Automotive Repair Research Articles

First Evidence of Novel Organothiophosphate Esters as Prevalent New Pollutants in Dust from Automotive Repair Shops Discovered by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

The occurrence of organophosphorus compounds has garnered global concern due to their widespread production and potential environmental risks. Limited structural information has hindered a comprehensive understanding of their composition. By characteristic fragmentation-based nontarget analysis, the occurrence and composition of organothiophosphate esters (OTPEs), which are antiwear additives in lubricant oils that have received little attention previously, were investigated in dust from automotive repair shops and surrounding buildings. Fourteen OTPEs were tentatively identified, including four triarylphosphorothionates, six O,O-dialkyl phosphorothioates, and four O-alkyl O-alkyl sulfone phosphorothioates, among which four OTPEs were further confirmed by authentic standards or an industrial product. Triphenyl phosphorothioate (TPhPt) and tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphorothioate (AO168=S) were prevalently detected in automotive repair shops with median concentrations of 230 and 246 ng/g, respectively, closely comparable to triphenyl phosphate (TPhP, median concentration: 302 ng/g). O,O-Dihexyl phosphorothioate (DHPt), O,O-dioctyl phosphorothioate (DOPt), O-hexyl O-hexyl sulfone phosphorothioate (DHSPt), and O-octyl O-octyl sulfone phosphorothioate (DOSPt) were the abundant analogues in automotive repair shops with semiquantitative median concentrations in the range of 119-1.05 × 103 ng/g. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that OTPEs exhibited similar distribution patterns across automotive repair shops, indicating that these chemicals had similar sources. Moreover, the concentrations of OTPEs were usually higher in automotive repair shops than that in surrounding buildings, suggesting a motor vehicle related emission source. To our knowledge, 12 out of the 14 detected OPTEs were reported in the environment for the first time. The discovery of these OTPEs expanded the scope of known organophosphorus pollutants, highlighting the potential contaminants of OTPEs from lubricant oils for automotive and industrial applications.

Analisis Keuangan dan Perencanaan Bisnis: Kasus Bengkel Wahda Pringapus

This article aims to analyze financial performance and develop a strategic business plan for Bengkel Wahda Pringapus, a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in the automotive repair sector. The primary issues are the lack of structured financial planning and optimal business strategy, which limits growth potential amidst competition with modern repair shops that utilize the latest technology. The study draws on financial analysis and business planning theories to address these challenges, including the Balanced Scorecard and human resource management. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and direct observation and then analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicate that strategies focused on service quality improvement and adopting simple technologies have significantly enhanced Bengkel Wahda’s financial performance, evidenced by annual revenue growth of 15%. This study recommends further expansion of these strategies to maintain competitiveness in the future, including human resource development and adopting more efficient technologies.

Diagnostics-LLaVA

The recent advancements in the area of Large language models (LLMs) has opened horizons for conversational assistant-based intelligent models capable of interpreting images, and providing textual response, also known as Visual language models (VLMs). These models can assist equipment operators and maintenance technicians in the complex Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) tasks such as diagnostics of faults, root cause analysis and repair recommendation. Significant open source contributions in the area of VLMs have been made. However, models trained on general data fail to perform well in complex tasks in specialized domains such as diagnostics and repair of industrial equipment. Therefore, in this paper we discuss our work on development of Diagnostics-LLaVA, a VLM suitable for interpreting images of specific industrial equipment and provide better response than existing open source models in PHM tasks such as fault diagnostics and repair recommendation. We introduce Diagnostics-LLaVA based on the architecture of LLaVA, and created one instance of the Diagnostics-LLaVA for the automotive repair domain, referred to as Automotive-LLaVA. We demonstrate that our proposed Automotive-LLaVA model performs better than the state-of-the-art open source visual language models such as mPlugOWL and LLaVA in both qualitative and quantitative experiments.

