Setup Operation Research Articles

THz Data Analysis and Self-Organizing Map (SOM) for the Quality Assessment of Hazelnuts

In recent years, the use of techniques based on electromagnetic radiation as an investigative tool in the agri-food industry has grown considerably, and between them, the application of imaging and THz spectroscopy has gained significance in the field of food quality control. This study presents the development of an experimental setup operating in transmission mode within the frequency range of 18 to 40 GHz, which was specifically designed for assessing various quality parameters of hazelnuts. The THz measurements were conducted to distinguish between healthy and rotten hazelnut samples. Two different data analysis techniques were employed and compared: a traditional approach based on data matrix manipulation and curve fitting for parameter extrapolation, and the utilization of a Self-Organizing Map (SOM), for which we use a neural network commonly known as the Kohonen neural network, which is recognized for its efficacy in analyzing THz measurement data. The classification of hazelnuts based on their quality was performed using these techniques. The results obtained from the comparative analysis of coding efforts, analysis times, and outcomes shed light on the potential applications of each method. The findings demonstrate that THz spectroscopy is an effective technique for quality assessment in hazelnuts, and this research serves to clarify the suitability of each analysis technique.

Computer simulation of operation plant effective modes for water disinfection by electrical discharges in gas bubbles

Purpose. Determination by means of computer simulation of the most efficient modes of operation of the installation for water disinfection using discharges in gas bubbles, in which (modes) the amplitude of voltage pulses at the processing unit and on the layer of treated water is not less than the voltage amplitude immediately after the switching discharger. Methodology. To achieve this goal, we used computer simulation using Micro-Cap 10. We used two different electrical circuits that simulate the operation of the experimental setup in two different modes: in a mode with a restoring electrical strength of the discharge gap in the gas bubble between two adjacent voltage pulses on the discharge node and in the mode without restoring this dielectric strength. In computer simulation, we varied the following factors: the maximum simulation step, inductances, capacitances, active resistances, wave resistance of a long line, and the delay time for the operation of a spark gap simulating a discharge gap in a gas bubble. Results. Computer modeling has shown that in order to increase the voltage amplitude at the treatment unit and on the layer of treated water, it is necessary to reduce the load capacitance – the capacitance of the water layer in the treatment unit to 10 pF or less, to increase the active resistance of the water layer to 500 W or more. An important factor for increasing the voltage and electric field strength in the discharge unit and, consequently, for increasing the efficiency of treated water disinfection is the discharge delay time in gas bubbles. The most rational delay time for the operation of the arrester, which is the gap in the gas bubble inside the water, under the conditions considered by us is 4–5 ns. It is with this delay time that the amplitude of voltage pulses at the node of disinfecting water treatment and on the layer of treated water is maximum, all other things being equal. Furthermore, with such a delay time this amplitude of voltage pulses significantly exceeds the voltage amplitude directly after the main high-voltage discharger, switching energy from the high-voltage capacitive storage to the processing unit through a long line filled with water. Originality. Using computer simulation, we have shown the possibility of increasing the voltage at the discharge unit of the experimental setup by 35 % without increasing the voltage of the power source. This provides a higher efficiency of microbiological disinfection of water by nanosecond discharges in gas bubbles and lower specific energy consumption. Practical value. The obtained results of computer simulation confirm the prospect of industrial application of installations using nanosecond discharges for disinfection and purification of wastewater, swimming pools and post-treatment of tap water.

At-line monitoring of hydrogen peroxide released from its photocatalytic and continuous synthesis

Photocatalytic synthesis of H2O2 in a continuous operation set-up using nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CNDs) and simultaneous determination of generated H2O2.

