The Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method has been applied to solve the Boussinesq equations in order to simulate hypothetical one-dimensional dam break flows (DBFs) across varying depth ratios. Initial simulations reveal that the influence of Boussinesq terms remains minimal during the early stages of DBF when the depth ratio is less than 0.4. However, these terms become increasingly significant at later stages of the flow. In comparison to simulations based on the Saint-Venant equations, the Boussinesq-SPH model underestimates flow depths in regions of constant elevation while overestimating the propagation speed of the positive surge wave, with this overestimation becoming more pronounced as the depth ratio increases. Notably, the first and third Boussinesq terms exert the greatest influence on the simulation results. The findings also indicate the presence of non-hydrostatic pressure distributions within the DBF, which contribute to the accelerated movement of the positive surge. This study offers valuable insights into the modelling of flows that exhibit non-hydrostatic behaviour, and the results may be instrumental in improving the analysis of similar flow phenomena, especially those involving complex pressure distributions and wave propagation dynamics.
The mining sector plays a pivotal role in the economies of South Africa and Zimbabwe, yet limited attention has been given to the determinants of human capital disclosure within this industry. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the key factors influencing human capital reporting practices among the largest mining companies in these two countries. A quantitative approach was employed, utilising self-administered questionnaires to gather data from six major mining companies operating in both South Africa and Zimbabwe. Factor analysis was conducted to identify the primary determinants shaping human capital disclosure. The findings reveal that company structure, including audit committee characteristics, board size and composition, and assets, significantly influence disclosure practices. Performance-related factors, such as cost-effectiveness, return on training investments, liquidity, employee return on investments, and return on equity, also play a crucial role. Furthermore, market-related factors, including lobby pressure groups, media exposure, levels of debt, creditor pressure, and government regulations, were found to impact disclosure decisions. The results indicate that human capital disclosure mitigates information asymmetry, thereby strengthening relationships between company management and key stakeholders. It is also suggested that improved disclosure enhances corporate transparency, boosts investor confidence, and can positively influence a company’s perceived value. Given these findings, it is recommended that mining companies in South Africa and Zimbabwe adopt comprehensive reporting frameworks that incorporate human capital metrics. The adoption of such frameworks may align corporate practices with global reporting standards and enhance the sustainability and accountability of companies in the sector.
This paper investigates the search for an exact analytic solution to a temporal first-order differential equation that represents the number of customers in a non-stationary or time-varying $M / D / 1$ queueing system. Currently, the only known solution to this problem is through simulation. However, a study proposes a constant ratio, $\beta$ (Ismail's ratio), that relates the time-dependent mean arrival and mean service rates, offering an exact analytical solution. The stability dynamics of the time-varying $M / D / 1$ queueing system are then examined numerically in relation to time, $\beta$, and the queueing parameters. On another note, many potential queueing-theoretic applications to traffic management optimization are provided. The paper concludes with a summary, combined with open problems and future research pathways.
Electricity remains one of the most vital resources for industrial, domestic, and agricultural applications. However, electricity theft has emerged as a significant challenge, contributing to substantial power losses and severe economic repercussions for utility companies. This study examines the role of smart meters (SMs) in minimizing electricity theft and reducing energy losses by transitioning from traditional analogue meters to advanced SMs equipped with automated billing and metering systems. Data collected from the SM system in the Akre energy distribution network reveal that, following the implementation of SMs, overall electrical power losses were reduced by 17.1%, while theft incidents decreased by 96.4%. These results demonstrate that the deployment of SMs significantly contributes to lowering total power losses and yields considerable financial benefits for both utility providers (UPs) and consumers. Moreover, the system enhances the ability to remotely monitor and control customer meters, allowing continuous oversight of meter readings without requiring physical visits. This remote functionality strengthens theft prevention measures, improves grid reliability, and reduces operational costs. The findings highlight the potential of the SM system in advancing power efficiency and promoting a more secure and cost-effective energy distribution network.
