The transport sector is a major contributor to the rise in global temperatures and emissions. The use of fossil fuel being one of the main drivers, most modes of transport are looking at alternatives to the limited and environmentally unsustainable fuels. Despite the railway sector being considered the more ‘green’ alternative mode of transport as compared to other modes like air, there exist more work that is required to make the railway sector as efficient and green as possible especially the significant percentage of the railway networks that are still non-electrified. These lines tend to be short, isolated and in some instances with seasonal traffic, hence there not being an urgent need to electrify. The cost of electrification is usually costly especially in terms of initial infrastructure development and alternatives are needed where the cost of electrification is not viable. The main objective of this report is to analyze the current fossil-free alternatives that are available or soon to be available on the market and determine which alternative is suitable for a specific non-electrified line considering factors such as cost, impact to the environment and the long-term strategy. As this is a complex analysis, the authors of this report will utilize the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) model to determine the most suitable choice for each line. The AHP model is one of the multicriteria methods developed to deconstruct complex situations into simple levels with the first level containing the goal: determining the viability of a fossil-free alternative that may be suitable for a particular railway line using the various criteria and sub-criteria. The results differed along the various railway lines with Fryksdalsbanan, Tjustbanan, HällnäsLycksele, Kinnekullebanan and Vaggerydsbanan having battery-operated trains as the optimal choice while the Mellerud-Bengtsfors, Stångådalsbanan, both Inlandsbanan (North and South), HalmstadNässjö, Bockabanan and Nässjö-Vetlanda favoring the hydrogen-fueled trains. In conclusion, both the battery-operated and hydrogen-fueled trains are viable options on the short, low-demand railway lines while the electric trains and diesel-fueled trains are expensive and environmentally unsuitable, respectively.

No description available.

In a time of strained resources and dynamic environments, the importance of effective and efficient systems is critical. This dissertation was developed to address the need to use feedback from multiple stakeholder groups to define quality and assess an entity’s efficiency at achieving such quality. A decision support model with applicability to diverse domains was introduced to outline the approach. Three phases, (1) quality model development, (2) input-output selection and (3) relative efficiency assessment, captured the essence of the process which also delineates the approach per tool applied. This decision support model was adapted in higher education to assess academic departmental efficiency at achieving stakeholder-relative quality. Phase 1 was accomplished through a three round, Delphi-like study which involved user group refinement. Those results were compared to the criteria of an engineering accreditation body (ABET) to support the model’s validity to capture quality in the College of Engineering & Computer Science, its departments and programs. In Phase 2 the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to the validated model to quantify the perspective of students, administrators, faculty and employers (SAFE). Using the composite preferences for the collective group (n=74), the model was limited to the top 7 attributes which accounted for about 55% of total preferences. Data corresponding to the resulting variables, referred to as key performance indicators, was collected using various information sources and infused in the data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology (Phase 3). This process revealed both efficient and inefficient departments while offering transparency of opportunities to maximize quality outputs. Findings validate the potential of the ii Delphi-like, analytic hierarchical, data envelopment analysis approach for administrative decision-making in higher education. However, the availability of more meaningful metrics and data is required to adapt the model for decision making purposes. Several recommendations were included to improve the usability of the decision support model and future research opportunities were identified to extend the analyses inherent and apply the model to alternative areas.

Addressing environmental burdens associated with the operation and infrastructure of the electrical transmission system products is imperative. Implementing Ecodesign practices in the early stages of product development and adopting circularity approaches throughout the product value chain is crucial to mitigate adverse impacts. However, transitioning from a traditional to a circular business model necessitates a well-defined strategic plan enabling organisations to assess their current situation and develop effective tactics. Nevertheless, trade-offs between circularity and sustainability must be carefully considered, as circular practices may not always align with the triple bottom line. Therefore, accurately prioritising circular strategies is essential for establishing a circular and sustainable product life cycle. This research evaluates business practices of Grid Solutions and proposes priority strategies, guidelines and KPIs to enhance product circularity. For this purpose, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology based on expert’s judgment, is implemented. The prioritised strategies are analysed using an Importance vs Difficulty matrix to identify high-value and strategic actions. Simultaneously, product circularity indicators are evaluated and ranked based on the AHP outcomes. Subsequently, the most relevant indicator is assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the prioritised guidelines, through High Voltage (HV) equipment. Results highlight that minimising energy consumption is essential for improving product circularity, as LCA analysis confirms. The chosen circular indicator is tested by comparing an HV product version with lower energy losses to the product baseline, exhibiting a 51.45% increase in sustainable circularity and approximately 20% reduction in adverse environmental impacts. Additionally, prioritising efforts to minimise non-conformities, promote repairability, and enable upgrades are also of high relevance. Finally, the research provides recommendations for New Product Introduction (NPI) frameworks and sustainable reporting.

