Optimal Size Research Articles

Влияние конструктивных характеристик манипулятора харвестера на оптимальные размеры рабочей зоны

The efficiency of using logging machines on a steep slope depends on many factors, including the working area of the manipulator, which can be implemented in various technological modes of operation. The geometric parameters of the implemented working area are determined by the working position of the machine in the appropriate technological mode, that is, the place of installation of the machine relative to the tree or group of trees to be harvested. Optimization of the manipulator’s working area, formed during the operation of a logging machine, is one of the most effective ways to increase its productivity. In this article, based on a previously developed mathematical model for optimizing the structural dimensions of the links of a four-link articulated hydraulic manipulator designed for spatial manipulation of the harvester head when cutting and stacking trees for further transportation to the loading area, an analysis of the influence of the main geometric and power characteristics of the harvester on the optimal size of the working area is performed.

Optimal Placement and sizing of DG Units Using LCA Algorithm

The motivation of this paper is to present an approach that relies on the league championship algorithm (LCA) to determine the most effective number, placement, and size of distributed generations (DG) within distribution systems. The primary objective of this approach is to minimize the losses of the power system, as well as to enhance the voltage profiles and stability index of the voltage. The optimal location of the DG units is determined through the use of the Loss Sensitivity Factor (LSF), while the optimal size of the DG units is found through the use of LCA. The IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus radial distribution systems were both tested to validate the proposed method, and the results obtained from LCA were compared to those of other methods found in the literature. The simulated results have shown that the LCA method proposed in this paper is highly effective and performs exceptionally well when addressing the problem of optimal location and sizing of DG units in radial networks.

3D deformation analysis for earth dam monitoring based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and the iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm

Introduction: The conventional 3-D point cloud-based deformation analysis methods, such as the shortest distance (SD), cloud-to-cloud (C2C), and multiscale model-to-model cloud comparison (M3C2), essentially regard the closest distance between two periods of point cloud data as the deformation, rather than the true position of the same point in 3-D space before and after deformation.Methods: This paper proposes a method based on the ICP algorithm to calculate the differences between the chunked multi-period point clouds to recognizes the 3-D deformations.Results and discussion: The results show that the obtained results are very close to the GNSS data but with a much larger spatial monitoring range. The accuracy is higher than that of the SD method. Moreover, we analyze the statistical relationship between the point cloud block size and the deformation vector error and determine the optimal block size. The aim of this article is to optimize the deformation analysis method and improve its accuracy to provide techniques and ideas for the wider surface deformation monitoring research field. For instance, combining this method with data from contact methods constructs a 3D overall deformation model of the mountain, enabling real-time monitoring and early warning of debris flows.

Study on Sustainable Lightweight Design of Airport Waiting Chair Frame Structure Based on ANSYS Workbench

The airport waiting chair frames, as an important part of the overall seating, must be designed to provide comfort, safety, and aesthetic appeal. While the airport furniture industry has made progress in terms of sustainability, more efforts are needed to improve material selection, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management to support the development of sustainable furniture. This study proposes innovative ideas for the lightweight design of the frame, based on the limitations of the existing design. Firstly, structural innovations are discussed, non-traditional mesh panels and curved rounded designs are discussed, and non-introduced mesh panels and curved designs are used to enhance the strength and stability of airport waiting chairs and enhance their overall performance. Secondly, innovations in lightweighting have focused on adjusting the thickness dimensions to enhance comfort, material utilization, and sustainability as well as to achieve a lightweight and thin appearance effect. In order to determine the optimal ranges of values for the thickness of the seat surface support strip (P5), the thickness of the backrest strip (P3), and the thickness of the seat panel (P1), nine groups of chairs with different frame sizes were tested using an orthogonal experimental method. Based on the experimental results for size and topology optimization, NX2312 software modeling will be imported into ANSYS Workbench for static analysis. Using the optimized results, the use of 2.842 kg of steel was successfully reduced by 34.8% to ensure the seat’s stability. This provides a reference and idea for the digital and standardized innovative design of airport waiting chair furniture structure in the future. Through digital design and lightweight optimization, material savings and effective use of resources can be achieved, promoting the goal of sustainable development.

