Perceived Benefits of Using Value Engineering on Road Projects in Ghana

The need for Optimum Value benefit realization on Road Projects in developing countries has become topical. While the traditional Cost Control project management process only aligns actual costs with budgeted costs, Value Engineering (VE) is a sustainable and systematic innovative methodology for establishing the best functional balance among desired features of a project. A Value Engineering (VE) study was conducted with the aim of examining the benefits associated with its use on Road Projects in Ghana. This study employed a two-stage research procedure: desk study and field research. The literature review identified the Optimum Value benefits associated with VE road project management technique as increased Confidence Level in Contract Compliance, reliable Implementation Level of Construction Delivery and enhanced Effectiveness Level of Project Sustainability. A quantitative survey research design based on a purposive sampling technique of selecting respondents was adopted. Employing closed-ended questions, 40 sets of questionnaires were issued to professionals in Road Infrastructure and Support Agencies (RISA) under the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH) in the Eastern Region of Ghana. At a response rate of 85%, descriptive statistical analysis (Means, Standard Deviations and Variances) and inferential statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were used to process the data and determine whether there was any significant difference between VE benefit parameters and the groups of respondents. The results revealed that road professionals are familiar with the VE process but solely use Cost Control project management technique. Road professionals recognized the high Optimum Value benefits of professionally ethical Contract Compliance, efficient Construction Delivery and functionally viable Project Sustainability on VE road project management process.

A Review on the Role of Risk Management (RM) and Value Engineering (VE) Tools for Project Successful Delivery

Both in developed and in developing countries, the construction industry is regarded as an economic investment activity without forgetting its significant relationship with national economic development due to its great contributions to the national gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. Concerning construction processes, both risk management (RM) and value engineering (VE) techniques have commonalities from the beginning up to the completion of the project due to enhancing the project value/quality, meeting the project deadline, and reducing overall project cost. VE includes resolving the uncertainty of project objectives and ensuring that the project is delivered in a value for money way. The key point of RM is to solve the uncertainty of the project itself and its results to ensure that the specifications are achieved within the prescribed time, cost, and quality constraints. This review work is comparatively and collectively focused on assessing the role of RM and VE tools for project successful delivery. It studies the points of difference and common features of the two aspects in terms of construction project delivery. So, this study concluded that in construction RM tool cannot be the chief aim of the all parties involved in the project execution because sometimes it produces itself negative results and reduces project management success. Therefore, RM needs a strong combination with VE due to the dependence of the target in identifying and assessing risks by considering the highest performance and lowest cost. The integration of RM and VE combination in a single study would avoid duplication of work and deliver better value for money thereby leading to better project outcomes.

Ecosystem Service Value of Jingtaichuan Electric Power Irrigation Engineering

The ecosystem service value of Jingtaichuan electric power irrigation engineering( referred to as Jingdian engineering) was divided into internal value( the value of farmland system,shelter forest system outside of farmland and wetland waters) and external value( the ecological service value of ecological migration to the vegetation restoration of the Qilian Mountains) firstly,and then it was analyzed by using the model method and the factor equivalent method. The results showed that the internal ecological service value of Jingdian engineering was 36. 3 ×10~8 yuan,which was 25. 0 times larger than the total annual cost. The external ecological service value was 40. 05 ×10~8 yuan,which was 27. 6 times larger than the total annual cost. Among the three functional systems,the ecological service value of farmland system was the largest. The ecological service value of farmland system was mainly reflected in waste disposal,wind prevention and sand fixation,and food production. The external ecological service value was mainly the ecological service value of migration to vegetation restoration in the Qilian Mountains. Jingdian engineering is the only highlifting project that raises water to the desert in China. It transfers water from outer basins to control desertification and provides a successful road for ecological migration and desertification control in arid areas.