Walkability is the measure of walking comfortably in the urban environment, based on numerous parameters, including traversability, compactness, attractiveness, and safety. Recently, walkability has become a significant key to well-being quality in the urban environment through enhancement of the walking environment, including filling spaces with life, promoting sustainability, and attracting people for exercise. The walkable environment’s design and planning have been focused of attention because of its numerous benefits in various aspects, such as improvement of social life, sustainability, public health, and economy. Therefore, there is a crucial need to do more research to increase the understanding of walkability in the urban environment. There are different factors that affect the level of walkability in the built environment. Subsequently, using a geographic information system (GIS) together with multi-criteria decision-making and analysis (MCDA) is an efficient method for walkability analysis. Space syntax and its application can also serve as a critical factor in walkability assessment by evaluating the number of connections for each route. The validity of this analysis model was tested in two study cases. These cases covered two municipalities in Sweden that differ in many aspects, including size, number of roads, and public density; these are Gävle and Uppsala. Furthermore, the MCDA model was integrated with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and eight factors were selected based on their relative importance to the walkability assessment. The generated factor maps were set based on the widely implemented criteria of walkability, otherwise known as the 5Cs, which is developed by Transport for London (TFL). The 5Cs consists of connectivity, comfort, convenience, conviviality, and conspicuousness. The density of connections for each route was derived using natural streets based on the space syntax approach. The natural street map was used as the main map that incorporated all factors, after their derivation and normalization of their values. The final produced AHP-based maps were classified into three walkability classes representing routes with low to high levels of walkability. The One Factor At-time sensitivity analysis technique (OAT) was also applied to the GIS-MCDA model to analyse the uncertainty that can occur based on different reasons such as human error and weighting uncertainty.

Worldwide water distribution infrastructure system is old and deteriorating. A water system with its myriad appurtenances (including pumps and valves and tanks) is susceptible to hydraulic transients resulting in high and low pressure waves alternatively passing through the network. While both low and high pressure events structurally tax the already weak system, there is copious evidence indicating intrusion of contaminants into the drinking water pipes from the pipe's exterior environment due to low pressure events associated with water hammer phenomenon. These contaminants enter into the drinking water as the home plumbing system is a passive recipient from the water main. While the major (municipal) system is readily recognized as a vast infrastructure system of nearly 1,409,800 km of piping within the United States, the minor (plumbing) system that is at least 5 to 10 times larger is generally not well analyzed. In this study, an experimental plumbing rig was designed and implemented that replicates the range of pressures encountered in actual minor water distribution systems. This research addresses how a pressure transient triggered within a house and from municipal systems can impact the service line with a possible suction effect. Experimental results on low pressure events and the accompanying numerical modeling showed good agreement. The experiment also enabled visualization of the various pressure transient phenomena. It is demonstrated that hydraulic transients triggered from water mains result in low pressures events (up to -10 psig) in service lines which can allow possible intrusion of microbial and chemical contaminants at the service line. Structural integrity of service line and hydraulic integrity at water mains should be maintained to minimize any public health risks. In the USA, about 90% of residential drinking water plumbing systems use copper pipes. Pinhole leaks in copper plumbing pipes have become a nationwide concern because these leaks cause property damage, lower property values, and result in possibility of adversely affecting homeowners' insurance coverage. In addition, resulting mold damage may cause health concerns. This research also addresses the concerns of the affected homeowners by enabling them to decide on whether to continue to repair or replace their plumbing system, the factors to be considered in a replacement decision, and the type of material to use for replacement. Plastic pipes such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride), and copper are considered in present analysis. Other alternatives include an epoxy coating technique on the existing piping systems, without the need to tear into walls. Multiple attributes of a plumbing system including cost (material plus labor charges), taste and odor impacts, potential for corrosion, longevity of the pipe system, fire retardance, convenience of installation or replacement, plumber or general contractor's opinions or expertise, and proven record in the market are considered. Attributes and material rankings are formalized within the framework of the preference elicitation tools namely AHP (Analytical Hierarchical Process). Surveys are conducted with selected homeowners in pinhole leak prone area in Southeastern US Community to observe their revealed and stated preferences. Participants' overall preference tradeoffs are reported in addition to comparing their revealed and stated preferences. Health effects, taste and odor of water turned out to be the most important factors from the survey. In real life, however, homeowners were not well aware of these safety issues related with plumbing materials. It is recommended that water professionals should work on bridging the gap between public perception and research results related to major and minor systems. / Ph. D.

