Alternative Equipment Research Articles

Stroke survivor and caregiver experiences of virtual reality gaming to promote social participation: A qualitative study.

Virtual reality (VR) gaming is a promising technology that can be applied in stroke rehabilitation to increase survivors' social engagement, though its optimal usage and effects on stroke recovery are not fully understood. This qualitative study aimed to investigate stroke survivors' and caregivers' perspectives of VR-based gaming rehabilitation modules for supporting post-stroke recovery and social participation. Twenty-eight participants (18 stroke survivors and 10 caregivers) were recruited through purposive sampling from acute hospitals in Hong Kong. Two rounds of semi-structured interviews were carried out, with the first round exploring participants' previous knowledge of VR, views about its relevance to stroke rehabilitation, and expected benefits. The second round of interviews was conducted immediately post-intervention to investigate participants' experience, satisfaction, and areas for improvement. Resulting data were thematically analysed. Most participants were female (75%) with secondary education or above (82%). For stroke survivors, the average duration since stroke was 9.39 (SD = 10.48) years and most were first-time survivors (89%). Main themes identified included (1) Shift in attitudes towards VR technology; (2) Perceptions of VR effectiveness; and (3) Practical drawbacks and design recommendations. Participants reported positive experiences with the VR-based gaming modules, including increased confidence in mobility and heightened awareness regarding outdoor safety and accessibility. Despite concerns regarding hygiene and discomfort with gaming equipment, participants found VR gaming to be engaging and conducive to their recovery. The VR-based gaming modules were well-received by survivors and their caregivers and considered as an appealing and useful method of post-stroke rehabilitation. Improvements in survivors' attitudes towards VR technology, and self-observed benefits to their physical and psychosocial health, were noted. Areas for optimisation included expansion of game length and contents, options for alternative gaming equipment, and enhanced design elements.

Validation of Double Constant and Falling Head Permeameter for Determination of Hydraulic Conductivity of Soils in the Laboratory

The objective of this research was to validate alternative equipment for determining the hydraulic conductivity of saturated soil (Ksat) in laboratory settings. The aim was to develop a single piece of equipment that could be used to carry out tests using both the constant-head permeameter (CHP) and the falling-head permeameter (FHP) methods with minimal disturbance to the samples. To this end, undisturbed soil samples were collected (in volumetric cylinders with 100 and 250 cm3) from three soil profiles with different textures to evaluate the sensitivity of the double permeameter (DP) in determining Ksat, considering the method, the sample size, and the textural class of the soils. To assess the efficacy of the DP in estimating Ksat, the coefficient of variation (CV) was determined for the two methods (CHP and FHP), the sample size (100 and 250 cm3), and the applied hydraulic head (cwc) (constant: 1.5 and 2.5 cwc; falling: Δhi, upper limit, h1 = 67.6 and h2 = 57.6 cwc; Δhii, medium limit, h1 = 49.3 and h2 = 39.3 cwc; and Δhiii, lower limit, h1 = 31.3 and h2 = 21.3 cwc). The results indicate that the DP may be employed as an alternative permeameter for Ksat tests employing the CHP and FHP methods. The most favorable statistical coefficients were observed in tests conducted with samples of a sandy texture (Profile 3, Ap horizon), particularly those with a larger volume (250 cm3), for both the CHP and FHP methods, irrespective of the applied hydraulic head. The equipment can be utilized within the full range of methodological limits employed in this study, and the appropriate limit must be selected according to the physical properties of the soil to be employed in the tests.

Research on the Technology of Improving the Compatibility of DC Measurement Devices Based on the Operation Experience of Siemens Hardware Solutions

The aim of this study was to manufacture alternative Siemens DC measurement system equipment to solve the problems of increased failure rates of foreign DC measurement equipment and the stopped production of key parts. In this paper, the overall structure and common faults of the Siemens DC measurement system are introduced, the difference between TDM signal frame structure and FT3 frame structure is detailed, and the related functional structure, chip type, and function of the Siemens distal module and merging unit (including laser function) are studied. The remote module, merging unit (including laser function), and related hardware design and software design to replace the Siemens DC measurement system were developed, and the test environment and control protection, fault recording wave for communication, and other functional tests were built. The test results show that the domestic remote module, merging unit (laser function), and other technologies communicate normally with the existing Siemens and the domestic mainstream manufacturers, and the accuracy meets the requirements of the 0.2 level.

