Short Production Research Articles

Designing an adaptive and deep learning based control framework for modular production systems

AbstractIn today’s rapidly changing production landscape with increasingly complex manufacturing processes and shortening product life cycles, a company’s competitiveness depends on its ability to design flexible and resilient production processes. On the shop-floor, in particular, the production control plays a crucial role in coping with disruptions and maintaining system stability and resilience. To address challenges arising from volatile sales markets or other factors, deep learning algorithms have been increasingly applied in production to facilitate fast-paced operations. In particular deep reinforcement learning frequently surpassed conventional and intelligent approaches in terms of performance and computational efficiency and revealed high levels of control adaptability. However, existing approaches were often limited in scope and scenario-specific, which hinders a seamless transition to other control optimization problems. In this paper, we propose a flexible framework that integrates a deep learning based hyper-heuristic into modular production to optimize pre-defined performance indicators. The framework deploys a module recognition and agent experience sharing, enabling a fast initiation of multi-level production systems as well as resilient control strategies. To minimize computational and re-training efforts, a stack of trained policies is utilized to facilitate an efficient reuse of previously trained agents. Benchmark results reveal that our approach outperforms conventional rules in terms of multi-objective optimization. The simulation framework further encourages research in deep-learning-based control approaches to leverage explainability.

Aesthetic Analysis of Wong Kar-wais Films and Reasons for Western Popularity: A Case Study of Chungking Express

Wong Kar-wais films are characterized by his unique filming techniques and captivating script dialogues, showcasing his distinctive cinematic style. Through personalized expressions, Wong introduces Eastern aesthetics and philosophical thinking to international audiences, resulting in enthusiastic reception. Taking Chungking Express as an example, this film is one of Wongs masterpieces, vividly portraying the urban landscape of 1980s Hong Kong. Despite its short production cycle, the movie has garnered numerous awards on the international stage. This paper delves into the reasons behind the international popularity of Wongs films, using Chungking Express as a case study. It analyzes foreign reviews of the film and explores Wong Kar-wais personal experiences, focusing on his filming techniques and scriptwriting style. Through personalized expressions, Wong presents Eastern aesthetics and philosophical thinking to international audiences, leaving a profound impression of Chinese elements in his films and contributing to their enthusiastic reception.

Short and medium chain organic acids production from hydrolyzed food waste: technical–economic evaluation and insight into the product’s quality

Food waste (FW) was subjected to thermal-alkaline hydrolysis before to be used as source for organic acids (OAs) production under different temperatures and hydraulic regime in long-term acidification process. Mesophilic environment led to the highest acidification yield (0.87 g CODOAs/g VS) with chain-elongation process to caproic acid production (>9.0 g CODcap/L) occurring at lower HRT (2 days). The product’s quality, in terms of OAs production and composition, was evaluated through a multivariate approach, which indicated that the mesophilic condition was also appropriate to steadily maintain the requested product’s features.The specific gas production (SGP) from the solid-rich acidified residue was 0.47 Nm3/kg VS and, in a full-scale scenario of 150,000 kg FW/d, it can be potentially converted into 24.9 MWh/d as electrical energy. Also, according to the acidification performances, an overall OAs production of 7.2 ton/y has been estimated, generating a yearly economic outcome higher than 4,800,000 €.

Inventory management of new products in retailers using model-based deep reinforcement learning

This study addresses the optimal inventory management problem for new smartphone products as an effective example of a supply chain with a short product life cycle. The determination of the optimal inventory level leads to a reduction of lost opportunities and defective inventory, which is an important issue from a profit improvement perspective. Mathematical optimization and reinforcement learning approaches have been proposed for inventory management; however, most of these approaches focus on products that are regularly sold over a long period. Thus, when the target is a new product, it is difficult to optimize inventory control from its day of release due to a lack of sufficient data for learning. To solve this problem, we focus on model-based deep reinforcement learning with high sample efficiency and propose an inventory management method for new products that combines model learning in an offline environment and planning in an online environment. Simulations using real-world historical sales datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing methods in terms of profitability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. In particular, the proposed method improves total rewards and inventory turnover by ¿5% each than the heuristic method while maintaining the same stock-out rate. In addition, the results demonstrate that the proposed method can maintain stable inventory control for multiproduct and multistore supply chains.

