carbonization products, These products agglomerated and bonded with each other to form a whole, enhancing the bonding strength between particles and improving the strength of the silt. During the carbonization process, it is necessary to avoid the strength reduction caused by too long carbonization time.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ НАСОСА-ПОНТОНА ДЛЯ ЛАГУН-НАВОЗОХРАНИЛИЩ

The main methods of preparing organic fertilizers from manure runoff coming from pigbreeding complexes are analyzed. In particular, one of the effective technologies is the technology of homogenization of runoff in lagoons-manure storages. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the design and parameters of the pontoon pump for homogenization and pumping of liquid organic fertilizers (LOF) from lagoons-manure storages. The analysis of studies on the problem of homogenization and pumping of LFO from lagoons-manure storages made it possible to formulate scientific prerequisites for improving the working process of mixing manure runoff in manure storages and pumping them to the place of application to the soil. Their essence lies in the substantiation of the design parameters of the transporting screw - length, diameter and frequency of its rotation. A new design of the pontoon pump is described and a diagram of its location when changing the depth of the lagoon-manure storage is presented. A diagram of the working process for the pontoon pump, consisting of three stages, is developed. The pump flow rate, the total specific energy of the pumped liquid at the pump outlet, and the pressure created by the conveying screw are determined. The analysis of the forces applied to a point in the conveying part of the pontoon pump is performed, which made it possible to determine the trigonometric functions of the angular parameter. Research is conducted using the multifactorial experiment technique. An analytical dependence of the change in the pump pressure on the diameter of the conveying screw casing and the length of the conveying screw at a constant screw rotation frequency is obtained. A graphical dependence of the response surface is constructed. The obtained design parameters ensure the efficient flow of the working process of pumping ZOU from the manure storage lagoon with the specified parameters of pressure and flow rate.

Carbon footprint analysis of sugar production in Poland

Food production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to identify and reduce emissions. Efficient energy use is critical, alongside the adoption of low-carbon technologies that help agriculture and food processing adapt to climate change. Carbon footprint (CF) analysis is a key tool for assessing the environmental impact of food production and distribution, requiring a thorough evaluation of each product's life cycle from production to consumption. This study focused on the sugar production CF in three Polish plants, examining technological processes and creating unit process diagrams of the production cycle. This analysis led to the development of a database to calculate the CF based on production volume. The determined CF was 0.14–0.27 kg CO2eq/kg, and the average CFav: for plant 1–0.18; for plant 2–0.19; for plant 3–0.19 kg CO2eq/kg. Continuous monitoring is essential, allowing production practices to adapt to changing conditions and ensuring quick responses to sustainability needs. Reducing the sugar production CF involves several strategies, including adopting sustainable cultivation practices, optimizing production processes, using renewable energy sources, improving transportation efficiency, and minimizing waste. Together, these measures promote more environmentally responsible sugar production. By prioritizing sustainability and embracing innovative solutions, the food industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact, meeting the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

A Novel Method for Monitoring Notified Bodies Designated under The European Union Medical Device Regulation

Notified bodies, which perform conformity assessments, play a crucial role in protecting patient health and providing access to safety products on the market. The EU 2017/745 Medical Device Regulation (MDR) brings stricter rules and responsibilities for notified bodies. Designating authorities (DAs), who are also responsible for monitoring notified bodies, have not been provided with any guidance documents or written procedures. In this study, for the first time, we proposed a methodology aided by a digital system to monitor notified bodies effectively. We conducted a need analysis based on the MDR requirements and the relevant guidance documents, and we introduced a six-component technique for monitoring of the medical device notified bodies. Then, we identified the subcriteria of each component and created business activity diagrams for the main processes to monitor the notified bodies. There are now forty-eight notified bodies available under the MDR. Our monitoring approach consists of six steps that cover all NB-related activities, such as review of technical documentation assessment, personnel authorization, and surveillance of the certified product on the market. The proposed system complies with the MDR requirements and handles all critical performance indicators of NBs. The new MDR requirements for NBs also require an advanced monitoring system for DAs. This study focused on the critical points for monitoring NBs. Member states should implement the proposed methodology and the activity diagrams to have an efficient monitoring system in accordance with MDR requirements. A similar system can be used for monitoring of the other conformity assessment bodies.

SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE SYSTEM DESIGN FOR THE MASS SERVICE SYSTEMS MODELING TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN GO PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

The subject of the article is the methods and approaches to organizing the architecture of software implementation designed for modeling the behavior of mass service systems. The goal of the work is to design a software architecture for implementation in Go language, intended to replicate the behavior of various types of mass service systems, without considering the failure of individual service channels, using parallel computing. The article addresses the following tasks: consider the basis for designing the architecture and conclude its appropriateness; develop requirements for the future software product for more effective resource use and clear definition of successful completion; analyze the approaches to organizing software architecture and make a justified decision on the application of one of them; design a general algorithm scheme taking into account all requirements; identify the components of the modeled system and their interactions; build process diagrams considering the specifics of the Go programming language; define the method and contracts of interaction with the software. The research will utilize the following methods: Go programming language, concurrency, architectural UML diagrams, C4 diagrams, process diagrams. The following results were obtained: the requirements for the software for modeling mass service operations (SMO) were defined; common approaches to organizing architecture were considered and a comparative analysis was conducted; the structure of the future program was developed at the necessary levels of abstraction; for the first time, an architecture of the software product for modeling various mass service systems using parallel computing and the concurrency approach under the implementation in the Go programming language was proposed.

Nanofiber array growth mechanism based on dealloying of Ti-Cu/Cu multilayer precursor film

Metal oxide nanofiber array materials are a type of material with outstanding performance and application potential. Recently, an efficient dealloying method using Ti–Cu/Cu multilayer film as a precursor was proposed to prepare titanium oxide nanofiber array structure. However, the growth mechanism and formation process of such an oxide nanofiber array grown on multilayer-film is not clear. In this work, we use Ti-Cu/Cu multilayer film as the precursor, NaOH solution as the dealloying corrosion solution, and free dealloying at room temperature. On the basis of successfully obtaining TiO2 nanofiber array films, the morphology formation and evolution process of the nanoarray were carefully monitored, and the atomic percentage changes of Ti, Cu and O elements in the dealloying precursor films were tested, as well as the formation and crystalline phase evolution trends of TiO2. Based on the experimental data, we tried to draw a schematic diagram of the formation process of this TiO2 nanofiber array, and proposed that the growth mechanism of the TiO2 nanofiber array is the precipitation growth process both with Ostwald Ripening and Oriented Attachment mechanisms. Then, the photocurrent response characteristics of the obtained nanofiber array structure samples were analyzed, and it was found that the nanofiber array structure had a certain effect on the photocurrent response performance. The completion of the present work is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the preparation and application of other metal oxide nanofiber array by dealloying method.

Narrative therapy focusing on bodily sensations: a case of enhancing treatment proactivity of adolescent anorexia nervosa

ABSTRACT Lack of treatment proactivity significantly affects the treatment outcomes for adolescent anorexia nervosa in China. This research illustrates a case where narrative therapy, focusing on bodily sensations, was employed for a Chinese adolescent with anorexia nervosa characterised by low treatment proactivity. The study analyses the case using a merged methodological frameworks of case study and narrative inquiry. This research delineates the client’s transformation through three primary themes: Detachment from Sensations of Dirtiness, Positive Development of Self-identity, and Enhancing Treatment Proactivity (two subthemes: Interpretation and Reversal of the ‘Dirtiness’ Bodily Sensations and Reconstruction of the Social Network). Finally, it analyses the relationships among various themes and constructs a process diagram to illustrate the entire transformation journey of the client. This study suggests that enhancing treatment proactivity could be linked to changes in understanding of bodily sensations and in self-narratives.