This study investigates the structural performance and mass optimization of traditional walkers by comparing aluminum alloy and polymer matrix composites (PMCs) through advanced finite element analysis (FEA) using the ANSYS simulation platform. The FEA results reveal that peak stress, reaching 251.9 MPa, is concentrated at the front wheel support region, highlighting a critical area prone to structural vulnerability. Special attention is required to address potential mechanical limitations in key zones, such as the rear suspension, to prevent premature failure. Comparative analysis demonstrates that walkers fabricated from carbon-epoxy PMCs offer superior stiffness, reduced weight, and enhanced resistance to deformation compared to aluminum alloy counterparts. Notably, under descent conditions, the maximum elastic strain in the carbon-epoxy walker reaches 0.00399 mm/mm, localized in the front wheel support area, as indicated by the simulation results. These findings underscore the significant role of material selection in improving structural integrity and performance across varying operational conditions. The equivalence of stress and strain energy distributions further substantiates the advantages of composite materials over conventional alloys, suggesting that PMCs enable enhanced durability without compromising weight efficiency. The research emphasizes a human-centred approach, aligning material performance with user needs to develop mobility aids that offer long-term structural reliability. Beyond addressing immediate structural concerns, the findings lay the groundwork for future studies involving optimization algorithms and the exploration of alternative composites for assistive devices. The study provides valuable insights into stress distribution, deformation behaviour, and mechanical response, promoting continuous innovation in the design and development of mobility aids.
Laser additive manufacturing, a pivotal technology in advanced manufacturing, is extensively applied in the restoration industry. However, its development has been hindered by challenges such as residual stress and excessive grain size during the manufacturing process. The integration of ultrasonic enhancement technology with laser cladding has emerged as a prominent research direction, offering significant improvements in the quality and performance of the cladding layer. This review focuses on two primary approaches: ultrasonic-enhanced synchronous laser cladding and ultrasonic strengthening as a post-processing method. The ultrasonic processes discussed include ultrasonic vibration, ultrasonic rolling, ultrasonic impact, and their composite variants. Each method is evaluated for its ability to modify the microstructure, alleviate defects, and enhance the mechanical properties of the cladding layer. While ultrasonic enhancement during synchronous laser cladding primarily facilitates greater molten pool agitation, post-processing techniques induce severe plastic deformation on the surface of the cladding layer. Both approaches have been shown to reduce residual stress, refine grain structure, and improve surface hardness. The underlying mechanisms governing these improvements, particularly microstructural evolution and grain refinement, are examined in detail. Additionally, the potential advantages and limitations of each ultrasonic introduction method are discussed. Finally, the application prospects and future development trends of ultrasonic-enhanced laser cladding are explored, with particular attention to the role of ultrasonic technology in enhancing the durability, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of cladding layers. The synergy between ultrasonic techniques and laser cladding promises to expand the potential of additive manufacturing in both industrial and repair applications.
In order to better understand the competitive dynamics between e-commerce platforms and traditional retail outlets, a Stackelberg game model was developed. Subsequently, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) was employed to determine the Pareto solution set for this multi-objective optimization problem. The findings reveal that: a) The effect of consumer reference quality can lead enterprises to adjust their strategy levels downwards, potentially resulting in profit loss under certain conditions. b) When the influence of competitive intensity on market demand is minimal, a reduction in enterprise profits occurs in both centralized and cost-sharing decision-making frameworks, with more significant detriment observed in the cost-sharing mode; conversely, when the influence is substantial, enhancements in competitive intensity can significantly increase overall system profits. c) The model's validity was confirmed through the application of the NSGA-II.
The Pearl River Delta Water Resources Allocation Project is characterized by an extensive distribution of buildings along a lengthy alignment and the application of diverse construction methodologies. Given these complexities, comprehensive safety monitoring measures are essential during both the temporary construction and operational phases to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the project. This study examines the critical aspects of safety monitoring, tailored to the unique characteristics and demands of the project, by focusing on the monitoring objectives, specific monitoring tasks, and the inherent challenges posed by the project's scope and variety. Emphasis is placed on identifying key safety monitoring difficulties, such as maintaining accuracy across varying construction methods and terrain conditions, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards. Additionally, innovative solutions and advanced monitoring techniques that address these challenges are explored, highlighting the integration of novel technologies and approaches that enhance monitoring effectiveness. The discussion is framed within the context of existing engineering requirements and regulatory frameworks, providing insights into the strategic implementation of safety monitoring protocols that are both adaptable and robust. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on the safety management of large-scale water resource projects by presenting a detailed analysis of the challenges encountered and the innovations employed to mitigate risks, thus supporting sustainable and safe development in complex engineering environments.