A Value Engineering Analysis of Head Loss in Pumping Mains

With net zero carbon emissions targets approaching over the next 20 to 30 years, the water industry must act now to develop energy efficient techniques and designs to reduce emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of water utility providers. There is also the potential for significant energy and therefore financial savings to be realised from the adoption of more energy efficient designs approaches. Water utility providers account for a significant proportion of national electricity consumption. The purpose of this research is to determine if, over the long term, opting for a larger diameter pipe at design stage can lead to significant financial and emissions savings for water utility providers when considering pumping mains. Pumping mains are widely used throughout the water and wastewater industry where a gravity solution is not possible. 72 hypothetical water main design scenarios were analysed and the long term financial and environmental impact of each hypothetical water main was assessed. It was found across all design scenarios that larger diameter water mains were capable of delivering the same rate of flow of smaller diameter pipes at a much reduced velocity and requiring reduced pumping power. It was concluded that pumped mains of larger diameters can ultimately be more energy efficient and cost effective over the long term when selected in favour of smaller diameter pumped mains in otherwise identical design scenarios.

Research on Data Theory of Value

This paper explores the data theory of value along the line of reasoning epochal characteristics of data-theoretical innovation-paradigmatic transformation and,through a comparison of hard and soft factors and observation of data peculiar features,it draws the conclusion that data have the epochal characteristics of non-competitiveness and non-exclusivity,decreasing marginal cost and increasing marginal return,non-physical and intangible form,and non-finiteness and non-scarcity.It is the epochal characteristics of data that undermine the traditional theory of value and innovate the“production-exchange”theory,including data value generation,data value realization,data value rights determination and data value pricing.From the perspective of data value generation,the levels of data quality,processing,use and connectivity,data application scenarios and data openness will influence data value.From the perspective of data value realization,data,as independent factors of production,show value creation effect,create a value multiplier effect by empowering other factors of production,and substitute other factors of production to create a zero-price effect.From the perspective of data value rights determination,based on the theory of property,the tragedy of the private outweighs the comedy of the private with respect to data,and based on the theory of sharing economy,the comedy of the commons outweighs the tragedy of the commons with respect to data.From the perspective of data pricing,standardized data products can be priced according to the physical product attributes,and non-standardized data products can be priced according to the virtual product attributes.Based on the epochal characteristics of data and theoretical innovation,the“production-exchange”paradigm has undergone a transformation from“using tangible factors to produce tangible products and exchanging tangible products for tangible products”to“using intangible factors to produce tangible products and exchanging intangible products for tangible products”and ultimately to“using intangible factors to produce intangible products and exchanging intangible products for intangible products”.

Talent Value Creation during Digital Transformation:A Inductive Model of HR Reengineering

In this study,we are to explore(1)features of HR reengineering,(2)the impact of business digitalization strategies on digital transformation and HR engineering,(3)the impact of business digitalization strategies and HR reengineering on talent value creation,and present the results of a qualitative study that offers insight into 42“thought units”,which were“categorizing”into four dimensions corresponding to our research questions:(1)plan,(2)do,(3)check,and(4)action.The“check”dimension corresponds to the four key features of HR reengineering related to business digitalization strategy,and how to create talent value when a company successfully implements business-led digital transformation,HR reengineering,and talent value creation,including(1)talent planning,(2)talent introduction,(3)talent adjustment,and(4)talent development.

Novel Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Huge Value Penalty for Solving Engineering Problem

For the purpose of solving the engineering constrained discrete optimization problem, a novel discrete particle swarm optimization（DPSO） is proposed. The proposed novel DPSO is based on the idea of normal particle swarm optimization（PSO）, but deals with the variables as discrete type, the discrete optimum solution is found through updating the location of discrete variable. To avoid long calculation time and improve the efficiency of algorithm, scheme of constraint level and huge value penalty are proposed to deal with the constraints, the stratagem of reproducing the new particles and best keeping model of particle are employed to increase the diversity of particles. The validity of the proposed DPSO is examined by benchmark numerical examples, the results show that the novel DPSO has great advantages over current algorithm. The optimum designs of the 100-1 500 mm bellows under 0.25 MPa are fulfilled by DPSO. Comparing the optimization results with the bellows in-service, optimization results by discrete penalty particle swarm optimization（DPPSO） and theory solution, the comparison result shows that the global discrete optima of bellows are obtained by proposed DPSO, and confirms that the proposed novel DPSO and schemes can be used to solve the engineering constrained discrete problem successfully.