This research integrates a multi-attribute decision-support tool, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), with a customer-focused design methodology, Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The result is a hybrid methodology more complete than either of the two alone, involving synthesis, analysis, and evaluation activities necessary for completing conceptual system design. An indicator was developed for the overall performance of an organization's product and its competitors’ products using the information in a QFD matrix. In addition, a methodology was developed to determine if essential customer requirements and design-dependent parameters (DDPs) have been adequately identified in the QFD matrix. A mathematical relationship was developed which relates technical and competitive assessments in the QFD matrix and helps test for inconsistencies. Finally, an indicator was developed to assess a new product concept for viability in the marketplace and to be used for accomplishing trade-off analyses. Examples are presented throughout this document to further illustrate the concepts. This research is unique in its application. It adds to the body of knowledge for decision-making in the conceptual design phase of the systems engineering process. / Master of Science

[EN] Selecting an appropriate material storage system typology, for the raw material as well as for the products resulting from the manufacturing process, is essential for the management of production and control stock processes. Nowadays there are several available techniques applied in cement industry for storing clinker, such as silos dome, longitudinal stores, round silos or circular stores. The selection of the silo typology to be used has traditionally been based on the project manager own experience and on purely economic factors. However, the election depends not only on commensurable criteria, such as the construction cost, but also on intangible and not easily quantifiable factors which sometimes come into conflict with each other. This thesis proposes an expert system to determine the optimal silo typology for storing 50,000 tons of cement clinker. A hybrid approach is applied in which the Delphi method and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are used, taking account of a group of experts, to assess the selection factors and the possible alternatives for clinker storage. Finally, the proposed methodology uses VIKOR technique to establish the most adequate storage facility according to these criteria for the studied case and to guarantee stability condition. / [ES] La selección de la tipología más apropiada para sistemas de almacenamiento de materiales, tanto de las materias primas como de los productos resultantes del proceso de fabricación, es esencial para el control de la producción y la gestión de stocks. Hoy en día, en la industria del cemento existen varias técnicas aplicadas al almacenamiento de clínker, como son el silo domo, el almacén longitudinal, el silo cilíndrico o el depósito circular. La selección de la tipología de silo a emplear se ha basado tradicionalmente en la propia experiencia del responsable del proyecto y en factores puramente económicos. Sin embargo, la elección del sistema óptimo depende no sólo de criterios conmensurables como el coste de construcción, sino también de factores intangibles y difícilmente cuantificables que en ocasiones entran en conflicto entre sí. En la presente tesis doctoral se propone un sistema experto para determinar la tipología óptima de silo, aplicándose a un caso concreto en el que se pretende almacenar 50.000 toneladas de clínker. Se aplica un método híbrido en el que la técnica Delphi y el Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (AHP) son empleados para, apoyándose en un grupo de expertos, establecer y evaluar los criterios de selección así como las posibles alternativas para el almacenamiento de clinker. Por último, la metodología propuesta se sirve del método VIKOR para determinar la tipología de almacenamiento de clínker más adecuada para el caso de estudio, garantizado las condiciones de estabilidad para la solución obtenida. / [CA] La selecció de la tipologia més apropiada per a sistemes d'emmagatzematge de materials, tant de les matèries primeres com dels productes resultants del procés de fabricació, és essencial per al control de la producció i la gestió d'estocs. Avui en dia, en la indústria del ciment existeixen diverses tècniques aplicades a l'emmagatzematge de clínquer, com són la sitja dom, el magatzem longitudinal, la sitja cilíndrica o el dipòsit circular. La selecció de la tipologia de sitja a emprar s'ha basat tradicionalment en la pròpia experiència del responsable del projecte i en factors purament econòmics. No obstant això, l'elecció del sistema òptim depèn no només de criteris commensurables com el cost de construcció, sinó també de factors intangibles i difícilment quantificables que en ocasions entren en conflicte entre si. En la present tesi doctoral es proposa un sistema expert per determinar la tipologia òptima de sitja, aplicant-se a un cas concret en el qual es pretén emmagatzemar 50.000 tones de clínquer. S'aplica un mètode híbrid en què la tècnica Delphi i el Procés Analític Jeràrquic (AHP) són emprats per, recolzant-se en un grup d'experts, establir i avaluar els criteris de selecció així com les possibles alternatives per a l'emmagatzemament de clínquer. Finalment, la metodologia proposada es serveix del mètode VIKOR per determinar la tipologia d'emmagatzematge de clínquer més adequada per al cas d'estudi, garantit les condicions d'estabilitat per a la solució obtinguda. / Azorín Carrión, A. (2015). Grandes silos de almacenamiento de clínker: análisis y priorización [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/59525

