Technical Criteria Research Articles

Multi Objective Optimization Framework to Provide Reactive Power Support to the Local Distribution Grid Using a Heuristic Approach.

Reactive power support to the local distribution grid becomes mandatory as it highly impacts the network's voltage profile and active power loss. Reactive power support improves the performance and efficiency of the grid. However, higher compensation to the line increases losses, deteriorates the voltage profile, and occupies the investment cost. The location of these reactive power compensators (RPC) also influences the network's performance. This paper presents a multi-objective strategy for optimal reactive power compensation to get techno-economic benefits. An objective function, which includes technical and economic criteria, has been formulated. The proposed MOF includes weighted distributed objectives that are minimized to get a trade-off solution. The proposed MOF has been minimized using three different heuristic algorithms, i.e. TLBO, GA and PSO. The proposed strategy has been tested on 56 buses 11 KV Gurukul distribution network located at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. NR load flow has been utilized to investigate losses and bus voltages.

Aplicación de la Psicología forense en la evaluación criminal y su impacto en los procesos penales ecuatorianos

Forensic psychology has had a wide development within the legal sciences, providing adequate means and tools to facilitate the evaluative criteria of human behavior. In criminal matters, it leads, among other issues, to clarify the motivations of the accused and thus provide greater evidentiary certainty at the time of sentencing. The main objective is to analyze the application of forensic psychology in criminal evaluation and its impact on criminal proceedings, to understand its relevance, effectiveness and contribution to judicial decision making. To achieve this objective, the qualitative approach has been applied, with scientific methods such as analytical-synthetic, historical-logical, and inductive. Among the results, it has been shown that forensic psychology is not commonly used, due to the lack of accredited and specialized professionals, as well as of specific norms that lead to the promotion of a culture of its function and contribution to criminal law. It is essential to have medical, technical, and professional criteria that allow the application of fairer rules aimed at the protection of constitutional rights to ensure proper training and social reintegration of persons criminally punished.

IVPF-AHP integrated VIKOR methodology in supplier selection of three-dimensional (3D) printers

Complex geometries, fine details, and various designs that are difficult to create using traditional methods can easily be turned into a tangible object with Three-Dimensional (3D) printers. 3D printers have advantages such as providing design flexibility, obtaining prototypes in the shortest possible time, allowing for personalization, and reducing waste through the use of advanced technology. These advantages emphasize the significance of 3D printers in a sustainable production model. The widespread usage of 3D printers leads to increased efficiency and cost reduction in production. When the literature is examined, it is observed that there are limited studies on the evaluation of supplier performances for company using 3D printers. The aim of this study is to address 3D printers, which are highly significant for sustainable production, and to reveal the criteria that companies utilizing these printers need to consider for determining their suppliers. As a result of the literature review and expert interviews, a model has been developed that gathers the criteria to be considered for supplier selection, which is an important cost factor for companies involved in designing and producing 3D printers under five main and 18 sub-criteria. The importance weights of the criteria have been determined using the Interval Valued Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (IVPF-AHP) method, and the most suitable supplier among alternative suppliers has been selected using the Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method. Finally, the supplier scores have been statistically analyzed to show the validation of the results of the proposed method. According to the results, it has been concluded that for company using 3D printers, quality and technical service criteria are more important in the supplier selection. Additionally, cost of the material/equipment, product price and easy maintenance criteria also play a critical role in the supplier selection of 3D printer.

Kajian Alternatif Proyeksi Jaringan Jalan Hutan untuk Perencanaan Pemanenan Kayu di PT Inhutani I Labanan, Propinsi Jawa Barat

Forests are one of the natural resources that can be utilized in the form of both wood and non-wood forest products. Harvesting carried out to extract wood results in negative impacts such as soil damage and damage to standing stands. The negative impacts of wood harvesting can be reduced by planning in advance, such as creating a forest road network. The research was carried out in the mahogany room, utilization division, forest management department, while the assessment of the forest road network used the case study of PT Inhutani I Lebanan. The aim of the research is to examine the planning and selection of the best alternative forest road network for harvesting wood using multi-criteria decision making techniques. The research will be carried out in March 2023. The research stage begins with sketching the road network; assess road networks using economic, ecological and technical criteria; as well as conducting literature studies from various sources. The research results show that there are six alternative forest road networks for harvesting wood. This is based on forest road network assessment parameters that the best alternative road network in the PT Inhutani I Labanan road scheme is the 6th road network alternative. Sustainable management of forest resources can be achieved through a well-planned road network. The highest total utility value (rank 1) is found on the 6th road network which is the best alternative forest road network to be implemented at PT Inhutani Labanan I both in terms of technical aspects, ecological aspects and economic aspects.

