Repair Facility Research Articles

Coconut Growers: Challenges Faced and Solutions Proposed

Aim: To analyse the challenges faced by the coconut growers and suggestion to overcome. Research Design: Ex-post facto research design. Sample: Coconut growers of Coimbatore district, Simple random sampling. Methodology: A structured interview schedule was developed to collect the data from 200 respondents. An Ex-post facto research was employed and Simple random sampling technique was used to select the 200 coconut growers. Results: Ninety-eight percent of respondents voiced concerns about their insufficient understanding of various plant protection aspects, including chemicals, spray frequency, symptoms, and application methods. Ninety-two and a half percent of respondents are worried about the toxicity of plan protection to both cattle and humans. Additionally, the lack of nearby repair facilities (89%) and the belief that traditional methods are more effective (87%) add to the difficulties encountered by farmers. Ensuring Fair Market Prices for Produce" ranked highest (88%), showing that farmers prioritize stable prices to secure their income and reduce risks. "Technical Guidance on Coconut Farming" (76%) and "Timely Availability of Quality Inputs at Subsidized Rates" (75%) were also important, indicating the need for ongoing support and reliable inputs from the government.

Archaeometallurgical characterization of Greco-Roman copper-based and iron nails from Tel Abu Seify, North Sinai, Egypt

The current study focuses on the investigation of a collection of copper alloy and iron nails discovered amid numerous metal artifacts in the archaeological excavations of Tel Abu Seify, North Sinai, Egypt. This site, identified as a shipbuilding and repair facility, dates back to the Greco-Roman era (Circa 332BCE–A.D. 641). Different analytical methods were employed to ascertain the composition of the alloys, manufacturing techniques, and characteristics of the corrosion products in the nails. A range of techniques were utilized to achieve this goal, including optical and metallographic microscopy, X-ray radiography, portable X-ray fluorescence, SEM-EDS, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that 19 of the examined nails were composed of copper alloy, except for two nails made of iron. The analysis revealed that the tin bronze nails were predominantly composed of copper, with a minor presence of tin (4.3 wt%), lead (4.7 wt%), and traces of iron and arsenic. Additionally, the iron nails were made of low-carbon iron alloys. Microscopic examination indicated that the nails were manufactured via cold hammering. The patina observed on the copper nails encompassed cuprite, atacamite, clinoatacamite, antlerite, and cerussite, often interspersed with the soil residues. The rust surfaces of the iron nails comprised hematite, magnetite, goethite, akaganeite, and lepidocrocite. The iron nails and some copper nails exhibited partial or total mineralization, whereas most copper nails remained in good condition, generally retaining their metallic cores.

Effect of nano-Ti-Li-Al hydrotalcite-like on the hydration and hardening properties of sulfoaluminate cement-based materials

The use of sulfoaluminate cement-based materials (SCBMs) in grout reinforcement projects is common, and they also perform well in road repair and other facilities. To obtain high workability and permeability, a large water-to-cement ratio is generally used, which reduces the early mechanical properties of SCBMs. The early mechanical properties of cement-based materials can be improved by adding nanomaterials. The cement hydration product monosulfate (AFm) belongs to the hydrotalcite-like family, which is also called layered double hydroxide (LDHs). At present, there is no literature on the influence of nano-Ti-Li-Al layered double hydroxide materials (TiLiAl-LDHs) on SCBMs. In this study, two types of nano -TiLiAl-LDHs with different Ti/Li/Al molar ratios (Ti1Li3Al4-LDHs and Ti2Li3Al4-LDHs) were synthesized. Nano-Ti1Li3Al4-LDHs promoted the hydration of the slurry and improved the early mechanical properties of SCBMs to a greater extent than nano-Ti2Li3Al4-LDHs. However, the cause of this phenomenon remains unclear. Nano-TiLiAl-LDHs act as nucleation sites for ettringite (AFt) and AFm, both of which are cement hydration products. Among them, Ti1Li3Al4-LDHs preferentially provided nucleation sites for AFt, whereas Ti2Li3Al4-LDHs preferentially provided nucleation sites for AFm. Ti1Li3Al4-LDHs and Ti2Li3Al4-LDHs can release titanium, lithium, and carbonate ions in the SCBMs paste, and Ti1Li3Al4-LDHs release more lithium ions (up to 50 mg/L) while Ti2Li3Al4-LDHs release more titanium ions (up to 100 mg/L). Li+ can consume AlO2− and OH− in the slurry and form amorphous lithium aluminum compounds. Although Li+ inhibits the formation of AFt products, it promotes the hydration of anhydrous calcium sulfoaluminate (ye’elimite). Ti4+ reacts with OH− to form a complex that inhibits the formation of AFt, thus reducing the hydration of SCBMs. CO32− promotes the formation of calcium carbonate and indirectly promotes the dissolution of ye’elimite and gypsum. The nucleation effect and release of titanium, lithium, and carbonate ions acted synergistically to influence the hydration and hardening processes of SCBMs. Compared with Ti2Li3Al4-LDHs, Ti1Li3Al4-LDHs has a greater ability to enhance the hydration and mechanical properties of the slurry owing to its strong nucleation and release of higher concentrations of lithium ions and lower concentrations of titanium ions.

