Science, Technology and Innovation

Application of RRAP reliability optimization as a test of nature-inspired algorithms

2024-04-08T08:13:29+02:00

This paper presents a discussion on the application of two swarm intelligence algorithms, Cuckoo Search (CS) and Firey Algorithm (FA), to maximize the reliability of two complex systems with resource constraints, which have been well-known in the literature. The reliability of the systems is also evaluated using several classical methods. The results indicate that although the CS algorithm, which utilizes Lévy flight, is eective, the FA rey algorithm outperformed it in the presented optimization tasks, within the given parameter range. These ndings contribute to the ongoing discussion on using nature-inspired algorithms for solving Reliability Redundancy Allocation Problem (RRAP) problems, and the two test scenarios used in the study can be useful for validating other algorithms in RRAP problems. The paper introduces metrics and methods for analyzing and comparing the performance of algorithms in RRAP optimization, including the comparison of criterion function values and other parameters introduced in the paper. Additionally, the paper discusses statistical analyses of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc RIR Tuckey tests.

Exploring the generic fallacy — meta path-dependencies in innovation-practices of ‘drone-making’ (eVTOLs)

2024-01-30T14:47:44+01:00

Generic technologies are oftentimes heralded as overall beneficial drivers of innovation, especially regarding their flexibility, low cost of adaption (once established) and their inclusiveness toward a variety of actors. This paper adds to literature on innovation-studies by questioning these promises through the lenses of ‘lock in’ and ‘path dependencies’ and asks how generic approaches to innovation may contribute to a fallacy where increased flexibility is assumed yet implicitly, a sort of ‘lock in genericism’ may occur. The paper argues that, for all the advantages that come with the research and adaption of generic technologies, they also bring with them an increased risk of enamourment with innovations that are applicable to a range of potential applications that, in turn, may lead to more specific technological innovations being at the danger of becoming invisible / unwanted altogether. To investigate this phenomenon further, the paper applies the concept of ‘lock in genericism’ to the field of eVTOL-multicopter- / drone-innovation. In this context, the paper analyzes a series of three case-studies to investigate how this ‘lock-in genericism’ emerges from material, temporal and spatial components of drone-making and subsequently seeks to outline a framework for ‘integrating generic technologies’ in this particular field of application (of drones) to overcome the described lock-in in this field while maintaining their advantages. The paper concludes by discussing the relevance of the concept of ‘lock-in genericism’ on a broader level, highlighting the risk of a ‘generic turn’ in contemporary innovation practices that, in turn, requires critical reflection.

Stratospheric missions of the University of Applied Sciences in Tarnow

2024-04-08T08:13:25+02:00

The article describes the process of preparing and sending three balloon missions by students members of the Electronics Student Scientific Club „Amper” of the University of Applied Sciences in Tarnow. The first part describes more important issues related to the balloon flight (selection of appropriate equipment, gas used and obtaining the necessary permits). This part also describes issues related to forecasting flight routes in order to increase the chances of successfully carrying out the entire mission. The next chapter describes both the equipment designed by students and used during the mission (radiosonde, data recorder, SSTV transmitter) and factory-made commercial equipment (GNSS locator, camera). The next chapter describes the software and hardware used to monitor the balloon’s flight. The last one describes the use of the SondeHub system. This system allows enthusiasts to track the flight paths of balloons, both those sent by weather stations and amateur ones. Additionally, it has a database system storing a complete set of data sent by the radiosonde (both location and telemetry). The article is an application note and may be helpful for people who want to carry out their own stratospheric missions.