An innovative framework is introduced for the enhancement of efficiency within emergency departments (EDs), utilizing an integration of simulation and fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM). A discrete event simulation (DES) model was developed, capturing the intricate dynamics characteristic of ED operations with high fidelity. This model's integration with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Elimination and Choice Expressing Reality (ELECTRE) method, within a fuzzy context, facilitated a critical evaluation and optimization of the decision-making processes inherent in EDs. The incorporation of these methodologies yielded significant improvements in patient flow and service quality, highlighting the substantial potential of marrying simulation with fuzzy MCDM to achieve operational excellence in healthcare settings. The study stands as a contribution to the enhancement of ED operations, offering a versatile methodology with potential for adaptation across diverse healthcare environments. This approach underscores the imperative of employing a nuanced, integrated strategy to navigate the complexities of healthcare service delivery, ensuring an equilibrium between operational efficiency and the quality of patient care.
In the context of urban planning, the design of urban spaces is recognized as a pivotal factor influencing urban sustainability, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity for individuals requiring special assistance. This study explores the interconnectedness of urban design with sustainability indicators, focusing on human-centric dimensions and the preservation of heritage within Najaf's traditional urban fabric. Through the application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software, this research aims to elucidate the significance and interrelations of specific urban design indicators, thereby determining their collective impact on urban sustainability. The methodology adopted herein leverages quantitative analysis to delineate the relationships among urban design parameters and their consequential influence on sustainability outcomes. The findings suggest a substantial correlation between urban design practices and the attainment of sustainability, with a notable emphasis on the design factor as a primary influencer. This research contributes to the discourse on urban sustainability by providing a methodological framework for assessing the role of urban design in fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The study underscores the potential of SEM in elucidating the complex dynamics between urban design and sustainability, thereby offering empirical evidence to support the development of informed urban planning strategies.
To address the rate matching issue between high-bandwidth and high-sampling-rate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and low-bandwidth and low-sampling-rate baseband processors, the key technology of digital downconversion is introduced. This approach relocates the intermediate-frequency baseband signal to a vicinity of the baseband, laying a foundation for subsequent Digital Signal Processor (DSP) analysis and processing. In an innovative application of the Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer (CORDIC) algorithm for Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) in a pipeline design, the phase differences of five parallel signals are measured, facilitating real-time parallel processing of the phase and amplitude relationships of multiple signals. The Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) design and implementation of the digital mixer module and filter bank for digital downconversion have been accomplished. A test board for the direction-finding application of five digital downconversion channels has been constructed, with the FMQL45T900 as its core. The correctness of the direction-finding data has been validated through practical application, demonstrating a significant improvement in power consumption compared to methods documented in other literature, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. The digital downconversion technology based on the CORDIC algorithm is applicable in various fields, including military communications, broadcasting, and radar navigation systems.
In the realm of cybersecurity, the formulation of comprehensive strategies is imperative for multinational corporations to protect against pervasive cyber threats. Recent developments in the field of intuitionistic multi-fuzzy sets (IMFSs) have heralded q-rung orthopair multi-fuzzy sets (MFSs) as a pivotal tool for encapsulating ambiguity and uncertainty within complex scenarios. The essence of this study lies in the introduction of two innovative distance measures tailored for q-rung orthopair MFSs (q-ROM$^{k}$FSs) of dimension k, enhancing the capacity to delineate distinctions between such sets effectively. Employing score functions pertinent to q-ROM$^{k}$FSs, this research extends its application to the sphere of Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM), presenting a methodological advancement in decision-making processes. The efficacy of the proposed measures is elucidated through a comparative analysis with existing methodologies in MADM, thereby underscoring the superiority of the introduced approach. This investigation not only contributes to the enrichment of the theoretical underpinnings of q-ROMFSs but also propels their practical application in cybersecurity strategy formulation for multinational entities. The study employs the Euclidean and Hamming distance measures as benchmarks, supplemented by the development of a score and accuracy function, to furnish a comprehensive tool for addressing cybersecurity challenges.
