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Computing Performance Analysis of IEC 61499 Distributed Automation Systems
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2025 IEEE.This work analyzes the computing performance of distributed control systems in IEC 61499 on two hardware devices, Dell XPS workstation and Raspi 4B. Based on the test IEC 61499 application, three different system configurations are tested to simulate the distribution options of singleprocess and single-thread, multi-threading, and multi-process on both hardware platforms. Experimental results show that multiprocess configurations yield more consistent execution time due to dedicated resource allocation, while multi-threading, though resource-efficient, can lead to latency variability. These results aim at help in choosing optimal configurations and selecting hardware for performance in distributed automation systems.Peer reviewe
Phase Equilibria and Trace Element Deportments in Fe–O–Al2O3–SiO2 Slags and Molten Copper Matte at 1473 K (1200 °C), Fixed p(O2) and p(SO2), and Silica/Magnetite Saturation
No full textPublisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.Understanding the role of major components of electric waste during smelting of these materials to recover valuable trace metals is poorly constrained by experimental data. In this study, phase equilibria and trace element deportments were studied at 1473 K (1200 °C) in conditions of combined sulfide concentrate and electric and electronic equipment waste processing in batchwise submerged lance smelting. In this system, liquid slag domain is limited by silica and magnetite saturation boundaries or primary phase fields at all alumina concentrations from alumina-free slags to silica-spinel double saturation. The impact of alumina concentration in slag at fixed oxygen and sulfur dioxide partial pressures on the distributions of Ag, Cu, In, Pb, and Sn was studied. Elemental concentrations in slag, matte, and solid magnetite (a Fe–Al spinel solid solution) were measured using electron probe microanalysis and laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry techniques. The observed impact of alumina on the distribution coefficient of silver, copper, and indium favored the matte phase at silica and magnetite saturation but lead and tin behaved differently within different primary phase fields as a function of alumina concentration.Peer reviewe
Miten luoda intohimosta ura?
No full textThis thesis aims to navigate and help other creative professionals to build their career as an entrepreneur in the design field. The background is based on the changing working life and role of a designer in the 21st century. As there are less direct job opportunities, designers work as freelancers more than ever, usually without any prior business knowledge. It is very difficult to find guidance to this career path from the specific lens of arts, crafts and design, and most designers seem to learn by trial and error. Based on my own experience as an entrepreneur and building a creative community, I want to share my knowledge and experience to a wider audience. I use my own company and career path as a case study. While mapping out the changes in the industry and how designer’s professional identities are formed, I will dive deep into my own journey of becoming a creative entrepreneur.
For this thesis, my main research method has been literature review and semi-structured interviews with three field professionals. I have mainly utilized data from field reports and annual surveys, which investigate the development and trends of the design field in Finland and in the international context. To give a better context to my case study, I have utilized this data to summarize the characteristics and changes of the Finnish design industry, creative entrepreneurship and collectible design. For studying my own professional identity as a designer and entrepreneur, I have been using different tools such as timelines and turning points, which are based on previous creative identity development research. To get a wider perspective to the topic, I have interviewed three field experts, designer-entrepreneurs, who have been able to sustain a long career in the field by doing what they love. In the end,I aim to intertwine my own experiences together with the interview insights to map out cohesive conclusions that answer my research question.
I hope this thesis will ease out the hardships of starting your career as a designer and inspire others to build the working life they wish to have. In a wider context, I hope I can contribute to the field by mapping out the current working status of designers, development of designer-entrepreneurial identity, and what challenges and possibilities creative entrepreneurship has to offer.Tämän opinnäytetyön tavoitteena on auttaa muita luovan alan ammattilaisia rakentamaan uraansa yrittäjänä muotoilualalla. Työn lähtökohtana on muuttuva toimintaympäristö ja muotoilijan rooli 2000-luvulla. Koska suoria uramahdollisuuksia ja inhouse-työpaikkoja on yhä vähemmän, suunnittelijat työskentelevät freelancereina enemmän kuin koskaan, yleensä ilman aiempaa liiketoimintaosaamista. Tälle urapolulle on erittäin vaikea löytää ohjausta taiteen, taidekäsityön ja muotoilun näkökulmasta, ja useimmat muotoilijat näyttävät oppivan yrityksen ja erehdyksen kautta. Työ pohjautuu omaan kokemukseeni yrittäjänä ja luovan yhteisön rakentajana, sillä haluan jakaa itse oppimaani laajemmalle yleisölle. Käytän omaa yritystäni ja urapolkuani tapaustutkimuksena. Kartoittaessani alan muutoksia ja muotoilijan ammatillisen identiteetin muodostumista, syvennyn samalla omaan matkaani luovaksi yrittäjäksi.
