Highway Planning and Design in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of China: A Cost–Safety Balance Perspective

Engineering designs for mountainous highways emphasize compliance checking to ensure safety. However, relying solely on compliance checking may lead designers to minimize costs at the expense of high risk indicators, since the overall risk level of the highway design is unknown to the designers. This paper describes a method for the simultaneous consideration of traffic safety risks and the associated cost burden related to the appropriate planning and design of a mountainous highway. The method can be carried out in four steps: First, the highway design is represented by a new parametric framework to extract the key design variables that affect not only the life-cycle cost but also the operational safety. Second, the relationship between the life-cycle cost and the operational safety risk factors is established in the cost-estimation functions. Third, a fault tree analysis (FTA) is introduced to identify the traffic risk factors from the design variables. The safety performance of the design solutions is also assessed by the generalized linear-regression model. Fourth, a theory of acceptable risk analysis is introduced to the traffic safety assessment, and a computing algorithm is proposed to solve for a cost-efficient optimal solution within the range of acceptable risk, in order to help decision-makers. This approach was applied and examined in the Sichuan–Tibet Highway engineering project, which is located in a complex area with a large elevation gradient and a wide range of mountains. The experimental results show that the proposed approach significantly improved both the safety and cost performance of the project in the study area.

Cost-Benefit Assessment of Inspection and Repair Planning for Ship Structures Considering Corrosion Model Uncertainty

Owing to high costs and unnecessary inspections necessitated by the traditional inspection planning for ship structures, the risk-based inspection and repair planning should be investigated for the most cost-effective inspection. This paper aims to propose a cost-benefit assessment model of risk-based inspection and repair planning for ship structures subjected to corrosion deterioration. Then, the benefit-cost ratio is taken to be an index for the selection of the optimal inspection and repair strategy. The planning problem is formulated as an optimization problem where the benefit-cost ratio for the expected lifetime is maximized with a constraint on the minimum acceptalbe reliability index. To account for the effect of corrosion model uncertainty on the cost-benefit assessment, two corrosion models, namgly, Paik＇ s model and Guedes Soares＇ model, are adopted for analysis. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the proposed method. Sensitivity studies are also providet. The results indicate that the proposed method of risk-based cost-benefit analysis can effectively integrate the economy with reliability of the inspection and repair planning. A balance can be achieved between the risk cost and total expected inspection and repair costs with the proposed method, which is very. effective in selecting the optimal inspection and repair strategy. It is pointed out that the corrosion model uncertainty and parametric uncertaintg have a significant impact on the cost-benefit assessment of inspection and repair planning.

Multi-objective Transmission Expansion Planning Considering Life Cycle Cost

为克服目前全寿命周期成本（life cycle cost,LCC）技术的应用局限于设备运行或维护阶段的不足,针对输电网整体建立一个3维LCC层级模型,包括时间维度、元件维度和费用维度。费用维度进一步分解为设备级、系统级、外部环境成本。研究了以可靠性为中心的维护手段的应用对维护成本的影响,利用电量不足期望值计算故障成本。在此基础上,对风电等4种不确定因素进行建模,建立以LCC成本最小和切负荷量最小为多目标的输电网机会约束规划模型。采用正态边界交点算法联合改进小生境遗传算法,对模型有效求解。最后,分别对18节点系统和77节点系统进行算例分析。研究结果给出了帕累托解集及推荐的最优规划方案;此外,LCC费用分解图表明了各费用的比重和影响,有利于指导未来资产管理。

A Preliminary Study on Modeling Stability of Planning Inventory and Incentive Effects

The incentive effects and dynamic aspects of the inventory system were discussed in this paper. The wage policy was regarded as a factor to influence workers' thinking of their action. A multiple objective problem was constructed for the owners and the workers. At the same time, the planning stability is considered in the presented model. Since the process speed is decided by the dynamic demand of production or the interior system itself, two situations were discussed in this paper.