Evaluasi dan Optimalisasi Penyediaan Air Bersih Berbasis Masyarakat (Studi Kasus: Kawasan Langara Pesisir, Kab. Konawe Kepulauan)

The Langara Coastal area is the economic center area of the capital city of Konawe Islands Regency. However, the provision of clean water as a basic need is still not fulfilled, this is because the source of clean water in the Langara Coastal Area currently still depends on Community Self-Help, as a result, water distribution is carried out in shifts. This research aims to determine air needs, the condition of the existing distribution network, and optimize the clean water distribution system. Air requirements are calculated using an analysis of population projections for 15 years. Analysis of pipe hydraulics using EPANET 2.2 Software, and air flow by gravity using PVC pipes. The analysis results show that the population in 2036 will be 1816 people with peak hour water demand of 4.13 l/sec. The condition of the existing distribution network shows that all Junctions have an average pressure of 9 atm. Meanwhile, the pipe with the highest speed at P3 is 0.47 m/s and the speed at P15 is 0.04 m/s, indicating that the existing conditions do not meet the technical criteria of Minister of PUPR Regulation No. 27/PRT/M/2016. So to increase the flow speed it is necessary to change the pipe dimensions at several points. In peak hour optimization simulations, the maximum speed occurs in pipes P2, P3, P4, and P10, namely 2.61 m/s, while the lowest speed occurs in pipe P21, namely 0.30 m/s. The results of this optimization are by the speed criteria in Minister of PUPR Regulation No.27/PRT/M/2016

Prioritizing the valorization strategies of an invasive fern (Azolla) in a wetland

Wetlands play a vital role as one of the most important natural habitats on our planet. However, the survival of wetlands is threatened by various issues, including the arrival of invasive and non-native aquatic ferns. In this regard, Azolla filiculoides has become a serious problem for the Anzali wetland. The valorization of Azolla can contribute to the establishment of a collection system for this invasive fern, which can consequently reduce the harmful impact of this fern on the wetland, and it can be considered as a free and available source of biomass. Therefore, a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process was applied to rank the valorization strategies of this invasive fern. In the first step, four evaluation criteria (technical, economic, social, and environmental) and six valorization strategies were identified for the analysis through a literature review and expert opinions. The valorization strategies for Azolla were: 1) no collection, 2) collection and landfilling, 3) direct use as livestock and poultry feed, 4) composting, 5) biogas generation, and 6) biodiesel generation. The results revealed that the economic criterion had the highest priority for Azolla valorization, followed by environmental, technical, and social criteria, respectively. Regarding the valorization strategies, biodiesel was identified with the highest priority according to economic and social criteria, and biogas was the strategy with highest priority based on the environmental and technical criteria. In overall, biodiesel, biogas, and composting were ranked as the most appropriate valorization strategies for Azolla in the investigated wetland, respectively. Implementation of the identified valorization strategies can potentially promote the circular economy at the regional level and reduce the adverse effects of the invasive fern on the wetland ecosystem.

Machine Learning in Teaching Piano Touch Technique and Tonal Expression

Music is the art of both sound and hearing. Among many musical instruments, the piano has the title of "king of instruments". Unlike the violin, which is delicate and soft, the piano's tone is noble and graceful. The pianist Nergoz once said that the purpose of all piano playing is to make sound and to create sound. So, how to use the piano to create a beautiful sound? This is an essential concern for all piano players. Therefore, it is important to practice tone, both in practice and in playing music, and only when the fingers touch the keys can a beautiful tone be produced. Tone is important in the whole process of piano playing. Both the expressiveness of the piano and its appeal to the listener are closely related to the quality of the tone. The part of the key that is touched, the intensity and the technique all have an important influence on the tone. The scientific approach to finger touch is a particularly important skill and technical criterion, both in the process of learning the piano and when performing it.