Economies of Scale, Efficiency and Optimal Size of the Hospital

Hospitals are being expanded all over the world. Hospitals are becoming larger (i.e., increasing patient admissions each year) and more complex (i.e., offering a wider range of services to patients with more diverse medical care needs). In the hospital sector and other branches of the economy, economies of scale are important, according to which the volume of medical services can be increased by reducing average costs and increasing quality. However, measuring this relationship between the volume of medical services and costs is difficult because hospitals differ substantially in terms of specialization, patient composition, and other parameters that affect the volume of costs. The paper discusses the features of economies of scale in the healthcare sector and the dependence of the volume of medical services on costs and quality. Studies confirm that the influence of various factors on the costs and quality of medical services depends on the environment and the system of incentives in which hospitals operate. Relationships between patients and healthcare providers based solely on price negotiations do not ensure adequate healthcare quality. Due to informational asymmetry with respect to the real cost of hospital services and quality of treatment, medical service buyers cannot influence cost reductions and increase the quality of treatment, which increases hospital power. Thus, when evaluating the impact of hospital competition on costs and quality of care, we must remember that market mechanisms in health care do not always increase public welfare.

Combining ability and multiple parent‐based approach to derive simultaneous transgressive segregants for multiple traits in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

AbstractPlant breeders are always in pursuit of desirable genes and gene complexes, leading to identification of potential and promising individuals/segregants often exhibiting traits with higher intensity. Identifying segregants with desirable combination of multiple traits would enable a breeder to develop superior cultivars. In this study, combining ability and multiple parent‐based approach was employed to derive segregants simultaneously superior for multiple traits. Single and double crosses were developed by crossing 11 parental lines in half diallel fashion and were evaluated under seven environments. To create crosses, the parental lines with the highest positive gca effects were selected in addition to desirable yield and fibre quality traits (SCYP, NOBP, BW, GOT, UHML and FS). The positive and significantly higher gca effects in these parents is an evidence of prominence of additive and additive × additive component of genetic variance. To identify desirable segregants, six F2 populations derived from four single and their two double crosses were evaluated by raising an optimal population size of 910–935 and 3040–3055 plants for single and double crosses, respectively. In each population, proportion of desirable and simultaneous transgressive segregants was estimated. A total of 19 (2.87%), 22 (3.32%) and 24 (3.60%) plants were transgressive in nature simultaneously for multiple traits in single crosses, namely, RAHH‐1755 and RAHH‐455, and double cross, namely, RHDC‐1933, of Group I, respectively. While in Group II, 22 (3.32%), 22 (3.32%) and 24 (3.60%) plants showed simultaneous transgressive segregation in RAHH‐1702, SHH‐818 and RHDC‐1940, respectively. The per cent simultaneous transgressive segregants were found to be higher in the double crosses compared with their respective single crosses, possibly for the reason that double crosses involve more number of parents owing to increased recombination. Hence, breeding for desirable segregating recombinants using diallel and multiple parent‐based approach paves the way towards directional selection based on combining ability making it more efficient compared with conventional means of hybridization followed by selection.

Performance modeling and cost optimization of a solar desalination system using forward osmosis with energy storage

This study presents the design and performance evaluation of a solar-driven water desalination system based on forward osmosis (FO) with thermally responsive ionic liquids (ILs). FO is a two-step process involving dilution of the ILs with water, followed by heating above a critical temperature to induce phase separation of liquid water from the IL. This regeneration step can be achieved by integrating FO with low-grade solar energy, which is abundant in regions that face severe water scarcity. A system design is presented that couples an FO membrane module with a compound parabolic concentrator solar collector and thermal energy storage to minimize solar intermittency and produce clean water at a distributed scale of 10 m3/day. To determine the optimal sizing of components in the system, a technoeconomic analysis using the TRNSYS software is performed with the goal of minimizing the levelized cost of water (LCOW). Notably, over 96 % of the energy required for regeneration comes from solar energy and/or the thermal energy storage (TES) in all cases, with auxiliary heat from electricity being used to maintain a continuous process. To evaluate the potential of solar-FO in three different locations within the United States, a case study is presented for Phoenix, AZ; San Diego, CA; and Atlanta, GA. The simulation results reveal that for a small-scale desalination system, LCOW values as low as $1.31/m3 can be attained, with the potential to approach $1/m3 by lowering the costs of the solar collector and FO module based on a sensitivity analysis.