Uncovering Complexities in Reducing Aggression, Conflict and Restrictive Practices in Acute Mental Healthcare Settings: An Overview of Reviews.

Aggression, conflict and restrictive practices present complexities in acute mental health services, as do implementing service changes to reduce them. Existing published literature needs to offer more high-level guidance on the effectiveness of these service changes and their associated implementation factors. As a result, an overview of systematic reviews was undertaken to identify (i) nonpharmacological interventions to reduce conflict, aggression and restrictive practices in acute mental health settings, and (ii) their effects across different clinical outcomes. A parallel re-extraction from primary studies was then utilised (iii) to identify factors influencing successful intervention implementation. Of 124 articles sourced from nine databases and registries, four reviews were retained for the final analysis, using the direction of effect and tabular and narrative summaries. These reviews included programmes or interventions focused on inpatient adolescent, adult and older adult populations. They reported on alternative containment strategies, risk assessments, Safewards, sensory rooms and equipment, Six Core Strategy-based interventions and staff training. The overview found that a combination of interventions intended to improve relationships and reduce interpersonal conflict may help reduce aggression, conflict and restrictive practices. At the same time, stand-alone staff training and sensory rooms and equipment may have mixed effects. The quality of the evidence linking these interventions to reductions in aggression, conflict and restrictive practices is limited. Successful implementation hinges on multiple factors: intervention characteristics, preparation and planning, evaluation and monitoring, outcome interpretation, stakeholder involvement/investment, staff-related factors and contextual factors. Any implementation initiative may benefit from using pragmatic and complexity-informed research methodologies, including integrating meaningful involvement with service users, peer workers and culturally diverse groups.

Installation of Alternative Energy Sources and Equipment in Residential Buildings in Latvia

Abstract At the end of 2019, the EC presented the European Green Deal – a set of policy initiatives with the ultimate goal of making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. This means that all EU member states must reach climate neutrality. Emissions in all sectors shall be substantially reduced to achieve this goal. Most of the energy is produced using fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change, water and air pollution, as well as the depletion of natural resources. Individual and district heating systems, which supply residential buildings with heat and hot water, are responsible for a part of global emissions. Electricity generation also produces emissions. The EU recognises the mitigation of climate change as one of the main challenges that must be overcome to ensure sustainable development of the European Union, which is why it has defined ambitious goals to promote decarbonisation and is deliberately moving towards the implementation of renewable energy. This article aims at analysing the opportunity of using renewable energy resources in multi-apartment residential buildings in the context of sustainability.

Experimental study on wavy fin desiccant coated heat exchanger for hybrid air conditioning systems

The desiccant-coated heat exchanger (DCHE) is an energy-efficient alternative dehumidification equipment for humidity control in air conditioning. It exhibits a higher dehumidification performance than other solid desiccant systems and can simultaneously handle both latent and sensible loads. Taking the clue of research outcomes from the alternative heat exchangers to enhance the performance, a wavy fin DCHE is designed, fabricated and tested. Objectives of the study are to (i) analyse the dynamic performance of DCHE, (ii) compare the heat and mass transfer characteristics of plain and wavy fin-type DCHEs, and (iii) examine the influence of different operating parameters on the performance. The experimental investigation shows that the dehumidification capacity and thermal coefficient of performance of the proposed wavy fin DCHE are 0.34 g/s and 1.041, respectively, which are 75% and 60% higher than the conventional plain fin type. In addition, the developed DCHE has an average cooling capacity of 0.85 kW, which is 42% higher. Besides, the total quantity of moisture adsorbed also increased by 35%. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the parametric study identified air velocity, cold water temperature, and inlet humidity ratio as the most influential operating parameters on the performance of wavy fin DCHE.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers.