Study of the Accuracy Characteristics of the Mathematical Model for Predicting Changes in the Error of the Working Measurement Standard

The accuracy of the forecasting method and its prior estimation when predicting changes in the error of the working measurement standard are one of the key issues. In the course of studying these issues, a number of components of the forecasting error were assessed, and various methods and mathematical models of forecasting were compared. A comparative analysis showed that the studied mathematical model for individual forecasting of changes in the error of a working standard available at «Mathematical model for predicting changes in the value of the critical component of the error of the working measurement standard of the unit of magnitude taking into account prior information» has higher accuracy in comparison with the considered known forecasting methods. The estimates of the parameters of the forecasting function obtained with the application of the model under consideration available at «Determination of parameters for metrological maintenance of measuring instruments by the technical and economic criterion», using the expressions of the transition to forecasting the probability of metrological serviceability of the working measurement standard, specific costs for metrological maintenance, and damage from the use of the working measurement standard in the state of metrological failure, allow to substantially increase the validity of decisions to refine the value of the interval between the certification of the working standard, which is initially established (within the framework of the ITCM).

Performance of Photovoltaic Thermal and Biomass Gasification for Efficient Renewable Energy Generation: A Review

AbstractThis review presents the technical and operational performances of solar and biomass energy technologies viz photovoltaic thermal (PVT) and biomass gasification systems. This work aims to offer a reference and guidelines to the renewable energy‐related players, especially for those at the operational level and investors. This paper highlights the technical advantage of hybrid PVT with phase change material in terms of electrical and thermal efficiencies. While the operational performance of biomass gasification is thoroughly discussed via sensitivity analysis, the potential integration between solar and biomass gasification technologies is explored to complement and bolster the capabilities of both renewable systems within the power energy mix portfolio. Finally, few directions and significant takeaways considering the technical criteria are addressed for identifying efficient renewable energy generation.

Domestic wastewater sludge valorization: Multi-criteria evaluation of anaerobic digestion vs. hydrothermal liquefaction

The emerging hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process is evaluated against the classical anaerobic digestion (AD) processes for stabilizing wastewater sludges and recovering their energy- and nutrient-contents. Although HTL affords faster stabilization, better process stability, and liquid fuel and sterile fertilizer recovery, it suffers from higher energy demand and lower technology readiness level. For a rational comparison of these pathways, a multi-criteria evaluation is conducted considering 21 technical, environmental, economic, and social criteria. Criteria values for the HTL-pathway were derived from laboratory tests while those for the AD-pathway were compiled from literature. Of the 16 process alternatives evaluated, the AD-pathway including nitrogen-recovery by air-stripping and phosphorus recovery by the MEPHREC® process ranked first followed by the HTL-pathway. This multi-criteria study suggests that the HTL-pathway could be engineered as a superior alternative for sludge stabilization and resource recovery if phosphorus recovery and its technology readiness level could be improved.

An integrated model for selecting bridge structural systems using quality function deployment and analytical hierarchy process

Selecting an efficient structural system during the conceptual design of bridge projects is an essential requirement for the project’s success and fulfilling stakeholders’ expectations. This process involves evaluating a broad range of objective and subjective requirements based on multiple technical criteria. Despite its importance, current literature lacks a structured methodology for assisting designers in the selection process of the bridge structural system. Therefore, this research aims to develop a selection model to facilitate the decision-making process, helping evaluate different bridge structural systems during the conceptual design phase. The primary goal is to choose the most optimal design that aligns with both the client’s needs and technical specifications. The proposed methodology begins by identifying client needs and finding their relative importance using an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) questionnaire, followed by determining the technical requirements in bridge conceptual design. A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) model is developed to evaluate bridge structural systems. The main advantage of integrating QFD and AHP is that it reduces the inconsistency and uncertainty in the QFD inputs. The methodology is implemented in a real case study of a bridge project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), demonstrating improved results in structural system selection compared to traditional methods. While this research focused on the conceptual design phase of bridge projects, future work could extend to other phases of design.