Tässä opinnäytetyössä pääasiallinen tutkimusmenetelmäni on ollut kirjallisuuskatsaus ja puolistrukturoidut haastattelut kolmen alan ammattilaisen kanssa. Olen pääasiassa hyödyntänyt muotoilualan raporttien ja vuosittaisten kyselyiden aineistoa, jotka tutkivat luovan kentän kehitystä ja trendejä Suomessa ja kansainvälisesti. Olen hyödyntänyt tätä dataa myös syventääkseni ymmärrystä tutkimuksen kontekstista, ja tiivistänyt taustoitukseen suomalaisen muotoilualan, luovan yrittäjyyden ja ”keräiltävän muotoilun” ominaispiirteet ja muutokset. Tutkiakseni omaa ammatillista identiteettiäni suunnittelijana ja yrittäjänä olen käyttänyt erilaisia työkaluja, kuten aikajanoja ja käännekohtia, jotka perustuvat aiempaan luovan identiteetin kehitystä koskevaan tutkimukseen. Saadakseni laajemman näkökulman koko aiheeseen, olen haastatellut kolmea alan asiantuntijaa, suunnittelija-yrittäjää, jotka ovat pystyneet rakentamaan pitkän uran alalla tekemällä sitä, mitä he rakastavat. Lopuksi pyrin yhdistämään omat kokemukseni haastateltujen näkemyksiin löytääkseni johtopäätökset ja havainnot, jotka vastaavat tutkimuskysymykseeni.
Toivon, että tämä opinnäytetyö helpottaa uransa alkuvaiheessa olevia muotoilijoita ja luovan alan ammattilaisia, ja inspiroi muita rakentamaan haluamaansa työelämää. Laajemmassa kontekstissa toivon voivani antaa panokseni alalle kartoittamalla suunnittelijoiden nykyistä työelämätilannetta, suunnittelija-yrittäjäidentiteetin kehittymistä sekä luovan yrittäjyyden tarjoamia haasteita ja mahdollisuuksia
Understanding the shift: exploring motivational and contextual factors affecting the adoption of learning approach
No full textThis research delves into exploring shifts in students? learning approach profiles within the context of accounting education. Specifically, this study investigates the influence of motivational factors (achievement goals and expectations of learning accounting) and teaching-learning environment-related aspects (course workload and teaching quality) in explaining changes in deep ? and surface-dominated learning profiles. This study draws upon data from 122 students enrolled in an introductory accounting course. Latent profile analysis is employed to identify distinct profiles of students? approaches to learning at course outset and upon completion. Findings based on logistic regression substantiate that students are likely to adopt a surface-dominated learning profile instead of a deep-dominated learning profile in three scenarios. These are (i) decrease in mastery goal orientation, (ii) increase in performance goal orientation, and (iii) students? view of teaching quality as suboptimal. This study offers introductory accounting course educators a profound understanding of enhancing students? learning experience to foster deep learning.Peer reviewe
Optimoitu turvallisuusluokiteltu kylmävesijärjestelmä
No full textThis master’s thesis focuses on the optimization of the chilled water system of unit 2 at the Loviisa nuclear power plant. The safety-classified chilled water system is responsible for space cooling of the plant’s automation and electrical systems, which are a critical component for the safe and reliable operation of the facility.
The objective of the study was to investigate how the current system’s sizing, capacity, and performance could be improved. The system’s dynamic behaviour was examined with respect to the cooling capacity of the chillers, the dimensioning of the piping, the volume of the buffer tank, and the effects of control configurations.
The research is based on a dynamic simulation model that combines measured weather data and physical modelling. The chilled water system was analysed using different system configurations and power levels. Simulations were carried out using weather data from 2021 as well as conditions that mimic extreme weather scenarios.
Based on the results, the optimal cooling capacity, buffer tank volume, and control strategy for the room coolers were determined. The findings of this study support potential investment decisions and development projects aimed at improving the existing system and ensuring its operational capability even under challenging weather conditions.Tämä diplomityö käsittelee Loviisan ydinvoimalaitoksen laitosyksikkö 2:n kylmävesijärjestelmän optimointia. Turvallisuusluokiteltu kylmävesijärjestelmä huolehtii automaatio- ja sähköjärjestelmien tilajäähdytyksestä, mikä on kriittinen osa laitoksen turvallista ja luotettavaa toimintaa.