[EN] Economic development often involves the need for additional water resources to carry out the new industrial or agricultural activities, or to supply the domestic, tourist and leisure activities demand. Moreover, this development usually leads to increased in population, which further increases the demand for water. In many places with arid or semiarid climate, this water scarcity leads to decreased water quality, even in areas with rainfall, the accumulation of demand in time and in space causes deficits, and produces social impact about the destination of available resources and damages to the environment. The reclaimed wastewaters are an unconventional source of water that has developed in recent decades. However, in order to reuse this resource, very important because of the quantity and the availability, appropriate technologies are required, specially an efficient disinfection system. This doctoral thesis presents an application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) by integrating a Delphi process and combined with the VIKOR technique for selecting the best disinfection technology for treated wastewater reuse projects. The proposed methodology provides project managers a tool to evaluate problems with multiple criteria and multiple alternatives which involve non-commeasurable decision criteria, with expert opinions play playing a major role in the selection of these treatment alternatives. The alternatives have been evaluated for each of the criteria weighted according to the opinions of the experts consulted. Finally, the VIKOR method has been applied to determine a compromise solution, and to establish the stability of the results. Therefore, the expert system proposed to select the optimal disinfection alternative is a hybrid method combining the AHP with the Delphi method and the VIKOR technique, which is shown to be appropriate in realistic scenarios where multiple stakeholders are involved in the selection of a sustainable disinfection technique for wastewater reuse projects. / [ES] El desarrollo económico suele implicar la necesidad de disponer de recursos hídricos adicionales para poder llevar a cabo las nuevas actividades industriales o agrícolas, o para abastecer la demanda correspondiente a las actividades domésticas, turísticas y de ocio. Además, este desarrollo conlleva habitualmente un aumento de población, lo que aún incrementa más la demanda de agua. En muchos lugares de clima árido o semiárido esta escasez de recursos hídricos ocasiona una disminución de la calidad del agua, incluso en lugares con lluvia suficiente la acumulación de la demanda en el tiempo y en el espacio crea deficiencias, y genera repercusiones sociales al respecto del destino de los recursos disponibles y su afectación al medio ambiente. Las aguas residuales regeneradas constituyen un recurso no convencional de agua que ha venido desarrollándose en los últimos decenios. No obstante, para poder proceder a reutilizar este recurso, de gran importancia por su volumen y disponibilidad, se requieren las tecnologías adecuadas y en particular unos sistemas de desinfección eficientes. Esta tesis presenta una aplicación del Proceso Analítico Jerárquico (AHP) mediante la integración de un proceso Delphi y combinado con la técnica VIKOR, para la selección de la mejor tecnología de desinfección en proyectos de reutilización y regeneración de aguas residuales tratadas. La metodología propuesta proporciona a los administradores de proyectos una herramienta para evaluar problemas con criterios múltiples y múltiples alternativas que implican criterios de decisión no cuantificables, con opiniones de expertos que juegan un papel importante en la selección de estas alternativas de tratamiento. Las alternativas han sido evaluadas para cada uno de los criterios, ponderados de acuerdo a las opiniones de los expertos consultados. Finalmente, se aplica el método VIKOR para determinar una solución de compromiso, y establecer la estabilidad de los resultados. Por tanto, el sistema experto propuesto para seleccionar la alternativa óptima de desinfección es un método híbrido que combina el procedimiento AHP con el método Delphi y la técnica VIKOR, y se muestra apropiado en escenarios realistas donde múltiples actores están involucrados en la selección de una técnica de desinfección sostenible en proyectos de regeneración de aguas residuales tratadas. / [CA] El desenvolupament econòmic sol implicar la necessitat de disposar de recursos hídrics addicionals per a poder dur a terme les noves activitats industrials o agrícoles, o per a abastir la demanda corresponent a les activitats domèstiques, turístiques i d'oci. A més, aquest desenvolupament comporta habitualment un augment de població, la qual cosa encara incrementa més la demanda d'aigua. En molts llocs de clima àrid o semi àrid esta escassetat de recursos hídrics ocasiona una disminució de la qualitat de l'aigua, fins i tot en llocs amb pluja suficient l'acumulació de la demanda en el temps i en l'espai crega deficiències, i genera repercussions socials respecte d'això del destí dels recursos disponibles i la seua afectació al medi ambient. Les aigües residuals regenerades constituïxen un recurs no convencional d'aigua que ha vingut desenvolupant¿se en els últims decennis. No obstant això, per a poder procedir a reutilitzar aquest recurs, de gran importància pel seu volum i disponibilitat, es requerixen les tecnologies adequades i en particular uns sistemes de desinfecció eficients. Esta tesi presenta una aplicació del Procés Analític Jeràrquic (AHP) per mitjà de la integració d'un procés Delphi i combinat amb la tècnica VIKOR, per a la selecció de la millor tecnologia de desinfecció en projectes de reutilització i regeneració d'aigües residuals tractades. La metodologia proposada proporciona als administradors de projectes una ferramenta per a avaluar problemes amb criteris múltiples i múltiples alternatives que impliquen criteris de decisió no quantificables, amb opinions d'experts que juguen un paper important en la selecció d'estes alternatives de tractament. Les alternatives han sigut avaluades per a cada un dels criteris ponderats d'acord amb les opinions dels experts consultats. Finalment, s'aplica el mètode VIKOR per a determinar una solució de compromís, i establir l'estabilitat dels resultats. Per tant, el sistema expert proposat per a seleccionar l'alternativa òptima de desinfecció és un mètode híbrid que combina el procediment AHP amb el mètode Delphi i la tècnica VIKOR, i es mostra apropiat en escenaris realistes on múltiples actors estan involucrats en la selecció d'una tècnica de desinfecció sostenible en projectes de regeneració d'aigües residuals tractades. / Cuenca Ruiz, MA. (2016). Selección de un sistema de desinfección en proyectos de reutilización de las aguas residuales tratadas [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/60151