Securing Repair: Examining Cybersecurity's Influence on the Right to Repair

ABSTRACTCybersecurity is a perennial concern for technology companies, consumers, and policymakers. Recently it has become a lever of opposition against the Right to Repair movement as companies and industry groups position security and reparability as antagonistic, even incompatible, interests. This paper pushes back on those claims. We use critical discourse analysis to explore two contemporary controversies at the intersection of security and repair: (1) the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's statements concerning automotive repair in Massachusetts and (2) the memorandum of understanding between John Deere and the American Farm Bureau Federation concerning agricultural equipment repair. We find that security concerns are raised as featureless specters of harm rarely supported by concrete or compelling evidence that reparability risks security. Rather, these arguments reflect a rhetorical strategy aimed at thwarting the repair activities of consumers and independent technicians, shifting ongoing policy debates, and influencing public sentiment around the right to repair.

P-Phenylenediamines and p-phenylenediamine quinone derivatives in rubber consumer products and typical urban dust: Sources, transformation profiles, and health risks

N,N′-Substituted p-phenylenediamines (PPDs) are widely used as antioxidants in the rubber industry and are released into the environment in large quantities during the production and use of rubber products. We quantified PPDs and PPD quinone derivatives (PPD-Qs) in rubber consumer products, including car tires, rubber belts, rubber gloves, rubber cables, and rubber hoses, to obtain information on the degree of weathering over time during their use. Additionally, we investigated the occurrences and sources of PPDs and PPD-Qs in dust samples collected from four typical urban environments (roads, parking lots, automotive repair shops, and residences). The detected compounds included the highly toxic N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine quinone, which can cause acute mortality of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Concentrations of PPDs in the automotive repair shops reached 56.0 μg/g, and were much higher than in the other environments, while the residential samples had the lowest contaminant concentrations. In road and residential samples, N,N′-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine accounted for 17 %–30 % of the PPDs, and may have originated from different sources. We preliminarily identified 32 transformation products, and 11 of these were N,N′-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine transformation products. The average daily intakes of PPDs and PPD-Qs were calculated to assess the health risks of dust exposure in each environment. Workers had high total intakes of PPD [60.3 ng/(kg day)] and PPD-Qs [20.1 ng/(kg day)], and were at some risk of occupational exposure. These results improve our understanding of the environmental occurrences, sources, transformation, and health risks of PPDs and PPD-Qs.

Unlocking Potential: Digital Transformation and Decision Support in Automotive Repair - A Case Study

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the significance of digital transformation for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) cannot be overstated. CV Karya Makmur, an Indonesian automotive repair shop, stands at the forefront of this change, recognizing the urgent need to incorporate advanced Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into its operations. This transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it is a comprehensive shift that redefines how the business interacts with customers, optimizes operational processes and improves its overall financial health. The journey of CV Karya Makmur highlights the broader implications of digital transformation in this sector. This case study delves into the multifaceted process of integrating technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance service efficiency, tackle logistical hurdles, and improve access to vital information. Yet, the transition from conventional practices to a digital framework is fraught with obstacles, primarily due to resistance to change. Effective change management, focusing on the human elements of organizational transformation and employee engagement, is pivotal. CV Karya Makmur's experience underscores the critical need for digital systems that promote data-driven decisions, standardize operations, and facilitate better communication. Despite the initial challenges, the potential benefits—increased productivity, reduced operational costs, and a competitive edge in the market—are compelling. This study suggests that considering an organization's unique context and objectives, a tailored digital transformation strategy is essential for leveraging technology to enhance business outcomes in developing countries like Indonesia.