Scalable enforcement of geometric non-interference constraints for gradient-based optimization

Many design optimization problems include constraints to prevent intersection of the geometric shape being optimized with other objects or with domain boundaries. When applying gradient-based optimization to such problems, the constraint function must provide an accurate representation of the domain boundary and be smooth, amenable to numerical differentiation, and fast-to-evaluate for a large number of points. We propose the use of tensor-product B-splines to construct an efficient-to-evaluate level set function that locally approximates the signed distance function for representing geometric non-interference constraints. Adapting ideas from the surface reconstruction methods, we formulate an energy minimization problem to compute the B-spline control points that define the level set function given an oriented point cloud sampled over a geometric shape. Unlike previous explicit non-interference constraint formulations, our method requires an initial setup operation, but results in a more efficient-to-evaluate and scalable representation of geometric non-interference constraints. This paper presents the results of accuracy and scaling studies performed on our formulation. We demonstrate our method by solving a medical robot design optimization problem with non-interference constraints. We achieve constraint evaluation times on the order of 10-6\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$10^{-6}$$\\end{document} seconds per point on a modern desktop workstation, and a maximum on-surface error of less than 1.0% of the minimum bounding box diagonal for all examples studied. Overall, our method provides an effective formulation for non-interference constraint enforcement with high computational efficiency for gradient-based design optimization problems whose solutions require at least hundreds of evaluations of constraints and their derivatives.

Review on the Current Agricultural Extension System in Oromia: Operational Setup, Challenges and Interventions

Review on the Current Agricultural Extension System in Oromia: Operational Setup, Challenges and Interventions

Robotic Heller's myotomy using the new Hugo™ RAS system: first worldwide report.

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus characterized by motor dysfunction in the esophagus and relaxation failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Currently, surgical myotomy procedures are considered the standard of care. Robotic Heller's myotomy (RHM) with fundoplication has been gaining popularity due to documented advantages in the precision of myotomy as well as avoiding the potential reflux following per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). To the best of our knowledge, RHM has thus far has been performed exclusively by the da Vinci surgical system. The new Hugo RAS™ system offers a unique modular design and an open console which offers better maneuverability and docking options. In this study, we present the first worldwide series of patients undergoing RHM using the new Hugo RAS™ platform. Our objective is to propose optimal operating configuration and setup to fully harness the advantages of the unique modular design of this system. Ten consecutive achalasia patients underwent Robotic Heller's myotomy (RHM) with the Hugo RAS™ system. We prospectively collected patient data, including demographics, comorbidities, ASA class, Eckardt scores, pre-operative manometric data, and EndoFlip parameters. Additionally, we recorded the docking and total operative times. Between December 2022 and August 2023, 10 patients underwent RHM with the Hugo™ RAS system. Patients had a median age of 42.5 years, 60% were female, and mean BMI was 23.2. Fifty percent had achalasia type 2 and 50% type 1. The median pre-operative integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) was 24.9. Median docking time was 10 min and overall operative time was 129.5 min. All patients, except one with acute coronary syndrome, had an uneventful peri-operative course and were discharged on post-operative day 2. The Hugo™ RAS system is well designed for robotic Heller myotomy. The operative and clinical results are similar to the currently used robotic system; however, the modular design of the system has some differences. These translate to better docking angles and maneuverability as well as console surgeon's ergonomics. Further experience is needed to explore the advantages of the system's modular design and function.

Scheduling of Software Test to Minimize the Total Completion Time

This paper investigates a single-machine scheduling problem of a software test with shared common setup operations. Each job has a corresponding set of setup operations, and the job cannot be executed unless its setups are completed. If two jobs have the same supporting setups, the common setups are performed only once. No preemption of any processing is allowed. This problem is known to be computationally intractable. In this study, we propose sequence-based and position-based integer programming models and a branch-and-bound algorithm for finding optimal solutions. We also propose an ant colony optimization algorithm for finding approximate solutions, which will be used as the initial upper bound of the branch-and-bound algorithm. The computational experiments are designed and conducted to numerically appraise all of the proposed methods.

