Academic literature on the topic 'Estimation of efficiency of transport-forwarding activity'

In this article methodological subjects of activities efficiency research of the transport companies as well as other complex systems are analyzed. Methodically it is the most important to select estimation indexes of efficiency of searching object activities. After the system of indexes is formed, it is determined that it is more useful to use the system of technical economic indexes in order to estimate the level of efficiency of the activities of transport companies. It is so, because none of the separate indexes individually is able comprehensively to reflect the activities of transport systems or separate companies. Using the proposed method it is possible to research the great amount of objects according to numerous indexes. The main task is to form conditionally monolithic groups from the totality of objects. The level of activities of the objects in these groups should be similar. It would be possible to solve this task with the help of the image identification theory. The essence of this theory is to used necessary algorithm for the identification of searching objects signs. On this basis each object is reckoned in a certain monolithic objects group. Next step is the use of classification algorithms, which enable to classify the whole of searching objects. In this article you would fmd two main stages of classification problem solution. In the first stage the expansion of the objects into monolithic groups according to one of the indexes goes. The quality of this stage depends on the amount of the groups and on the selection of a concrete index. In the second stage the final objects expansion into monolithic groups according to the whole of selected technicaleconomic level indexes goes. Here is the manifold classification of the objects. Its results enable to determine the efficiency level of transport systems activities as well as to improve the quality of planning transport company's activities.

Achieving safe and secure communication in MANETs is a key challenge due to its dynamic nature. A number of security studies disclose that reputation management systems are able to be effectual with less overhead. The reputation of a node is calculated by using automated assessment algorithms depend on predefined trust scheme. This paper proposes a Node Activity-based Trust and Reputation estimation (NA-TRE) approach for the security and QoS routing in MANET. NA-TRE aims to find trust estimation and reputation of a node. The NA-TRE approach monitors the activity changes, packet forwarding or dropping in a node to find the status of the node. The various activities of a node like Normal State (NS), Resource Limitation State (RS) and Malicious State (MS) are monitored. This status of a node is helpful in computing trust and reputation. In this paper NA-TRE approach compared with existing protocols AODV, FACE and TMS to evaluate the efficiency of MANET. The experiment results show that 20% increasing of throughput, 10% decrease of overhead and end to end delay.

Introduction. The state and development of transport and logistics systems of the territories is inextricably linked with the investment climate and social and economic development, since it affects the mobility and dynamism of social and economic processes, forms additional advantages for the development of all types of business. That is why the study of the level of infrastructure provision of the transport and logistics system of the regions of Ukraine remains an important issue in modern conditions. Purpose. The article aims to develop the methodical tools for assessing the proportionality of the infrastructure provision of transport and logistics activities in the regions and the efficiency of the use of existing infrastructure objects. Results. The article deals with the essence and systematization of the main components of the transport and logistics infrastructure of the region. Under the infrastructure of transport and logistics activity of the region, it is proposed to understand the complex system of technical, organizational, economic, and informational and communication support for the implementation of transport and logistics services, which are concentrated in this region. The methodical approaches to carrying out of complex estimation of the infrastructure provision of the regions' development have been explored. The methodical approaches and analytical tools for estimating the imbalances of infrastructure provision and the efficiency of transport and logistics systems functioning in the regions are based on the calculation of the system of comparative indicators and parameters of transport and logistics activity in the regions and take into account the peculiarities of their geographical location and the corresponding competitive advantages (technical, organizational, financial, informational and specific). Conclusions. The effectiveness of the development of strategic plans and programs for the development of transport and logistics infrastructure at both the national and regional levels requires a systematic picture of the state of the infrastructure in certain regions and the weaknesses in which major efforts should be directed to overcoming. In this context, the use of the author's methodological toolkit can be useful in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the regions, their clustering, and identifying the priority tasks of optimizing the transport and logistics system in the design process of transport sector plans and programs.