Personal protective equipment for preventing asbestos exposure in workers.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE RUSSIAN OIL INDUSTRY IN 2022-2023

The article examines the state of Russia’s oil industry over the period 2022 and 2023 as geopolitical changes shifted from one year to the next. The author notes that despite the sanctions pressure, Russia has successfully managed to reorient its oil markets towards Asia. Exports to India are the most actively developing; the ease of transition was due, among other things, to the availability of ready-made business in India: new refineries were built on the coast, for which oil was purchased from the nearest markets. In 2022-2023, India became the largest market for Russian oil delivered by sea. As for supplies via oil pipelines, China remains the largest consumer. Under these conditions, Russian companies have an opportunity use the competition between the countries to their advantage by reducing the discount on their products.The USA used to be the biggest buyer of Russian oil products until 2022, currently this role is taken by Turkiye. The state buys large volumes from Russia and then resells similar volumes to the EU countries. Despite the statements about different origin of oil products, formally the volumes of purchases and sales coincide.A significant role in the supply of Russian resources by sea is played by the shadow fleet, which began operating after the introduction of the «price ceiling». The fleet’s tankers have been bought off the world market by various companies that are registered offshore.There has been no reduction in production and exports due to technical problems caused by sanctions on the supply of equipment and technologies to Russia, or due to the withdrawal of Western oil service companies. Domestic structures quickly managed to establish a system of parallel imports, as well as to find alternative equipment in China.

Geoelectric model of the exposure of basement rocks to the surface in the Uimon depression of Gorny Altay based on three-dimensional numerical modeling

In the western part of the Uimon depression of the Altai Mountains, during the 2023 field season, additional measurements were carried out using electrical tomography along three profiles to clarify the structure of the area with basement rocks exposed to the surface. During the study, the results of three-dimensional inversion were obtained taking into account new electrical tomography data, and a refined geoelectric model of the study area was constructed. To verify the resulting model, 2D and 3D numerical modeling was performed with the help of which the geometric dimensions and electrical resistivity of bedrock outcrops were justified. The influence of the daytime surface topography on geoelectric sections in mountainous regions with significant differences in elevation on the earth's surface has been shown. Determining the structure of the depressions is necessary to understand the stages of neotectonic formation of the Uimon depression and the entire region, as well as to assess the seismic hazard of the Altai Mountains. In the course of further research, it is possible to trace the object to a greater depth (~100 m) using a three-electrode electrical tomography installation or alternative equipment with an increased size of the measuring-generator cable.

Effort to Optimize Coordination Unit in the Aerodrome Control Unit Tower Of Airnav Indonesia

In managing air traffic at the Gorontalo Branch Control tower unit of Airnav Indonesia, communication is an important aspect that involves human resources and facilities. Adequate facilities are essential to carry out air traffic management activities effectively. This study aims to assist Air Traffic Control (ATC) officers in reducing communication errors and overcoming obstacles caused by the use of inefficient equipment. Data collection methods include field observations, interviews, and document analysis. Disturbances in communication during control at the Control Unit Near the Gorontalo Branch became a serious problem due to the inefficiency of the equipment used. This resulted in frequent receiving of wrong calls by ATC officers, which ultimately reduced efficiency in providing services. The solution proposed in this study is to introduce alternative communication equipment, namely the Voice Communication Control System (VCCS), which can be connected to the various units required. It is hoped that the results of this research will facilitate the communication process for ATC officers and reduce call errors when providing navigation services at the Airnav Indonesia Processural Approach Control Unit in Gorontalo.

Goldenhar syndrome: An ephialte for the anesthesiologist – What we saw was just the tip of the iceberg

Goldenhar syndrome, also called oculoauriculovertebral dysplasia, is characterized by craniofacial, central nervous system, cardiac, renal, and vertebral anomalies. It occurs due to the faulty unilateral development of vertebral arches. Patients presenting for surgery are usually in the pediatric age group. General anesthesia is the preferred mode of anesthesia considering the type of surgery, age of the patient, and vertebral anomaly in this patient group. The first and foremost consideration while anesthetizing these patients is the anticipated difficult airway. Frequently encountered airway abnormalities in these patients are micrognathia, retrognathia, mandibular dysplasia, craniovertebral anomalies leading to limited neck flexion and cervical spine instability, decreased thyromental distance, fascial asymmetry, cleft lip and palate, high arched palate, dental abnormalities, and temporomandibular joint abnormalities. Difficult airways often come disguised as syndromes, and thorough pre-operative evaluation along with preparation for the worst scenarios is a must. We have a myriad of alternative airway management equipment at our disposal. Adequate knowledge is a must for their best use.

