Risk management in the transportation of dangerous goods is critical for safeguarding human health, the environment, and infrastructure. This study explores systematic methodologies for risk assessment in the context of hazardous materials transit, with a particular focus on the transport of bitumen in Hungary. Key techniques, including Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP), and Bow-Tie Analysis, are employed to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks associated with the transportation process. These approaches enable the systematic breakdown of potential failure points, the evaluation of their effects, and the identification of mitigation strategies. The case study on bitumen transport highlights several significant risk factors, including operational failures, human errors, and vehicle-related incidents. The analysis reveals the importance of robust safety measures, such as enhanced driver training, real-time monitoring systems, and comprehensive documentation protocols, in reducing the likelihood and impact of such incidents. Furthermore, the study advocates for the continuous improvement of risk assessment procedures, emphasizing the need for adaptation to evolving regulatory standards and emerging challenges in hazardous materials transport. The findings underscore the importance of a proactive safety culture that integrates both technical solutions and organizational practices, ensuring a comprehensive approach to risk management in the transport of dangerous goods (TDG).
The strategic location of emergency supply depots is critical for enhancing pre-disaster preparedness and post-disaster relief efforts. Given the inherent uncertainties and risks associated with natural and man-made disasters, ensuring the swift and effective delivery of relief materials to affected areas is pivotal for minimizing disaster impacts and safeguarding lives and property. This review synthesizes the current body of research on the siting of emergency stockpiles, providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing site selection. Key factors such as the geographic scope of disaster response, hydrographic conditions, transportation infrastructure, and accessibility to affected populations are examined. Various siting models are evaluated to optimize resource allocation, minimize logistics costs, and improve supply chain responsiveness during emergencies. This review also identifies key challenges within the existing literature, including limitations in model algorithms, disaster stage considerations, optimization criteria, and the degree of stakeholder involvement in decision-making. Notably, while previous research has often focused on isolated factors, this study emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that accounts for dynamic, diversified, intelligent, and human-centered considerations. Dynamic models are essential to adapt to the unpredictable nature of disasters, while diversified approaches are necessary to address the varying needs of different disaster types and affected populations. Intelligent decision-making tools, incorporating data analytics and real-time information, can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of site selection processes. Human-centric models, focusing on the actual needs of disaster-affected communities, are critical for ensuring the effectiveness of relief operations. The review concludes by outlining future research directions, emphasizing the importance of developing adaptable, sustainable, and context-specific siting models. Future investigations should focus on the practical application of emerging technologies, such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing, to refine siting models and improve their responsiveness in a rapidly changing global landscape. These advancements are expected to contribute to more efficient and cost-effective emergency supply systems, better equipped to address the evolving challenges of global disaster risks.
The shear connection behaviour of steel-concrete composite beams is primarily governed by the strength of the connectors and concrete. Modern seismic evaluations and vibrational analyses of composite beams, particularly concerning their load-slip characteristics and shear strength, predominantly rely on push-out test data. In this study, the Finite Element Method (FEM) has been employed to simulate and analyse the shear, bending, and deflection responses of composite beams subjected to various load conditions, in accordance with Eurocode 4 standards. Failure modes, ultimate loads, and sectional capacities were examined in detail. The results indicate that increased strength of both steel and concrete significantly enhances the beam’s capacity in bending. Specifically, flexural and compressive resistance showed marginal improvements of 3.2%, 3.1%, and 3.0%, respectively, as concrete strength increased from 25 N/mm² to 30, 35, and 40 N/mm², while steel strength increased by 27% and 21%, with yield strengths of 275 N/mm², 355 N/mm², and 460 N/mm², respectively. Under seismic loading, however, the ultimate flexural load capacity exhibited a reduction with a fixed beam span, irrespective of steel strength. The shear capacity remained constant across varying beam lengths but demonstrated significant improvements with increased steel yield strength, with enhancements of 29% and 67% as steel yield strength increased from 275 N/mm² to 355 N/mm² and 460 N/mm², respectively. A detailed vibration analysis was also conducted to investigate the dynamic behaviour of these composite beams under seismic conditions. These findings underscore the critical influence of material strengths and loading conditions on the performance of steel-concrete composite beams, particularly in seismic scenarios, providing valuable insights for the design and assessment of such structures in seismic-prone regions.