Workplace hazards and safety practices in the small-scale industries

Abstract The small-scale industries are considered a major sector of economic investment in the world. Small-scale industries typically suffer from problems such as poor management systems, poor safety training, difficulties in complying with legislation, and absence of safety performance. This study aimed to measure the levels of heat stress and noise and assess the safety performance in small-scale industries. Twenty industrial workshops were selected representing four different types of small-scale industries (foundries, automotive repair, metal processing, and aluminium processing) in Alexandria, Egypt. Inside each selected workshop, both levels of heat stress and noise were measured by calibrated instruments. A pre-designed checklist evaluated the adequacy of the safety performance. Noise levels ranged between 86.4 ± 2.0 and 89.7 ± 2.7 dB exceeding the recommended value (85 dB). In the most studied workshops, the levels of heat stress were relatively high, especially in the foundries. Besides, the safety practices at all these workshops were poor or very poor. The most obvious safety problems included poor housekeeping, lack of PPEs, inadequate illumination, absence of emergency exits, and insufficient fire extinguishers. The results emphasize the responsibility of the local authorities to give more attention and interest to this type of industry.

A New Approach for Multi-View Models’ Composition using Probes Event

The paper presents the development and application of the VUML Probe profile, an extension of the VUML (View-based UML) approach to modeling complex software systems. It focuses on improving behavioral modeling by introducing probes for observing and monitoring events. In the introduction, the importance of separation of concerns in the management of large software systems is emphasized, with the introduction of view-based modeling and the VUML profile. The application context section presents the VUML analysis and design process, illustrated by a case study of managing an automotive repair shop. Probes are introduced as a modeling concept for event detection and control, with basic categories and methods for projection, derivation, and composition. The VUML Probe profile is presented, integrating probe stereotypes into the VUML meta-model, with conformance rules to maintain semantic consistency. The application of probes in the VUML process is demonstrated, in particular, to ensure the autonomous evolution of model-views. Abstract probes are defined during the composition phase, and then used in view models. Finally, related work and avenues for future research are discussed, including language enhancements, integration with aspect-oriented modeling, and tool development. In summary, the paper offers a comprehensive framework for integrating event observation mechanisms into the VUML approach, aimed at improving the modeling and management of complex software systems.

Investigation into the Profitability Strategies of Shared Sheet Metal Spray Centers

With the introduction of regulations such as the "Decision of the Ministry of Transport on Amending the Regulations on the Administration of Motor Vehicle Maintenance" in China, the government's environmental requirements for the traditional automotive repair industry have been continuously increasing. The spray painting and sheet metal repair business, which has a significant environmental impact, has gradually evolved into modern, intensive, and specialized shared sheet metal spray centers. While domestic scholars have paid some attention to the social and environmental benefits of shared sheet metal spray centers, there is a lack of systematic research on their profit models. This paper investigates the current state of shared sheet metal spray centers by analyzing the development of the spray painting and sheet metal repair industry, comparing the profit models of other sharing economy sectors vertically, and integrating the value chain theory to sort out the profit strategies of shared sheet metal spray centers. The aim is to provide theoretical reference for spray and sheet metal repair operators to promote the healthy development of shared sheet metal spray centers.

Innovative Work Order Planning with Process Optimization Using Computer Simulation in the Automotive Industry, in the Case of Repair Workshops

This article introduces a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of work schedule management in automotive repair shops during the planning phase, leveraging computer simulation techniques. The primary focus of this study is the optimization of the scheduling process, specifically the sequencing of car repairs, aimed at minimizing the average repair time. The proposed simulation model harnesses the power of the FlexSim simulation environment, incorporating an embedded optimization module. The article outlines the fundamental stages involved in constructing the simulation model, encompassing essential input data and information. Furthermore, the article presents empirical results demonstrating the significant impact of various simulation scenarios on resource utilization, production costs, and process duration.

Barriers to Adopting Healthy Eating Practices Among Roadside Automotive Repair Technicians in Takoradi, Ghana

Barriers to Adopting Healthy Eating Practices Among Roadside Automotive Repair Technicians in Takoradi, Ghana

Analysis of user experience during interaction with automotive repair workshop websites

The study presented here focuses on analyzing and comparing the user experience of two automotive repair workshop website search engines. The research tools used were usability tests, user interviews and eye tracking. These were aimed at assessing the functionality, intuitiveness and overall user experience when using the analyzed sites. The results show that users encountered a variety of problems with navigation and search functions, and made suggestions for improving and expanding the website functions. Nevertheless, despite some differences in the evaluations of specific aspects of both services, there was little difference in the effectiveness of the set scenarios.