Medical device management reform, United Republic of Tanzania.

Health-care technology is central to boosting the productivity and quality of health-care systems. In many sub-Saharan African countries, however, medical device management systems are weak or absent. The aim of this article is to illustrate, using a case study, how policy reforms can help ensure policy on health-care technology is translated into everyday practice and how an integrated systems approach can enhance the operation of medical device management. Between 2011 and 2023, a plan to improve medical device management systems in the United Republic of Tanzania was developed and implemented through Swiss-Tanzanian cooperation within the Health Promotion and System Strengthening Project. The availability of biomedical engineers was increased through new training courses and the creation of permanent positions in government. Moreover, additional district and regional maintenance and repair workshops were built, and a National Centre for Calibration and Training was established to ensure the correct functioning of medical devices. The introduction of an electronic medical device management system provided health facilities and the health ministry with data on the operational status of medical devices and the need for repairs and spare parts. Every level of government was encouraged to allocate more human and financial resources to medical device management. Following this decade-long effort, the percentage of functioning equipment increased substantially, and costs were reduced by repairing rather than replacing equipment. The project also demonstrated the value of an integrated, system-strengthening approach that considered personnel, maintenance and repair facilities, documentation and management, and government policy and budgeting.

On Reliability of Repairable Hot Double Redundant System with Arbitrarily Distributed Life- and Repair Times of Its Elements

The article introduces the concept of Marked Markov processes, which are used to study a repairable hot double redundant system with a single repair facility. It is assumed that components’ life- and repair times follow arbitrary distributions. The proposed approach allows for calculating the system’s reliability function, and its mean lifetime, as well as conducting the sensitivity analysis to the shape of input distributions. The new method was validated with numerical examples by comparing it with previously obtained analytical results and showed high accuracy.

Assessing Preference of Four-Wheel Tractors among Farmers of Parsa District, Nepal

This study aims to examine attributes preferred by farmers of Parsa district for choosing four-wheel tractors. This study presents how farmers perceived their effectiveness based on common attributes of tractors like origin, brand, fuel consumption, horsepower, price, availability of spare parts, and their repair and maintenance. The study is quantitative and based on primary data. A non-probabilistic sampling technique was used with a sample size of 85. Conjoint analysis was applied to estimate part worth utility value, utility range and ranking the attributes of four-wheel tractor. The result show that farmers gave highest preference to fuel consumption with respect to highest utility value following horsepower, origin, price, availability of spare parts and repair and maintenance. Similarly, results show that branded and low-price tractor whose spare parts can be found easily in local market along with assured repair and maintenance facility available from authorised agency is preferred by farmers. Horsepower has been important attributes for tractorselection, where farmers are mostly preferring tractors having horsepower greater than 45 hp. This study findings will provide valuable tools and a basic framework for suppliers and manufacturers for evaluating their market efficiency and preparing strategies for promoting four-wheel tractors.

Reducing recurrence rates in hiatal hernia repair: Results of a quality improvement study.

Patient and procedure factors are considered in the decision-making process for surgical repair of hiatal hernias. Recurrence is multi-factorial and has been shown to be related to size, type, BMI and age. This study examined recurrence rates in a single institution, identified areas for improved surgical technique, and re-assessed recurrence following implantation of a quality improvement initiative. A retrospective review of patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair surgery between 2018 and 2022 was conducted. Demographics, pre-operative characteristics, intra-operative procedures and recurrence rates were reviewed. Seventy-five patients from 2018 to 2020 and 34 patients from 2021 to 2022 were identified. The recurrence rate was 21% in 2018-2020, with 14% requiring a revisional procedure. Recurrence and re-operation were subsequently reduced to 6% in 2021 and 2022, which was statistically significant (p = 0.043). There was an increase in gastropexy from 21% to 41% following the review (p = 0.032), which wasmainly reserved for large and giant hernias. Procedural and literature review, alongside gastropexy, can be attributed to recurrence rate reduction. It is important to educate patients on the likelihood and risk factors of recurrence. A comprehensive review of procedures and a quality improvement program in our facility for hiatal hernia repair is shown to reduce recurrence.

