Proposing an Optimum Model for Time Estimation of Construction Projects in Iranian Gas Refineries

Time management can be effective in a project when the project schedule is based on comprehensive time scheduling. In the industries with complicated processes, many uncertainties and risks affect the timing of projects. Considering the very low reliability of the project planning in certainty-based approach, using more secure models for control and interact with uncertainty should be placed on the agenda. Iranian Gas Company has been using risk management to manage probable uncertainties in construction projects but in the field of possible uncertainties, actions are very scarce. This article aims to propose an optimum model based on the integrated risk management and fuzzy expert systems in order to provide comprehensive project time estimation and in this regard, reviews the results of the implementation of this model in construction projects of Iranian gas refineries. The results show that the proposed model increases the accuracy of time estimation about 8 to 24 percent.Time management can be effective in a project when the project schedule is based on comprehensive time scheduling. In the industries with complicated processes, many uncertainties and risks affect the timing of projects. Considering the very low reliability of the project planning in certainty-based approach, using more secure models for control and interact with uncertainty should be placed on the agenda. Iranian Gas Company has been using risk management to manage probable uncertainties in construction projects but in the field of possible uncertainties, actions are very scarce. This article aims to propose an optimum model based on the integrated risk management and fuzzy expert systems in order to provide comprehensive project time estimation and in this regard, reviews the results of the implementation of this model in construction projects of Iranian gas refineries. The results show that the proposed model increases the accuracy of time estimation about 8 to 24 percent

The development of an interface instrument for collecting elec-tromyography data and controlling continuous passive motion machine

There is a lack of research in using electromyography (EMG) signals to control a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. This study aimed to develop an interface instrument for digitalising EMG signals and controlling a CPM machine. Methods: The proposed device was designed with the following: (1) a signal processing unit which converted the EMGs from analogue to digital for the controller; (2) a personal computer which stored and displayed the EMG signals; (3) an LCD device to display the running angle of the CPM; and (4) a microcontroller unit to control the input/output signals and process the algorithm, driving the CPM. To validate the reliability of the proposed system, a total of 600 EMG trials were collected from 10 healthy subjects by using the proposed device via the Delsys® TringoTM EMG system and simultaneously using the Vicon® motion capture system. Result: This proposed device was able to digitalise and process EMG signals from eight channels of muscles, and the signals were able to drive a CPM. The validated results showed that the digitalised EMG signals by the proposed device were statistically similar to and correlated with the signals by the Vicon system with a median correlation coefficient of 0.81, with the 25% and 75% range being 0.56–0.92 with all pairs (300 pairs of EMG trials) (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: This study confirmed that the developed device can digitalise EMG signals and drive a CPM as an applicable prototype that can work as an interface between EMG and CPM devices with high reliability.<br/

Mechatronic Systems

Mechatronics, the synergistic blend of mechanics, electronics, and computer science, has evolved over the past twenty five years, leading to a novel stage of engineering design. By integrating the best design practices with the most advanced technologies, mechatronics aims at realizing high-quality products, guaranteeing at the same time a substantial reduction of time and costs of manufacturing. Mechatronic systems are manifold and range from machine components, motion generators, and power producing machines to more complex devices, such as robotic systems and transportation vehicles. With its twenty chapters, which collect contributions from many researchers worldwide, this book provides an excellent survey of recent work in the field of mechatronics with applications in various fields, like robotics, medical and assistive technology, human-machine interaction, unmanned vehicles, manufacturing, and education. We would like to thank all the authors who have invested a great deal of time to write such interesting chapters, which we are sure will be valuable to the readers. Chapters 1 to 6 deal with applications of mechatronics for the development of robotic systems. Medical and assistive technologies and human-machine interaction systems are the topic of chapters 7 to 13.Chapters 14 and 15 concern mechatronic systems for autonomous vehicles. Chapters 16-19 deal with mechatronics in manufacturing contexts. Chapter 20 concludes the book, describing a method for the installation of mechatronics education in schools

Safety and Reliability - Safe Societies in a Changing World

The contributions cover a wide range of methodologies and application areas for safety and reliability that contribute to safe societies in a changing world. These methodologies and applications include: - foundations of risk and reliability assessment and management - mathematical methods in reliability and safety - risk assessment - risk management - system reliability - uncertainty analysis - digitalization and big data - prognostics and system health management - occupational safety - accident and incident modeling - maintenance modeling and applications - simulation for safety and reliability analysis - dynamic risk and barrier management - organizational factors and safety culture - human factors and human reliability - resilience engineering - structural reliability - natural hazards - security - economic analysis in risk managemen