The intercellular transport of auxin is driven by PIN-formed (PIN) auxin efflux carriers. PINs are localized at the plasma membrane (PM) and on constitutively recycling endomembrane vesicles. Therefore, PINs can mediate auxin transport either by direct translocation across the PM or by pumping auxin into secretory vesicles (SVs), leading to its secretory release upon fusion with the PM. Which of these two mechanisms dominates is a matter of debate. Here, we addressed the issue with a mathematical modeling approach. We demonstrate that the efficiency of secretory transport depends on SV size, half-life of PINs on the PM, pH, exocytosis frequency and PIN density. 3D structured illumination microscopy (SIM) was used to determine PIN density on the PM. Combining this data with published values of the other parameters, we show that the transport activity of PINs in SVs would have to be at least 1000× greater than on the PM in order to produce a comparable macroscopic auxin transport. If both transport mechanisms operated simultaneously and PINs were equally active on SVs and PM, the contribution of secretion to the total auxin flux would be negligible. In conclusion, while secretory vesicle-mediated transport of auxin is an intriguing and theoretically possible model, it is unlikely to be a major mechanism of auxin transport in planta.

Transport system is an important constituent of country’s economy. This system development is a significant factor ensuring population standard of living. Research in the field of unified transport system of Ukraine development estimates reveals its condition as not sufficient to meet modern requirements. Among the problems which are to be first of all solved to improve transport system of Ukraine operation estimates, an important place belongs to the issues of industry management information and analytical provision: lack of data collecting and processing effective system, methodology for objective condition assessment and prospective of the industry development, systematic approach to development coordination and long-term panning of all modes of transport operation, criteria and indices for quality estimation in providing transportation services. Solving these problems is impossible without significant improving the country’s unified transport system management. Transport infrastructure in Ukraine requires considerable systemic changes, oriented to logistics which will provide integration effect, reduce costs and improve service quality. Methodology for the national economy transport system development integral estimation was developed based on the modern information base including approach to determining peculiarities of forming transport system of Ukraine potential and its development management effectiveness under global challenges. The developed methodical approach can be efficiently used for analyses, control, accounting, planning, forecasting and regulating the industry activity at the national and regional levels and the level of separate country’s transport subsystems. Suggested approach can be used for evaluating efficiency of transport system development innovative and investment projects, and is the basis for defining market transformation vectors considering its socially optimal development level as well as regarding innovative and investment projects financing.

Based on the national level data on energy consumption by final consumption sectors (agricultural, industrial, construction, residential and transport), the present study is aimed at estimating the energy consumption at county level. The overall energy Romania has consumed throughout a year has been broken down into ‘demographic’ and ‘economic’ components. The changes in the two components were determined on an annual basis for the following reference years: 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. The variables used in the current investigation were assembled into two groups of indicators: demographic (urban population, population size, proportion of the population aged 65 years and over, the economically active population divided according to activities of national economy: agriculture, industry, transport), and economic (GDP per capita, energy consumption by the activities of the national economy: agriculture, residential, industry, transport). In some cases, where a significant share of the population worked in the industry sector (with the probability of a diversified industry), our calculations overestimated energy consumption. This may also be due to the cumulative effect of some demographic factors (i.e., the high degree of urbanization). The paper discusses the effect of the demographic variables (e.g., size, age and occupational structures) have on energy consumption. The paper shows that the economic growth Romania has been subject to since the year 2000 has led to a rise in energy consumption for two economic activities (agriculture, transportation) and it also turned out that improving the technologies used in industry has a positive effect on energy efficiency. Energy efficiency depends, in addition to the technologies used in each economic activity, on demographic factors. Some of the demographic factors have different trends in terms of energy consumption. The effect of the population size must be explained in the context of changes in the structure by age groups (aging of the population), changes in fertility and mortality rates. Moreover, the economic structure changes alongside the alterations undergone by the demographic structure. This, in turn, changes production and consumption, transport infrastructure, as well as social services. In order to draw firm conclusions about the relationship between energy consumption and population structure by age group, further detailed studies are needed, including making use of other indicators.