Correlation of Seismic P-Wave Velocities with Engineering Parameters (N Value and Rock Quality) for Tropical Environmental Study

The physical parameters of the subsurface from the environmental site investigation are important for geoscientists and engineers to understand and very low cost-effective method, especially when combined with geophysical (seismic) and geotechnical (borehole) surveys. These parameters can be estimated from other obtained parameters. In this study, P-wave velocities of materials (soils and rocks) are studied both in the laboratory and field measurement. The obtained P-wave velocities are then compared with the engineering parameters such N values, rock quality, friction angle, relative density, velocity index, density and penetration strength from boreholes. The empirical correlations were also found in this study for selected parameters. The estimation of engineering parameters from P-wave seismic velocity values is applicable for tropical environmental study. It is found that, the ratio (VFIELD/VLAB) when squared, was numerically close to the value of percentage RQD. We found that the empirical correlation for tropical environmental study is VP = 23.605(N) - 160.43 and the regression found is 0.9315 (93.15%). Meanwhile, the empirical correlation between P-wave velocities and RQD values is found as VP = 21.951(RQD) + 0.1368 and the regression found is 0.8377 (83.77%). The correlation between apparent P-wave velocities with penetration strength for both study sites are found as and the regression coefficient is found as 0.9756. Thus, this study helps for the estimation and prediction the properties of the subsurface material (soils and rocks) especially in reducing the cost of investigation and increase the understanding of the Earth’s subsurface characterizations physical parameters.

Reform of the Comprehensive Practical Course System for Mechanical and Electronic Engineering Majors Under the Background of New Engineering

Under the background of new engineering,the reform of the comprehensive practical course system for mechanical and electronic engineering majors actively responds to the challenges posed by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation to higher education,cultivating top-notch innovative intellectuals with comprehensive engineering qualities,meeting the requirements of being able to solve complex engineering problems rather than just cognitive capabilities,forming two core courses through reconstructing and reshaping the core courses of the major.The core courses include Drive,Measurement,and Control I and Drive,Measurement,and Control II,which highlight the comprehensive framework of mechanical and electronic engineering professional knowledge,continuing the comprehensive practical course system based on the unity of knowledge and practice,following the trend of new engineering,highlighting the practicality of professional innovation,assisting engineering education reform,and promoting high-quality development of new engineering professionals cultivation.

基于Valued ERGMs模型的核心技术网络成长机制研究——以量子计算领域为例

对核心技术网络及其成长机制的研究有助于梳理核心技术之间的依赖和促进关系,为研究核心技术演化提供新的理论视角和方法。以技术演化相关理论为基础,归纳核心技术网络成长的影响因素,基于量子计算领域专利数据,识别以技术概念和技术关系为基础的量子计算领域核心技术网络,并基于Valued ERGMs模型构建核心技术网络成长机制模型。结果表明,技术要素中心性、专利技术研发能力、与TRIZ进化法则匹配程度以及技术要素同配性对核心技术网络成长具有正向促进作用;在技术路径方面,核心技术网络成长受到技术要素路径依赖性和技术突破的双重影响。最后,根据量子计算领域核心技术网络成长机制的实证研究结果,从技术研发层面、企业层面、政府层面为相关领域技术发展提出策略建议。

Compositional and Hollow Engineering of Silicon Carbide/Carbon Microspheres as High-Performance Microwave Absorbing Materials with Good Environmental Tolerance