Työn tavoitteena oli tutkia, miten nykyisen järjestelmän mitoitusta, kapasiteettia ja suorituskykyä voidaan parantaa. Järjestelmän dynaamista käyttäytymistä tarkasteltiin vedenjäähdyttimien jäähdytystehon, putkistojen mitoituksen, tasaussäiliön tilavuuden ja säätökonfiguraatioiden vaikutuksella.
Tutkimus perustuu dynaamiseen simulointimalliin, joka yhdistää mitattuja säätietoja ja fysikaalista mallintamista. Kylmävesijärjestelmää analysoitiin eri kokoonpanoilla ja tehoportailla. Simuloinnit toteutettiin vuoden 2021 säädatan perusteella sekä olosuhteilla, jotka jäljittelevät poikkeuksellisia ääriolosuhteita.
Tulosten perusteella määritettiin järjestelmälle optimaalinen jäähdytysteho, tasaussäiliön koko sekä huonejäähdyttimien ohjaustapa. Työssä saadut tulokset tukevat mahdollisia investointipäätöksiä ja kehitystoimia järjestelmän parantamiseksi sekä sen toimintakyvyn varmistamiseksi haastavissakin sääolosuhteissa
Machine learning in concrete durability : challenges and pathways identified by RILEM TC 315-DCS towards enhanced predictive models
No full textPublisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.This review provides an in-depth examination of machine learning applications in assessing concrete durability from 2013 to 2024, with a particular focus on critical degradation mechanisms, including carbonation, chloride-induced deterioration, sulfate attack, frost damage, shrinkage, and corrosion. It underscores the field’s heavy reliance on laboratory-based data and notes the limited use of field data and the scarcity of newly generated datasets. The review reveals that most studies utilize existing literature-based datasets, with few contributing novel data and limited open access to these databases, which hampers broader validation and application. The review classifies the features analyzed in studies into categories such as mixture proportions, engineering properties, exposure conditions, test parameters, and chemical compositions, highlighting a growing emphasis on chemical compositions. Modeling approaches are predominantly standalone, though ensemble and hybrid models are increasingly prevalent, with ensemble models showing particularly strong performance in recent years. High accuracy is observed across studies, with ensemble models, neural networks, and hybrid models leading in performance. Furthermore, the review stresses the growing importance of model explainability, noting that model-agnostic methods like SHAP are frequently used and that the focus on explainability has increased. To propel the field forward, the review advocates for the development of diverse new datasets that include both the chemical and physical properties of various mix ingredients and improved data-sharing practices. It recommends adopting a multi-task learning approach to simultaneously address multiple deterioration mechanisms, which can yield deeper insights and support the creation of more durable concrete structures.Peer reviewe
Integrating AI into procurement processes in construction
No full textThe objective of this research is to identify opportunities for utilizing artificial intelligence in different phases of the procurement process and to explore its possible integration into them. Potential challenges and biases regarding the integration were identified, and strategies to mitigate them were explored. A case-study was conducted to evaluate how generative AI can be used to enhance bid comparison, which led to the development of a customized GenAI prompt for Skanska to utilize in bid comparison.
The study explores the set objectives by conducting a comprehensive literature review, interviews with five procurement professionals, and a case-study. Empirical research section of this thesis was done in two parts. First, the interviews explored the current procurement process and its challenges, followed by a discussion on the potential usage of AI-based tools in this process. Second, the case study measured how generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can be utilized to improve the accuracy and efficiency of bid comparison in procurement. The case-study employed knowledge obtained from previously conducted literature review and interviews.
The research identified four key procurement phases where AI could potentially provide the most value in: 1) bid comparison, 2) supplier evaluation, 3) procurement package formation, and 4) contract oversight.The case-study tested Skanska’s own GenAI tool with a generated prompt to conduct bid comparison from prelinked bid files. The results were compared to a manually performed one, and the results revealed inconsistencies with GenAI’s performance but also potential for a GenAI-based tool to enhance bid comparison’s efficiency. GenAI’s capability to provide textual analyses from the linked files was determined as the first step on GenAI’s integration to the process of bid comparison.
This research offers concrete data on AI’s potential in procurement processes. Future development options are addressed, which consists of training the GenAI tool to compare more complex offers more accurately and to start looking into possibilities on how AI could enhance the three other procurement phases where it was deemed to possibly provide value in
Elvyttimien käyttö asfaltin uusiopintauksessa
No full textThis master's thesis focuses on the use of rejuvenators in asphalt resurfacing within the REM method. The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability and effects of alternative rejuvenators and compare them to B650/900, which is currently used as a rejuvenator. The work included a literature review, laboratory research, and method testing at a test site during an actual REM operation.