Purpose. The aim of the article is deepening of theoretical bases and development of methodical recommendations on definition of level of economic safety of the motor transport enterprise and the prevention of threats of loss of economic safety by it. Methodology of research. The methodological basis of the article is the general provisions of economic theory, the work of economists on economic efficiency of production and economic security of enterprises. The following methods are used to analyse the state and main trends of economic security of the enterprise: the method of correlation and regression analysis - to determine the unknown parameters in matrix form and the vector of unknown parameters; methods of economic and mathematical modelling - for calculation of unknown parameters of multifactor regression. Findings. Methodical bases of definition of level of economic safety of the motor transport enterprise consisting of three blocks are developed: an estimation of a current condition of economic activity, a choice of factors of influence on economic safety and determining the level of economic security of the transport enterprise, each of which contains a set of actions, the implementation of which ensures the transition to the next block. Originality. Theoretical provisions are substantiated and the block diagram of definition of level of economic safety of the motor transport enterprise which is based on comparison of net operating incomes and operating expenses of the motor transport enterprise is developed. When the net operating income exceeds the total operating costs, the economic activity of the trucking company becomes profitable. But in order to talk about the economic security of its operating activities, the company needs a certain level of income that will cover the unforeseen costs associated with the influence of internal and external factors – “safety margin”. Practical value. The obtained results allow determining the level of economic security of motor transport enterprises and serving as a basis for further studies of the impact of internal and external factors on their activities and the mechanism for ensuring the success of these enterprises in the long term. Key words: economic security, motor transport enterprise, safety margin, levels of economic security, transition zone, vector of unknown parameters.

The wood industry is an essential part of the economy of some regions in Brazil. Although the excess of wood residue is an environmental concern, it is also an alternative source for electricity generation. This allows for compliance with current legislation to minimize environmental impacts such as strategies to control the emission of pollutants and the decarbonization in the wood exploration activity. Despite this, the thermoelectric plants based on wood residues face problems associated with the low efficiency in generation due to the high moisture content of the residues, and challenges related to transport and storage. In this sense, this work is to evaluate the application of a self-sustainable briquetting plant as an alternative for solving the problems associated with the high moisture content, transport, and storage of wood residues. The aspects related to the construction of the briquetting plant and economic indicators associated with the economic feasibility, such as, the estimation of the net present value over the project lifecycle, internal rate of return and pay-back period, are also presented and discussed. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the plant mainly due to the better energy/volume ratio of the briquette (drying and compaction) and the transportation cost savings associated to the density of the compacted material.

Purpose. To substantiate an approach to road development investment management in Ukraine in compliance with the principle of syncretism and the use of Quality Function Deployment methodology, to improve the methodological approach to calculating the concession fee for brown-field and green-field road concession projects. Methodology. The study used a set of general and special methods of cognition: the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, the environmental approach, multimodal analysis, Decoupling Index, Decoupling Factor, logical generalization, quantitative and qualitative comparison, scientific abstraction and systematization. Findings. According to the results of research on interrelation of cost of an investment project and volumes of works by their types, an economic-mathematical model of estimation of need for investments in projects for construction, reconstruction, repair and maintenance of public motor roads is offered. The proposed model, unlike the existing ones, is based on lateral understanding of the clarity of delineation of capital needs by type of road construction, which will provide taking management decisions on investment projects with model and information tools that will help obtain the most realistic assessment of need for capital needed to improve the transport operation condition of motor roads in Ukraine. Originality. The organizational-economic mechanism of management of investment activity of road economy and the estimation of efficiency of co-financing investment projects under programs on construction, reconstruction, repair and maintenance of motor roads is advanced. The diagnostics of efficiency of investment of construction of public motor roads under public-private partnership in the form of concession is improved. Practical value. The results of the study can be used in the activities of road industry of Ukraine for the development and implementation of investment projects under motor road development programs.