Yes / Consumers have the multiple options to choose their products and services, which have a significant impact on the pattern of consumer decision making in digital market and further increases the challenges for the service providers to predict their buying pattern. In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to propose a structural hierarchy model for analyzing the changing pattern of consumer decision making in digital market by taking an Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: To accomplish the objectives, the research is conducted in two phases. An extensive literature review is performed in the first phase to list the factors related to the changing pattern of consumer decision making in digital market and then fuzzy Delphi method is applied to finalize the factors. In the second phase, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is employed to find the priority weights of finalized factors. The fuzzy set theory allows capturing the vagueness in the data. Findings: The findings obtained in this study shows that consumers are much conscious about innovative and trendy products as well as brand and quality; therefore, the service providers must think about these two most important factors so that they can able to retain their consumer in their online portal. Practical implications: The analysis shows that “innovative and trendy” is the first priority factor for the consumers followed by “brand and quality” and “fulfilment and time energy.” The proposed model can help the marketers and service providers in predicting customers’ preferences and their changing pattern efficiently under vague surroundings. The outcomes of this research work not only help the service provider to update their products and services according to consumers’ needs but can also help them to increase profit and minimize their risk. Originality/value: This work contributes to consumer research literature focusing on problem evaluation in the context of changing pattern of consumer decision making in digital era.