Van der Waals epitaxial growth of few layers WSe2 on GaP(111)B

2D material epitaxy offers the promise of new 2D/2D and 2D/3D heterostructures with their own specific electronic and optical properties. In this work, we demonstrate the epitaxial growth of few layers WSe2 on GaP(111)B by molecular beam epitaxy. Using a combination of experimental techniques, we emphasize the role of the growth temperature and of a subsequent annealing of the grown layers under a selenium flux on the polytype formed and on its structural and morphological properties. We show that a low growth temperature promotes the formation of the 1T′ and 3R phases depending on the layer thickness whereas a higher growth temperature favours the stable 2H phase. The resulting layers exhibit clear epitaxial relationships with the GaP(111)B substrate with an optimum grain disorientation and mean size of 1.1° and around 30 nm respectively for the 2H phase. Bilayer 2H WSe2/GaP(111)B heterostructures exhibit a staggered type II band alignment and p-doped character of the epi-layer on both p and n-type GaP substrates. This first realisation of stable p-type WSe2 epi-layer on a large-area GaP(111)B substrate paves the way to new 2D/3D heterostructures with great interests in nanoelectronic and optoelectronic applications, especially in the development of new 2D-material p-n junctions.

A novel approach for techno-economic reliability oriented planning and assessment of droop-control technique for DG allocation in islanded power distribution systems

An effective planning strategy for deploying distributed generators (DGs) provides economic advantages through optimal net present cost (NPC), improved technical performance, enhanced voltage profile, and minimized line losses. Nevertheless, technical performance varies based on the control techniques implemented for power regulation in DGs. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate DG control strategies for efficient and robust power distribution system planning. This study discusses a novel approach for techno-economic reliability-oriented planning in an IEEE-33 bus droop-controlled islanded power distribution system. The presented study evaluates the influence of incorporating control techniques on the sizing and placement of DGs along with the technical, economic and reliability parameters. The problem formulated for optimal DG allocation aims to achieve the optimum NPC, minimize line losses, improve system reliability, and ensure voltage and frequency agreement with IEEE std 1547™-2018. The problem formulation is structured as a multi-objective problem and is solved using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique to achieve optimal bus location and size for DG installation. The study reveals that considering the control strategy helps in achieving efficient and reliable planning structure.

An ion specific continuum model on ionic surfactant's binary phase diagram in aqueous solution

A continuum aggregation model is proposed to account for specific ion effects, enabling accurate phase diagrams calculations for the micellar, cylindrical and lamellar aggregates of sodium/potassium carboxylate surfactants in aqueous solution across a range of temperatures. Three groups of concentrations at distinctive temperatures are fitted to build empirical temperature dependence given the limited availability of relevant experimental measurements. The specific ion effects are manifested in the aggregates' surface tension as well as in the distributions of counter-ions' concentrations in the vicinity of the aggregates. The aggregates' geometric sizes are well-reproduced. The differential evolution algorithm is applied to address boundary conditions of the electrostatic potential, aggregate size optimization as well as the equilibrium of monomers transferring between the aggregate and aqueous region.

Eukaryotic cell size regulation and its implications for cellular function and dysfunction.