Магістерська дисертація на тему: «Управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю підприємства (на прикладі ТОВ «Сандора»)» містить 119 сторінок, 17 таблиць, 13 рисунків, 2 додатка. Перелік посилань нараховує 35 найменування. Актуальність теми обумовлена постійним розвитком логістичних процесів та можливістю підвищення конкурентних позицій підприємства за рахунок вдосконалення транспортно-експедиторської діяльності. Магістерська дисертація на здобуття ступеня магістра виконувалась в Національному технічному університеті України «Київський політехнічний інститут імені Ігоря Сікорського» відповідно до планів наукових досліджень кафедри менеджменту за темою «Удосконалення процесів управління логістичними системами українських підприємств в умовах інтеграції у світову економіку» (№ ДР 0117U005641). Метою роботи є: розширення та поглиблення теоретичних положень про управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю, а також розкриття методів оцінки ефективності цієї діяльності на промисловому підприємстві. Поставлена мета дослідження обумовлена вирішенням таких завдань: – розглянути сутність та основні теоретичні засади щодо управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю; – здійснити діагностику стану функціонування підприємства сокової промисловості; – обґрунтувати сутність логістичного підходу в управлінні транспортно-експедиторської діяльності та визначити основні методи оцінювання ефективності управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю; – провести аналіз та здійснити характеристику галузі транспортно-експедиторської діяльності; – здійснити діагностування діяльності обраного підприємства в сфері надання транспортно-експедиторських послуг; – оцінити ефективність управління транспортно-експедиторської діяльності на ТОВ «Сандора» та запропонувати шляхи удосконалення; – обґрунтувати доцільність напрямів вдосконалення системи управління транспортно-логістичної діяльності на ТОВ «Сандора». Об’єктом дослідження є процес управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю підприємства. Предметом дослідження виступають теоретично-методологічні аспекти та практичний інструментарій управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю підприємства. В магістерській роботі застосовувалася сукупність загальних та специфічних наукових методів, таких як системний підхід, методи економічного та статистичного аналізу, групування, графічного моделювання організаційних структур, експертної оцінки. Для отримання аналітичної інформації були використані дані статистичної звітності, внутрішньої, зокрема, бухгалтерської звітності підприємств та а матеріали практикуючих фахівців в галузі менеджменту та логістики, розміщені в підручниках та електронних джерелах. Наукова новизна дослідження полягає у: – поглибленню та уточненню існуючих теоретичних засад з питання управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю підприємства; – систематизація оцінки ефективності методів управління транспортно-експедиторської діяльності; – запропоновано нові рішення щодо організації роботи транспортно-експедиторської діяльності; – виявлено та узагальнено проблеми управління транспортними витратами; – запропоноване рішення щодо оптимізації транспортних витрат та скорочення часу поставок транспортно-логістичного відділу підприємства. Практичне значення полягає у розробці методів оптимізації логістичних витрат на оплату праці, а саме доплати за понаднормовому роботу водіїв та експедиторів, а також та зменшення постійних витрат оплату за найманий транспорт за рахунок створення свого автопарку легкових машин. Розроблена програма по удосконаленню роботи транспортно-експедиторської діяльності допоможе підвисити якість наданих послуг та посилити конкурентні позиції на ринку. Розроблені в магістерській дисертації на здобуття ступеня магістра рекомендації та пропозиції щодо вдосконалення механізму роботи транспортно-експедиторської діяльності були представлені на розгляд ради директорів ТОВ «Сандора», де було визнано можливість практичного застосування в майбутньому окремих заходів та пропозицій щодо введення на підприємство власного автопарку та впровадження додаткових інформаційних систем (акт впровадження №18/24 від 9 квітня 2018 року). Апробація результатів представлена у: 1) Стаття «Управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю підприємства» у збірнику наукових праць «Сучасні підходи до управління підприємством»; 2) Тези «Управління транспортно-експедиторською діяльністю підприємства» у збірнику тез IX Всеукраїнської науково-практичній конференції «Сучасні підходи до управління підприємством»; 3) Тези «Формування логістичного менеджменту транспортно-експедиційних послуг підприємства», участь у VIII Всеукраїнської науково-практичній конференції «Сучасні підходи до управління підприємством».
Master's dissertation on the theme: «Management of transport and forwarding activity of the enterprise (for example, «Sandora»)» contains 119 pages, 17 tables, 13 figures, 2 applications. The list of references has a 35 denomination. The urgency of the theme is due to the constant development of logistics processes and the opportunity to increase the competitive position of the enterprise through the improvement of transport and forwarding activities. The master's dissertation for obtaining the master's degree was carried out at the National Technical University of Ukraine «Kyiv Polytechnic Institute named after Igor Sikorsky» in accordance with the research plans of the Department of Management on the topic «Improvement of the processes of management of logistic systems of Ukrainian enterprises in the conditions of integration into the world economy» (№ ДР 0117U005641). The purpose of the work is to: expand and deepen the theoretical provisions on the management of freight forwarding activities, as well as the disclosure of methods for assessing the effectiveness of this activity at an industrial enterprise. The purpose of the research is determined by the decision of the following tasks: – to consider the essence and basic theoretical principles for the management of freight forwarding activities; - to perform diagnostics of the functioning of the juice industry; – to substantiate the essence of the logistic approach in the management of freight forwarding activities and to determine the main methods for assessing the efficiency of transport and forwarding activities management; – to analyze and perform the characteristics of the field of forwarding activities; – to diagnose the activity of the selected enterprise in the field of providing forwarding services; – to evaluate the efficiency of management of forwarding activity at «Sandora» and to offer ways of improvement; – to substantiate expediency of directions of improvement of the system of management of transport and logistic activity on «Sandora». The object of the research is the process of managing the transport and forwarding activities of the enterprise. The subject of the study is theoretical and methodological aspects and practical tools for managing the transport and forwarding activities of the enterprise. In master's work, a set of general and specific scientific methods, such as a systematic approach, methods of economic and statistical analysis, grouping, graphical modeling of organizational structures, expert evaluation were used. For obtaining analytical information, statistical reporting data, internal, in particular, financial statements of enterprises and materials of practicing specialists in the field of management and logistics were placed in textbooks and electronic sources. The scientific novelty of the research is to: – deepen and refine the existing theoretical foundations on the management of transport and forwarding activities of the enterprise; – systematization of an estimation of efficiency of methods of management of transport and forwarding activity; – new solutions for the organization of transport and forwarding activities are proposed; – the problems of transport expenses management were revealed and summarized; – the proposed decision on optimization of transport costs and reduction of delivery time of the transport and logistics department of the enterprise. The practical significance is the development of methods for optimizing logistics costs for wages, namely, the additional payment for overtime work of drivers and forwarders, as well as the reduction of fixed costs for the payment of hired transport by creating a fleet of cars. The developed program for improving the work of transport and forwarding activities will help to improve the quality of services provided and to strengthen the competitive position in the market. The recommendations and proposals for improving the mechanism of transport and forwarding activity developed in the master's thesis for the master's degree were presented to the Board of Directors of «Sandora», which recognized the possibility of practical application in the future of certain measures and proposals for the introduction of the company's own fleet and implementation additional information systems (implementation act №18/24 from 09.04.18). Approbation of the results is presented in: 1) Study «Management of transport and forwarding activities of the enterprise» in the collection of scientific works «Modern approaches to enterprise management»; 2) The thesis «Management of transport and forwarding activity of the enterprise» in the collection of abstracts of the IX All-Ukrainian scientific-practical conference «Modern approaches to enterprise management»; 3) The thesis «Formation of logistics management of transport and forwarding services of the enterprise», participation in the VIII All-Ukrainian scientific-practical conference «Modern approaches to enterprise management».