ChiltonLibrary

ChiltonLibrary is a collection of automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair and maintenance articles and diagrams. ChiltonLibrary includes makes and models from the 1940s to current model years. The current version has added accessibility features, including ReadSpeaker text-to-speech versions of articles. ChiltonLibrary also includes technical service bulletins/recall information, automotive repair videos, and ASE test prep quizzes. ChiltonLibrary is an authoritative resource that benefits from an intuitive interface and a mobile-responsive design.

Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation - National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2021.

The suicide rate among the U.S. working-age population has increased approximately 33% during the last 2 decades. To guide suicide prevention strategies, CDC analyzed suicide deaths by industry and occupation in 49 states, using data from the 2021 National Vital Statistics System. Industry (the business activity of a person's employer or, if self-employed, their own business) and occupation (a person's job or the type of work they do) are distinct ways to categorize employment. The overall suicide rates by sex in the civilian noninstitutionalized working population were 32.0 per 100,000 among males and 8.0 per 100,000 among females. Major industry groups with the highest suicide rates included Mining (males = 72.0); Construction (males = 56.0; females = 10.4); Other Services (e.g., automotive repair; males = 50.6; females = 10.4); Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (males = 47.9; females = 15.0); and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (males = 47.9). Major occupation groups with the highest suicide rates included Construction and Extraction (males = 65.6; females = 25.3); Farming, Fishing, and Forestry (e.g., agricultural workers; males = 49.9); Personal Care and Service (males = 47.1; females = 15.9); Installation, Maintenance, and Repair (males = 46.0; females = 26.6); and Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media (males = 44.5; females = 14.1). By integrating recommended programs, practices, and training into existing policies, workplaces can be important settings for suicide prevention. CDC provides evidence-based suicide prevention strategies in its Suicide Prevention Resource for Action and Critical Steps Your Workplace Can Take Today to Prevent Suicide, NIOSH Science Blog.

Digital measurement of hands-on performance? Ecological validation of a computer-based assessment of automotive repair skills

We investigated the ecological validity of performance measures from a computer-based assessment tool that utilises scripted video vignettes. The intended purpose of this tool is to assess the maintenance and repair skills of automotive technician apprentices, complementing traditional hands-on assessment formats from the German journeymen’s exams. We hypothesise that the ability to correctly judge repair actions shown in videos is a good predictor of the ability to perform corresponding actions in hands-on scenarios. Apprentices in the third year of vocational training carried out repairs on real cars or car systems, while experts rated their performance. After this, they worked on our computer-based tests, which utilise videos of very similar repairs. The correlation between video judgement and hands-on performance was lower than expected for most repair actions as well as for overall scores, indicating insufficient ecological validity of the test score interpretations. However, the findings are promising for developing future tests, as the results for some repair actions indicate it is generally possible to develop ecologically valid video-based items focusing on hands-on skills. We discuss the results in the light of a validation framework that combines validity evidence from different sources for the same assessment tool. Finally, we hope our findings contribute to a broader discussion about the psychometric quality of exams.

Epidemiological study of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among automobile maintenance workers.