Stochastic modeling and optimization of discrete-time cold standby repairable systems with unreliable repair facility and retrial mechanism

This study develops novel reliability models for discrete-time cold standby repairable systems with unreliable repair facility and retrial mechanism. In view of the situation that the state of some engineering systems cannot be continuously monitored, discrete distribution is used to describe the distribution of random variables involved in this paper. For the case that multiple events can occur simultaneously in the discrete-time system model, the priority order of multiple events occurring simultaneously is defined. Two different models are proposed based on two types of priority rules. The retrial mechanism of the components is considered in the case that the failure information of the system components cannot be successfully transmitted to the repair facility. The preventive maintenance (PM) and repair after the breakdown of the repair facility are considered. The key reliability indices are derived by using the iterative algorithm of the difference equation and the generative function method. The algorithms for calculating system state probability, key reliability indices and cost–benefit ratio (CBR) are designed. To demonstrate the impact of each parameter on the system reliability indices, numerical results are provided. The optimal repair rate configuration scheme is chosen using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to achieve the lowest possible CBR. The impact of the system model with or without PM on stationary availability and CBR is shown. In addition, the impact of the number of system components on a series of system performance indices is analyzed, and the optimal number of components of the system corresponding to the minimum value of CBR is obtained.

Analisis Kebutuhan Fasilitas Pedestrian di Kawasan Stasiun

The Ampera LRT Station is located in the center of Palembang City and on the banks of the Musi River. This area is a center of community activity, with the presence of hospitals, offices, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. The existence of the Palembang LRT is intended to overcome congestion and accommodate the mobility needs of the community in Palembang, especially in the Ampera area. However, there are several issues related to pedestrian facilities in the Ampera LRT Station area, such as the misuse of sidewalk functions, the presence of many side barriers in the form of street vendors and on-street parking, as well as the lack of safe and comfortable crossing facilities for pedestrians, especially for people with disabilities. This study analyzes the pedestrian facility needs in the Ampera LRT Station area of Palembang. The method used in this study is the calculation of the level of service (LOS) based on the Indonesian Highway Capacity Manual (MKJI) 1997 and the empirical formula calculation of pedestrian conflicts based on the pedestrian flow and vehicle traffic flow (PV2) using quantitative data. The research results show that it is necessary to repair and add pedestrian facilities under the concept of walkability, such as providing sidewalks that can be used according to their function, providing crossing facilities such as pelicans with waiting platforms on Merdeka Street, Sudirman Street, and Tengkuruk Permai Street, while on Masjid Lama Street and Palembang Darussalam Street, zebra crossings or pedestrian platforms are needed. The results of this study are expected to be input for the Palembang City Government to improve the quality of pedestrian facilities in the Ampera LRT Station area so that it can support the station's function as a center of community activity and movement in the area.

Vehicle Maintenance System using Python

Owners of vehicles can avoid unforeseen car problems by maintaining their vehicles regularly. Early detection of vehicle concerns is crucial to preventing them from developing into serious difficulties. Owners of vehicles frequently inquire about service at auto shops. Vehicle technicians examine crucial parts of the vehicle and fix problems to make sure they are in good condition and won't break down suddenly. The study was carried out by the researchers to evaluate the everyday activities and transactions carried out in auto repair facilities. The researchers gathered preliminary data and discovered that the majority of auto repair companies or garages still handle their daily transactions manually. Customer records are still entered manually, as are transactions with clients, tracking of vehicle repairs as they are made, updates on vehicle services, and billing. The functioning of the garage and the response time to client inquiries will be slowed by the ongoing usage of manual procedures. The researchers have identified a need to modernize how auto repair shops work. Customers and car garages will both profit from the system's installation. Utilizing the technology to run the company will help car garages expand and improve operational efficiency. Customers may do business for car service easily and comfortably

Many-to-many locomotive routing problem for the steel industry

The locomotive routing problem (LRP) considers the transportation of non-motorised containers called torpedo ladle cars (TPCs) within a steelworks. Locomotives are responsible for picking up and delivering TPCs to fulfil requests for various facilities, including steelmaking, ironmaking, heating, and repair facilities. This study introduces the many-to-many locomotive routing problem (M2MLRP), specifically tailored for the steel industry. M2MLRP was formulated using pattern- and routing-based models, and a logic-based Benders-decomposition-based matheuristic algorithm was developed. The pattern-based model successfully solved 20 small randomly generated instances, while the proposed matheuristic algorithm demonstrated the rapid generation of near-optimal solutions. Notably, unlike the pattern- and routing-based models, the proposed algorithm extended its capability to generate good feasible solutions for medium- and large-sized instances. Across all instances, the matheuristic algorithm outperformed both the routing-based model and an adaptive large neighbourhood search algorithm, showcasing its superior solution quality. This study provides a significant contribution to the field by being the first to address M2MLRP in the context of the steel industry.

