Poka Yoke Meets Deep Learning: A Proof of Concept for an Assembly Line Application

In this paper, we present the re-engineering process of an assembly line that features speed reducers and multipliers for agricultural applications. The “as-is” line was highly inefficient due to several issues, including the age of the machines, a non-optimal arrangement of the shop floor, and the absence of process standards. The assembly line issues were analysed with Lean Manufacturing tools, identifying irregularities and operations that require effort (Mura), overload (Muri), and waste (Muda). The definition of the “to-be” line included actions to update the department layout, modify the assembly process, and design the line feeding system in compliance with the concepts of Golden Zone (i.e., the horizontal space more ergonomically and easily accessible by the operator) and Strike Zone (i.e., the vertical workspace setup in accordance to ergonomics specifications). The re-engineering process identified a critical problem in the incorrect assembly of the oil seals, mainly caused by the difficulty in visually identifying the correct side of the component, due to different reasons. Convolutional neural networks were used to address this issue. The proposed solution resulted to be a Poka Yoke. The whole re-engineering process induced a productivity increase that is estimated from 46% to 80%. The study demonstrates how Lean Manufacturing tools together with deep learning technologies can be effective in the development of smart manufacturing lines

Radiative Neutralino Decay in Supersymmetric Models

The radiative decay Z2-> Z1 gamma proceeds at the one-loop level in the MSSM. It can be the dominant decay mode for the second lightest neutralino Z2 in certain regions of parameter space of supersymmetric models, where either a dynamical and/or kinematic enhancement of the branching fraction occurs. We perform an updated numerical study of this decay mode in both the minimal supergravity model (mSUGRA) and in the more general MSSM framework. In mSUGRA, the largest rates are found in the ``focus point'' region, where the mu parameter becomes small, and the lightest neutralinos become higgsino-like; in this case, radiative branching fraction can reach the 1% level. Our MSSM analysis includes a scan over independent positive and negative gaugino masses. We show branching fractions can reach the 10-100% level even for large values of the parameter tan(beta). These regions of parameter space are realized in supergravity models with non-universal gaugino masses. Measurement of the radiative neutralino branching fraction may help pin down underlying parameters of the fundamental supersymmetric model.Comment: 19 page JHEP file with 8 PS figures; previous version contained figure misplacemen

Spare parts management with Additive Manufacturing (AM): a critical review

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a promising technology for producing spare parts, due to the wide variety of forms and materials that can be used and their enhanced mechanical properties. Given these features and the low lead times compared to classical manufacturing (CM), AM is now being investigated for the management of spare parts. This literature stream is relatively new, with many works based on different hypotheses (e.g., the reliability of AM parts) and with different conclusions. This critical literature review provides practitioners with information on the models available, their findings, and their limitations. Further research directions are also identified

Structural connectivity and functional properties of the macaque superior parietal lobule

Despite the consolidated belief that the macaque superior parietal lobule (SPL) is entirely occupied by Brodmann’s area 5, recent data show that macaque SPL also hosts a large cortical region with structural and functional features similar to that of Brodmann’s area 7. According to these data, the anterior part of SPL is occupied by a somatosensory-dominated cortical region that hosts three architectural and functional distinct regions (PE, PEci, PEip) and the caudal half of SPL by a bimodal somato-visual region that hosts four areas: PEc, MIP, PGm, V6A. To date, the most studied areas of SPL are PE, PEc, and V6A. PE is essentially a high-order somatomotor area, while PEc and V6A are bimodal somatomotor–visuomotor areas, the former with predominant somatosensory input and the latter with predominant visual input. The functional properties of these areas and their anatomical connectivity strongly suggest their involvement in the control of limb movements. PE is suggested to be involved in the preparation/execution of limb movements, in particular, the movements of the upper limb; PEc in the control of movements of both upper and lower limbs, as well as in their interaction with the visual environment; V6A in the control of reach-to-grasp movements performed with the upper limb. In humans, SPL is traditionally considered to have a different organization with respect to macaques. Here, we review several lines of evidence suggesting that this is not the case, showing a similar structure for human and non-human primate SPLs

Inter-firm exchanges, distributed renewable energy generation, and battery energy storage system integration via microgrids for energy symbiosis