The automotive industry is labor-intensive, and workers are involved in highly repetitive tasks, long hours, and medium to low workloads, resulting in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which have become a major health concern for workers in this industry. China is a major automotive country with tens of thousands of auto repair workers, but their conditions of WMSDs have been poorly reported. This work aimed to analyze the current prevalence of WMSDs and their associated risk factors among automobile maintenance workers. A total of 539 respondents from 50 automotive repair and maintenance companies in China were selected to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs via the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were applied to analyze their associated risk factors. The total prevalence of WMSDs among 539 workers was 32.8%. The top three body parts for prevalence were the lower back (17.1%), neck (16.3%), and shoulders (14.5%). The highest prevalence of WMSDs was found in the neck (23.6%) and lower back (14.3%) for sheet metal workers and mechanics, respectively, whereas painters had the highest prevalence of WMSDs in the lower back and feet (both at 15.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that females were at higher risk of WMSDs than males (OR 5.027, [95% CI] [1.278-19.772], p < 0.05). Workers subjected to uncomfortable positions were at increased risk of WMSDs (OR 1.79, [95% CI] [1.333-2.410], p < 0.01). The prevalence of WMSDs is high among automotive maintenance workers, with the highest prevalence in the lower back (17.1%). Uncomfortable working postures and frequent repetitive movements with lower limbs and ankles at work may be important risk factors.

Interior Design of Dual-Function Buildings of PT. Daffa Ekspressindo Logistik Using Sketchup 3D

The time development has made interior design a special need for many people in visualizing the wants and needs of the spaces to be occupied, especially for companies that own buildings to carry out various business activities. A company in Batam, namely PT. Daffa Expressindo Logistik requires a good and appropriate interior design for a company building, which is used to run two business fields, including automotive repair and logistics. Therefore, an interior design was designed for the company through qualitative research methods to obtain interior design concepts and workmanship using the MDLC method. This design concept is based on the need for interior design for buildings that are used for more than one function and for the convenience of users and visitors. The benefits that users and visitors will experience with the existence of PT. Daffa Expressindo Logistics is able to fulfill all activities to work safely, comfortably, and optimally.

Auto repair workers exposed to PM2.5 particulate matter in Barranquilla, Colombia: Telomere length and hematological parameters.

Exposure to 2.5µm particulate matter (PM2.5) in automotive repair shops is associated with risks to health. We evaluated the effects of occupational exposure to PM2.5 among auto repair-shop workers. Blood and urine samples were collected from 110 volunteers from Barranquilla, Colombia: 55 active workers and 55 controls. PM2.5 concentrations were assessed at each of the sampling sites and chemical content was analyzed by SEM-EDS electron microscopy. The biological samples obtained were peripheral blood (hematological profiling, DNA extraction) and urine (malondialdehyde concentration). Telomere length was assessed by qPCR and polymorphisms in the glutathione transferase genes GSTT1 and GSTM1 by PCR-RFLP, with confirmation by allelic exclusion. White blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte (LYM%) and platelet (PLT) counts and the malondialdehyde concentration were higher (4.10±0.93) in the exposed group compared to the control group (1.56±0.96). TL was shorter (5071±891) in the exposed individuals compared to the control group (6271±805). White blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were positively associated with exposure. Age and TBARS were correlated with TL in exposed individuals. The GSTT1 gene alleles were not in Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium. The GSTM1 gene alleles were in H-W equilibrium and allelic exclusion analysis confirmed the presence of heterozygous GSTM1 genotypes. SEM-EDS analysis showed the presence of potentially toxic elements, including Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Rh, Zn, and Cu. Auto repair shop workers showed effects that may be associated with exposure to mixtures of pollutants present in PM2.5. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes had independent modulatory effects.

Business Valuation Cases in Brief

Business Valuation Cases in Brief

Physical, optical, and mechanical properties of commercially available windshield glasses using various cars

Windshield glasses of Maruti Alto 800 (A800), Hyundai i20 (H20), and Maruti Suzuki Eeco (SE) are taken from an automotive repair shop for investigating their physical, optical, and mechanical properties to check their durability. These glasses are amorphous, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirms that the windshield glasses contain SiO2, Na2O, MgO, CaO, Al2O3, and K2O in variable atomic percentages. The optical bandgap, refractive index, and Urbach energy are calculated using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The highest optical band gap is observed for SE. Micro Vickers hardness test is used to study the fracture toughness and hardness of the glasses. It is found that H20 has the highest hardness as well as toughness in all the windshield glasses.