A GRA-based approach for optimal selection of SALBP-1 assembly line balancing heuristics

Assembly line balancing is a compulsory approach which enables mass production of similar parts with proper efficacy. Multiple heuristics are proposed in literature to solve single model assembly line balancing problems (SALBP-1). Previous work has focused on developing and evaluating assembly line balancing heuristics and apply them to different fields. Other work investigates the factors affecting the performance of particular assembly line balancing heuristic. However, there is still a need for a guideline for selecting the most suitable heuristic for a particular application with insights into multiple performance measures. This research presents a grey relational analysis (GRA)-based approach to aid process designers in selecting the heuristic generating that yields the best line balancing. Specifically, combinations of factors of cycle time, order strength, number of tasks, and time variability are considered as operational setups of the line balancing process. The solution of each setup is solved by each heuristic, and the performance of the solution is evaluated. Then, GRA is applied to rank the heuristics on basis of the resulting grey rational grades. The proposed approach provides useful insights into the combinations suitable for a particular heuristic. In this study, time variability and cycle time are shown to have the greatest impact on the overall performance of the considered heuristics.

Total Hip Arthroplasty After Proximal Femoral Nailing: Preoperative Preparation and Intraoperative Surgical Techniques

The combination of an aging population and increased utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is leading to a higher incidence of conversion THA, defined as conversion from previous hip fracture surgery to THA. Conversion THA is a more technically challenging, time-consuming, and costly procedure compared to primary THA and frequently involve more medically complex patients.Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a rubric for surgeons to use when preparing for a conversion THA. We have assessed the compatibility of commonly available extraction devices with popular femoral nails. Furthermore, we review technical pearls for conversion THA including equipment planning, operative setup, intraoperative imaging, extraction sequencing, and troubleshooting commonly encountered obstacles.

On time-indexed formulations for the parallel machine scheduling problem with a common server

This article studies the problem of scheduling independent jobs on parallel machines with a common server, the objective of which is to minimize the makespan. In this case, the common server is responsible for performing the setup operations and, therefore, there must be no conflicts while conducting them. Four alternative time-indexed formulations for the problem are considered and evaluated computationally. Moreover, two algorithms are presented that can significantly improve the performance of the best time-indexed formulation. The results obtained on two benchmark datasets involving up to 100 jobs suggest that the proposed improved algorithms are substantially better than existing approaches.

UN Accountability Mandates in International Justice

Abstract This article discusses an important international justice development, and specifically the rise of a new generation of ‘accountability mandates’ at the United Nations (UN). Often created in response to mass atrocities alleged in country situations falling outside of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction, UN accountability mandates are generally tasked to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyse evidence of international law violations, prepare files, and preserve such evidence until it can be made available to support legal accountability proceedings, including as relevant of the criminal nature. Through such investigative and evidence preservation responsibilities, UN accountability mandates can help fill important impunity gaps by helping to collate information generated by a variety of sources, including civil society documenters, and by laying the groundwork for judicial authorities. Within this broad categorization, however, UN accountability mandates are not a monolith and exist along a spectrum based on the strength of any accountability requirements they contain — including whether they are explicitly mandated to follow criminal justice standards — and their general institutional and operational setup. The investigative mechanisms created for Syria, Myanmar and Daesh/ISIL are specifically tasked to fulfil ‘pre-prosecutorial’ functions and enjoy greater resources and independence than other, less resourced and more ‘hybrid’ mandates — expected to simultaneously fulfil the role of more traditional human rights investigations, while also supporting legal accountability. All, however, play a crucial role within the broader international justice ecosystem, while sharing common challenges that this article submits would be best addressed by permanently centralizing a variety of investigative support functions, to be administered by a dedicated, permanent, standing investigative entity. The article will first provide an overview of how and why UN accountability mandates have evolved over the past decade, and of the important role they have come to play. It will then turn to discussing the case and proposed models for a standing, permanent UN accountability mandate to support future investigations. After providing a comparative analysis of the possible alternatives, the article will conclude with some recommendations and ideas for the way forward.