Depending on cell type, environmental inputs, and disease, the cells in the human body can have widely different sizes. In recent years, it became clear that cell size is a major regulator of cell function. However, we are only beginning to understand how optimization of cell function determines a given cell's optimal size. Here, we review currently known size control strategies of eukaryotic cells, and the intricate link of cell size to intracellular biomolecular scaling, organelle homeostasis and cell cycle progression. We detail the cell size dependent regulation of early development and the impact of cell size on cell differentiation. Given the importance of cell size for normal cellular physiology, cell size control must account for changing environmental conditions. We describe how cells sense environmental stimuli, such as nutrient availability, and accordingly adapt their size by regulating cell growth and cell cycle progression. Moreover, we discuss the correlation of pathological states with misregulation of cell size, and how for a long time, this was considered a downstream consequence of cellular dysfunction. We review newer studies that reveal a reversed causality, with misregulated cell size leading to pathophysiological phenotypes such as senescence and aging. In summary, we highlight important roles of cell size in cellular function and dysfunction, which could have major implications for both diagnostics and treatment in the clinic.

Optimal sizing and energy management strategy for an office building with photovoltaic, heat pump, thermal tank, and electric vehicle under time-of-use tariff

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions is driving the integration of various renewable energy technologies. Integrating electric vehicle batteries, photovoltaics, heat pumps, and thermal tanks into building energy systems offers a promising approach to enhancing energy flexibility and efficiency. However, research on such integrated energy systems is still in its infancy. Optimizing the configuration and operation of the system may lead to significant cost savings and improved energy management. A coupled model and simulation-based optimization approach are used to optimize the thermal tank capacity and key operational parameters to minimize the annual total cost. The results show that the integrated energy system reduces the annual total cost by 36.35% and monthly electricity bills by up to 69.26% compared to the base system. As for energy flexibility, only 13.91% of electricity demand is supplied by the grid during peak periods, and the monthly load coefficient, load cover ratio, and photovoltaic self-consumption ratio of the integrated energy system are significantly improved. This study demonstrates the economic and operational benefits of integrating various renewable energy technologies into building energy systems and provides new insights into their design and optimization.

Optimization of sample size in the quality analysis of soybean seeds: a bayesian approach

The objective of this work was to optimize, through the Bayesian approach, sample size in the germination test of soybean seeds, maintaining the decision-making and the desired precision. Data from eight soybean seed lots were used, and the Beta distribution was used with a priori distribution for the proportion parameter. Non-informative and informative a priori distributions were evaluated using information from the compliance terms and the results obtained in the redistribution company laboratory. According to the Rules for Seed Analysis, for lots with more than 60 bags, samples of 30 bags must be taken. To evaluate the effect of the sample reduction, of the 30 bags required, 5000 sub-samples were randomly selected, of sample sizes (n = 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28). Decision-making was based on the limits and breadth of the 95% credible interval and the Bayes Factor. The informative a priori distribution based on the results obtained in the quality laboratory of the previous year allowed for an average reduction of 78.3% of the sample size, and, in any scenario, using samples of size 10, maintains the precision and the decision made when n = 30.

New finger reconstruction technologies using 3D printing

Introduction The use of 3D printing technology in finger reconstruction improves accuracy of the procedure minimizing the donor defect and optimizing the appearance and function of the finger. The use of this technology in the finger reconstruction with an osteocutaneous radial forearm flap with axial blood supply and lengthening of the digital stumps and metacarpals remains poorly explored.The objective of the study was to demonstrate new methods of preoperative planning for finger reconstruction and improve surgical outcomes.Material and methods Outcomes of five patients treated with original methods based on 3D technology were retrospectively evaluated during preoperative planning, reconstruction of the thumb using an osteocutaneous radial forearm flap with axial blood supply, relocation of the stump of the third finger and lengthening of the stumps of the first and second metacarpals. The patients could achieve consolidation of interpositional bone allografts following lengthening of the finger stumps, stability of the bone base of the finger, organotypic restructuring of the marginal allograft during plastic surgery with an osteocutaneous radial forearm flap, and a functional position of the reconstructed thumb using the middle finger stump.Results and discussion An individual device for planning finger reconstruction allows identification of the optimal size and position of the finger in three planes, which is essential for patients with severe hand deformities to avoid corrective procedures. An individual guide was used to osteotomize the radius to harvest a vascularized graft providing a cutout of a given size and shape and a cortical-cancellous allograft being identical in shape and size to replace the donor bone defect. The combined use of Masquelet technology and distraction of the finger stump or a metacarpal improved conditions for consolidation and restructuring of the interpositional allograft preventing fractures and infection.Conclusion The use of 3D technology in finger reconstruction using an osteocutaneous radial forearm flap with axial blood supply and distraction of the finger stumps and metacarpals can improve surgical outcomes.