The results indicate that the use of rejuvenators can improve the properties of aged asphalt and enable a broader application of the REM method. The selection of the optimal rejuvenator and its dosage is crucial for achieving a successful end product.
Based on the research and findings, the use of rejuvenators is a more effective way to reduce the stiffening of bitumen caused by aging, thereby expanding the application possibilities of the REM method. Method testing at a real site confirmed the laboratory research findings and highlighted practical application challenges, such as the accuracy of rejuvenator dosing and inadequate compaction with one of the tested rejuvenators.
The conclusions of this master's thesis support further research on the use of rejuvenators, particularly regarding their long-term effects and behavior under different conditions.Tämä diplomityö keskittyy elvyttimien käyttöön asfaltin uusiopintauksessa, REM-menetelmässä. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli arvioida vaihtoehtoisten elvyttimien soveltuvuutta ja vaikutuksia sekä vertailla niitä nykyään elvytti-menä käytettävään B650/900. Työ sisälsi kirjallisuuskatsauksen, laboratoriotutkimuksen ja menetelmätestauksen koekohteella todellisessa REM-toimenpiteessä.
Tulokset osoittavat, että elvyttimien käyttö voi parantaa vanhentuneen asfaltin ominaisuuksia ja mahdollistaa REM-menetelmän laajemman käytön. Optimaalisen elvyttimen ja sen annostuksen valinta on ratkaisevaa onnistuneen lopputuotteen saavuttamiseksi.
Tutkimusten ja tulosten perusteella elvyttimien käyttö on tehokkaampi tapa vähentää bitumin vanhenemisesta johtuvaa jäykistymistä, mikä laajentaa REM-menetelmän sovellusmahdollisuuksia. Menetelmätestaus todellisessa kohteessa vahvisti laboratoriotutkimusten löydökset ja toi esille käytännön sovellusten haasteita, kuten elvyttimien annostelun tarkkuuden sekä puutteellisen tiivistymisen yhdellä elvyttimellä.
Diplomityön johtopäätökset tukevat elvyttimien käytön lisätutkimuksia, erityisesti niiden pitkäaikaisvaikutusten ja käyttäytymisen osalta erilaisissa olosuhteissa
Calcium looping-hiilidioksidin talteenottomenetelmän optimointi sementtiteollisuudessa
No full textThe cement industry is responsible for roughly 8% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Global cement production is on the rise due to increasing urbanization, and without drastic mitigation measures, CO2 emissions from the cement industry are likely to grow ever more. Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) has been recognized as the single most important method for curbing CO2 emissions in the cement industry. Calcium looping (CaL) is a post-combustion carbon capture (CC) technology with a relatively high CO2 capture rate and low Specific Primary Energy Consumption per CO2 avoided (SPECCA) in a cement plant compared to other post-combustion CC technologies. Two notable CaL integration approaches have emerged: a tail-end and a fully integrated configuration. Yet, the most realistic integration concept for large-scale, commercial deployment is uncertain. In this thesis, a Best Available Technique (BAT) standardized reference cement plant was modelled with a process software, Aspen Plus. A CaL model was devised in a dual circulating fluidized bed configuration (CFB-CaL). A base case scenario, several theoretical CFB-CaL integration cases with less calcination demand, and a tail-end integration case were modelled. Heat and material balances of the modelled cases were analyzed. Three literature cases in the fully integrated configuration were included for comparison with varying limestone CaL split ratios (CaLSR-20%, -50% and -80%). Technical key performance indicators (KPIs) were acquired from the modelled and literature case results, and based on them, the most realistic configuration concept for large-scale deployment in terms of energy performance, CO2 capture efficiency, and practical adaptability was selected. Fuel use and CO2 emissions were the most critical factors impacting the KPIs in all cases. Fuel use was highest in the tail-end case, but it had the lowest total CO2 emissions due to a high CO2 capture rate. The tail-end case was the only case generating more power than was consumed within the system, causing power-related energy savings in clinker production, CO2 capture and CO2 emissions. The SPECCA was lowest for the fully integrated CaLSR-20% case, hence it had the best energy performance. The tail-end case performed the best from the perspective of CO2 capture efficiency. Selecting