Дипломна робота на тему: «Організація транспортно-експедиційної діяльності підприємства» містить 100 сторінок, 26 таблиць, 20 рисунків, 2 додатки. Перелік посилань нараховує 30 найменувань. Метою роботи є аналіз, обгрунтування та розроблення практичних рекомендацій щодо удосконалення організації транспортно-експедиційної діяльності підприємства. Об’єктом дослідження є процес організації транспортно-експедиційної діяльність підприємства. Предметом дослідження є теоретичні аспекти та практичні положення стосовно удосконалення транспортно-експедиційної діяльності компанії в сучасних умовах. База дослідження – ТОВ «Рабен Україна». Методи дослідження. Виконання дипломної роботи першого (бакалаврського) рівня вищої освіти здійснено при застосуванні загальних та спеціальних методів дослідження: статистичний аналіз, порівняльний аналіз, економічний аналіз – для дослідження стану підприємства та його динаміки, систематизація та узагальнення, SWOT-аналіз та метод «мозкового штурму». У процесі досліджень було використано інформаціїйні технології: Microsoft Excel. Результати роботи. За результатами проведеного дослідження розроблено та запропоновано проект, що передбачає розширення власного парку транспортних засобів підприємства, з метою зменшення рівня впливу ризиків, пов’язаних із залученням до роботи підрядників – сторонніх транспортних компаній. Це також забезпечить оптимізацію витрат компанії – економічний ефект складе 6314,68 тис.грн щорічної економії. Також запропонована система критеріїв для вибору перевізника, що теж орієнтована на скорочення рівня впливу ризиків на ефективність діяльності підприємства. Рекомендації щодо використання результатів роботи. Отримані результати дослідження можуть бути використані вітчизняними підприємствами логістичної галузі, для оптимізації витрат на логістичне обслуговування, зокрема ТОВ «Рабен Україна», скорочення рівня впливу ризиків та розширення обсягів діяльності. Результати впровадження досліджень. Розроблені в дипломній роботі пропозиції були представлені на розгляд керівному складу ТОВ «Рабен Україна», де було визнано ефективність їх практичного застосування.
Barchelor`s thesis includes 100 pages, 26 tables, 20 drawings, 2 attachments. The bibliography list includes 30 items. The purpose of the work is the analysis, substantiation and development of practical recommendations for improving the organization of transport and forwarding activities of the enterprise. The object of research is the process of organizing the transport and forwarding activities of the enterprise. The subject of research is the theoretical aspects and practical provisions for improving the freight forwarding activities of the company in modern conditions. The base of the study is Raben Ukraine LLC. Research methods. Thesis of the first (bachelor's) level of higher education was carried out using general and special research methods: statistical analysis, comparative analysis, economic analysis - to study the state of the enterprise and its dynamics, systematization and generalization, SWOT-analysis and "brainstorming". Information technology which was used for the research: Microsoft Excel. Results of work. Based on the results of the study, a project, which was proposed, provides for the expansion of its own fleet of vehicles, in order to reduce the impact of risks associated with the involvement of contractors - third-party transport companies. It can also optimize the company's costs - the economic effect will be 6314.68 thousand UAH. A system of criteria for carrier selection is also proposed, and is focused on reducing the level of risk impact on the efficiency of the enterprise. Recommendations about the usage and application of the results of work. The results of the study can be used by domestic enterprises of the logistics industry to optimize the cost of logistics services, in particular LLC "Raben Ukraine", reduce the level of risk and expand the scope of activities. The results of research implementation. The proposals developed in the thesis were presented to the management of Raben Ukraine LLC, where the effectiveness of their practical application was recognized.

