Maintenance Resources Research Articles

Does morphological maturity anticipate physiological maturity? The pattern of sexual maturity in males of the seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862)

The seabob shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) is an important fishing resource and is intensely exploited in South America. Therefore, for the correct and sustainable use of this fishing resource, it is necessary to employ multiple tools to determine the sexual maturity of this species, a key condition for the maintenance of this important economic resource. In this work, we evaluated the morphological (development of secondary sexual characteristics) and physiological (maturation of the reproductive system) sexual maturities in males of X. kroyeri, through the macroscopic and microscopic description of the testes, vasa deferentia and petasma from the juvenile stage to the adult stage. The male reproductive system of seabob shrimp is a paired organ with testes connected to a vasa deferentia, which is anatomically differentiated into three regions: proximal (PVD) (subdivided into anterior, or PVDa, and posterior, or PVDp), medial (MVD) and distal (DVD), the latter region being associated with the terminal ampulla. The morphological maturity of males preceded physiological maturity, meaning the petasma must be formed for the production of seminal fluid and the formation of spermatozoa contained in spermatophores to occur. Petasma formation occurred in the size class 12 ┤13 mm CL, while the production of spermatozoa and spermatophores occurred from 14.1 mm CL. These spermatophores are completely formed in the PVDp and are glycoproteic. Spermatophores are stored in the simple tube of the MVD and DVD. In the DVD, there is an accessory gland forming the ampulla, which produces part of the seminal fluid. The deposition of spermatophores occurs internally in the female’s thelycum with the aid of the petasma, which deposits the seminal fluid in the seminal receptacles or spermathecae. At the end of this process, the thelycum is sealed by a secretion from the accessory gland in the male’s ampulla, forming a sperm plug. Based on the results obtained here, we recommend that only physiologically mature males of X. kroyeri (> 14.1 mm CL) should be exploited by artisanal fisheries and that macroscopic inspection of the ampulla to determine physiological maturity in this species should be avoided, as this region of the DVD has the accessory gland as its main part, a structure responsible for forming the sperm plug, which does not contain spermatozoa or participate in the formation of spermatophores.

A Variable-Weight Model for Evaluating the Technical Condition of Urban Viaducts

Urban viaducts play a crucial role in transportation infrastructure and are closely linked to urban resilience. Accurate evaluation of their structural technical condition forms the basis for the scientific maintenance of urban viaducts. Currently, there is a lack of technical condition evaluation specifications for viaducts in China, and the existing bridge specifications that are similar do not fully align with the facility composition characteristics and maintenance management needs of viaducts. Therefore, this paper presents a technical condition assessment model for viaducts, based on existing bridge specifications. Considering the frequent damage to ancillary facilities of viaducts, the utilization of maintenance resources, and the impact on traffic operations, the model proposed in this paper adopts the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to introduce a new indicator layer for ancillary facilities. Subsequently, the weight values and deduction values of each layer of the model, as well as the findings of damage recorded in the new components, were determined using the Group Decision-Making (GDM) method and the Delphi method. This process forms a constant-weight evaluation model for assessing the technical condition of viaducts. Finally, to account for the impacts of significant damage to low-weight components on the structural condition, the variable-weight method was adopted to establish a comprehensive evaluation model with variable weights, which was then validated using practical viaduct examples. The results indicate that the variable-weight model provides a more accurate representation of the technical condition of viaducts, especially when components are severely damaged. Furthermore, this study examines the suitable conditions for implementing the constant-weight evaluation model and the variable-weight evaluation model, demonstrating that the variable-weight model is recommended when there is a significant disparity in the scores among the viaduct components, whereas the constant-weight model is applicable in other scenarios.

From Crops to Kilowatts: An Empirical Study on Farmland Conversion to Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Kushida River Basin, Japan

In Japan, rural areas are grappling with population decline and aging, leading to a shortage of labor for farmland maintenance. This has resulted in the abandonment of farmland or its conversion for solar photovoltaic (PV) use. However, this unplanned conversion raises concerns about agricultural productivity decline, landscape degradation, biodiversity loss, water resource maintenance, and disaster prevention. This study focuses on the Kushida watershed, examining (1) accurate farmland classification using remote sensing data, (2) the geographical distribution of farmland converted to PV systems from 2016 to 2021 and concentrated along the river, especially on north-facing slopes, (3) the highest conversion rates in wheat fields, followed by legume fields, tea fields, and paddy fields, and (4) no clear correlation between farmland conversions and changes in the number of farmers, but associations with farmland geography and solar radiation levels. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of sustainable rural development in Japan, emphasizing the importance of considering geographical factors in the conversion of farmland to PV.

