Integrity Assessment Research Articles

Assessment of glove integrity across various dental specialties in a dental school setting

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the integrity of non-sterile, powder-free latex gloves used by dental students in various dental specialties.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study involved dental students from Ajman University who provided gloves during various dental specialty procedures. A total of 177 pairs of latex examination powder-free gloves were included and categorized as follows: 43 pairs (24.3%) were used in operative dentistry, 30 pairs (16.9%) in oral surgery, 28 pairs (15.8%) in endodontics, 24 pairs (13.6%) in periodontics, 21 pairs (11.9%) in pedodontics, 13 pairs (7.3%) in prosthodontics, and 18 pairs (10.2%) as control gloves. After use, glove integrity was assessed with a modified water leak test.ResultsPerforations were identified in 72 cases (40.7%) of gloves, distributed as follows: 22 cases (51.2%) in operative dentistry, 12 cases (40.0%) in oral surgery, 11 cases (39.3%) in endodontics, 11 cases (45.8%) in periodontics, 10 cases (47.6%) in pedodontics, 5 cases (38.5%) in prosthodontics, and 1 case (5.5%) in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the loss of glove integrity among different dental specialty procedures (χ2 = 11.899, p = 0.064) or among different glove usage durations (χ2 = 1.732, p = 0.785). However, the location of perforations in the experimental groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 34.427, p < 0.001). The most common locations were the right thumb (n = 18; 13.7%) and the right index finger (n = 17; 13%), with no perforations in the left ring finger and only one perforation in the left little finger (n = 1, 0.08%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the anticipated and actual presence of defects (χ2 = 32.875, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study found a high rate of glove perforations during dental procedures by undergraduate students, especially in the right thumb and index finger. To reduce cross-infection risks, strict protocols like double gloving, frequent glove changes, and covering wounds with plaster are recommended.

Интегральная оценка показателей эффективности труда на предприятиях сферы услуг

The article analyzes the methods and approaches to assessing the effectiveness of labor use in service enterprises. Their disadvantages are defined, in particular – narrow focus, which does not allow assessing the efficiency of personnel taking into account the integrated approach. In this context, the author’s method of integral assessment is proposed, which involves the analysis of a number of indicators, the values of which are collectively combined in one indicator. To apply it, a system for evaluating labor efficiency at service enterprises has been developed with the involvement of experts. The proposed method was tested at conditional enterprises in the service sector. It is emphasized that the proposed algorithm is applicable to all enterprises of the service sector of any form of ownership. Its distinctive feature is to provide an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the competitiveness of enterprises in the rational use of labor resources and increase employee motivation to work, including in dynamics.

ASSESSMENT OF CRITICALLY STRESSED FRACTURES DUE TO WATER INJECTION — A CASE STUDY FROM THE DEVONIAN CLASTIC RESERVOIR OF THE BERKAOUI FIELD, ALGERIA

A well-constrained geomechanical model of the Devonian clastic is presented to assess the fracture slip potential due to water injection in the Berkaoui field, Algeria. The studied interval indicates a strike-slip tectonic regime with a mean maximum horizontal stress azimuth of 98°N. A total of 131 natural fractures were interpreted from the acoustic image logs. These fractures have dominantly E-W strike, with true dips ranging between 51°-80° towards north and south. Critically stressed fracture analysis exhibits the onset of shear displacement of optimally oriented steeply dipping fractures occurring at 2.7 MPa of injection-induced pressure build-up. The practical injection threshold was inferred as 7 MPa based on caprock integrity assessment. A total of 10 out of 131 fractures (with dips = 70°) can experience injection-caused slip within the maximum allowable injection limit. The E-W oriented fractures, subparallel to the maximum horizontal stress azimuth, have a higher likelihood of being critically stressed during injection and therefore can contribute to permeability enhancement.

