Production Environment Research Articles

Robot arm grasping based on YOLOv5 in the perspective of automated production

Abstract The rapid development of industrial intelligence has gradually expanded the application of automated production. As a typical automated production equipment, the robotic arm still faces the problems of low grasping efficiency and high control costs when facing highly integrated and miniaturized components. Given this, to improve the grasping level of the robotic arm in complex production environments, this study first constructs a kinematic mathematical model of the robotic arm. Secondly, based on the algorithm that You Only Look Once, improvements are made to its convolution operation and feature extraction modules, ultimately proposing a new type of robotic arm grasping control model. The results showed that the loss test value of the new model was the lowest at 2.75, the average detection error of the captured object was the lowest at 0.003, and the average detection time was the shortest at 1.28 seconds. The highest success rate for grasping six types of industrial parts was 94%, and the lowest average energy consumption was 35.67 joules. Therefore, research models can significantly improve the grasping performance of robotic arms under various complex conditions, thereby achieving efficient manipulation of robotic arms in industrial automation.

Enhancing Workplace Safety for Disabled Farmers in Thailand: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Ergonomic Interventions in Vermicompost Production

The aim of this study was to improve the working environment for disabled farmers in vermicompost production using participatory action-oriented training (PAOT). Potential hazards were identified through Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and improvements were implemented based on the analysis. The winnowing step was found to have the highest risk, as farmers had to manually separate vermicompost and earthworms by shaking the mixture through a filter. To address this, a vermicompost winnowing machine was developed specifically for disabled farmers, reducing their working time and the risk of muscle injuries. Ergonomic assessments were conducted using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). The assessments compared the risks associated with the manual process to those when using the newly developed winnowing machine. The results indicated a reduction in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk for all disabled groups. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering occupational health and safety for disabled individuals in agriculture. By implementing ergonomic improvements such as redesigned tools and adjusted workstations, the safety and well-being of disabled farmers can be enhanced. This contributes to creating inclusive and productive work environments. In conclusion, through the application of PAOT and ergonomic assessments, this study successfully identified potential hazards and implemented improvements in vermicompost production for disabled farmers. The development of a specialized winnowing machine reduced the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Promoting occupational health and safety measures is crucial for supporting the participation and well-being of disabled individuals in agricultural work.

Digital Transformation and Efficiency of Sharia-Based HR Management on MSME Performance with Organizational Culture Moderation: A Quantitative Study in Cileungsi

Digital transformation has become a crucial factor in enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the era of globalization. Digital technology enables MSMEs to innovate, improve efficiency, and expand markets. However, many MSMEs face challenges in adopting this technology, such as limited resources and resistance to change. Sharia-based human resource management (HRM), which emphasizes justice and welfare, can provide solutions in creating a productive and harmonious work environment. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature regarding the interaction between digital transformation and Sharia HRM on MSME performance, with the moderation of organizational culture. The research method uses a quantitative approach with a case study on MSMEs in Cileungsi, involving 100 randomly selected respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SEM-PLS. The SEM test results show that digital transformation and Sharia HRM have a significant effect on MSME performance. Organizational culture has a strong moderating role, strengthening the positive impact of digital transformation and Sharia HRM on MSME performance. The results indicate that the integration between digital transformation and Sharia HRM, supported by a strong organizational culture, can enhance productivity, operational efficiency, as well as employee satisfaction and motivation. This study emphasizes the importance of adopting digital technology and applying Sharia principles in HRM to improve MSME performance, with organizational culture as an essential supporting factor. These findings provide practical guidance for MSME actors in developing strategies that improve efficiency and employee welfare.

Characterisation of Antimicrobial Resistance in Special-Fed Veal Production Environments.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the leading public health threats globally. AMR genes can be transferred between bacteria through lateral gene transfer, and AMR organisms can spread through environments by contaminated water, agriculture and animals. Thus, widespread environmental dissemination of bacteria and lateral gene transfer facilitate AMR transmission pathways. Farm environments in dairy and calf production are known to harbour AMR bacteria that pose a risk for food contamination and to workers in direct or indirect contact with animals. Escherichia coli is present in farm environments and is known to participate in lateral gene transfer, providing a good marker of resistance genes in each environment. In this study, E. coli from nine cohorts of calves was isolated at different time points from nine barns, nine trailers and one slaughterhouse environment in a single special-fed veal calf production facility. The antimicrobial susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials, classified as highly or critically important by the World Health Organization, was characterised for E. coli isolates using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. The highest proportion of isolates showing multidrug resistance was present in barn environments (51.7%), where calves were housed from their arrival at < 2 weeks of age until they were transported to slaughter. Additionally, 15 E. coli isolates were resistant to 11 of the 15 antimicrobials tested. Trailer and slaughterhouse environments had greater prevalence of resistance after accommodating calves, including resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. These data highlight the importance of calf environments in the dissemination of resistant bacteria and gives insight into where interventions could be most effective in combatting antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that could infect humans and livestock.