Beach-cast seagrass wrack: A natural marine resource improving the establishment of dune plant communities under a changing climate

Seagrass wrack plays multiple ecological roles in coastal habitats but is often removed from beaches and used for economical processing, neglecting its potential role in sustaining dune plant establishment under changing climate scenarios. Rainwater shortage is a major stress for seedlings and reduced precipitations are expected in some coastal areas. We investigated in mesocosm how wrack influenced seedling performance of Cakile maritima, Thinopyrum junceum, and Calamagrostis arenaria under current and reduced precipitation. We also assessed wrack water holding capacity and leachate chemical/physical properties. Wrack stimulated seedling growth while reduced precipitation decreased root development. Wrack mitigated the effects of reduced precipitation on T. junceum and C. arenaria biomass. Wrack retained water up to five-fold its weight, increased water pH, conductivity, and nutrient content. Wrack promotes dune colonization by vegetation even under rainwater shortage. Thus, the maintenance of this natural resource on beaches is critical for improving dune resilience against climate changes.

A battery-less self-powered dual-parameter omnidirectional wireless sensing system based on symmetrical resonant circuit

Current wireless sensing systems mainly rely on batteries as power source, which requires extensive maintenance resources. Battery-less self-powered wireless sensing system is a promising technology to solve this problem with real-time sensing capability. However, most of the systems can not simultaneously achieve multi-parameter omnidirectional wireless sensing with high sensing stability, and adequate transmission distance. Here, a self-powered dual-parameter omnidirectional wireless sensing system is proposed. By utilizing a compact symmetrical resonant circuit, pulsed output of a triboelectric nanogenerator can be modulated into a decaying resonant signal with two resonance frequencies that are independently correlated to variations of the sensors. The decaying resonant signal is then transmitted through a spark microswitch wirelessly and omnidirectionally with a distance well over 5 m. Compared with previous works, the proposed system shows the most comprehensive capabilities encompassing omnidirectional wireless transmission, multi-parameter sensing, high sensing stability, and long transmission distance at the same time. A preliminary humidity/liquid level dual-parameter wireless sensing demonstration is conducted, and the sensors exhibits high sensing accuracy and stability, showing its great potential for applications.

Service accessibility strategy for aircraft maintenance routing with interorganizational collaborations on outsourcing maintenance

Airline companies are increasingly outsourcing their fleets’ heavy maintenance to independent maintenance service providers. This paper investigates the aircraft maintenance routing problem (AMRP) under the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) outsourcing mode. Considering interorganizational maintenance implementation, an airline company’s accessibility to maintenance service is affected by the varying maintenance capabilities of the maintenance service provider, which depends on heterogenous maintenance resource availability (e.g., the accommodation capacity of maintenance hangars and the availability of maintenance technicians and aviation spare parts). To enhance the airline’s service accessibility to maintenance service, we propose an efficient maintenance planning strategy with a collaborative mechanism based on service information sharing and service capability evaluation from the airline’s perspective. Afterward, a time-complexity reduction approach is presented to enhance the discrete-time-stamp-indexed mathematical model formulation. The efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach were evaluated through various problem scenarios, based on the operational data from a regional airline. Managerial implications regarding maintenance strategy and the accuracy of maintenance capability evaluation are also discussed.

Критерии теплосетевых организаций: проблемы правоспособности

Amendments to the heat supply laws came into force over a year ago, providing criteria for acquiring the status of a heat network company. The purpose of these innovations was to bring order to the heat market and maintain competent professional players. It aimed at consolidating network assets in the last resort heat supplier, the unified heat distribution company, and depriving enterprises that lack the necessary material, labor, and technical resources for proper maintenance and repair of heat networks of the status of a heat network company. The intermediate results of the reform suggest now that the legislator’s expectations were not fully met. While disclosing the historical peculiarities of heat industry development in the pre-reform period, this article examines the factors that first led to the emergence of multiple heat network companies in the heat supply market and then prompted the legislator to take measures to optimize the number of regulated organizations. To simulate the potential effects of legal regulation, the author examines the electric power industry, which is related to heat supply. The legislator had already established criteria for local grid organizations in this industry several years before the reform of heat network companies. However, the legal position of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation prevented the legislator’s efforts from being fully implemented. To address the problem at hand, the author suggests transitioning from quantitative to qualitative criteria for evaluating an entity’s compliance with the status of a heat network company. This approach will prioritize the reliability of heat supply over using compliance as a formal basis for depriving bona fide enterprises of the status of a professional player in the heat market.