Multi-planar low-coherence diffraction imaging

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a popular methodology for quantitative phase restoration and wavefront measurements from several desired intensity measurements that have wide applications ranging from wavefront sensing in adaptive optics to optical imaging. To overcome the problem of image quality degradation caused by the high coherence of the light source, a multi-planar low-coherent diffraction imaging (LCDI) method under low-coherence light sources was proposed and verified by measuring an U.S. Air Force (USAF) resolution test target and a nine-letter element. Negative lenses with different focal lengths were designed as filters in the image-relay system to capture multi-planar diffraction patterns at a single recording plane, and a multi-planar LCDI algorithm was used to reconstruct the test sample using a set of intensity images. Its feasibility was demonstrated experimentally using a super-radiation light-emitting diode. Considering its compact setup, easy realization, high speed, and easy operation in phase recovery, this method is effective for rapidly detecting phase and wavefront measurements with high accuracy and resolution.

Multi-wavelength fiber laser via evanescent field confinement with Al2O3 nanolaminate-coated thinned fiber

We present the fabrication and analysis of an Erbium-doped optical fiber laser emitting at multiple wavelengths. This is accomplished via a filter constructed from a fiber taper coated with alumina (Al2O3). The taper is created using the flame brushing induction technique with a combination of Butane (25 %) and Oxygen (75 %). The diameter is reduced to a 20 µm waist and 2 mm burner displacement. The thin film of Al2O3 was deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD), resulting in a 15 nm layer. The coated fiber taper was then inserted into a ring fiber laser cavity functioning as a selector filter. This fiber laser produced an output comprising six simultaneous wavelengths: 1531.14, 1531.79, 1532.45, 1541.85, 1544.45, and 1562.22 nm. Laser signal stability tests were performed for one hour at 25 °C at the six emission wavelengths, resulting in a maximum optical power fluctuation of 0.15 to 0.33 dB, a wavelength shift variation of 0.02 nm, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 31.79 dB in average. The laser lines emitted have an average spectral width of 0.06 nm. Our results show that the typical performance of the fiber laser configuration based on an optical fiber taper was improved by the addition of the Al2O3 layer and can be further improved. Our findings demonstrate that the standard operation of the fiber laser setup, which utilizes an optical fiber taper, was enhanced through the incorporation of an Al2O3 layer and has the potential for further development.

Mako™ Robotic-Arm Assisted Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique from the Office to the Operating Room.

The utilization of robotic-arm assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) or partial knee arthroplasty (PKA) for the treatment of medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis has continued to increase. This is in part due to the consistently reproducible accuracy and precision of implant planning, intra-operative ligament balancing software, tracking optimization software, robotic-arm assisted bone preparation, excellent survivorship rates, and improvements in many patient-reported outcomes compared to manual UKA, using the Stryker Mako™ Robotic Partial Knee System (Stryker, Mako Surgical Corp., Mahwah, New Jersey). Training in the utilization of robotic-arm assistance can be time-consuming and comes with an associated learning curve even after the in-person training and coursework is complete, like most procedures. Therefore, our aim was to describe the pre-operative planning and intra-operative surgical technique for using a robotic-arm assisted partial knee system for UKA/PKA in patients who have unicompartmental medial knee osteoarthritis. Specifically, we will discuss: 1) pre-operative planning; 2) operative setup; 3) intra-operative steps; 4) execution of the plan; and 5) trialing, implantation, and final assessments.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in Healthcare Facilities: A study of Sehat Al Sharq at Al Khobar, KSA

This paper shall cover the existing theories and practices in the field of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design with a special focus on Healthcare Projects. The intention is to address the gap between theory and practices. Safety & Security is one of the basic human needs for peaceful existence. Patient safety and security have always been concerns in the successful operation of a healthcare setup. Nowadays, patient-centric healthcare service has given a competitive edge to the hospital; therefore, safety against crime has become very crucial for the hospitals. Other than the patients, safety and security for staff and visitors are equally important. Safety from data theft and breaches of privacy are other concerns in the healthcare setup. The design approach of best practices, like Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, seeks to create safer spaces through detailed design principles and strategies, and guidelines issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. The majority of evidence suggests that designing the physical environment while considering safety features like Access Control, CCTV, Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensor, Public Addressable System & Duress Alarm for healthcare setup, duress alarms have proved to be life-saving measures that are used to alert hospital staff and security personnel when an individual is in need of emergency. In this paper, qualitative research methodology is used as a case study and physical observations to collect qualitative data and analysis of Sehat Al Sharq Hospital, Al Khobar, KSA, shall be included to identify and propose solution factors affecting the design challenges related to CPTED. Furthermore, it aims to recommend a roadmap to address design constraints, optimize efficiency, and improve safety and patient care in the healthcare facility.