The challenge of providing students with practical, hands-on experience in realistic industrial environments is increasingly prevalent in modern technical education. The concept of a Learning Factory addresses this issue by facilitating skill acquisition through immersive, practice-oriented training that integrates advanced digital technologies. An innovative educational platform has been developed, incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and Digital Twin (DT) technology to enhance manufacturing education. This platform combines modular hardware and software, enabling immersive visualisation and real-time monitoring through DT-supported systems. These features offer a comprehensive, interactive learning experience that closely simulates real-world manufacturing processes. The system's smart reconfigurability further enhances its educational potential by enabling customisable training scenarios tailored to specific learning outcomes. The proposed approach aligns with the principles of Industry 4.0 and serves as a catalyst for the improvement of both educational and professional training environments. By leveraging digitalisation, this platform not only supports adaptive learning but also enhances the efficiency of educational models. Through the simulation of dynamic manufacturing systems, students are exposed to a variety of industrial scenarios, fostering deeper understanding and skill development. The integration of IoT, CPS, and DT technologies is expected to provide a scalable framework for future educational environments, ultimately improving the adaptability and effectiveness of manufacturing training.
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.
A detailed investigation into the axial bearing load of the revolving platform in a hydraulic excavator equipped with a shovel attachment was presented in this study. A mathematical model was formulated to assess the forces acting on the bearing under various operational conditions. The analysis focuses on a 100,000 kg excavator with a 6.5 m³ bucket, examining the contributions of kinematic chains and drive mechanisms to axial loads. Simulations of multiple positions within the working range were carried out, calculating the load spectrum, including boundary resistance, to ensure machine stability. An optimization program was developed to refine the bearing selection process by identifying equivalent loads and moments. These calculations were benchmarked against manufacturer capacity diagrams, allowing for precise selection of appropriate bearing sizes. The findings underscore the critical role of accurate load calculations in enhancing the performance, reliability, and design optimization of hydraulic excavators. This approach provides engineers with a framework for selecting bearings that can withstand complex operational stresses, thereby improving the efficiency and longevity of hydraulic machinery.
The current research is to profit from the science of enterprise architecture (Enterprise Architecture) and its application in building the structure of government sector institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 vision. while emphasizing the value of enterprise architecture (EA) and the need for knowledge to apply its models and procedures while creating its structures. The research study's scope is determined by how well the descriptive and analytical approaches function together, and this is achieved by choosing a few government sector organizations to focus on. Throughout exploring the possibility of applying the Enterprise Architecture model, as an application case based on the extent of knowledge of the cadres of those entities with the organizations' enterprise architecture, and the presence of supervisory expertise. By relying on the quantitative method of studying and analyzing the situation by conducting a questionnaire on some workers in those bodies under consideration (Research Sample), studying the possibility and feasibility of applying enterprise architecture for organizations and generalizing this in the restructuring of government sector’s institutions in general.
This study evaluates the safety management system at Xuefu Gas Station in Xiangtan City of China through a combination of Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA). Initially, PHA was employed to identify potential hazards and assess the probability of associated accidents. This analysis led to the formulation of preventive measures aimed at mitigating identified risks. Subsequently, FTA was utilized to construct a logical framework for analyzing the various causes of system failures and their interdependencies. The analysis revealed deficiencies in the management system, equipment, ignition sources, and human factors. An approximate calculation method was applied to rank the structural importance of these factors, thereby highlighting key areas of impact. Based on these findings, targeted recommendations were proposed to enhance the safety management practices at the gas station, thereby reducing accident likelihood and safeguarding personnel and property. The results underscore the necessity of improving management practices, upgrading equipment, controlling ignition sources, and bolstering human factors to achieve a comprehensive safety management system.
The selection of appropriate anti-drone systems is critical for enhancing a military's defensive capabilities. With a range of non-kinetic anti-drone guns available, it is essential to identify the optimal system that meets specific military requirements. This study presents a comprehensive approach, combining Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques to facilitate this selection process. The Defining Interrelationships Between Ranked Criteria II (DIBR II) method has been employed to determine and calculate the criteria weighting coefficients, while the Grey Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method, modified to utilize interval grey numbers, has been applied to rank the alternatives. The criteria weighting coefficients, defined by expert input, are aggregated using the Bonferroni mean. The proposed DIBR II-Grey MARCOS model is then subjected to a sensitivity analysis, which further validates the robustness of the selection process. A comparative analysis of results, based on the applied MCDM methods, underscores the efficacy of the proposed model. The findings demonstrate that this integrated model not only provides a reliable framework for selecting anti-drone guns but also offers a versatile tool for resolving other MCDM challenges across various domains. The study highlights the potential of this model for broader application in diverse operational environments, where complex decision-making is required. The combination of MCDM techniques and sensitivity analysis offers valuable insights into optimizing resource allocation, thereby enhancing strategic decision-making processes. The proposed model's adaptability and effectiveness suggest its significant potential for adoption beyond the military sector.