Digital foundry production: modeling systems, personnel training, digitization stages.

The article describes modern digital solutions for production automation, simulation of production processes in order to optimize technology, eliminate defects, improve manufacturability of products, reduce production costs, as well as the company's services in the implementation of calculation projects and training, including reverse engineering of products, opportunities for advanced training. As an example of the implemented calculation is presented the work on optimization of the design of mold used for casting copper ingots in order to improve the durability of equipment; simulation of cyclic thermal heating of mold taking into account stress-strain state and fatigue criterion was performed in the software ProCAST. An example of automatic optimization of the design of feeding system for cast iron casting “pump body” using ProCAST and pSeven packages is also presented. The optimization package performed the rebuilding of 3D model in CAD-system with the change of height and diameter of feeder, calculated the case of filling the mold and solidification of the casting taking into account the changed geometry in the calculation CAE package and evaluated the obtained values of porosity in the casting and yield to find the optimal size of feeder

Density dependence for the dielectric permittivity of simple gases and liquids

The present work is devoted to the analysis of polarization effects in atomic systems of the argon type. Special attention is given to the manifestation of the polarizabilities of two particles in the density dependence of the dielectric permittivity of a system and its effective molecular polarizability. It is shown that the effective polarizability of a molecule in the liquid state of a system is mainly caused by deviation of the molecular distribution in the first coordination layer from the spherical one. Due to this, the atomic polarizability inherent to rarefied gas increases practically twice near the triple point. The interconnection between the atomic polarizability and the proper volume of an atom is discussed in detail. It is established that the optimal size of an atom follows from the kinematic shear viscosity measurements.

A New CRITIC-GRA Model for Stope Dimension Optimization Considering Open Stoping Stability, Mining Capacity and Costs

In the long-hole stage open stoping with subsequent backfill mining of underground metal mines, the selection or optimization of stope dimension parameters is significant for safe and economic mining operations. To analyze the optimal stope sizes, the Mathews empirical graph method and FLAC3D numerical method can be used, but the analyzed safety results of the two methods are generally independent from each other. More importantly, economic indicators including production capacity and mining costs should be considered simultaneously to optimize the stope dimension which was mostly ignored in previous reports. In this paper, a new CRITIC-GRA model was proposed for the first time to build up a multi-factor quantitative optimization for stope dimension, which allows for a comprehensive analysis with preset influential safety and economic indicators. The indicators considered include the safety indicators such as stability probability for the side walls and roof of the open stope via the updated Mathews graph method, maximum displacement, plastic zones volume and maximum principal stress via FLAC3D simulations, as well as economic indicators such as mining costs and stope production capacity in mine operations. The model was then illustrated in an underground iron mine. With the given rockmass quality in the mine, the overall stability of the open stope can be improved instead of reduced to enlarge the single stage stope height (60 m) to a double stage height (120 m) by reducing the stope width from 20 m to 15 m, thereby significantly increasing the mineable ore amount and improving the stope safety. An integrated evaluation of open stope stability, mining capacity and costs objectively determined that scheme No. 10, with a slope length of 50 m, a width of 15 m and a height of 120 m, was the optimum out of the 20 preset schemes. The new CRITIC-GRA model offers a dependable reference tool for determining the optimal stope dimensions in similar underground mines.