In the realm of global economics, tourism emerges as a pivotal sector, demanding strategic planning and policy formulation for sustainable development. The prosperity of tourism destinations is contingent upon the inclusivity of stakeholder perspectives, especially those impacted by the tourism industry. While substantial research has delved into local residents' perceptions of tourism development, the viewpoints of foreign residents remain conspicuously underexplored. This oversight necessitates an investigation into the nuanced impacts of tourism development, particularly within the Chinese context. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was administered to gauge the perceptions of overseas residents regarding tourism development in Qingdao, a prominent tourist locale in Eastern China. Findings indicate that perceptions among this demographic are heterogeneous, influenced by factors such as age, income, and personal affiliations with the tourism sector. It is demonstrated that the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism are perceived variably, contingent upon these demographic variables. This analysis underscores the importance of integrating diverse resident perspectives into tourism planning and policy-making, to foster sustainability in tourism destination development. Such an approach is essential for aligning tourism development with the expectations and well-being of both local and foreign residents, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of tourism destinations. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by filling a critical gap in understanding the impacts of tourism development from the perspective of overseas residents in Qingdao, thus offering valuable insights for stakeholders in crafting inclusive and sustainable tourism strategies.
In the realm of general insurance in India, an econometric investigation was conducted to estimate the revenue efficiency across a selection of 15 prominent, diversified general insurance entities for the fiscal years 2011-12 to 2016-17. Utilizing a semi-parametric methodology, the revenue frontier was constructed under the GAM framework, while the variance components were estimated employing the method of moments. This analysis further explored the influence of revenue efficiency on critical profitability metrics, namely return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA), through the application of instrumental variable regression. The findings provide pivotal insights into the dynamics of revenue efficiency and its consequential impact on the financial performance of general insurance companies in India, offering a substantial contribution to the literature on insurance economics and the methodology of efficiency measurement. The research underscores the significance of adopting semi-parametric models for a nuanced understanding of revenue efficiency, thus paving the way for enhanced strategic decision-making in the insurance sector.
Seismic performance is a critical consideration in the design and assessment of reinforced concrete bridges. Ensuring the structural integrity and safety of bridges under seismic loadings is essential to protect public safety and maintain the longevity of these vital infrastructure components. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the seismic performance of a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge located in Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak. The non-linear static pushover analysis provided valuable insights into the bridge's load resistance. It determined that the bridge could withstand a base shear force of up to 30,130.899 kN before collapsing, indicating its high structural capacity. The capacity curve analysis further demonstrated the ability of bridge to endure spectral accelerations of up to 4.44 g (43.512 m/s$^2$), indicating its robustness against high-intensity ground motions. In addition, the non-linear static time history analysis considered three ground motions and their effects on the bridge's structural performance. The study highlighted the bridge's sensitivity to different external forces, with varying responses observed under different ground motions. Notably, the recorded joint acceleration and displacement values were found to be within acceptable limits, ensuring immediate occupancy and life safety for bridge users. The research study successfully evaluated the seismic performance of a reinforced concrete bridge in Pan Borneo Sarawak using non-linear time history and pushover analyses. The results demonstrated the bridge's satisfactory capacity to withstand seismic loadings. The utilization of CSIBridge software provided valuable insights into the bridge's structural integrity and behavior under seismic conditions. These findings contribute to the advancement of bridge engineering practices.
Solar energy, a ubiquitous and environmentally friendly source, plays a pivotal role in mitigating carbon emissions and reducing air pollution. This study evaluates the performance of a 50-watt monocrystalline solar panel over a thirty-day period in October 2022, within Merauke Regency, South Papua Province, Indonesia. Adopting an experimental research methodology and comprehensive data collection, measurements of solar intensity, temperature, voltage, and current were systematically gathered using temperature sensors, ammeters, and voltmeters. These measurements were obtained by positioning the solar panel at a perpendicular angle to direct sunlight, with data recorded between 9:00 and 16:00 Eastern Indonesia Time. The analysis of the collected data was conducted to ascertain the panel's efficacy, revealing an average output of 20.68 volts, 1.95 amperes, 40.37 watts, and a 9% efficiency. Notably, peak performance was observed on the tenth day, characterized by 21.30 volts, 2.24 amperes, 47.71 watts, and an efficiency of 11.01%. The findings of this investigation are anticipated to inform the installation and utilization strategies of similar solar panel types within Merauke Regency and potentially broader applications. This study underscores the critical influence of solar irradiance on the operational performance of monocrystalline silicon solar panels, contributing valuable insights to the field of renewable energy research.