A Flexible Multi-Layer Map Model Designed for Lane-Level Route Planning in Autonomous Vehicles

An increasing number of drivers are relying on digital map navigation systems in vehicles or mobile phones to select optimal driving routes in order to save time and improve safety. In the near future, digital map navigation systems are expected to play more important roles in transportation systems. In order to extend current navigation systems to more applications, two fundamental problems must be resolved: the lane-level map model and lane-level route planning. This study proposes solutions to both problems. The current limitation of the lane-level map model is not its accuracy but its flexibility;this study proposes a novel seven-layer map structure, called as Tsinghua map model, which is able to support autonomous driving in a flexible and efficient way. For lane-level route planning, we propose a hierarchical route-searching algorithm to accelerate the planning process, even in the presence of complicated lane networks. In addition, we model the travel costs allocated for lane-level road networks by analyzing vehicle maneuvers in traversing lanes, changing lanes, and turning at intersections. Tests were performed on both a grid network and a real lane-level road network to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.

PON and WiMAX Convergence Network Planning Based on Mixed Integer Programming Model

This article analyzes the characteristics of PON and WiMAX convergence network planning.Based on user coverage ratio,WiMAX channel allocation,cell radius,carrier-to-noise ratio threshold,and bandwidth constraint,we propose a mixed integer programming model solved by a Branch-Band and Heuristic Search method.Finally,the simulation result is given and analyzed.The planning method based on a mixed integer programming model can save 20 percentage of the overall planning cost,compared with the greedy algorithm.The relationship between the convergence network planning cost and frequency usage is also analyzed.The optimized planning result with the lowest cost can be acquired through the best frequency usage.

Optimal Risk-Based Maintenance Planning of Ship Hull Structure

Various structures such as marine structures age over time. In order to always maintain safety conditions, maintenance processes including inspection and repair should be implemented on them. Corrosion and fatigue cracks are two main factors that reduce the ultimate strength of the ship's hull girder over time and thus increase the probability and risk of failure. At the time of inspection,the structural conditions must be checked so that, if necessary, the required repairs can be done on it. The main objective of this paper is to provide optimized maintenance plans of the ship structure based on probabilistic concepts with regard to corrosion and fatigue cracks. Maintenance activities increase the operational costs of ships; therefore, it is advisable to inspect and repair in the optimal times. Optimal maintenance planning of the ship structure can be conducted by formulating and solving a multi-objective optimization problem. The use of risk as a structural performance indicator has become more common in recent years. The objective functions of the optimization problem include minimizing the structure's lifecycle maintenance costs, including inspection and repair costs, and also minimizing the maximum risk of structural failure during the ship's life. In the following,to achieve better responses, reliability index has been added to the problem as the third objective function. The multi-objective optimization problem is solved using genetic algorithms. The proposed risk-based approach is applied to the hull structure of a tanker ship.

Study on Influencing Factors and Planning Model of Mining Quantity about Mineral Resources in Open Pit

According to the particularity of the open pit, the main influencing factors of mining quantity about mineral resources have been summarized systematically in life cycle and the structured hierarchical relation of its influencing factors has been constructed. In the light of the production process of open pit, the functional relationships between investment, mining cost and mining quantity have been defined based on the process of mining and loading so that the relation of the life cycle cost and mining quantity can be set up. And what’s more, in order to obtain the maximum economic profit of mining enterprises in life cycle, the planning model of mining quantity has been established based on the life cycle cost. The rational distribution of mining quantity will have been found on the condition of obtaining optimal solution about the planning model so as to determine scientifically the production scale of mining enterprises from the point of view of the sustainable development.

How palliative care can reduce healthcare costs &improve quality of care

The sustainability of the healthcare system has been in question for several years. With rising healthcare costs, limited resources and an aging population, society needs to come up with innovative ideas to reduce healthcare spending. This paper attempts to illustrate how addressing goals of care can have a significant impact on healthcare costs.