Efficacy of different wet feeds on the growth performance of mud crab Scylla serrata during fattening in cages

AbstractObjectiveMud crab culture/fattening is a lucrative business with high profit margins because they have high economic and export value. Compared with shrimp culture, crab fattening has many advantages such as a short production cycle, high tolerance to poor water quality, rapid growth rates in captivity, etc. Currently, cheap commercial feed for crabs is unavailable, so raw feeds such as low‐value fishes have been used for rearing mud crabs. The current study was conducted to determine the growth performance of mud crab Scylla serrata that were fed with different processed wet feeds.MethodsCrabs weighing 250–300 g were stocked in individual cages, and the experiment was conducted with three different feed treatments including processed chicken intestine, processed shrimp head waste, oyster meat, and the control feed was processed small‐sized low‐value fish.ResultOf all the feeds, mud crabs that were fed with chicken intestine showed better performance, followed by oyster meat, shrimp head waste, and low‐value fish.ConclusionThe present study concludes that fattening mud crabs with chicken intestine as feed showed better growth and economic performance.

A semantic web-based risk assessment framework for collaborative planning to enhance overall supply chain effectiveness for semiconductor industry

Semiconductor supply chain uncertainty is increasingly complicated due to shortening product life cycles, demand fluctuation and a series of collaborative decisions, yet little research focuses on risk assessment from operational planning level to supply chain planning level. Limitations of existing approaches can be traced in part to the lack of a framework within which the decisions involved in different levels can be integrated and aligned in light of supply chain dynamics. This study aims to develop a semantic web based risk assessment framework to integrate collaborative planning and enable the interpretability among real world and simulation modelling. This study starts by proposing a performance elevation metric from interpreting planning level for overall supply chain effectiveness. This study further constructs an ontology for planning and control decisions to support building the risk assessment simulation model to ensure information system interoperability and link domain knowledge for semiconductor supply chain network resilience. For validation, a simulation model is constructed for backend production from a leading semiconductor company in Germany. The contribution of the proposed semantic web-based framework provides the interoperability for supporting supply chain management and reduces the gaps between simulation modelling and physical setting to enhance overall supply chain effectiveness.

A Review On Electrospun Short Fiber Production

Nanotechnology has become the interest of researchers in recent years for their unique properties of submicron scale materials. Nanotechnology also consists of nanofibers made from natural or synthetic polymers which can be electrospun into ultra-thin continuous fibers. These nanofibers are versatile as it can be found in various applications such as in filtration, affinity membranes, tissue engineering, biosensors, scaffolds, drug delivery and fiber reinforcement. Over the years, many researchers have reported various methods used to produce short electrospun fiber by means of ultrasonication, mechanical cutting, UV cutting, precipitation method, microtome cutting, cryo-microcutting, cryogenic milling, ball milling, and razor blade cutting under liquid nitrogen. The aim of this paper is to provide a review on electrospun short fiber production which elaborates more on the scission methods of the continuous as-spun fibers. The literature shows that several methods have been proposed and utilized, with varying degrees of success. Overall, it can be concluded that further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of this area and to develop a more effective approach.

Massese sheep characteristics and demo-genetic trends in the province of Pisa (Italy)

Preserving animal breeds is key to a country’s economy, environment and culture. The present study collects all the available information on the Massese sheep breed and analyzes their demo-genetic trends in Pisa since 1976. Data were provided by Asso.Na.Pa. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Jmp software. The pedigree parameters of a total of 10,393 animals (whole population-WP) were analyzed using CFC, ENDOG and Pedigree viewer software. Animals born in the last fifteen years represented the Reference Population (RP), while animals with one or two unknown parents constituted the Base Population (BP). Demographic results showed an inconstant trend of offspring registration in the Herd book with two periods of a dramatic decline in lamb registrations and a substantially short productivity with a mean number of registered newborns of 1.5 and 18.2 for ewes and rams, respectively. A total of 6456 animals represented the RP, of which only 1059 animals (16.4%) had both known parents. The BP consisted of 7156 animals, thus highlighting the lack of sire and dam registration which prevented an accurate evaluation of the genetic parameters. The average inbreeding coefficient in the WP was 0.78%, and 0.046% in the RP. The number of inbreds was 575 in the WP and 17 in the RP. The present study represents a tool for breeders and technicians aimed at conserving and exploiting the genetic resources of Massese sheep through efficient breeding plans.