Enhancing carbon dioxide uptake in biochar derived from husk biomasses: Optimizing biomass particle size and steam activation conditions

This research focuses on developing activated biochars for CO2 adsorption, evaluating the impact of particle size and steam activation conditions on almond shells (AS), pistachio shells (PS), and nut shells (NS), three crops that are grown worldwide. A literature review was carried out on the characteristic parameters that a biomass must have to produce a biochar of an acceptable quality to capture CO2. Initially, a physicochemical characterization of the selected biomasses was conducted, revealing high levels of volatiles (78–84 wt%), carbon (41–53 wt%), and inherent metals (Ca, K, Mg and Na). This process involved pyrolysis and activation under pre-established conditions, followed by CO2 adsorption analysis using thermogravimetry. Interestingly, intermediate-sized biochars (ranging from 2 to 1.4 mm) exhibited higher CO2 uptake. Once the optimal particle size was determined, steam activation conditions were further optimized by varying temperature. In this regard, these conditions were established at 900 °C for 30 min, at a steam flow rate of 0.15 mL/min and a pressure of 1 bar. This study highlighted biomass heterogeneity, resulting in distinct biochar morphologies (microporous PS activated biochars, and mesoporous NS and AS biochars) and higher carbon content compared to raw materials. However, the O/C and H/C ratios fell as severity rose. On researching steam activation holding times at a constant temperature of 900 °C, similar trends were observed, with high carbon content in the biochars. Finally, based on CO2 adsorption results, 2.81, 2.12 and 1.76 mmol/g for PS, AS and NS activated biochars, respectively, optimal shorter activation times (15 min) were selected for AS and NS biochars.

Structural and opto-electronic engineering with ZnS ETL via PVD technique for efficient and durable heterojunction perovskite solar cells

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into fabrication and characterization of HJPSC leveraging chalcogenide Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) thin films as ETL and Selenium (Se) as a protective capping layer through PVD technique. ZnS thin films annealed at 200 °C, 300 °C and 400 °C were systematically analyzed for their structural and opto-electronic properties. Among them, ZnS-1, annealed at 200 °C, demonstrated superior performance with high transmittance, optimal crystallite size, wide bandgap, lowest photoluminescence intensity, high conductivity and low resistivity. Consequently, ZnS-1 was selected as the ETL for HJPSC fabrication. The HJPSC device was fabricated with ZnS/MAPbI3--Se/Ag as device structure with Se as capping layer. SEM images confirmed the smooth and continuous nature of the ZnS-1 film, while X-Ray diffraction analysis validated the purity and crystallinity of MAPbI3 perovskite layer. The successful alignment of the perovskite absorption band with the solar cell emission spectrum obtained by UV–Vis spectra highlighted the potential for efficient solar energy conversion. J-V characteristics of the HJPSC device exhibited a high short-circuit current (Jsc) of 20.18 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.99 V, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.1 % and fill factor (FF) of 45.7 % was accredited to improved electron conductance and of ZnS-1 as an ETL.

Energy-efficient buildings with energy-efficient optimized models: a case study on thermal bridge detection

AbstractThermographic inspection is particularly effective in identifying thermal bridges because it visualizes temperature differences on the building’s surface. The focus of this work is on energy-efficient computing for deep learning-based thermal bridge (anomaly) detection models. In this study, we concentrate on object detection-based models such as Mask R-CNN_FPN_50, Swin-T Transformer, and FSAF. We do benchmark tests on TBRR dataset with varying input sizes. To overcome the energy-efficient design, we apply optimizations such as compression, latency reduction, and pruning to these models. After our proposed improvements, the inference of the anomaly detection model, Mask R-CNN_FPN_50 with compression technique, is approximately 7.5% faster than the original. Also, more acceleration is observed in all models with increasing input size. Another criterion we focus on is total energy gain for optimized models. Swin-T transformer has the most inference energy gains for all input sizes ($$\approx$$ ≈ 27 J for 3000 x 4000 and $$\approx$$ ≈ 14 J for 2400 x 3400). In conclusion, our study presents an optimization of size, weight, and power for vision-based anomaly detection for buildings.