Microwave absorbing materials(MAMs)characterized by high absorption efficiency and good environmental tolerance are highly desirable in practical applications.Both silicon carbide and carbon are considered as stable MAMs under some rigorous conditions,while their composites still fail to produce satisfactory microwave absorption performance regardless of the improvements as compared with the individuals.Herein,we have successfully implemented compositional and structural engineering to fabricate hollow Si C/C microspheres with controllable composition.The simultaneous modulation on dielectric properties and impedance matching can be easily achieved as the change in the composition of these composites.The formation of hollow structure not only favors lightweight feature,but also generates considerable contribution to microwave attenuation capacity.With the synergistic effect of composition and structure,the optimized SiC/C composite exhibits excellent performance,whose the strongest reflection loss intensity and broadest effective absorption reach-60.8 dB and 5.1 GHz,respectively,and its microwave absorption properties are actually superior to those of most SiC/C composites in previous studies.In addition,the stability tests of microwave absorption capacity after exposure to harsh conditions and Radar Cross Section simulation data demonstrate that hollow SiC/C microspheres from compositional and structural optimization have a bright prospect in practical applications.

Decision Making Based on Valued Fuzzy Superhypergraphs

This paper explores the defects in fuzzy (hyper) graphs (as complex (hyper) networks) and extends the fuzzy(hyper) graphs to fuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphs as a new concept.We have modeled the fuzzy superhypergraphsas complex superhypernetworks in order to make a relation between labeled objects in the form of details andgeneralities. Indeed, the structure of fuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphs collects groups of labeled objects and analyzesthem in the form of the part to part of objects, the part of objects to the whole group of objects, and the whole tothe whole group of objects at the same time.We have investigated the properties of fuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphsbased on any positive real number as valued fuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphs, considering the complement of valuedfuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphs, the notation of isomorphism of valued fuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphs based onthe permutations, and we have presented the isomorphic conditions of (self complemented) valued fuzzy (quasi)superhypergraphs. The concept of impact membership value of fuzzy (quasi) superhypergraphs is introducedin this study and it is applied in designing the real problem in the real world. Finally, the problem of businesssuperhypernetworks is presented as an application of fuzzy valued quasi superhypergraphs in the real world.

How Sense of Ritual in Tourism Impacts Tourists’Co-Creation of Tourism Experience Values:A Study Based on the Theory of Value Co-Creation

Establishing a sense of ritual within tourism consumption scenarios offers tourists the opportunity for interactive engagement.Drawing upon the value co-creation theory,this study constructed an influence mechanism model to examine tourists'active engagement in the process of co-creating tourism experience values.It employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling(PLS-SEM)to empirically test the proposed hypotheses.The findings demonstrate that the model constructed in the present study exhibits robust reliability,validity,and explanatory power.The perception of the sense of ritual in tourism exerts a significant positive influence on tourists’co-creation of tourism experience values,thereby significantly enhancing both the communitas and flow experienced by tourists during their travels.Moreover,such communitas and flow can mediate the influence of the sense of ritual in tourism on tourists’co-creation of tourism experience values.This study contributes to advancing the current research on tourists’co-creation of tourism experience values and the sense of ritual in tourism,thereby providing theoretical foundations for cultivating a sense of ritual within tourism consumption scenarios.

Model-Based Systems Engineering Approach to Design a Human Settlement to Better Serve Displaced People

The challenge of transitioning from temporary humanitarian settlements to more sustainable human settlements is due to a significant increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over recent decades, difficulties in providing social services that meet the required standards, and the prolongation of emergencies. Despite this challenging context, short-term considerations continue to guide their planning and management rather than more integrated, longer-term perspectives, thus preventing viable, sustainable development. Over the years, the design of humanitarian settlements has not been adapted to local contexts and perspectives, nor to the dynamics of urbanization and population growth and data. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources. Inefficient land use and ad hoc development models have compounded difficulties and generated new challenges. As a result, living conditions in settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose new challenges. The stakes are such that major shortcomings have emerged along the way, leading to disruption, budget overruns in a context marked by a steady decline in funding. However, some attempts have been made to shift towards more sustainable approaches, but these have mainly focused on vague, sector-oriented themes, failing to consider systematic and integration views. This study is a contribution in addressing these shortcomings by designing a model-driving solution, emphasizing an integrated system conceptualized as a system of systems. This paper proposes a new methodology for designing an integrated and sustainable human settlement model, based on Model-Based Systems Engineering and a Systems Modeling Language to provide valuable insights toward sustainable solutions for displaced populations aligning with the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