Evaluation and Anomaly Detection Methods for Broadcast Ephemeris Time Series in the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System

Broadcast ephemeris data are essential for the precision and reliability of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) but are highly susceptible to anomalies caused by various interference factors, such as ionospheric and tropospheric effects, solar radiation pressure, and satellite clock biases. Traditional threshold-based methods and manual review processes are often insufficient for detecting these complex anomalies, especially considering the distinct characteristics of different satellite types. To address these limitations, this study proposes an automated anomaly detection method using the IF-TEA-LSTM model. By transforming broadcast ephemeris data into multivariate time series and integrating anomaly score sequences, the model enhances detection robustness through data integrity assessments and stationarity tests. Evaluation results show that the IF-TEA-LSTM model reduces the RMSE by up to 20.80% for orbital parameters and improves clock deviation prediction accuracy for MEO satellites by 68.37% in short-term forecasts, outperforming baseline models. This method significantly enhances anomaly detection accuracy across GEO, IGSO, and MEO satellite orbits, demonstrating its superiority in long-term data processing and its capacity to improve the reliability of satellite operations within the BDS.

Humility in Diplomatic Service: The Exemplary Journey of Ambassador Bello Kazaure Husseini – A Personal Narrative

Purpose: This paper interrogates the indispensable role of humility within the diplomatic sphere, utilizing the exemplary career of Ambassador Bello Kazaure Husseini as a case study. The research aims to elucidate how humility acts as a facilitator of trust, strengthens diplomatic relations, and augments negotiation effectiveness, thereby challenging conventional paradigms that perceive humility as a liability in the realm of international relations. Materials and Method: Employing a qualitative methodology, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of Husseini’s multifaceted experiences - ranging from strategic diplomatic engagements to leadership roles and conflict resolution initiatives. This integrative assessment allows for a nuanced understanding of the relational dynamics and contextual variables at play in diplomatic practice. Findings: The findings reveal that Husseini’s approach, characterized by active listening, respectful engagement, and a prioritization of mutual understanding, cultivates an environment conducive to fruitful collaboration across cultural and political divides. Such a disposition has been instrumental in navigating intricate geopolitical realities while advancing Nigeria’s interests on the international stage. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study elucidates the practical implications of adopting humility as a core diplomatic strategy, thus providing an empirical foundation for the argument that humility can engender successful diplomacy.

Rowing Against the Tide: The Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) Leaves DNA Footprints Along Its Invasion Route in South American Rivers

The invasion of the golden mussel has resulted in considerable environmental and socioeconomic alterations, which present a considerable threat to the native biodiversity and sustainability of the region. Understanding the distribution and biological characteristics of this Asian mussel, as well as its interaction with human activities, is of the utmost importance to developing effective strategies for mitigating and preventing its further spread. This study examines the dispersal route and incidence of golden mussels, tracing their movement from initial populations in Argentina to their arrival in the São Francisco River Basin (SFR). The presence of the mussel was confirmed through an integrative assessment that included shell taxonomic analyses and mitochondrial DNA signatures. This assessment identified populations located 7.5 km from the river’s mouth, close to the Atlantic Ocean, in areas such as shrimp farms, artisanal ports, and marinas. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed the presence of South-American-specific and shared ancestral haplotypes in the SFR, Grande River, and Argentina. These findings indicate that intracontinental colonization toward the northeast region of South America originated from Asian populations that entered South America via Argentina. The absence of Asian-specific signatures in the SFR, combined with a geomorphological structure unsuitable for large ports or transoceanic vessels, supports the hypothesis of the intracontinental dispersal of Limnoperna fortunei.

Program UE dla zdrowia w europejskiej debacie parlamentarnej

EU HEALTH PROGRAMME IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY DEBATEThe weakness of the response to the pandemic that was visible in many EU Member States, especially in the first period of the crisis, resulted in increased expectations for action at the European level. This was reflected in the EU4Health programme prepared in the same period. The analysis carried out in this article concerns parliamentary debates on the new EU health program and, indirectly, discussions on the further direction of changes in European health policy. The author put forward two hypotheses: 1. In the parliamentary debate on the EU health programme, positive opinions (regardless of party differences) towards the proposed actions, resulting from the experience of the pandemic crisis, will prevail. 2. The analysed debate will highlight differences regarding the further deepening of the integration process in the area of health – supporters of deepening integration (‘towards a real health union’) versus supporters of cooperation based on the current state-centric approach to health in the EU. As the analysis of the strategy and speeches during the plenary debates shows, the pandemic context has become an important point of reference for these activities. It allows us to confirm the hypothesis indicating the dominance of MEPs’ positive assessment of the solutions proposed by the strategies. The second hypothesis was also confirmed. The analysed speeches presented varied assessments of further integration leading to the creation of the European Health Union. Right-wing parties emphasised the need to maintain the status quo in the field of health (health policy in the hands of the state). MEPs from the EPP, S&D and Renew Europe presented a position more open to change. Taking into account that member states are responsible for health policy and for any changes in this area (specific treaty changes), the results of the debate should be treated as a presentation of political possibilities rather than a forecast of actions for the near future.

Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Background Created by Mobile (Cellular) Communications

The technique of integral assessment of the radio frequency electromagnetic background (EMB) intensity created by wireless information services is presented, based on the forecast of the average electromagnetic loading on area created by radiations of spatially distributed base stations and mobile terminal devices. This loading can be determined both on the basis of a direct estimate of the average total irradiation power of the Earth’s surface by base stations or the average total radiation power of terminal devices per unit of its area, and on the basis of an estimate of the average area traffic capacity and known parameters of equipment and topology of mobile communication networks. Expressions to estimate the conditional average levels of EMB generated by stationary and mobile components of mobile communication systems, and the results of calculations illustrating the processes of its generation by these systems in different frequency ranges with different average area traffic capacity and different sizes of service areas of base stations are given. These calculations confirm the real danger of an unacceptable decrease in the level of electromagnetic safety of the population and deterioration of the ecology of the habitat without the implementation of scientifically based restrictions on the characteristics of mobile communication systems and services.

Simplified Scan-vs-BIM Frameworks for Automated Structural Inspection of Steel Structures

This paper presents a deep learning-based Scan-vs-BIM methodology for evaluating structural integrity through the extraction of features from As-Built scan and As-Planned Building Information Modeling (BIM) comparison data. Traditional Scan-vs-BIM frameworks often rely on Scan-to-BIM processes to generate point cloud-based mesh models for comparison, which significantly impairs computational efficiency. In contrast, the proposed streamlined Scan-vs-BIM framework incorporates a deep neural network (DNN) model consisting of two neural networks: one for structural integrity assessment and another for error type analysis. The model evaluates the structural integrity of individual components in a sequential manner, repeating the process across all elements to comprehensively assess the entire structure. Rather than converting point cloud data into mesh models for comparison, this approach directly measures the spatial discrepancies between the As-Built point cloud and As-Planned BIM, analyzing the distribution tendencies of these distance values. Experimental validation on actual steel structures demonstrated that the proposed method effectively predicts structural integrity, providing significant improvements in both accuracy and computational performance.

Assessment of heat storage integration for water vapour compression heat pumps: thermodynamic and techno-economic perspectives

ABSTRACT The integrated system, consisting of a two-stage high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) and thermal energy storage (TES), has been proposed as an effective solution to reduce CO2 emissions in industrial processes effectively. The water vapour HTHP, which can supply heat at 200°C, demonstrated a coefficient of performance (COP) between 4.4 and 7.5. Two different TES systems were introduced: concrete sensible heat storage (SHS) and strontium bromide/water (SrBr2/H2O) thermochemical energy storage (TCES). While the concrete SHS is limited to temperature below 200°C, the SrBr2/H2O TCES can deliver heat between 196°C and 228°C with higher cycle efficiency. The integrated system of HTHP and SrBr2/H2O TCES achieved a net present value (NPV) of €464,559 and €182,374 over a 20-years lifespan, with internal rates of return (IRR) ranging from 15.8% to 23.6%. This HTHP and TCES system has sufficient potential to replace fossil-fuel industrial boilers, leading to significant reduction in CO2 emissions in industrial processes.

An adaptive assessment method of power system transient stability considering PMU data loss

AbstractTransient stability assessment (TSA) plays an important role in ensuring the reliable operation of power systems. With the popularity of phasor measurement units (PMUs), data‐driven TSA methods have been widely concerned. However, the performance of TSA model may deteriorate when data loss occurs due to PMU failure. This paper proposes an adaptive assessment method for transient stability of power systems considering PMU data loss. First, considering the importance of temporal features, a collection of PMU clusters is constructed to minimize the failure risk and maintain full observability of the whole buses of the grid. Secondly, a weighted integrated assessment model based on PMU clusters is constructed by using an improved eXplainable Convolutional neural network for Multivariate time series classification (XCM) as a TSA classifier. The model can make full use of time series information to carry out adaptive TSA and maintain the robustness of the assessment performance even when PMU failure occurs. Finally, it is verified in a modified IEEE 39‐bus system with wind power and solar power. The effect of the proposed method shows high accuracy and strong anti‐noise interference ability in case of data loss.