The emerging chemistry of self-electrified water interfaces.

Water is known for dissipating electrostatic charges, but it is also a universal agent of matter electrification, creating charged domains in any material contacting or containing it. This new role of water was discovered during the current century. It is proven in a fast-growing number of publications reporting direct experimental measurements of excess charge and electric potential. It is indirectly verified by its success in explaining surprising phenomena in chemical synthesis, electric power generation, metastability, and phase transition kinetics. Additionally, electrification by water is opening the way for developing green technologies that are fully compatible with the environment and have great potential to contribute to sustainability. Electrification by water shows that polyphasic matter is a charge mosaic, converging with the Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars effect, which was discovered one century ago but is still often ignored. Electrified sites in a real system are niches showing various local electrochemical potentials for the charged species. Thus, the electrified mosaics display variable chemical reactivity and mass transfer patterns. Water contributes to interfacial electrification from its singular structural, electric, mixing, adsorption, and absorption properties. A long list of previously unexpected consequences of interfacial electrification includes: "on-water" reactions of chemicals dispersed in water that defy current chemical wisdom; reactions in electrified water microdroplets that do not occur in bulk water, transforming the droplets in microreactors; and lowered surface tension of water, modifying wetting, spreading, adhesion, cohesion, and other properties of matter. Asymmetric capacitors charged by moisture and water are now promising alternative equipment for simultaneously producing electric power and green hydrogen, requiring only ambient thermal energy. Changing surface tension by interfacial electrification also modifies phase-change kinetics, eliminating metastability that is the root of catastrophic electric discharges and destructive explosions. It also changes crystal habits, producing needles and dendrites that shorten battery life. These recent findings derive from a single factor, water's ability to electrify matter, touching on the most relevant aspects of chemistry. They create tremendous scientific opportunities to understand the matter better, and a new chemistry based on electrified interfaces is now emerging.

Development of crude oil desalination unit by using solar flat plate collectors

To date, two-thirds of the world's crude oil reservoirs need desalination treatment to remove the salt content of crude oil. Ensuring the quality of produced crude oil shows the critical need for desalting units. But, these plants are one of the high-energy consuming processes, especially in the indirect-fired heaters. In this concern, exergy analysis investigated the thermodynamic efficiency of the plant's equipment. Aspen Hysys, and Matlab software are used for simulating and calculating the integrated system based on solar flat plate collectors. Based on exergy analysis, the most inefficient equipment are the skimmer tank, and dual indirect fired heaters by 680, 262 and 216 kW, respectively. Regarding the high rate of exergy destruction in the indirect fired heaters, implementing solar flat plate collectors as alternative equipment that is economically affordable was considered. The desalination unit has significant potential for using solar flat plate collectors, as determined by key solar characteristics such as temperature, clearness index, and daylight length. Mathematical modeling shows that maximum solar irradiation was attained at altitude angle (31°). The economical optimal area was assessed based on the life cycle saving cost parameter. After obtaining the optimal area, it was found that using 52000 m2 of solar flat plate can supply a proper substitute for inefficient heaters. A comprehensive economic analysis of this proposed plan is based on effective indicators, such as purchase side costs, maintenance costs, and fuel inflation rate. The economic results show that the investment cost will be reimbursed 14 years after start-up. This optimum area can reduce CO2 emission of heaters up to 83 %.