Šio darbo tikslas – atlikti ekspedicinių ir transporto įmonių veiklos efektyvumo lyginamąjį tyrimą. Tyrimui turi įtakos esama situacija transporto sektoriuje, todėl darbe įvertinamos kelių transporto sektoriaus plėtros perspektyvos bei analizuojamos krovinių vežimo apimtys per pastaruosius 5 metus. Darbe remiamasi apklausoje dalyvavusių respondentų atsakymais apie jų įmonių veiklos efektyvumą. Atlikus tyrimą buvo nustatyta, kad ekspedicinė veikla (dabartinėmis sąlygomis) yra efektyvesnė, nei vežimo. Tam turėjo įtakos tai, kad 2008 metai buvo nuostolingi vežėjams, nes didėjo degalų kainos bei mažėjo krovinių vežimo apimtys. Remiantis respondentų atsakymais, galima teigti, kad transporto veikla tampa mažiau pelninga, nes beveik pusė jų, jeigu tektų rinktis iš naujo, kuo užsiimti, pasirinktų kitą veiklą. Kita dalis respondentų nurodė, kad užsiimtų ekspedijavimu. O tai reiškia, kad ekspeditorių padėtis yra lengvesnė nei vežėjų. Tik maža dalis apklaustųjų pasirinktų vežimo veiklą. Darbą sudaro 5 dalys: įvadas, analitinė-metodinė dalis, eksperimentinė-tiriamoji dalis, išvados ir siūlymai, literatūros sąrašas. Darbo apimtis – 81 p. teksto be priedų, 13 iliustracijų, 3 lentelės, 52 bibliografiniai šaltiniai.
The aim of this work - to perform comparative analysis of forwarding and transportation companies activity efficiency. The present situation in the transport sector has influence upon the analysis, therefore in the work, the perspectives of road transport sector expansion are evaluated, also cargo transportation volumes during the latter 5 years are analyzed. The work is based on the answers of the respondents, who participated in the survey - about the efficiency of their companies' activity. When the analysis was made, it was established, that the forwarding activity (in the present circumstances) is more effective than the transportation activity. Also this fact, that the year 2008 was loss-making to the carriers, because the fuel prices increased and the volumes of cargo transportation decreased, had influence on the research results. On the grounds of respondent answers, it can be stated, that transportation activity becomes less profitable, because nearly half of the respondents, if they had a possibility to choose newly what activity to take, would choose the other activity. Other part of the respondents has indicated that they would use forwarding. And this means, that the condition of forwarders is easier than the carriers' condition. Only the little part of the respondents would choose the carrier activity. The work is made from 5 parts: introduction, analytical-methodical part, experimental-investigative part, conclusions and suggestions, list of literature. The... [to full text]