Urban Land Consolidation Policy in the Context of Creating a Good Environment According to Spatial Planning in Indonesia

The research aims to understand how urban land consolidation can solve these problems and improve environmental quality and maintenance of natural resources by involving active community participation. The research method is qualitative, with documentation techniques as one of the data collection methods, by viewing and analyzing documents created by the subject himself or other people about the topic. Data analysis, which consists of three main activities, namely data presentation, data reduction, and conclusion drawing/verification, is a series of activities inseparable from one another. This research shows that the primary substance in land consolidation is that community participation is necessary to donate part of their land, which will then be used to construct public and social facilities. Therefore, it is essential to socialize land consolidation with land rights holders or participants so that they understand the process and mechanism for implementing the land consolidation project correctly. With this understanding, urban land consolidation can be a problem solver and solution for creating a suitable living environment according to spatial planning and making land available for public and social purposes.

Carbon emission and maintenance cost of commercial buildings: Quantification, analysis and benchmarking

Minimizing the carbon emissions of buildings entails effective resources deployment to maintain the buildings and their facilities. Through an environmental-economics lens, a mixed methods research was conducted on 27 commercial buildings, from which reliable and longitudinal data were collected. Considering the different mixes of premises (office, retail and car park) in the buildings and their variability in carbon emission intensity and maintenance cost intensity, a normalization method was developed based on appropriate scaling factors of the premises. Correlation analyses revealed significant correlations between building age and builder's work maintenance cost, as well as between building area and carbon emissions. The finding that the carbon emission intensities of the buildings decreased with capital project costs implies that capital projects, especially energy retrofits, can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Using the benchmarking charts constructed, the buildings - with or without capital projects implemented - were compared in terms of carbon emissions and maintenance costs. Besides contributing insights into future research, the study results hold significance for stakeholders, including policy makers, building owners and facilities managers, in optimizing maintenance resources to attain a cleaner built environment.

Developing a bi-objective maintenance optimization model for process industries by prioritizing resilience and robustness using dynamic Bayesian networks

In this paper, we developed a new model that combines resilience concept with robust maintenance resource allocation, and team assignment strategies to evaluate system performance after disruption. This model offers insights for proactive preparation before disruptive events and facilitates optimal decision-making in the aftermath of such disruptions. Our approach involves a non-linear programming model that operates at both strategic and operational decision levels. It aims to simultaneously minimize total maintenance costs while maximizing resilience by determining the allocation of backup resources to system components before a disruption occurs and suggesting emergency maintenance team assignments post-disruption, all while adhering to resilience constraints.We quantify resilience using a dynamic Bayesian Network method and Markov process, utilizing metrics based on absorption, adaptation, and restoration performance (reliability) curves. We propose a bi-objective optimization model and leverage the genetic algorithm NSGA-III to obtain Pareto-optimal solutions. To address the inherent uncertainty of various disruption scenarios, we generate a range of possible scenarios and employ robust optimization techniques to derive solutions that can withstand these uncertainties. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed model, we conduct a case study involving a City Gate Station in agas industry.

Standardization of the preparation of a herbo-mineral formulation Shwasakasari Rasa

Shwasakasari Rasa is mentioned in Rasa Yoga Sagar,[1] (part 2) as a remedy of Shwasa & Kaasa Roga. This type of Rasa Aushadhi are more effective against bacteria. These drugs have a multi dimension effect like Broad-spectrum antibiotics. In this study an endeavor has been made to determine standard procedure for preparation of the research formulation i.e. Shwasakasari Rasa. SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure) for pharmaceuticals are associated with quality assurance, internal control, production maintenance, utility and human resources or also defined as established or prescribed methods to be strictly followed for the preparation of particular formulations by a selected method. In this section of the research study all the processes adapted for the preparation of Shwasakasari Rasa are well elaborated with explicit detail of quantity, duration, heating pattern, temperature, material & methods together with timely observed and recorded values. Therefore, Shwasakasari Rasa was prepared in the department & analyse all contents present in Rasa Aushadhi for the establishment of drug for the benefit of society and mankind.