Does financial inclusion spur CO2 emissions? The marginal effects of financial sustainability

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between financial inclusion, CO2 emissions and financial sustainability across 17 African countries.Design/methodology/approachData were sourced from the World Development Indicators for the period 2004-2021. The study performs the principal component analysis, panel fixed effects model and quantile regression estimations to investigate the relationship between financial inclusion, CO2 emissions and financial sustainability.FindingsThe study finds that an increase in automated teller machine (ATM) penetration rate, savings and credits increases CO2 emissions. Findings also reveal that financial sustainability reduces financial inclusion, with significant negative effects on the conditional mean of CO2 emissions and the conditional distribution of CO2 emissions across quantiles.Originality/valueThis study is beneficial for policymakers, particularly in the age of digitalization and drive for low-carbon emissions, to develop green credits for energy players and investors to take up renewable and green energy projects characterized by high levels of carbon storage and carbon capture. Further, the banking sector’s credits and liquid assets should be used to finance alternative banking energy-related equipment and services, such as solar photovoltaic wireless ATMs, and fewer bank branches.

Use of Low Melting Point Alloy Mcp-96 Filter on Gammagraphic Optimization of Patient Position Verification with Telecobalt 60 Machine

Verification of the patient's position is a stage in external radiotherapy that aims to ensure the accuracy of radiation therapy administration according to plan. Equipment for the patient position verification process that is often used is Electronic Portal Image Devices (EPID) and film portals. However, not all Telecobalt 60 machines are equipped with EPID, so it requires alternative equipment to verify patient positions. One modality that can be utilized is Computed Radiography (CR). The study was conducted to analyze the use of MCP-96 low melting point alloy filters in imaging, verifying patient positions with CR devices on telecobalt 60 machine can calibrate radiation doses and provide good image quality and anatomical information. The study used a posttest-only control group design by comparing radiation dose, image quality, and anatomical information of the patient's position verification image. Imaging was performed using a phantom pelvis as an object and using CR equipment and low melting point alloy MCP-96 as a filter. The results showed that low melting points alloy MCP-96 with a thickness of 1 cm, 2 cm and 4 cm can calibrate the radiation dose output of the telecobalt 60 machine in accordance with recommendations for kilovoltage imaging. There was no significant difference in SNR and CNR images from imaging verification of patient positions with filter thicknesses of 1 cm, 2 cm, and 4 cm. Filter thickness of 1 cm produces images with optimal image quality and anatomical information in gammagraphic imaging verification of patient position using CR on telecobalt 60 machine. Thus, the use of low melting point alloy MCP-96 thickness of 1 cm and CR devices can be used in gammagraphic imaging of patient position verification on a telecobalt 60 machine as an alternative if you do not have EPID.

Application of the R method in solving material handling equipment selection problems

In manufacturing industries, material handling equipment plays a vital role and is considered as one of the important pillars to increase production efficiency. Hence, the selection of appropriate material handling equipment for a specific task is well acknowledged, but the complexity of this selection process drastically increases with the rise in the number of alternative equipment available in the market and a set of conflicting evaluation criteria. To resolve this problem, several multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques have been proposed by past researchers. In this paper, the application potentiality of a newly developed MCDM technique, i.e. R method is explored while solving five material handling equipment selection problems, i.e. conveyor, automated guided vehicle (AGV), stacker, wheel loader and excavator. The derived ranking results are contrasted with other popular MCDM techniques to validate its potentiality in shortlisting the candidate alternatives from the best to the worst, which would ultimately help in improving the overall efficiency of the manufacturing processes.

DISPERSION OF CELLULOSIC MATERIALS BY AERODYNAMIC METHOD

The dissolution of primary and secondary cellulose semi-finished products in order to obtain a fluff fibrous product is becoming increasingly important due to the growth of its use in various industries. The existing equipment dissolves the dried semi-finished product, while the cellulose fibers partially lose their paper-forming properties. In the technology of aerodynamic forming of paper, a wet cellulose semi-finished product is dispersed, which preserves the ability of fibers to bond formation and excludes their mechanical destruction.
 Fluff pulp was obtained by dispersing dry and wet cellulose semi-finished product оn a laboratory installation for aerodynamic molding. The comparison of the properties of fibers by the value of their specific surface area and the ability to form paper with the strength characteristics required for operation is carried out. The breaking force value of paper formed from wet fibers is 4 times higher than that of paper from dry fibers.
 The possibility of using fluff pulp in the manufacture of multilayer paper for sanitary – hygienic purposes, which meets the requirements of GOST Ru 52354-2005 group B in terms of the values of the destructive force, is shown.
 The aerodynamic paper disperser can be used as an alternative equipment for separating cellulosic materials while screening the fibers.