the optimal integration case from the perspective of retrofittability was based on impacts on cement plant operability, clinker product quality and space availability, in which the tail-end case performed the best. Overall, the tail-end case presented the best balance between energy performance, CO2 capture efficiency and practical adaptability for large-scale, commercial deployment of CaL in the cement industry.Sementtiteollisuus vastaa noin 8 prosentista ihmisen aiheuttamista hiilidioksidipäästöistä. Hiilidioksidin talteenotto, hyödyntäminen ja varastointi (CCUS) on merkittävin yksittäinen menetelmä sementtiteollisuuden hiilidioksidipäästöjen hillitsemiseksi. Calcium Looping (CaL) on palamisen jälkeinen hiilidioksidin talteenottotekniikka, jolla on suhteellisen korkea hiilidioksidin talteenottoaste ja alhainen primäärienergian kulutus hiilidioksidipäästöjen välttämisyksikköä kohden (SPECCA) sementtilaitoksessa verrattuna vastaaviin hiilidioksidin talteenottotekniikoihin. Kaksi varteenotettavaa CaL-tekniikan integrointimenetelmää sementtilaitokseen on kehitetty: loppupään ja täyden kokoonpanon integrointimenetelmä. Todenmukaisin integrointimenetelmä laajamittaista, kaupallista käyttöönottoa varten on kuitenkin epäselvä. Tässä työssä mallinnettiin parhaan käytettävissä olevan tekniikan (BAT) mukainen sementtilaitos Aspen Plus-prosessiohjelmistolla. Malli suunniteltiin kahden leijukerroksen kokoonpanossa (CFB-CaL). Työssä mallinnettiin perusskenaario, teoreettisia CFB-CaL skenaarioita vähemmällä kalsinoinnin tarpeella, ja loppupään integrointiskenaario. Mallinnettujen skenaarioiden lämpö- ja materiaalitaseet analysoitiin. Työhön sisällytettiin vertailun vuoksi kolme täyden integraation skenaarioita kirjallisuudesta, joiden kalkkikiven CaL-jakosuhteet vaihtelivat (CaLSR-20 %, -50 % ja -80 %). Kaikista skenaarioista määritettiin tekniset suorituskykyindikaattorit (KPIs), joiden perusteella valittiin todenmukaisin integrointiskenaario energiatehokkuuden, hiilidioksidin talteenoton ja jälkiasennettavuuden kannalta laajamittaista käyttöönottoa varten. Polttoaineen kulutus ja hiilidioksidipäästöt olivat keskeisimmät KPI:hin vaikuttavat tekijät. Loppupään skenaariossa polttoainekulutus oli suurinta, mutta hiilidioksidipäästöt pienimmät hiilidioksidin talteenoton ansiosta. Loppupään skenaario oli ainoa skenaario, jossa sähköä tuotettiin enemmän kuin kulutettiin, tuottaen sähköön liittyviä energiasäästöjä. SPECCA oli alhaisin CaLSR-20% skenaariossa, joten sen energiatehokkuus oli paras. Hiilidioksidin talteenoton kannalta paras skenaario oli loppupään skenaario. Jälkiasennettavuuden kannalta loppupään skenaario osoittautui olevan paras. Kaiken kaikkiaan loppupään integrointiskenaario osoittautui olevan todenmukaisin skenaario laajamittaista, kaupallista käyttöönottoa varten
Electrospun polycaprolactone membranes functionalized with nanochitin for enhanced bioactivity in localized cancer photodynamic therapy
No full textPublisher Copyright: © 2025The encapsulation of photosensitizers (PSs) in electrospun membranes has emerged as a promising approach in photodynamic therapy (PDT) on tumor sites, overcoming the drawbacks associated with systemic administration. In this work, localized implants for cancer treatment using PDT were developed by incorporating EL-2 squaraine into poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) electrospun microfibers. The latter were coated with chitin nanocrystals (ChNC) by electrospraying, which may improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the developed membranes, potentially enhancing the clinical outcomes. The developed electrospun membranes were characterized by water contact angle, imaging, and spectroscopy techniques. The uniform encapsulation and distribution of EL-2 within the microfibers were confirmed while ChNC endowed the membranes with surface hydrophilicity. EL-2 alone displayed about 20 times more cytotoxicity after irradiation compared to the dark condition against HeLa cervical carcinoma cells. Meanwhile, the photodynamic action of PCL+EL-2/ChNC membranes promoted a significant inhibition of cancer cells’ proliferation under irradiation, achieving 66.25 % of inhibition, compared to only 24.78 % in dark conditions, using the highest concentration of EL-2. Overall, this work introduces a disruptive strategy using electrospinning-electrospraying to design fibrous therapeutic platforms for cancer PDT, taking advantage of electrospun fibers unique features and the localized nature of photodynamic therapy.Peer reviewe