A NEW SOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATIONS BASED ON MONTE-CARLO SIMULATION AND GAME THEORY

This paper presents a new solution for maintenance scheduling of Distributed Generation (DG) in deregulated power markets by applying an independent market for DG maintenance scheduling based on game theory. Maintenance scheduling is one of the important issues in restructured power electricity markets, because each distribution generation company desires to maximize its own payoffs and independent system operator (ISO) has its own reliability concerns that mostly, these two points of view are against with each other. The paper presents a dynamic Distribution Resources Maintenance Market (DRMM) based on dynamic game theory for resolving maintenance scheduling problem of distributed generation resources in deregulated environment. In this market, distribution generation companies are set their strategies to participate in DRMM by considering load, primary resources and seasonal forced outage rate uncertainties and behaviour of other DG companies that participate in market. On the other hand, ISO manages the maintenance market based on reliability and offering incentives /penalties for DG companies. This paper studied the ISO acts by using Monte-Carlo simulation for reliability indices assessment relying on load and resources uncertainties and interactions between DG companies. Numerical results are determined by using an applicable case study for testing accuracy and applicability of the new proposed solution.

Use of edge resources for DNN model maintenance in 5G IoT networks

Use of edge resources for DNN model maintenance in 5G IoT networks

Analisis Pemeliharaan Sumber Daya Manusia Kesehatan (SDMK) di PT Tirta Medical Indonesia

Human resource maintenance is very important for every company, because it not only helps to retain human resources, but also can increase dedication, discipline, and employee loyalty. Human resource maintenance will protect workers from workplace accidents and maintain communication to remain harmonious among human resources. This research uses a qualitative method and deductive approach, where the informants explain the principles of learning content and its application in specific situations. The purpose of this study is to determine the procedures for implementing human resource management maintenance at PT Tirta Medical Indonesia. From the results of the study, it can be seen that PT Tirta Medical Indonesia has implemented good work maintenance methods in accordance with the theory of Drs. H. Melayu S. P Hasibuan, namely effective communication between the company and employees, fair incentives, attention to employee welfare, health, occupational safety, and Pancasila industrial relations. The author recommends that PT Tirta Medical Indonesia continue to maintain and improve human resource maintenance for better employee loyalty and performance.

Innovation and Application of Reliability-Centered Maintenance Technology for Pumped Storage Power Plant

With the increasing capacity and scale of pumped storage power plant, the maintenance management and resource input of system equipment are continuously increasing. Exploring and establishing a system engineering method that balances safe production and maintenance resource input has become an important issue that enterprises urgently need to solve. Based on the reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) technology, this paper combines the characteristics of pumped storage unit operation and maintenance management and years of maintenance practice experience to improve and innovate the RCM technology method, forming a “reliability-centered pumped storage unit maintenance strategy optimization technology method” applicable to pumped storage power generation units. This technology method has been applied on the system equipment of pumped storage power generation unit. It shows the application of this technology method has made significant contribution to optimizing equipment maintenance strategies, reducing maintenance workload and the overhaul time.

Alanine metabolism mediates energy allocation of the brown planthopper to adapt to resistant rice

IntroductionDuring the adaptation to host plant resistance, herbivorous insects faced the challenge of overcoming plant defenses while ensuring their own development and reproductive success. To achieve this, a strategic allocation of energy resources for detoxification and ecological fitness maintenance became essential. ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the intricate energy allocation mechanisms involved in herbivore adaptation that are currently poorly understood. MethodsThe rice Oryza sativa and its monophagous pest, the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens were used as a model system. An integrated analysis of metabolomes and transcriptomes from different BPH populations were conducted to identify the biomarkers. RNA interference of key genes and exogenous injection of key metabolites were performed to validate the function of biomarkers. ResultsWe found that alanine was one of the key biomarkers of BPH adaptation to resistant rice variety IR36. We also found that alanine flow determined the adaptation of BPH to IR36 rice. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT)-mediated alanine transfer to pyruvate was necessary and sufficient for the adaptation. This pathway may be conserved, at least to some extent, in BPH adaptation to multiple rice cultivars with different resistance genes. More importantly, ALT-mediated alanine metabolism is the foundation of downstream energy resource allocation for the adaptation. The adapted BPH population exhibited a significantly higher level of energy reserves in the fat body and ovary when fed with IR36 rice, compared to the unadapted population. This rendered the elevated detoxification in the adapted BPH and their ecological fitness recovery. ConclusionOverall, our findings demonstrated the crucial role of ALT-mediated alanine metabolism in energy allocation during the adaptation to resistant rice in BPH. This will provide novel knowledge regarding the co-evolutionary mechanisms between herbivores and their host plants.