Numerical investigation of filtering cyclones using response surface methodology and CFD simulation approaches

The cyclone separator pressure drop depends on the geometry and the operating conditions. Alternative equipment to decrease pressure drop is the filtering device. In this paper, the effect of inlet height, inlet flow rate, and conical section permeability about the filtering cyclone performance (Euler number) is studied through CFD simulations. The experimental and numerical results indicate that the turbulence model Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) reasonably predict the pressure drop in high swirling flows in filtering cyclones. CFD simulations suggest the Euler number increase with the increase of inlet height and decrease with the increase of flow rate and permeability. However, there is an interaction between the permeability with the other two variables. Therefore, this study suggests that CFD models can be used as instruments to evaluate same structural and operational variables in the filtering cyclone performance.

Analyzing the Impact of Depreciation-Estimating Methods on State Transportation Agencies’ Equipment Replacement Decisions Using Dynamic Programming

Replacing equipment at the most economical time not only helps to save state transportation agencies (STAs) costs for operating the fleet but also keeps the fleet’s level of service at an optimal level. Prior research studies focused on developing alternative economic-oriented equipment replacement models rather than the equivalent annual cost (EAC) model to achieve better economic decisions. In addition, various optimization techniques were applied to equipment replacement problems with different objectives, constraints, and contexts. However, few studies examined the impact of depreciation estimation on the equipment replacement decision within STAs by minimizing total equipment cost over a finite study period using the dynamic programming optimization method. This study performed a case study of two class codes of equipment [1.5 m3 (2-yd) diesel engine front-end loaders and 0.453 t (half-ton) fleetside pickup trucks] to analyze the impact of different depreciation calculations on equipment replacement decisions. Using real-world data provided by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the study showed that the double-declining balance depreciation method substantially reduces the number of pieces of equipment recommended for replacement compared with the result of the straight-line depreciation method. This study contributes to the understanding of the impact of depreciation methods on equipment replacement decisions as well as the importance of properly estimating equipment depreciation to minimize the equipment costs over a designated study period among STA communities. The demonstrated manual calculation procedures of dynamic programming for cost optimization potentially may facilitate STA’s adoption of dynamic programming for equipment economic decisions.

MAAP 4.07 Analysis of Long Term Containment Heat Removal After Reactor Vessel Failure (DEC-B) for Nuclear Power Plant Krško (NEK)

The paper presents the MAAP 4.07 analysis of containment heat removal after reactor vessel failure resulting from the initial Station Blackout (SBO) accident. The accident is analysed considering mitigation measures for heat removal from the containment using alternative equipment (Alternative Residual Heat Removal (ARHR) pump and heat exchanger (ARHX) and, also, Alternative Safety Injection (ASI) pump). The mitigation actions are taken according to NEK Severe Accident Mitigation Guidelines (SAMG). There are several possibilities to remove the heat from the containment once the reactor vessel fails and, for all of them, the necessary condition is to have the sufficient source of water (Residual Water Storage Tank (RWST), Alternative Boron Water Tank (ABWT) or other) and the appropriate heat exchanger available. Two options are presented within this paper: 1. Injection to the Reactor Coolant System (RCS) using ASI pump and recirculation (sump to RCS) through ARHR system via ARHX, 2. Spraying the containment through Containment Spray (CI) system using ARHR pump and, then, recirculation (sump to spray) through CI and ARHR systems via ARHX. The results show that the containment heat removal can be done with either of analysed ways if the water is provided for recirculation (assumed containment level 3.9 m ~ 760 m3). However, with the fact that the reactor cavity is not flooded, the cooling using ASI will initially result in considerable containment pressure increase because the water is spilled through the RCS over the hot molten core debris. Therefore, it must be stated that the preferable way of containment pressure reduction, once the vessel has failed, is by using the containment spray. On the other hand, if RWST is not available, then the initial water delivery cannot be made from ABWT via CI system because this option does not exist. It shall also be pointed out that, if the active containment heat removal is started early enough, the Passive Containment Filtered Vent System (PCFVS) opening would be prevented and no fission products shall be released to environment.