An Investigation of the Stiffness Characteristics of a PWR Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grid by a 3D Shell Model

The structural integrity of fuel assemblies hinges significantly on the effectiveness of spacer grids. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to assess the structural robustness of the mid-spacer grid (SG) of the PLUS7 fuel assembly (FA) using 3D shell elements. Any excessive external load from seismic activity can be broken down into two perpendicular components, namely normal load and shear load. The decomposition enables easy assessment of the structural integrity of the fuel spacer grid for any external loads. From the analysis, the reaction force of normal input displacement is around 440 times greater than that for shear input displacement for the same amount of displacement. This result highlights how vulnerable the spacer grid is to shear load and this should be considered in studies of fuel assembly integrity assessment. This study also highlights the need for improved and more robust spacer grids for safer operation of NPPs.

A toolbox of strategies to improve test-taking skills: a comparison of student perceptions.

Changes in the national examination structures have renewed interest in the development of test-taking strategies for professional students in the health sciences. It is often assumed that these high-achieving students have developed proficient test-taking skills and abilities before admittance. However, the assessments in these programs and for national licensure require an elevated level of reasoning and integration with clinical concepts. It was hypothesized that the implementation of an immersive test-taking strategies program would improve dental student perceptions of their abilities. A "toolbox" of four methods was implemented, which included 1) an introductory video that provided students with 10 tips for approaching high-level exam questions; 2) problem solution videos interspersed with class practice problems to walk students independently through rationales; 3) collaborative group assessments in which students implemented the strategies in teams to prepare for exams; and 4) unit exam debriefings to review the question rationales. Although all methods were positively reviewed on surveys, students indicated that the problem solution videos and the collaborative group assessments were more helpful and improved their test-taking skills significantly more than the other strategies (P < 0.01, 1-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test). Students felt they had developed strong test-taking strategies (average of 4.21 on a 5-point scale, SD 0.76) and felt more prepared for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (4.48, SD 0.66). These results suggest that a multipronged approach with frequent opportunities to practice test-taking strategies can improve student perceptions of their ability to master high-level and integrated assessment questions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Professional students in the health sciences may need to improve their test-taking skills for high-level and integrated assessments. A toolbox of strategies was implemented in a Dental Physiology course that included an introductory video, problem solution videos for practice problems, collaborative group assessments, and unit exam debriefings. The students reported that the strategies were helpful, improving their preparation and test-taking strategies for summative exams such as the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.

Assessment of Surface Integrity in Precision Electrical Discharge Machining of HSS EN HS6-5-2C

The integrity of the machined surface in precision wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of electrically conductive materials is one of the most important quality indicators. The integrity parameters of the machined surface are primarily monitored in terms of micro and macro geometry parameters. This paper presents the results obtained as a part of experimental research aimed at evaluating surface crack density (SCD) when machining EN HS6-5-2C using WEDM technology. The aim was to find a combination of main technological parameters (MTP) in order to minimize the qualitative indicators SCD and Ra of the eroded surface. The results of experimental research within the framework of the evaluation of SCD and Ra indicators were processed using the Taguchi method. The integrity of the eroded surface was examined by scanning digital microscope (SDM) after application of full and multiple offset cuts with an AC Brass LP 1000 brass wire electrode. Based on the experimental measurements performed, significant facts were discovered. It was found that the largest surface integrity defects are present after the application of full cuts and the first two offset cuts. At the same time, it was found that lower values of the SCD parameter in WEDM of EN HS6-5-2C steel were recorded at thicknesses above 130.0 mm. The SCD parameter was also confronted with the Ra parameter, and it was found that they are significantly influenced by MTP. The higher value of the peak current I (19 A) and the longer duration of the discharge ton (32 μs) result in an increase in the value of the SCD parameter from 0.005 μm·μm−2 to 0.0256 μm·μm−2. The resulting solutions are mathematical regression models (MRM), which allow the prediction of both monitored qualitative indicators with respect to their minimization.