SY-MIS Project: Biomedical Design of Endo-Robotic and Laparoscopic Training System for Surgery on the Earth and Space

Despite the location (Earth or Space), surgical simulation is a vital part of improving technical skills and ensuring patients' safety in the real procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe the Space System for Minimally Invasive Surgery (SY-MIS©) project, which started in 2016 under the supervision of the Center for Space Systems (C-SET). The process connects the best features of the following machines: Biomedik Surgeon, Space Biosurgeon, SP-LAP 1, and SP-LAP 2, which were defined using the VDI 2221 guidelines. This research uses methods based on 3 standards: i) Biomedical design: ISO 9001-13485 / FDA 21 CFR 820.30 / ASTM F1744-96(2016); ii) Aerospace human factors: HF-STD-001; iii) Mechatronics design: VDI 2206. The results depict the conceptual biomedical design of a novel training system named Surgical Engineering and Mechatronic System (SETY©), which integrates the use of 2 laparoscopic tools and 2 anthropomorphic mini-robotic arms (6 DOF). It has been validated by the Evaluation of Technical Criteria, getting a total score of 90% related to clinical assessment, machine adaptability, and robustness. The novelty of the research lies in the introduction of a new procedure that covers the simultaneous use of laparoscopic and robotic systems, named Hybrid Cyber-Physical Surgery (HYS©). In conclusion, the development of SY-MIS© promotes the use of advanced technologies to improve surgical procedures and human-machine medical cooperation for the next frontier of habitability on other planets. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-02-01 Full Text: PDF

A framework for evaluation of construction and demolition waste management alternatives using MCDA techniques in the context of Dhaka City

Landfilling and dumping are the common strategies to manage generated construction and demolition waste (C&DW) in Dhaka City. These strategies of C&DW management (C&DWM) affect the environment adversely and fill the old landfill sites quickly. Besides, there isn’t any framework to manage C&DWs effectively. This study introduces a Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)-based C&DWM framework for Dhaka City by incorporating the expanded Waste Management Hierarchy (E-WMH). The E-WMH principles are considered as the C&DWM alternatives. Through a comprehensive literature review, the criteria are determined and grouped into social, economic, environmental, and technical criteria to achieve sustainability and effectiveness. To construct the initial decision matrix, the ordinal data (i.e. rating) is collected through interviews with the subject-matter experts of Dhaka City. Also, the ranking system method is used to determine the weight of the criteria. Finally, the ELECTRE I and ELECTRE II MCDA methods are employed to rank the alternatives. Results show that reuse and recovery are suitable strategies for managing C&DWs in Dhaka city. Future studies may consider the hybridization of MCDA tools, quantitative data to form the initial decision matrix, and other mathematical models to weigh the criteria so that the performance of the framework can be enhanced.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT: NEW PRIORITIES OF THE 21ST CENTURY

The development of management methodology and the concept of energy management in modern conditions of transforming the energy sector by the requirements of the carbon-free economy are considered. New qualitative features and new areas of application of energy management and energy management systems (EMS) in the implementation of the energy transition and implementation of the Smart Grid concept have been revealed. It has been established that modern energy management is a proactive, organized, and systematic coordination of the purchase, transformation, distribution, and use of energy to meet requirements, taking into account environmental and economic goals. In contrast to the formation of the EMS according to the ISO 50000 series of standards, today the construction of the EMS is becoming more relevant, which provides systemic (complex) optimization of the parameters, structure, and modes of various technical objects according to a set of technical, economic and environmental criteria. It is shown that EMS is much more than a simple technical solution for monitoring the parameters and state of energy systems. With comprehensive forecasts of energy demand and supply, this system takes energy management to a completely new level, allowing operators of facilities (enterprises, buildings, and smart networks and systems) to determine the strategic direction of energy management, implement it, and achieve both energy efficiency and energy availability and environmental (social) acceptability. The components of EMS for Smart Grid are characterized, in particular: monitoring (actual energy production, actual energy demand, state of charge of energy storage, price uncertainty); forecast (energy production, energy demand, mobile data storage, uncertainty); power quality management (loss minimization, power quality indicators, and reliability/comfort); planning/dispatch/cost (operating costs, reduction of GHG emissions, profit maximization). It is proposed that a promising direction is to consider the SEM as a system of information and communication technologies, which at the system level is combined with power energy processes used by operators of electric power systems and networks to monitor, control, and optimize the productivity of production, transmission, and consumption of energy resources in systems of various hierarchical levels. level (as UES of Ukraine, regional and local systems, on specific energy facilities or individual energy technologies, etc.). Based on the analysis of prospective areas of application of EMS at energy sector facilities, modern areas of scientific and technical research in the construction of energy management systems for energy, electric power, and electrotechnical systems, which are practical to carry out in Ukraine, have been determined.