Water pollution control planning for the Taizi River watershed

Water pollution control planning for the Taizi River watershed,a typical Chinese case study,is presented in this paper. Based on comprehensive analysis.water quality in the watershed was assessed and predicated;water quality models for the river and reservoir were built;and function of water bodies and environmental assimilative capacity were determined ;and then the planning for industrial pollution sources and concentrated sewage treatment were made respectively.

Comparative Cost Benefit Analysis of Different Solid Waste Management Scenarios in Basrah, Iraq

Solid Waste Management (SWM) system in Basrah has deteriorated recently to the point that only limited waste collection is undertaken in certain urban areas and disposal is largely to uncontrolled dump sites. In this study, the technical, economical, and environmental aspects of three SWM scenarios were investigated aiming to compare the scenarios and select the most appropriate one for implementation. Scenario 1 was to consider waste disposal into a sanitary landfill. Scenario 2 added waste transportation to transfer station before disposal to a sanitary landfill. Scenario 3 considered waste sorting, recycling and composting followed by landfill disposal in an integrated treatment disposal facility. The current open dumping practice was considered as the baseline scenario. According to economic analysis, the benefits from the revenues of selling the produced recyclables and compost did not improve the ranking of scenario 3. However, scenario 3 has gained positive recognition due to the environmental benefits of waste recycling. Therefore, final recommendations were in favour of scenario 3, which has been approved by the UNICEF, as well. Currently the recommended scenario is under implementation in Basrah, Iraq.

城市物流枢纽经济规划技术方法与实践

枢纽经济已成为国家及省市关注的发展重点,但目前其顶层设计和规划编制体系尚未建立。基于国家、省、市已出台的有关政策文件,从货运物流的角度论证物流、枢纽和经济的关联性,从物流成本的角度指出物流枢纽经济衔接不畅是造成物流成本偏高的关键因素,其根源之一即交通规划、物流规划和产业规划3类规划缺乏融合,未能形成合力。以现有研究为基础,提出物流枢纽经济规划编制总体框架,明确量化分析、集聚发展、多式联运、产业耦合和政策配套5大技术要点,并结合湖北襄阳的规划实践探索具体方法,助力枢纽经济发展壮大。

Effective path planning method for low detectable aircraft

To utilizing the characteristic of radar cross section （RCS） of the low detectable aircraft, a special path planning algorithm to eluding radars by the variable RCS is presented. The algorithm first gives the RCS changing model of low detectable aircraft, then establishes a threat model of a ground-based air defense system according to the relations between RCS and the radar range coverage. By the new cost functions of the flight path, which consider both factors of the survival probability and the distance of total route, this path planning method is simulated based on the Dijkstra algorithm, and the planned route meets the flight capacity constraints. Simulation results show that using the effective path planning algorithm, the low detectable aircraft can give full play to its own advantage of stealth to achieve the purpose of silent penetration.

基于组合代价函数的智能汽车轨迹规划

针对智能汽车在多车道公路场景行驶中的安全性、舒适性问题,提出一种基于组合代价函数的轨迹规划方法。利用Frenet坐标系分别求解车辆的横向和纵向运动轨迹,通过五次多项式拟合生成候选轨迹集;以危险程度和轨迹偏离程度为基准,以车辆在多车道公路行驶中的安全性、舒适性为目标,设计一种新的代价函数组合,通过求解代价函数从而选择最优轨迹。仿真结果表明:该方法能够使车辆在三车道动态公路场景中实现跟车与变道。

计及生态阻力成本的新能源基地风光电站容量规划与布局优化方法

由于沙漠、戈壁、荒漠新能源基地海拔高以及生态环境恶劣,生态阻力作用影响风光电站容量规划与布局。以新能源基地为研究对象,提出一种计及生态阻力成本的风光电站容量规划与布局优化方法。基于新能源基地广域气象数据和广域地理信息数据,建立资源时空特性表征模型,并选取3种关键生态阻力因子建立生态阻力评价体系,在此基础上构建综合生态阻力成本模型;基于资源时空特性表征模型及综合生态阻力成本模型,建立综合成本最低的风光电站容量规划与布局优化模型,并给出模型的求解流程。基于西北某新能源基地实际数据的算例仿真结果表明,所提方法能有效解决新能源基地自然资源开发与生态阻力之间的矛盾,在保障系统可靠运行的前提下提升系统经济性。