Advances in energy harvesting hardware have created an opportunity for realizing self-powered wearables for continuous and pervasive Human Context Detection (HCD). Unfortunately, the power consumption of the continuous context sensing using accelerometer is relatively high compared to the amount of power that can be harvested practically, which limits the usefulness of energy harvesting. This chapter employs and infers HCD directly from the Kinetic Energy Harvesting (KEH) patterns generated from a wearable device that harvests kinetic energy to power itself. This proposal eliminates the need for accelerometer, making HCD practical for self-powered devices. The authors discuss in more details the use of KEH patterns as an energy efficient source of information for five main applications, human activity recognition, step detection, calorie expenditure estimation, hotword detection, and transport mode detection. This confirms the potential sensing capabilities of KEH for a wide range of wearable applications, moving us closer towards self-powered autonomous wearables.

Profitability of water distribution activity depends largely on the relationships between operational capability and service costs, related to supplier’s performance, volume of distributed water and effective operating costs. The main variables that influence the total selling price are required investment value, specific consumption of electrical energy for pumping power, unit price of the electrical energy and total volume of monthly consumed water billed. The selection of rehabilitation and modernization measures must rely on market studies results that appropriately establish the quantities of water that may be distributed and billed. Present and future water requirements will be determined based on the analysis of actual operation data and on estimation of future trends in water consumption on national and international levels. The optimization calculation will use two target functions: total maximum efficiency and total electric power consumption required for transport of each cubic meter of supplied water, and cubic meter of sewage water, respectively. The mathematical methods may be improved by taking into account all active consumers in the network with simultaneous water requirements, at each moment of the day. Using several original mathematical algorithms, authors developed a computer program that calculates the functional parameters of the ensemble pumping station – hydrophore – pipe distribution network, as well as the available consumer parameters. This may be accomplished at each moment in time, depending on the number of active consumers simultaneously connected to the supply network, in the hypothesis of a minimum price of cubic meter of pumped water. This paper proposes a solution of the problem of reducing production costs for supplied domestic water, which directly affects the reduction of the electric power consumption.