The scouring process, characterised by the erosion of sediment around bridge piers due to fluid flow, poses a significant risk to the structural integrity of bridges. Scour depth, defined as the vertical distance from the initial riverbed level to the bottom of the scour hole, is driven by the formation of vortices near bridge piers. Mitigating scour damage after it has advanced to a critical stage is often more disruptive and costly than preemptive measures based on accurate predictions. In response to this challenge, a range of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) numerical modelling techniques has been developed for scour depth estimation around bridge piers. Among the available methods, the Hydrologic Engineering Center's River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) is widely employed, with the majority of studies focusing on the 1D modelling approach. The current study evaluates the relative efficacy of 1D and 2D models using the case of the Kelanisiri Bridge, which traverses the Kelani River in Sri Lanka. The performance of the 1D model was assessed by comparing predicted water levels at an intermediate river gauge with field data, while the 2D model was calibrated and validated against observed riverbed levels. Both approaches were applied to estimate scour depths following the 2016 flood event. The findings revealed that the 2D HEC-RAS model provided a superior match with observed field data when compared to the 1D model, achieving a coefficient of determination (R$^2$) of 0.98 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.13, indicating a higher degree of accuracy and reliability. As a result, the 2D model is recommended as the more effective approach for predicting scour depth around bridge piers. Further validation of these numerical results through scaled laboratory physical modelling is recommended to ensure greater accuracy in future predictive efforts.
As global focus on climate change intensifies, carbon credits have become an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Africa, with its abundant natural resources and potential for sustainable development, is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing market. This article explores how Africa can enhance its participation in the carbon credit market, transforming environmental initiatives into economic opportunities by addressing key implementation challenges. By utilizing the Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method within an interval-valued spherical fuzzy (IVSF) framework, the study supports collective decision-making. It identifies three crucial factors: access to financing issue, the absence of clear policies and legal frameworks, and the lack of capacity and expertise within governments, businesses, and communities. The research provides practical recommendations for governments aiming to effectively implement the carbon credit concept.
This work aims to apply the spherical fuzzy set (SFS), a flexible framework for handling ambiguous human opinions, to improve decision-making processes in recycled water. It specifically looks at the application of Sugeno-Weber (SW) triangular norms in the spherical fuzzy (SF) information domain, providing reliable approximations that are necessary for decision-making. A new class of aggregation operators is presented in this paper. These operators are specifically made for spherical fuzzy information systems and include the interval value spherical fuzzy Sugeno–Weber power weighted average (IVSFSWPA), interval value spherical fuzzy Sugeno–Weber power geometric (IVSFSWPWG), and interval value spherical fuzzy Sugeno–Weber power weighted average (IVSFSWPWA). The realistic features and special cases of these operators are demonstrated, highlighting how well they fit into practical scenarios. A new method for multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) is used for a range of real-world applications with different requirements or characteristics. The efficacy of the recommended methodologies is demonstrated with an example of a recycled water selection process. Additionally, a thorough comparison method is provided to show how the suggested aggregation strategies work and are relevant by contrasting their results with those of the current methods. The study's conclusion highlights the potential contribution of the recommended research to the advancement of decision-making techniques in dynamic and complex environments. It also summarizes its findings and discusses its prospects moving forward.
Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging both online and offline channels to diversify their sales strategies. However, competition between these channels presents challenges in maximising profits for all parties involved. This study investigates the use of cost-sharing contracts by manufacturers to promote marketing in both online and offline channels, with the goal of achieving Pareto improvements in supply chain profitability. The model also accounts for consumers’ reference quality perceptions in online channels, offering a comprehensive evaluation of how cost-sharing contracts influence the operational strategies and performance of both online and offline enterprises. An empirical analysis is conducted using the “US Stores Sales” dataset from Kaggle, comprising 4,249 samples with 20 recorded characteristics per sample. The findings indicate that: (1) Cost-sharing in marketing efforts facilitates a Pareto improvement in profits for manufacturers, online enterprises, and offline retailers, with manufacturers experiencing the most significant benefit. (2) When the manufacturer assumes a larger share of marketing costs for one channel (e.g., online or offline) and a smaller share for the other, the party receiving the higher cost-sharing proportion typically sees increased profitability, while the other party’s profitability may diminish. (3) Empirical analysis suggests that manufacturers should prioritise supporting online businesses’ marketing activities, as this strategy is more likely to result in higher overall profits for the manufacturer. (4) Interestingly, when equal cost-sharing proportions are offered to both online and offline enterprises for the sake of fairness, the manufacturer’s profitability is enhanced. Moreover, the profitability of online enterprises tends to increase when the equal cost-sharing proportion is smaller. These findings validate the proposed model and underscore the critical role of strategic cost-sharing contracts in optimising Online to Offline (O2O) supply chain performance. Further research could explore the implications of varying consumer preferences and digitalisation trends on the effectiveness of such strategies.
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