Assessment of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics: A financial and environmental perspective

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) technology into electric vehicles (EVs) promises an environmentally friendly transportation solution by increasing the energy efficiency of vehicles. On the other hand, the limited integration area of the vehicle causes PVs to have relatively lower power output. This situation creates a discussion about how reasonable a solution for PV-EV integration is from various perspectives. This study aims to provide a realistic assessment of PV-EV integration using manufacturer-provided data on solar-assisted EVs in the market. Assessments are examined in three categories: financial assessment based on payback period, environmental assessment based on carbon emissions, and usage-based assessment based on charging dependency. The findings indicate that the PV systems integrated into contemporary solar-assisted market vehicles demonstrate a return on investment within 8.7 years. From an environmental perspective, hybrid vehicles can provide up to a 12 % reduction in carbon emissions, while fully EVs can achieve reductions of up to 32.5 %. Usage-based assessments showed that PV-EV integration is especially advantageous for countries with low daily travel distances. According to the assessment, the use of PV panels in vehicles can potentially extend the usage time without recharging by up to 170 %.

An Integrated Resilience and Assessment Methodology Framework for Addressing Uncertainty in Highway Operation and Maintenance Systems

An Integrated Resilience and Assessment Methodology Framework for Addressing Uncertainty in Highway Operation and Maintenance Systems

On the use of representative specimens for the structural integrity assessment of safety-relevant rotating components

On the use of representative specimens for the structural integrity assessment of safety-relevant rotating components

Assessing the health and scenic quality of sandy beaches: A large-scale evaluation using expert judgement

Sandy beaches, essential components of coastal landscapes, are increasingly threatened by urbanization, resource extraction, and climate change, jeopardizing their ecological integrity and scenic value. This study assesses the health and scenic quality of 100 sandy beaches along the Uruguayan coast, influenced by the Ro de la Plata estuary, using the Coastal Scenery Evaluation System (CSES) and a dune integrity assessment as indicators of ecosystem health. The analysis identified urbanization as the primary driver of beach degradation, with the most urbanized beaches, particularly those in the inner and outer estuary macrozones, exhibiting the lowest scenic and ecological values. In contrast, beaches with greater dune integrity and lower human impact, especially those in the oceanic macrozone, demonstrated better scenic quality and ecological health. This study emphasizes the role of natural features, such as dunes and natural vegetation, in sustaining beach health, while stressing the urgent need for sustainable management practices to safeguard the ecological and cultural value of these fragile ecosystems. The findings offer critical insights for coastal governance, management, and conservation, advocating for the protection of less developed beaches and the restoration of degraded beaches through scientifically robust management plans. This approach also emphasizes the importance of inclusive decision-making, fostering active societal engagement to enhance long-term resilience and sustainability in areas threatened by coastal grabbing.

Characterization and application of the uncertainties in fracture toughness KIc based on the Weibull statistical distribution and master curve method

Fracture toughness at different temperatures is important in engineering for the integrity assessment of reactor pressure vessels. However, the large dependence on temperature and scatter in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature region, along with the application of different indexing parameters, results in mass uncertainties in fracture toughness. In this paper, these uncertainties were quantified and characterized based on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory KIc database. The reference nil-ductility transition temperature RTNDT and reference temperature T0 were used as indices for the epistemic uncertainties. The quantity RTNDT – T0 was characterized by a three-parameter Weibull distribution using the commonly used parameter estimation methods. Combining the Master Curve method, a Weibull statistical model of the plain strain fracture toughness KIc was established to account for the aleatory uncertainties. A procedure was proposed for treating the epistemic and aleatory uncertainties for probabilistic fracture mechanics analysis. The effects of fracture toughness uncertainties on the crack initiation probability were evaluated for a cracked pressure vessel. The results show that considering both epistemic and aleatory uncertainties can reduce over-conservatism, and epistemic uncertainties strongly affect the crack initiation probability.

Integrative and Collaborative Assessment: A Contemporary Shift of Improving Students' Academic Performance

Assessment is crucial in the academe. The Department of Education (DepEd) has adopted different formative and summative assessment tools but continuously encouraging teachers to innovate school-based projects that could improve the teaching-learning process. The use of integrative and collaborative assessments is beneficial to both learners and students. Evaluations can be drawn to improve the student performance at same time as a basis to curriculum change. Interdisciplinary academic learning is one of the main advantages of integrative and collaborative assessment. This is to provide realization to students on how learning process can be meaningful in the interplay of different subject areas within or across the curriculum.