The Regularity of Solutions to Mixed Boundary Value Problems of Second-Order Elliptic Equations with Small Angles

This paper considers the regularity of solutions to mixed boundary value problems in small-angle regions for elliptic equations. By constructing a specific barrier function, we proved that under the assumption of sufficient regularity of boundary conditions and coefficients, as long as the angle is sufficiently small, the regularity of the solution to the mixed boundary value problem of the second-order elliptic equation can reach any order.

Crack Prevention and Management Strategies in Bridge Engineering Construction

Cracking during construction is a common occurrence in modern bridge engineering that can directly impact the overall safety of the bridge.Therefore,it is essential to focus on preventing and controlling cracks.As the construction technology for bridge engineering has evolved,the internal quality of construction has significantly improved.However,the appearance quality remains a crucial factor that reflects the technical expertise of a construction company.Therefore,minimizing cracks and improving the appearance quality of concrete are critical issues that require the attention of construction units,supervision departments,and construction companies.This article will analyze the causes of cracking and suggest corresponding prevention and treatment methods.

Research on the Reform of Practical Teaching of Internet of Things Engineering in the Context of New Engineering

The emergence of new engineering disciplines has resulted in the growing trend of cross-discipline,and the enhancement of students’technical application ability has become the main teaching objective of engineering disciplines.For this reason,the Internet of Things(IoT)engineering program should be actively reformed,providing students with sufficient opportunities to improve their practical skills.This paper identifies the challenges within practical teaching of IoT engineering,delves into effective strategies for practical IoT teaching within the context of emerging engineering disciplines,and presents practical teaching experiences from the School of Information Engineering at Hainan University of Science and Technology as a case study.The aim is to offer guidance and insights to educators in this field.

Biomimetic natural biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine:new biosynthesis methods,recent advances,and emerging applications

Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering(TE)and regenerative medicine.In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials,biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix(ECM).Additionally,such materials have mechanical adaptability,micro-structure interconnectivity,and inherent bioactivity,making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine.This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials(BNBMs),including advances in their preparation,functionality,potential applications and future challenges.We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM.Moreover,we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications.Finally,we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.

Phase-engineering modulation of Mn-based oxide cathode for constructing super-stable sodium storage

The Mn-based oxide cathode with enriched crystal phase structure and component diversity can provide the excellent chemistry structure for Na-ion batteries.Nevertheless,the broad application prospect is obstructed by the sluggish Na^(+)kinetics and the phase transitions upon cycling.Herein,we establish the thermodynamically stable phase diagram of various Mn-based oxide composites precisely controlled by sodium content tailoring strategy coupling with co-doping and solid-state reaction.The chemical environment of the P2/P'3 and P2/P3 biphasic composites indicate that the charge compensation mechanism stems from the cooperative contribution of anions and cations.Benefiting from the no phase transition to scavenge the structure strain,P2/P'3 electrode can deliver long cycling stability(capacity retention of 73.8%after 1000 cycles at 10 C)and outstanding rate properties(the discharge capacity of 84.08 mA h g^(-1)at 20 C)than P2/P3 electrode.Furthermore,the DFT calculation demonstrates that the introducing novel P'3 phase can significantly regulate the Na^(+)reaction dynamics and modify the local electron configuration of Mn.The effective phase engineering can provide a reference for designing other high-performance electrode materials for Na-ion batteries.