Improving Surveillance in a Barangay: A Study on Assessing Needs for Designing Optimal Closed-Circuit Television Camera Placement

This study aimed to conduct a needs assessment in order to design a CCTV camera placement plan in a barangay to enhance community safety and security. Employing a descriptive research design, the study involved 300 randomly selected respondents from a barangay in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The results of the needs assessment underscored the importance of developing a CCTV camera placement plan for the barangay. The researcher proposed to develop a plan that aims to provide measures to improve safety and security within the community. Based on the needs assessment that has been conducted, several recommendations were drawn. Firstly, it was strongly advised to design a CCTV camera placement plan in the barangay. A follow-up study may be conducted focusing on this aspect. Future researchers must strategically place the CCTV in the area to optimize its full potential for securing the community. Secondly, community engagement and collaboration were highlighted as crucial factors for successful implementation, emphasizing the importance of involving community members, stakeholders, and educational institutions in the planning process. Thus, when designing a strategic CCTV placement plan, the involvement of various stakeholders is highly encouraged. Further, allocating resources for installation, maintenance, and monitoring was also proposed to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the surveillance system. Lastly, continuous evaluation and improvement of the CCTV camera placement plan when implemented is highly recommended, emphasizing the need for regular reviews, resident feedback, and performance monitoring to optimize the system's functionality. These recommendations provide valuable guidance for barangay officials in their pursuit of enhanced safety and security. By implementing the proposed plan that may be developed through this study and considering the input of the community, the barangay can create a safer environment and promote a sense of security among its residents.

Personal Resource Management in Late Age

The article is devoted to the search for methods of resource management in late age based on empirical data about the psychological characteristics of older people. The structure of personal resource capacity and its changes during the transition from the second period of maturity to old age are presented. The discovered features are considered as the information basis for the choice of methods of personal resource management. The possibilities of using psychological tools for the preservation, maintenance and redistribution of resources in education, counseling and psychotherapy are considered. The analysis of approaches, principles of building education, technologies and methods of teaching elderly people is carried out. The emphasis is placed on the use of a resource approach for education planning, and for the study of the resources of older people. It was found that the use of educational programs is not enough to activate resources. The possibilities and limitations therapy methods and counseling are revealed.

Water springs: an immeasurable resource for ensuring sustainability.

Water springs are manifestations of groundwater to the surface, forming and ensuring the supply and sustainability of streams, lakes, rivers, and dams. Therefore, its riparian forest is considered an area of permanent preservation, which aims to protect the water, as well as the spring, from consequences of disordered population growth, added to deficient basic sanitation systems, climate change, agricultural activities, inappropriate land uses, unplanned urbanization, and diffuse sources of pollution. In addition to compromising water quality, many of these factors affect the permanence of water upwelling at the source, compromising the formation and continuity of streams, lakes, and rivers. In this context, the objective of the present research was to carry out a bibliographic review on water springs, approaching adjacent themes to the main axis of the study that are fundamental for a deep understanding of their importance for the maintenance of water resources and ensuring biodiversity in the search for the sustainability of life for present and future generations. This research collaborates with the environmental view and shows that the function of a water sources is broader than its concepts can reveal.

AVALIAÇÃO MULTIVARIADA DA QUALIDADE DAS ÁGUAS SUPERFICIAIS E ÁGUA FINAL DE ABASTECIMENTO PÚBLICO DE BELÉM, PARÁ, BRASIL

MULTIVARIATE ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY AND FINAL PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY IN BELÉM, PARÁ, BRAZIL. The present study investigated the sources of variability in the water quality of surface springs that supply the Metropolitan Region of Belém (Pará, Brazil), as well as the treated water produced by the main water treatment station in the region. Data provided by Companhia de Saneamento do Pará were used, referring to physical-chemical and bacteriological analyzes carried out in the period from 2010 to 2020. In addition, precipitation data were considered in this study, in units of mm of rain, obtained by consulting the database of the National Institute of Meteorology. The application of principal component analysis, as an exploratory data analysis tool, allowed the grouping of the most relevant parameters of the results and proved to be efficient in reducing the data set, explaining more than 65% of the total variance, in all objects of study. Thus, it was possible to observe a general profile of the quality of surface water investigated, and, in this way, demonstrate the impact of urban pressure on the environment, as well as the need for maintenance and conservation of surface water resources.