Engineering the thin film characteristics for optimal performance of superconducting kinetic inductance amplifiers using a rigorous modelling technique.

Background: Kinetic Inductance Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (KITWPAs) are a variant of superconducting amplifier that can potentially achieve high gain with quantum-limited noise performance over broad bandwidth, which is important for many ultra-sensitive experiments. In this paper, we present a novel modelling technique that can better capture the electromagnetic behaviour of a KITWPA without the translation symmetry assumption, allowing us to flexibly explore the use of more complex transmission line structures and better predict their performance. Methods: In order to design a KITWPA with optimal performance, we investigate the use of different superconducting thin film materials, and compare their pros and cons in forming a high-gain low-loss medium feasible for amplification. We establish that if the film thickness can be controlled precisely, the material used has less impact on the performance of the device, as long as it is topologically defect-free and operating within its superconducting regime. With this insight, we propose the use of Titanium Nitride (TiN) film for our KITWPA as its critical temperature can be easily altered to suit our applications. We further investigate the topological effect of different commonly used superconducting transmission line structures with the TiN film, including the effect of various non-conducting materials required to form the amplifier. Results: Both of these comprehensive studies led us to two configurations of the KITWPA: 1) A low-loss 100 nm thick TiN coplanar waveguide amplifier, and 2) A compact 50 nm TiN inverted microstrip amplifier. We utilise the novel modelling technique described in the first part of the paper to explore and investigate the optimal design and operational setup required to achieve high gain with the broadest bandwidth for both KITWPAs, including the effect of loss. Conclusions: Finally, we conclude the paper with the actual layout and the predicted gain-bandwidth product of our KITWPAs.

Development of Modular Wheel for Bicycle Electricfication

Our entire world is in the future. Technology has made our lives better throughout time. They use electric bicycles. Cycling is always more environmentally friendly than driving, but the E-bike has seen the most widespread adoption of green transportation during the decade. Just picture an electric bike replacing gasoline-powered scooters rather than a traditional bicycle. The paper focuses on the complete design of modular wheel for bicycle, which includes a hub motor, a customized battery pack, electrical components, and the structural elements. The entire assembly will be contained within a wheel, and wireless communication is used to transmit the throttling signal to the controller. To keep the battery pack and control circuit module to be static while the wheel is spinning was one of the main challenges we faced. The battery pack is mounted to the stator core for non-rotary operation and planetary gear setup is used to generate rotational motion. The design of a proposed modular wheel has been developed using the software tools Solid works, Ansys-Work Bench and Arduino IDE.

