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This paper aims to develop an integrated Quality–Cost–Environmental (QCE) indicator for the selection of photovoltaic panels (PVps) offered to customers, considering the following criteria: (i) quality satisfaction; (ii) cost-effectiveness; and (iii) environmental impact throughout the life cycle. The proposed QCE indicator was developed within a framework that incorporated an FAHP (Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), and life cycle assessment (LCA). The model test confirmed its effectiveness in choosing a PVp which combines environmental friendliness throughout its entire life cycle with satisfactory quality and a reasonable purchase price for customers. The proposed model can be utilized by individuals, businesses, and public entities for the selection of high-quality, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly PVps—thereby promoting sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In engineering courses with a large number of students, fail and dropout rates are usually high even in courses that can be expected to be interesting to the students. Gamification tools have arisen as an interesting way to motivate the students for a real continuous assessment, increasing the student's attendance and performance. In this paper, a gamification approach based on a Kahoot tool, Moodle activities, and commemorative badges is proposed within a manufacturing course. The designed activities let the students compete among themselves to get the maximum number of points, which will be converted into extra grades that are added to the final exam grade. The gamification experience has been proven to be highly positive according to students' and instructors' perceptions, and the average increase of pass rate and course attendance with respect to previous years have increased from 22% to 34% and from 38% to 66%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated post weld treatment for offshore wind turbines A more economical and resource‐saving construction of offshore wind energy converters (OWEC) is necessary in order to implement climate policy objectives. The increase of the fatigue resistance by using high‐strength steels and by applying post‐weld treatment methods offers great potential for reducing the use of materials and costs for monopiles. Specifically, in the automated OWEC manufacturing chain, automated processes such as deep rolling are a suitable option. Deep rolling is an established process in mechanical engineering for increasing the wear and fatigue resistance of metallic components. This paper presents results of deep rolling as a new post treatment method to increase the fatigue strength of welds. The surface and subsurface zone properties of submerged arc welded butt joints made of a structural steel grade S355MLO before and after deep rolling are shown. In order to quantify the influence of deep rolling on the weld geometry, measurements of a laser line sensor are presented. Finally, the results of fatigue tests are discussed, which show the great potential of the deep rolling process as a post weld treatment method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]