To address the challenges in traditional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) related to determining factor weights, identifying risk priority of failure modes, and managing uncertainties in the risk assessment process, this paper proposes an enhanced FMEA risk factor evaluation method. This method integrates incomplete and imprecise expert assessments using a fuzzy multi-criteria compromise ranking technique called the “V1seKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje” (VIKOR). By employing Fuzzy Evidence Reasoning (FER), the risk factor ratings are represented using fuzzy belief structures to capture their diversity and uncertainty. Objective weights are adjusted using Shannon entropy to correct subjective weights, and the VIKOR technique is applied to prioritize failure modes based on the principles of minimizing individual regret and maximizing group utility. The improved model is applied to identify key equipment associated with oil and gas leakage risk in the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) system. Validity and sensitivity analysis confirm the robustness and reliability of the method, enhancing the accuracy and credibility of the evaluation results.
New aggregation operators (AOs) for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IVIFS) have been developed, offering advancements in multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM). IVIFS employs intervals for membership and non-membership grades, providing a robust framework to handle uncertainties inherent in real-world scenarios. This study introduces operational laws for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy values (IVIFVs), formulated on the Frank T-norm and T-conorm, and presents a generalization of the Maclaurin symmetric mean (MSM) operator tailored for these values. Named the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Frank weighted MSM (IVIFFWMSM) and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Frank MSM (IVIFFMSM), these operators incorporate new operational principles that enhance the aggregation process. The effectiveness of these operators is demonstrated through their application to a MAGDM problem, where they are compared with existing operators. This approach not only enriches the theoretical landscape of fuzzy decision-making models but also provides practical insights into the optimization of market risk.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is employed extensively to facilitate design processes through software tools, serving as an indispensable component in Reverse Engineering (RE) across various sectors. This study elucidates the integration of RE and CAD in constructing generic product models for the manufacturing industry, particularly through the enhancement of the Feature-Based Design (FBD) approach. The Characteristic Product Features (CPF) methodology, pivotal in this research, enhances FBD by enabling the creation of parametrically defined generic features. Such features encapsulate a range of parameters including geometrical dimensions, topological constraints, and requirements for material properties and functionality, all dictated by the parametric model established. The methodology affords mechanical engineers enhanced capabilities to devise specific or customized manufacturing processes, applicable in domains spanning CAD, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE). The practical application of CPF within CAD is exemplified through the development of a three-dimensional geometrical model of an extruder screw utilized in polymer extrusion, illustrating the potential for tailored process innovation in manufacturing.
In this study, an economical prototype of a uniaxial shake table, named the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) shake table, was developed using an Arduino platform for the simulation of sinusoidal waves and scaled earthquake data. The table incorporates a ball-screw mechanism actuated by a stepper motor. Simulations were conducted using sinusoidal signals and earthquake data for three distinct seismic events, recorded at discrete timestamps. The performance of the shake table was assessed by analyzing the discrepancies between the input signals and the table's outputs.In sinusoidal mode, a feedforward gain was computed to achieve the desired output amplitude values. Furthermore, a decreasing trend in the error between input and output acceleration values was observed. The table, without any payload, achieved an acceleration of 0.8 g at a frequency of 14.5 Hz and an amplitude of 1 mm. However, the effectiveness of earthquake simulations was constrained by the storage capacity of the Arduino Uno and the motor's performance capacity. Iterative methods were necessary for each earthquake simulation to determine the minimal timestep size that the motor could optimally handle. The methodology for simulating earthquakes was elaborated, identifying limitations and suggesting areas for future enhancement. The major constraints of the project were cost, time, and resource availability.
In the pursuit of sustainable urban development, the implementation of cleaner propulsion systems in public transportation emerges as a critical strategy to reduce urban pollution and emissions. This study focuses on the City of Niš, where conventional propulsion vehicles, predominantly buses, contribute significantly to environmental degradation. The necessity to adopt alternative propulsion systems is underscored by the myriad of limitations and uncertainties that accompany such a transition. To address this complexity, the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method was employed to derive weight coefficients, while the evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) method was utilized to select optimal propulsion systems. These methodologies facilitated a comprehensive evaluation of alternatives, including buses, electric trolleybuses, and trams, for both city and suburban public transport. The integration of these multi-criteria decision-making techniques enabled a systematic analysis of each alternative against established criteria, thereby assisting in the identification of the most advantageous propulsion systems. This approach not only aids in making informed decisions that align with sustainability objectives but also contributes significantly to mitigating the environmental impact of urban transport. The findings from this study provide a foundational framework that supports decision-makers in the strategic implementation of environmentally sustainable transport solutions in urban settings.
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