RESOURCE-SAVING RUN-IN OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
 AT USE OF OIL MODIFYING ADDITIVES

Using the example of the cold stage of running-in of a D-245 diesel engine on a running-brake stand KI-2139B
 at a crankshaft speed of the engine being run in within 700±10 min–1, it was established that the use of additives to lubricating
 oils allows reducing the break-in time by 1,5 times. Cold running-in of diesel engines at a repair facility using
 M-10G2 oil with the SURM KV additive containing 3,2–3,4% at a supply oil temperature of 55–65 °C requires a duration
 of 60 minutes. The use of the SURM KV additive makes it possible to obtain compression pressures during cold
 running that are the same as during hot running at idle using the basic technology. The exclusion of the hot running-in
 mode at idle speed from the technological process of running-in diesel engines is justified. The economic effect of introducing
 special additives into the lubricant during running-in of internal combustion engines is to reduce its time and
 reduce fuel consumption.

Simulation-based variable neighborhood search for optimizing skill assignments in multi-server facilities with inventories

This paper addresses the joint optimization problem of skill assignments and inventory in a multi-skill, multi-server repair facility. Failures of different part types occur according to Poisson processes, and each part type requires a certain repair skill. The repair facility supplies ready-to-install spare parts when available in the inventory, according to the (S−1,S) inventory policy. The repair times follow exponential distributions, with rates dependent on the part type. After repair, the parts are returned to the inventory as ready-to-install spare parts. If the inventory is empty when a failed part arrives, the replacement part is backordered, and a penalty cost is incurred. The objective of the problem is to find an assignment of repair skills to servers and inventory levels that minimize the expected total cost of the system. That is, the costs for servers, the costs to upgrade the skills of servers, and the expected holding and backorder costs. We propose to solve this problem by a simulation-based Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) approach, in which a Discrete Event Simulation is applied to evaluate the expected backorder and holding costs given the skill assignments.The proposed method is capable of significantly improving the results of a recently published Genetic Algorithm, achieving an average cost reduction of 5.1% in the same running time. Moreover, it is able to find comparable solutions in one fifth of the GA running time.

Optimization of maintenance work by implementing an automated information system at a repair facility

The introduction of automated information systems (AIS) in ship repair companies brings numerous advantages, including: AIS allows ship repair companies to increase their competitiveness, improve the quality of service and ensure long-term success in the industry. The successful implementation of AIS requires careful planning, staff training and investments in information infrastructure. It is important to ensure the active participation of management, cooperation of stakeholders and regular monitoring of implementation results. The introduction of AIS into ship repair companies leads to increased efficiency, lower operating costs, improved reliability and safety of ships, and provides valuable analytical information for making informed decisions.

ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ РЕМОНТА И ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВОССТАНОВЛЕНИЯ ДЕТАЛЕЙ МАШИН В АПК

The volume of agricultural products depends on the technical readiness of equipment, repair and maintenance facilities. The emergence of new technologies can change the very process of organizing repairs. (Research purpose) The research purpose is analyzing in historical perspective the mutual relationship of the fleet of machines, the organization and technology of repair and restoration of parts of agricultural machinery. (Materials and methods) Used statistical data, scientific papers of researchers, authors' own observations. We applied the general scientific method, analysis, generalization, synthesis, etc. (Results and discussion) The paper notes the presence during the planned economy of a large fleet of the same type of machines in agriculture, which required constant repair impacts, contributed to the creation of an appropriate repair and maintenance base. It was pointed out that in 1986 184 repair plants were built, 2106 district repair and technical enterprises, including 818 specialized and 1288 general purpose workshops, technical exchange offices, repair shops for worn parts, etc.). The possibility of directive instructions was provided by the mass collection of the same type of parts, which made it possible to apply appropriate technologies on production-mechanized lines, reduce the cost of restoring parts: the organization of repair determined the technology. It has been shown that in a market economy, the equipment nomenclature has decreased, the number of brands has increased, repairs have moved from specialized to agricultural organizations and are mainly reduced to replacing worn-out parts with new ones. At the same time, additive technologies have appeared that do not require reconfiguration of equipment when changing the nomenclature of recoverable parts. (Conclusions) Additive technologies can transform sectoral repairs into intersectoral repairs, which will increase equipment utilization and improve economic performance.