Effect of interface temperature on low‐velocity impact response of injection over‐molded short/continuous fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

AbstractInjection over‐molded short/continuous fiber reinforced composites are a unique class of materials for fabricating lightweight components having complex geometries in automotive manufacturing due to their higher specific mechanical properties, lower assembly cost, and short production cycle time. The influence of interface temperature on the low‐velocity impact response of short/continuous fiber‐reinforced polypropylene was experimentally investigated by varying the melt temperature. The over‐molded specimens fabricated at an interface temperature considerably higher than the melting point of polypropylene exhibited a 12% enhanced peak load with less impact damage compared with specimens over‐molded at a lower interface temperature. Optical analysis of impacted specimens over‐molded at lower interface temperature revealed interface debonding and insert delamination. Whereas insert delamination alone was observed for the specimens fabricated at higher interface temperature. The specimens over‐molded at high interface temperature exhibited less impact energy absorption and high compression strength after impact because of their strong interfacial adhesion.Highlights Impact energy absorption is less if melt temperature is high in injection over‐molding. Higher melt temperature enhances interface bonding by raising interface temperature. Interface debonding and insert delamination are the dominant impact failure modes. The compression strength after impact has increased with higher melt temperature. Impact and compression strength after impact is governed by the interfacial strength.

Time series modeling for production prediction of shale gas wells

Accurate production prediction of shale gas wells in the early stage is the key to optimizing development plans and effectively extending the life cycle of gas wells. The existing models pay less attention to the production prediction of gas wells with short production history in the early stage, and the long-term shut-in intervals in the early production process have not been taken into account. In addition, uncertainty in production forecasts is often not mentioned because of difficulties in characterizing. In this paper, a new early production prediction model is developed that integrates the long short-term memory (LSTM) model and deep learning autoregressive (DeepAR) model. The LSTM model makes a deterministic prediction of early production. At the same time, the Bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) model is applied to the interpolation of long shut-in interval data. For the problem of lag and difficult to deal with production mutation in LSTM model, DeepAR model uses probabilistic prediction to quantify the uncertainty in early production prediction. To verify the performance of the proposed model, the production time series of production case wells are analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the early production prediction model established in this paper can effectively realize the production dynamic tracking with limited production data, and can reliably quantify the uncertainty of early production prediction.

Exact Short Products From Truncated Multipliers

Abstract We sometimes need to compute the most significant digits of the product of small integers with a multiplier requiring much storage, e.g. a large integer (e.g. $5^{100}$) or an irrational number ($\pi $). We only need to access the most significant digits of the multiplier—as long as the integers are sufficiently small. We provide an efficient algorithm to compute the range of integers given a truncated multiplier and a desired number of digits.

Rates of evaporation of Bismuth and Selenium from Bi-Se alloy under vacuum condition

Vacuum distillation has obvious advantages, including a short flow, short production cycle, high direct metal, and low cost. The evaporation rates of bismuth and selenium from Bi-Se alloy were investigated at 953, 963, 973, 983, 993 K, and 1 Pa. The element's evaporation rate is required for selecting the best experimental conditions in vacuum distillation. SEM and EDS were used to describe and analyze the residue and volatile. The activity coefficients of components for the Bi-Se system were determined using the Non-random two liquid (NRTL) equation and agree with the literature. The activities of components bismuth and selenium for the Bi-Se system are proportional to their evaporation rates during vacuum distillation. The influence of compound Bi2Se3 formation on the evaporation rate of elements in Bi-Se alloy at 973 K was discussed in detail. The activation energies of pure bismuth and Bi in Bi-Se alloy were also presented.

Deep trade agreements, production position distance and bilateral global value chain participation

AbstractOwing to globalisation‐induced fragmentation of production across regions and reorganisation of global value chains (GVCs), more attention is being paid to the impact of deep preferential trade agreements (PTAs) on GVC participation. We examine how the promotional effect of deep trade agreements on GVC participation changes with GVC production position distance between member countries. We argue that production position distance has an inverted U‐shaped effect on the relationship between deep trade agreements and bilateral GVC participation. Specifically, starting with a short production position distance, an increase in production position distance can strengthen the promotional effect of deep trade agreements on bilateral GVC participation. However, when the production position distance reaches a certain threshold, an increase in production position distance weakens the promotional effect of deep trade agreements on bilateral GVC participation. Analysis of panel data, which covers 43 countries over the 2000–2014 period, supports our predictions. Further analysis shows that the inverted U‐shaped effect of production position distance on the relationship between deep trade agreements and bilateral GVC participation is more likely to take place in the manufacturing sector rather than in the services sector.