METHOD FOR FORMING BEHAVIORAL REACTIONS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS

Background. The solution of a number of applied problems requires extrapolation of the medical and biological effects of exposure to extreme physical factors from animals on humans based on the results of experimental studies of the behavioral reactions of animals under the influence of such factors. The specificity of such studies is the need for preliminary formation of the necessary behavioral responses in a large group of laboratory animals, which requires significant time costs.
 Purpose. The purpose of the study was to reduce the time of formation of behavioral reactions in laboratory animals during experimental studies.
 Materials and methods. The experimental setup consists of five vertically located functionally independent identical three-beam (Y-shaped) radial labyrinths with an electric field, sensors for recording animal movements, generators of sound and light stimuli, and a control unit. The animal can move freely within all three rays. During the experiment, the time of the animal’s transition from the dangerous (starting) arm to the safe (target) arm and the number of erroneous actions performed in this case are automatically recorded. The number and duration of cycles and series of the experiment is set by software, which allows you to adjust the start time of the experiment autonomously, without the participation of the operator. To test the operability of the installation, a series of experiments was carried out to teach rats the reaction of active avoidance in the maze, white outbred mature male rats weighing 160-180 g in the amount of 50 individuals were used.
 Results. At the initial stage of training (during two weeks), the rats developed a current avoidance reflex. During the first week of training, the probability of achieving the goal increased from 0.64 to 0.85. In the second week of training, the probability of achieving the goal was 0.85-0.95. In the first week of training, the average time to reach the goal (time to go to the safe sleeve) decreased from 9 to 7 s. In the second week, the time to reach the goal decreased to 5-6 s. On the second week of training, some rats began to perform the task (to avoid the action of the current) before it was turned on, that is, in less than 5 s. The number of erroneous actions in the second week also decreased. For three weeks of continuous training, 30 animals with a stable behavioral skill (probability of correct action 0.45-0.50) were selected, with a time expenditure of 4 hours per day for autonomous (without the participation of the experimenter) training.
 Conclusion. The developed technology has demonstrated the possibility of effective training of a large group of animals in a relatively short period of time. A distinctive feature of the developed hardware and software complex is the possibility of implementing screening studies to study key indicators of operator functions with the possibility of autonomous operation of the experimental setup.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in Healthcare Facility: A Study of Sehat Al Sharq at Al Khobar, KSA

This paper shall cover the existing theories and practices in the field of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design with a special focus on Healthcare Projects. The intention is to address the gap between theory and practices. Safety & Security is one of the basic human needs for peaceful existence. Patient safety and security have always been concerns in the successful operation of a healthcare setup. Nowadays, patient-centric healthcare service has given a competitive edge to the hospital; therefore, safety against crime has become very crucial for the hospitals. Other than the patients, safety and security for staff and visitors are equally important. Safety from data theft and breaches of privacy are other concerns in the healthcare setup. The design approach of best practices, like Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, seeks to create safer spaces through detailed design principles and strategies, and guidelines issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. The majority of evidence suggests that designing the physical environment while considering safety features like Access Control, CCTV, Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensor, Public Addressable System & Duress Alarm for healthcare setup, duress alarms have proved to be life-saving measures that are used to alert hospital staff and security personnel when an individual is in need of emergency. In this paper, qualitative research methodology is used as a case study and physical observations to collect qualitative data and analysis of Sehat Al Sharq Hospital, Al Khobar, KSA, shall be included to identify and propose solution factors affecting the design challenges related to CPTED. Furthermore, it aims to recommend a roadmap to address design constraints, optimize efficiency, and improve safety and patient care in the healthcare facility.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in Healthcare Facility: A Case Study of Sehat Al Sharq at Al Khobar, KSA

This paper shall cover the existing theories and practices in the field of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design with a special focus on Healthcare Projects. The intention is to address the gap between theory and practices. Safety & Security is one of the basic human needs for peaceful existence. Patient safety and security have always been concerns in the successful operation of a healthcare setup. Nowadays, patient-centric healthcare service has given a competitive edge to the hospital; therefore, safety against crime has become very crucial for the hospitals. Other than the patients, safety and security for staff and visitors are equally important. Safety from data theft and breaches of privacy are other concerns in the healthcare setup. The design approach of best practices, like Crime Prevention through Environmental Design, seeks to create safer spaces through detailed design principles and strategies, and guidelines issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety. The majority of evidence suggests that designing the physical environment while considering safety features like Access Control, CCTV, Ultrasonic Occupancy Sensor, Public Addressable System & Duress Alarm for healthcare setup, duress alarms have proved to be life-saving measures that are used to alert hospital staff and security personnel when an individual is in need of emergency. In this paper, qualitative research methodology is used as a case study and physical observations to collect qualitative data and analysis of Sehat Al Sharq Hospital, Al Khobar, KSA, shall be included to identify and propose solution factors affecting the design challenges related to CPTED. Furthermore, it aims to recommend a roadmap to address design constraints, optimize efficiency, and improve safety and patient care in the healthcare facility.