基于深度强化学习的农村物流运输路径自动选择研究

常规方法求解运输路径自动选择模型时,选择的运输路径的运输总成本较高,因此,提出基于深度强化学习的农村物流运输路径自动选择方法。通过分析农村流通供应链的特殊性确定目标函数,并基于目标函数设计运输路径自动选择模型,采用深度强化学习算法求解,设置状态-动作空间、奖励函数等要素完善动作选择过程,输出模型最优解,从而实现运输路径自动选择的目的。在实验论证中,所提方法所选运输路径的平均运输成本为8.35万元,相比对照方法更低。结果表明,设计的方法能够有效规划物流运输路径,降低运输成本。

Obstacles Facing Developing Countries in Power System Planning

The problem of power system planning, due to its complexity and dimensionality, is one of the most challenging problems facing the electric power industry in developing as well as developed countries. In planning phase, two of the most important decision-making parameters are the reliability and costs. The latter includes both system investment costs and outages costs. In this paper, these parameters are described and the interrelation between them is evaluated. Some previous approaches and developed techniques will he applied to a particular planning problem in a developing country and some aspects having a significant impact on the decision making process in the planning phase will be considered.

计及电-气双向耦合的综合能源配电网优化重构

综合能源系统是实现电网、气网以及热网等多种能源系统深度融合,利用能量耦合互补等优势提升整个系统能源利用效率的有效形式。为提升综合能源系统优化运行能力,文章首先基于电转气技术与天然气发电技术,构建了的电-气双向耦合综合能源系统总体模型。进而考虑配电网重构技术(Distribution Network Reconfiguration Technology,DNR)中拓扑结构灵活可控这一特性,在配电子系统中引入开关变量、系统运行总费用最低这一目标函数及网络辐射状拓扑结构等约束,建立了配电子系统重构模型。从降低模型求解复杂性的角度,应用二阶锥松弛、乘积变量线性化及分段线性化等方法,将原始综合能源配电网重构非凸非线性模型转化为混合整数二阶锥规划(Mixed Integer Second-Order Cone Programming,MISOCP)问题求解。仿真结果表明,在电-气双向耦合的综合能源系统中应用配电网重构技术,能够降低综合能源系统运行费用,同时有效支撑了配电子系统电压与配气子系统气压。

高职会展策划与管理专业教育成本投入探析

2014年《关于建立完善以改革和绩效为导向的生均拨款制度加快发展现代高等职业教育的意见》的提出,为高等职业教育的快速发展从资金政策层面提供了有力支撑,但在实施过程中新问题也日渐凸显。文章聚焦高职会展策划与管理专业,通过对国内代表性院校的调研分析,对专业发展现状与教育成本投入水平进行全面研判,分析高职会展专业当前教育成本投入的特征与走势,为高职会展专业科学落实以改革和绩效为导向的生均拨款制度,践行职业教育高质量发展提出优化建议。

基于GPSSA算法的无人机中继通信航迹规划方法研究

目前针对无人机中继通信航迹的规划方法未考虑航迹规划中存在的约束条件及代价函数,导致得到的规划航迹中断概率、通信误码率偏高.针对上述问题,提出一种基于改进麻雀算法的无人机中继航迹规划方法.根据无人机任务区信息和通信环境,建立通信障碍代价模型,通过真实约束,建立约束函数和代价函数,将其应用到麻雀搜索算法中,设计总体的航迹寻优规划流程,并应用仿真实验验证所提出的改进麻雀优化方法的有效性,实验结果表明,在不同的转角约束条件下,设计方法得到的航迹中断概率、通信误码率均有一定降低.