Evaluation of asphalt modified with bio-oil and high rubber content: Low temperature and short mixing time production condition

High rubber content modified asphalt needed high production temperatures due to the high viscosity, but the viscosity and production temperature could be decreased by adding bio-oil. Producing rubber and bio-oil modified asphalt (BRMA) with good performance under low temperatures and short mixing time had significant environmental contributions. Therefore, this study prepared BRMA with crumb rubber content of 20 % and bio-oil content of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % under the low-temperature (160 °C) and short-time (30 min) shear conditions. The rheological characteristics of BRMA were evaluated by conventional and rheological property tests. The interaction mechanism among rubber, bio-oil, and asphalt was assessed with the Fourier Transform Infrared test (FTIR) and Fluorescence Microscope test (FM). The addition of bio-oil had a significant impact on reducing the increase in asphalt viscosity that was typically caused by rubber modification. The high-temperature performance, elastic performance, and low-temperature performance of BRMA were significantly improved. The PG grade of neat asphalt was PG 64–22, 20 %R + 5 %Bio was PG 70–34, 20 %R + 10 %Bio was PG 70–34, and 20 %R + 15 %Bio was PG 64–40. Under the condition of low mixing temperature and short reaction time, the FTIR test found that no new absorption peak appeared, and the bio-oil, rubber, and asphalt were mainly physical mixing. Through the FM test, it was found that rubber reacted with asphalt at different degrees, and some crumb rubber that did not fully react ensured that asphalt still had good elastic properties and deformation resistance at high temperatures. The research provided theoretical guidance for similar application scenarios, such as dry process rubber modified asphalt.

Cold pressing and hot curing process for assembly of hexagonal pre-shaped bamboo culm sections

Bamboo is widely used in the construction industry due to its excellent mechanical properties, short production cycle, and environmental concerns. Reconstructing and processing bamboo into biomass-based composite materials that can replace wood alleviates the imbalance between wood supply and demand. This article uses cold press setting and hot press curing molding processes to prepare small samples of Hexagonal Recombinant Bamboo Material (glued HexBam). Through orthogonal analysis, the preparation process parameters, adhesive types, adhesive application amounts, and the relationship between the temperature and time of hot pressing solidification molding and the mechanical properties of glued HexBam were determined. A phenolic adhesive (PF) was used with a dosage of 200 g/m2, a heat setting and molding temperature of 130 °C, and a heat setting molding time of 10 minutes. Under these process conditions, the prepared glued HexBam had a longitudinal compressive strength of 73.8 MPa and a specific strength of 0.0535 N•m/kg, which is superior to ordinary steel.

SIMULATION OF UNDEFORMED CHIP FORMED DURING CUTTING FOR INTERNAL CROWN TOOTH BY THE "POWER SKIVING" METHOD

Today, the world's leading enterprises engaged in the manufacture of gear wheels increasingly use the Power Skiving method of cutting the gear crown on the wheel. This modern method allows you to process wheels with an external and internal crown, both spur and helical, as well as cut slots on shafts or hubs. This technology combines elements of turning and milling and ensures a very short production time. However, every year this method is increasingly improved, and in terms of its kinematics it is very complex and requires precise calculations. Determining the exact position of the tool and the workpiece at each moment of time is necessary for synchronizing movements during cutting. The principle of building an undeformed chip when cutting an internal straight-tooth crown by the Power Skiving method is shown. Section parameters for chip sections are obtained. They are the basis for modeling and calculating the values of cutting forces, friction, the necessary work that is needed to eliminate the allowance, heat flows that occur during cutting, the intensity of tool heating, temperature and wear of the tool, simulation of oscillations and dynamic processes. Complete information about the size and shape of the sheared layers, their size in different sections of the tooth at each moment of the cutting time is necessary for the description of various interrelated and interdependent deformation and contact processes. The established regularities of their continuous cyclical change during the revolution of the cutting tool are required for a comprehensive reproduction of the processes that occur during the cutting process of the toothed crown. A complex system of grapho-analytical, mathematical and computer modeling of this process has been developed for such a task. Kinematics is taken into account and the patterns of cutting-forming processes are reliably reproduced. The application of the grapho-analytical method of constructing sections for an undeformed chip is presented, which made it possible to establish its geometry and main characteristics, as well as to obtain a 3D model. Adequate models of chip formation are obtained. Quantitative estimates of parameters for slices in the process of Power Skiving are analyzed.