Risk assessment of inter-basin water transfer plans through integration of Fault Tree Analysis and Bayesian Network modelling approaches

Inter-basin water transfer projects are a common method used to balance water resources and meet regional demand, particularly in the drinking water supply sector. The potential failure risk associated with inter-basin water transfer projects was examined using Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis (FFTA) methodologies in this study. Additionally, the conversion of Fault Tree models into Bayesian Network (BN) and Fuzzy Bayesian Network (FBN) models was explored. Ten basic events were identified as factors that could affect the success of inter-basin water transfer plans, including socio-political, environmental, water resource, economic, and technical criteria. Fault Tree and Fuzzy Fault Tree models were utilized to conduct a risk analysis, which was then converted into crisp and fuzzy FTA-BN through an integrated approach. This approach was applied to evaluate inter-basin water transfer scenarios from the Great Karun basin to the Central Iran Plateau. The superior scenario among eight water transfer scenarios was found to be water transfer from the Behesht-Abad Basin to Isfahan province and from the Khersan Basin to Kerman and Yazd provinces, with a failure risk of 0.649 and 0.601 respectively, based on the crisp and fuzzy integrated models. Basic events were ranked based on their contribution to the occurrence of the top event using two FIM and BI indices in the Fault Tree model and two indices of MI and SI in the Bayesian Network. Furthermore, after considering the correlation between basic events and risk factors, the risk obtained by crisp and fuzzy integrated models was found to increase to 0.811 and 0.789 respectively. The results of this study demonstrate that an integrated approach can assist decision-makers and stakeholders in evaluating inter-basin water transfer projects.

Optimizing the Finishing Treatment of Potato Harvester Transmission Shafts

The potato harvester’s distinctive specifications include the spatially segregated drive of its units from an external engine, operating under stochastic conditions. This setup complicates the loading of its components, including transmission shafts, and creates the prerequisites for decreased durability, leading to an upsurge in fatigue failures. To counteract this process, transmission shafts undergo a special treatment aimed at mitigating concentrated defects. (Research purpose) The purpose of this research is to formulate an objective function for controlling the finishing treatment of transmission shafts in a potato harvester. This function is designed to maximize potato yield while monitoring concentrated defects. (Materials and methods) The implementation of the method requires equipment capable of being controlled through a technical vision channel. The control scheme employs mathematical tools for describing discrete and continuous random variables, Markov processes with discrete time and continuous state space, the maximum likelihood method, and methods of numerical optimization in multifactor space. (Results and discussion) The research has yielded formulas for calculating the probabilities of successful and unsuccessful outcomes of finishing treatment based on the criterion of concentrated defect presence. The paper provides the results of testing the proposed algorithm for predicting the yield of viable products using the proposed method based on interim measurements of defect characteristics during the treatment process. Additionally, a scheme is proposed for integrating the obtained results into the production process of manufacturing transmission shafts for potato harvesters. (Conclusions) An algorithm has been proposed to control the finishing treatment of the transmission shaft based on a predictive assessment of the probability of manufacturing a product that adheres to the specified technical criteria regarding geometry and surface cleanliness. The predictive probability of achieving a surface with the required cleanliness without exceeding permissible defect limits is considered as the objective function. The solution to the problem is achieved through the selection of appropriate technological parameters.