The accelerating process of globalization has led to an increase in freight transport volumes, exacerbated road congestion, and heightened environmental concerns, underscoring the imperative for sustainable and alternative transport solutions. Intermodal transport, which amalgamates the benefits of various modes of transportation, emerges as a paramount solution to these challenges. At the core of intermodal transport lies the intermodal terminal, whose efficiency and efficacy are critically contingent upon the transshipment technology employed. This investigation is dedicated to the evaluation of transshipment technologies within intermodal terminals. It is recognized that the selection of transshipment technology necessitates consideration of diverse criteria, mandating the application of appropriate multi-criteria decision-making methodologies. To address this complexity, a novel hybrid model, integrating Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (FSWARA) with Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM), is proposed. The efficacy of this model is demonstrated through its application in assessing various transshipment technologies, with an emphasis on optimizing the decision-making process in the selection of the most appropriate technology. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of transshipment technologies in intermodal terminals, facilitating enhanced decision-making in the context of sustainable and efficient intermodal transport systems.
Medical waste is recognized as a significant environmental and public health hazard due to its toxic and chemical constituents. In light of the varying standards for medical waste management within Jordan and comparisons with neighboring countries, this study aims to critically assess the existing management practices in Jordanian hospitals, utilizing a comprehensive database. The study further explores treatment technologies to enhance these practices. The effectiveness of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) in identifying and mitigating potential risks in the disposal process of infectious medical waste is also examined. Findings suggest that management procedures exhibit regional disparities influenced by factors such as the geographical location of the healthcare institution, its operational scale, and prevailing political circumstances. Moreover, the application of FMEA was found to significantly mitigate operational risks, as evidenced by reduced Risk Priority Number (RPN) values. Challenges identified include the need for increased resources, improved training, and enhanced systems for hazardous waste management. The study underscores the importance of public awareness in elevating medical waste management standards. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on environmental health and safety in medical waste management, advocating for systemic improvements in Jordanian healthcare facilities (HCFs).
Pile foundations, as one of the main foundation forms for bridges and offshore wind power structures, are prone to scour pits around them under the long-term action of water flow, leading to a decrease in bearing capacity. Traditional pile foundation scour prevention measures, such as the construction of protective jetties and riprap protection, are cumbersome and ineffective. Considering the inevitable generation of a large amount of spoil in engineering construction, by optimizing the performance of cement-stabilized soil, it is expected to use the discarded spoil for pile foundation scour management. Aiming at the underwater anti-dispersive cement-stabilized soil based on kaolin, 67 sets of single-factor rotation experiments were carried out to study the effects of changes in the addition of anti-dispersive agents ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) from 0‰ to 1‰, cement content from 8% to 14%, and water content from 1.4 to 2 times the liquid limit on the anti-dispersion performance, fluidity, and 7d and 28d unconfined compressive strength of the cement soil. The results show that the anti-dispersive agent HPMC can maximize the anti-dispersion performance of the cement soil, with the addition increased from 0‰ to 1‰, the anti-dispersion performance of the cement soil increased by 76.1%, but the fluidity decreased by 54.0%, and the strength of the 28d age cement soil increased by about 52.9%. Anti-dispersive agents can be added to quickly improve the anti-dispersion performance of the cement soil in pile foundation scour management, but attention should also be paid to its weakening effect on the fluidity of the cement soil; the increase in water content has the greatest impact on the fluidity of the cement soil, with the water content increased from 1.4 times the liquid limit to twice the liquid limit, the fluidity increased by 80.3%; the cement content increased from 8% to 14%, the unconfined compressive strength of the cement soil increased by more than double, and the anti-dispersion performance increased by 26.8%. Based on the experimental results, the recommended mix ratio of kaolin-based cement soil for pile foundation scour repair is: 0.75‰ EVA addition, 1.6 times the liquid limit water content, 10% cement content.
From the perspective of the innovation ecosystem, this study investigates the specific paths through which regional innovation ecosystems drive high-quality economic development in 31 mainland provinces and cities in China, using the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). It was discovered that: (a) Within regional innovation ecosystems, multiple concurrent causal relationships characterized by interlocking alignments exist among innovation agents, resources, and environments, leading to asymmetrical configurational outcomes between high-quality economic and non-high-quality economic development. (b) On the basis of different configurations of system elements, four paths driving high-quality regional economic development were revealed, each demonstrating a "many paths, one destination" characteristic. These include the innovation agent-aggregated regional innovation ecosystem, the diversified development integrated regional innovation ecosystem, the human resource-supported regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance, and the economic resource-driven regional innovation ecosystem under market environment dominance. (c) Under specific conditions, substitutive relationships between conditions of innovation agents and the innovation environment within the system were observed. The findings enrich the research perspective on high-quality economic development and offer path references and empirical evidence for regions aiming to construct effective innovation ecosystems to drive high-quality economic development.