Ensemble learning for demand forecast of After-Market spare parts to empower data-driven value chain and an empirical study

Demand forecast for spare parts in supply chains is essential for ensuring customer satisfaction while minimizing appropriate inventory. The after-market orders mainly depend on repair and maintenance that makes the present problem for demand forecast challenging owing to high variability in demand sizes and time intervals. It is critical to address market fluctuation for effective demand forecast to reduce the risks of oversupply and shortage for supply chain resilience. Intelligent data-driven technologies should be developed to promote value integration and value co-creation among supply chain partners for digital transformation. The shortening product life cycle and the reducing lot sizes of diverse products have increased the challenges of demand forecast and supply chain management. This study aims to classify the demand patterns and develop the corresponding models via stacking ensemble approach to improve the overall forecasting performance. This study develops an alarm system to monitor the performance of the proposed approach and a systematic mechanism for retraining the model to maintain the decision quality. An empirical study is conducted in a leading automotive after-market component manufacturer for validation in real settings. The results have shown the forecast errors and the total cost can be effectively reduced by the developed solution.

Message strategy in short film production competition for strengthening film ecosystem

Background: Film festivals in Indonesia are mostly used by filmmakers as a premiere space and showcase their work. The pandemic delayed the festival, which was not even held then, while film production was delayed. The Film, Music, and Media Directorate organize a Short Film Production Competition to strengthen the film ecosystem. A communication strategy must convey information to match the community’s expectations and the program’s objectives. Purpose: Therefore, this study aims to analyze the competition’s message orientation and message style. Methods: This research uses qualitative methodology with a case study approach based on Kotler’s marketing management and Joep Cornelissen’s message strategy model. Researchers obtained preliminary data from publication content with the highest number of ‘Likes’ on Instagram @pusbangfilm, then classified based on the series of activities of this competition to get an overview of the message strategy. Results: This research shows results that Hashtags, Colors, Fonts, and other visual elements emotionally attract attention the first time. Choosing words, language, and who conveys it becomes a stronger attraction. It is necessary to bring added value from the program, for example, with Behind the Scene content. Positive testimonials from various parties are also important messages conveyed. The general description of the program and the purpose of the program influenced the determination of the message theme so that it adjusted message orientation and in what style conveyed the message to stakeholders. Implication: Competition or festival organizers design messages following the objectives to be achieved from organizing the festival or competition.

METHODICAL APPROACHES TO ENHANCING BUSINESS PROCESSES THROUGH INNOVATION IMPLEMENTATION AT THE ENTERPRISE

Abstract. This article describes the importance of developing high technology and a competitive economy in Kazakhstan, as well as the significance of improving business processes and mechanisms to achieve this goal. The success of enterprises depends on the right strategy, competent leadership, the availability of resources and markets, and efficient business processes.
 The authors discuss the role of innovation in increasing turnover and production growth of enterprises in the modern world. They emphasize the need to quickly adapt production programs to changing customer demands and short product life cycles.
 Special attention is given to the complexity of assessing the beneficial effect of innovations, and two evaluation criteria are presented: the minimum cost criterion and the integrated quality indicator of innovations. It also mentions the use of expert or statistical methods when it is impossible to establish a quantitative relationship between quality indicators and costs.
 In addition, the article describes the establishment of a relationship between costs and comprehensive indicators of technical level and economic efficiency using correlation and regression modeling. A methodology is proposed, including traditional normative approaches and the "cost-effectiveness" method.
 Keywords: foreign economic relations, competitiveness, national economy, innovations, efficiency, quality, technology.

In situ synthesis and regulation of spherical Ti6Al4V powder by calciothermic self-propagating metallurgy

In this paper, spherical Ti6Al4V alloy powder was successfully prepared by calciothermic self-propagating rapid reaction method, in which TiO2, V2O5, Al and Ca were used as raw materials. The reduction reaction can be completed in minutes with no need for any external energy and additives in the reaction process. By investigating the influence of the additives, the amount of reductant Ca added, the reaction pressure and the particle size of Ca, on the composition as well as the morphology of the product, the optimal alloy powder with an low oxygen content of 0.21 wt% was obtained, whose average particle size and specific surface area were 15.28 μm and 0.284 m2/g respectively. Moreover, this research implied the adiabatic temperature of the system and the liquid Ca are the main factors that pose influence to the powder morphology during sintering-reduction-spheroidization-solidification process. Compared with the traditional Ti6Al4V alloy powder preparation process, this process stands out with characteristics of high purity, short production cycle and environmental friendliness, which show high commercialization potential for industrial preparation of Ti6Al4V and similar alloy powders.