PIEZOSURGERY:A Recent Advancement in Dentistry

Dentistry, an art and science and tranquilizer in medicine, has seen a lot of changing concepts over a decade and one such novel innovation is piezosurgery which fulfils both biological and technical criteria. It can be used for wide range of treatment, from simple implantology to sophisticated reconstructive surgeries. Low frequency piezosurgery produces a bloodless operating field by enabling safe and accurate bony incision without endangering underlying important structures including nerves, mucosa, and arteries. Soft tissues are protected, and biological mechanisms that encourage bone regeneration and improve patient recovery include the release of certain cytokines. This review outweighs piezosurgery over traditional tools and emphasizes on its clinical and biological aspects contributing to beneficial dental health. Keywords: Biological Dental Health, Piezosurgery, Regeneration, Ultrasonics

Advantages of aluminum as a structural material for an agricultural robotic truck

With the development of the trend towards robot facilitation of farmers’ work, the need for their most effective implementation in the agricultural sector (including horticulture) becomes more urgent. In materials science and agricultural freight robotics, there is still no univocal opinion on what structural materials are most preferable based on technical, economic, and environmental criteria. Authors rarely relate the capabilities of structural materials for robots to a decrease in specific ground pressure. Engineering needs studies comparing different structural materials most suitable to produce agricultural load-carrying robots. This article aims to conduct a comparative investigation of three variants for an agricultural robotic truck with a steel, aluminum, or fiberglass body to justify the most acceptable material. Aluminum was hypothesized to be superior to steel and fiberglass as an agricultural freight robot material. Three robot versions were constructed using steel, aluminum, or fiberglass. They were then tested under field conditions, and the obtained results were recorded. In economic terms, using fi berglass is more justifi ed than aluminum. This is explained by the reduction in robot operating costs due to the lower density of fiberglass (1,900 versus 2,700 kg/m3). However, in terms of the environmental criterion, fiberglass loses because it contains formaldehyde and is difficult to recycle.

Research to treat poor quality fuels by 100 l/h case frame filters using nano zeolite NaX as adsorbent

This paper presents the results of research on treatment of poor quality L62 diesel fuel and TC-1 jet fuel scale of 100 liters/hour using nano zeolite NaX adsorbent synthesized directly from Vietnamese rice husk ash and kaolin. Samples of L62 diesel fuel and TC-1 jet fuel before and after treatment were analyzed and evaluated according to the technical criteria of TCVN 5689, GOST 305 and GOST 10227. The obtained results proved that poor quality samples of L62 diesel fuel and TC-1 jet fuel after being treated with nano zeolite NaX adsorbent can be reused as fuel for ships and aircraft.

A novel approach for designing efficient and sustainable cooling cycles with low global warming potential refrigerants

With the current legislation on the phase-out of 3rd generation refrigerants, new cooling cycles are expected to operate with 4th generation refrigerants, hence, the need for optimal system performance with these new working fluids. In this study, an innovative optimization approach was applied for the design of cooling cycles with 4th generation refrigerants based on integrating statistical analysis design of experiments (DoE) with molecular modeling using the polar soft-SAFT model. First, a detailed multi-criteria assessment was applied for the selection of 4th generation refrigerants in medium–low temperature applications. Results demonstrated the potentiality of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234ze(E)) or cis-1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoroprop-1-ene (R1225ye(Z)) in terms of environmental, safety, and technical criteria in basic cooling cycles under specific operating conditions. Multi-objective optimization guided using statistical analysis tools were implemented to study potential enhancement in cooling cycle performance using these promising refrigerants in terms of energy and exergy efficiency. This included evaporator and condenser temperature, fluid choice, compression yield, superheating/subcooling degrees, and cycle type. The evaporation and condenser temperature, and the compressor efficiency are shown to monopolize more than three-quarters of the cumulative contribution on system efficiency for those operated with R1234ze(E) in advanced liquid-to-suction line heat exchangers (LL/SL-IHX). Further optimization through examining the effect of heat transfer phenomena assisted in determining optimal operating conditions for new systems operating with low GWP refrigerants, instilling annual cost savings of $1.59 K and reduction in CO2 emissions by 1.02 tCO2-eq compared to the baseline system.