Policymakers and entrepreneurs are aware that reducing energy waste and underutilization are mandatory to actually foster the green transition. Nevertheless, small-medium enterprises usually meet technical and over-whelming financial constraints. They are unable to make profits, become less energy-sensitive, and cut down on their emissions simultaneously. Industrial districts are a source of both wealth and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions. Eco-industrial parks (EIPs) supply a suitable strategy to ease symbiotic exchanges among various organizations. Surplus electricity from larger, energy-autonomous companies will be a new input for more vulnerable ones. This type of district is challenging, and it can provide an unexplored opportunity to cooperate, invest in renewable energy sources, and form alliances. To better exploit underutilized energy in industrial districts, it is essential to explore energy symbiosis (ES), i.e., an energy-based perspective of industrial symbiosis. This study presents an original mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization model that aims to identify possible inter-firm exchanges and introduce microgrid-based support for distributed renewable-energy generators (DREGs) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) over a one-year simulation period. The model simultaneously targets economic and ecological objectives. The paper compares two case studies, one with battery support and one without. The optimization model was tested using a case study and found to improve energy efficiency (with a 43.46% saving in energy costs) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (with an 84.59% reduction in GHG) by facilitating symbiotic exchanges among SMEs in industrial districts. The inclusion of BESS support further enhanced the model's ability to utilize green and recovered energy. These findings have im-plications for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs seeking to transition to more sustainable energy practices. Future work could explore the applicability of the MILP optimization model in other contexts and the potential for scaling up the model to larger industrial districts

A Fuzzy Logic Control application to the Cement Industry

A case study on continuous process control based on fuzzy logic and supported by expert knowledge is proposed. The aim is to control the coal-grinding operations in a cement manufacturing plant. Fuzzy logic is based on linguistic variables that emulate human judgment and can solve complex modeling problems subject to uncertainty or incomplete information. Fuzzy controllers can handle control problems when an accurate model of the process is unavailable, ill-defined, or subject to excessive parameter variations. The system implementation resulted in productivity gains and energy consumption reductions of 3% and 5% respectively, in line with the literature related to similar applications

Empowering rural districts with Urban-Industrial Symbiosis: A multiobjective model for Waste-to-Energy cogeneration and hydrogen sustainable networks

The growing demand for sustainable energy sources and the need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions have led to increased interest in developing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly industrial systems. This paper presents a multi-echelon multi-objective network design model for urban-industrial symbiosis, combining biogas and hydrogen production plants with locally sourced organic waste as feedstock. The integrated biogas-hydrogen system utilizes locally sourced agricultural and organic waste as feedstock, enhancing rural processes sustainability and resource efficiency. The model optimizes the location of industrial plants based on environmental and economic parameters, including transportation emissions, energy consumption, and carbon footprint. A case study set in Emilia Romagna validates the model, and a sensitivity analysis examines the impact of varying input parameters on the designed industrial park. Results demonstrate that the novel combined biogas-hydrogen system not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also produces hydrogen at a lower cost due to the utilization of excess power from the biogas cogeneration plant. This research has significant implications, offering a sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen source while promoting efficient supply chain management and strategic decision-making in the renewable energy sector. Further study might investigate system robustness against disruptive events, plant design, and the integration of additional renewable sources

Exposure to Air Pollution in Transport Microenvironments

People spend approximately 90% of their day in confined spaces (at home, work, school or in transit). During these periods, exposure to high concentrations of atmospheric pollutants can pose serious health risks, particularly to the respiratory system. The objective of this paper is to define a framework of the existing literature on the assessment of air quality in various transport microenvironments. A total of 297 papers, published from 2002 to 2021, were analyzed with respect to the type of transport microenvironments, the pollutants monitored, the concentrations measured and the sampling methods adopted. The analysis emphasizes the increasing interest in this topic, particularly regarding the evaluation of exposure in moving cars and buses. It specifically focuses on the exposure of occupants to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs). Concentrations of these pollutants can reach several hundreds of µg/m3 in some cases, significantly exceeding the recommended levels. The findings presented in this paper serve as a valuable resource for urban planners and decision-makers in formulating effective urban policies