Reliability measures assessment of solar water heating system under copula and general repair facilities

Reliability measures assessment of solar water heating system under copula and general repair facilities

ALL-WHEEL TRUCKS: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

The article substantiates the relevance for Ukraine of ensuring the functional stability of all-wheel drive trucks.Formulated methodical bases for solving new problems of their use with variable state parameters and working conditions.In Ukraine, as in the world in general, the trend of transition and growth of the specific share in the total fleet of all-wheeldrive trucks for utility, construction, military and other spheres has become obvious. These cars are operated mainly ondirt roads in difficult climatic conditions in the absence of stationary maintenance and repair facilities. For these cars, it isnecessary to carry out theoretical studies and practical recommendations in the direction of ensuring their functionalstability. New problems of all-wheel drive trucks that need to be solved: development of the functional stability algorithm;increasing stability, controllability and maneuverability; dynamic stabilization based on the analysis of the acceleration oftheir movement; substantiation of the method of assessing working capacity based on variable state parameters;development of a methodology for assessing functional accuracy.

Profit Analysis of a k-out-of-n: G Redundant System with Conditional Repair and Service Facility: Toxic Waste Incinerator Application

Profit Analysis of a k-out-of-n: G Redundant System with Conditional Repair and Service Facility: Toxic Waste Incinerator Application

Consumer experiences with crash avoidance feature repairs

Introduction: Popularity of crash avoidance features is growing, but so too is confusion around how to repair them, how much repairs should cost, and who should pay for those repairs. This study’s purpose was to capture how these issues are affecting consumers. Method: A total of 496 vehicle owners in the United States were surveyed online and by phone about their experiences repairing front crash prevention (n = 359), blind spot detection (n = 317), and/or driver assistance cameras (n = 348) equipped on their personal vehicles. Results: Owners tended to have multiple reasons for repairs. Repairs due to vehicle (i.e., crash or windshield) damage corresponded with the greatest likelihood of post-repair issues, especially if calibration was performed, and higher out-of-pocket costs (possibly because of deductibles or other repair work). About half of respondents who had calibrations performed on features repaired because of vehicle damage reported persisting issues with the features after repair. Post-repair issues were more common for repairs performed at independent repairers than dealership service centers, yet similar feature calibration rates were reported for both types of repairers. More people went to dealership service centers than independent repairers, and these respondents were more likely to say they would return to this type of facility for a similar repair in the future. Although most repairers explained why repairs occurred, less than half of respondents said they completely understood the reasons given. Conclusions: There are new complications in the repair cycle affecting consumers. Post-repair issues are more prevalent than previously assumed, regardless of the crash avoidance feature repaired. Practical applications: Post-repair issues risk undermining consumer acceptance and the safety potential of critical features. Simplifying the repair process and establishing affordable and accessible centralized databases with repair specifications and instructions from the manufacturers would be a start to addressing industry-wide challenges.

Performance analysis and cost investigations for state-dependent single unreliable server finite queue under F-policy using GA and QNM

State-dependent queues are essential as they accurately capture the dynamic behavior of systems, enabling more realistic modeling and analysis of various real-world scenarios. The present investigation deals with a state-dependent single unreliable server finite queueing model under admission control F-policy. The admission control F-policy is a valuable tool to control the congestion problem of customers where the queue forms. In the proposed model, the server is prone to breakdown and can fail at any time. There is a two-phase repair facility available to address server failures. Chapman–Kolmogorov (C–K) steady-state equations based on the birth–death process are formed and solved using the matrix analytic method to formulate a mathematical model. By setting suitable values for state-dependent parameters, some particular models, such as the machine repair problem (MRP) and queueing model with customers’ balking and feedback, can also be deduced. Furthermore, various queueing indices are established to predict the validity of state-dependent queues. A total cost function for the system is constructed to enhance customer service while minimizing costs. This cost function is then optimized using a genetic algorithm (GA) and quasi-Newton method (QNM). The cost optimization in the state-dependent queueing model enables businesses to optimize resource allocation and achieve cost-efficient service delivery, leading to improved profitability and customer satisfaction.