Using active learning methodologies to teach sequence analysis and molecular phylogeny.

The great development of high-throughput molecular biology techniques and the consequent generation of massive data have made Bioinformatics essential for undergraduate Bioscience students. The importance of this scientific discipline is evidenced by the huge number of specialized publications, tools, and databases available. Training in Bioinformatics equips undergraduates with transferable skills that can be applied in all fields of Biology, such as programming abilities, data analysis, database management, biological knowledge, statistics, problem solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in the number of higher education institutions worldwide that have adopted a competency-based curricula. This approach places a significant emphasis on the actions and skills that students are expected to develop, rather than merely focusing on the information, they are required to memorize. In this educational context, the use of active learning strategies has been demonstrated to enhance student comprehension and competency development. This paper describes the implementation of an active learning approach in a hands-on lesson performed by undergraduate students of Biology at the University of Malaga (Spain). Its main objective is to introduce students to molecular databases and information search systems on genes, proteins, and phylogeny. This is achieved within the framework of a smart campus, which integrates technological and sustainable resources to promote a positive and productive learning environment for the university community. This work presents the content and procedure of this practical activity, as well as the evaluation method and the results of a student survey to assess their opinions.

The Development ofanAssessment Tool forSuccessful Product Development Based On DFMA andAHP Approach: Automotive Industry Case Study

Successful product development is critical in the automotive industry, offering benefits such as optimisedmanufacturing, reduced costs, and faster market entry. Despite available tools, the complexity of design resources makes the process challenging. This study aimed to develop an assessment tool for evaluating successful product design in the automotive sector, starting with identifying success criteria from reputable research. Expert Choice software was employed to analysethe significance and weightage of the identified criteria. As a result, there are 19 criteria were prioritisedacross four key categories. The requirements such as product design, cost-effectiveness, safety, and environment. Notably, the most crucial criteria identified were recyclable materials (0.139), end-of-lifecycle considerations (0.118), and sustainable manufacturing (0.108984), while the least important were standardisation(0.0155), cabin ergonomics (0.022), and fire safety (0.0158). The resulting assessment tool, validated by four industry and academic experts, showed promise in helping practitioners self-evaluate successful product design within the automotive industry.

LLMOps: Operationalizing Language Models for the Enterprise

This comprehensive article explores the emerging field of LLMOps (Language Model Operations), a specialized branch of MLOps focused on deploying and managing large language models (LLMs) in production environments. The article examines the LLM lifecycle, challenges in scaling LLMs, essential LLMOps tooling, best practices for effective management, and future trends. Drawing on recent industry studies and statistics, it highlights the growing significance of LLMOps in enterprise AI applications, its potential to streamline operations and reduce costs, and its role in addressing critical issues such as model performance, scalability, data privacy, and ethical AI deployment

The state and prospects of improving the hygienic regulation of industrial general vibration

Hygienic rationing is an integral part of national measures in the field of occupational safety and health of workers. The current norms of general industrial vibration, as is known, are not safe. This determines the urgency of improving the system of hygienic rationing of general vibration, which, despite the achievements of science and technology, the emergence of a new controlled vibration parameter — full vibration acceleration, the introduction of a risk-based approach to rationing, has remained virtually unchanged for almost four decades. The study aims to analyze domestic and international approaches to the assessment and normalization of general industrial vibration to justify the transition to a risk-oriented single-digit regulation of full vibration acceleration. The authors carried out an expert and analytical study, analyzed and compared the materials of domestic and foreign regulations, methodological documents and literary sources on various aspects of the problem of rationing general industrial vibration. Scientists have developed a new system for rationing the unfavorable factor of the production environment — general vibration, which establishes an integral standard for complete vibration acceleration, instead of differentiated rationing by vibration sources (transport, transport-technological, man-made) and directions of vibration action along the axes of the basocentric coordinate system (Z, X, Y). The new standard for full vibration acceleration is harmonized with ISO 2631 standard, Directive 2002/44/EC, standards adopted in foreign countries, and, according to calculations, can be approximately 0.56 m/s2 or 115 dB, which requires experimental studies to verify. The new risk-oriented system of rationing of the industrial general vibration will make it possible to objectify the assessment of workers' working conditions and, as a result, streamline and update the examination of the connection of the disease with the profession.

The role of institutional ethics committees in Austria : Report of the Commission on Ethics and Scientific Integrity of the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences 2018-2023.

Research involving human subjects or identifiable human material and data must be assessed by an ethics committee. The Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences has established a Commission on Ethics and Scientific Integrity to evaluate medical research conducted by its faculty and students and at its affiliated hospitals.All projects submitted to the Commission on Ethics and Scientific Integrity between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed regarding their major characteristics, the duration of the evaluation process, and votes issued.A total of 520 applications were electronically submitted during the observation period. Most of the studies were retrospective data analyses in the field of oncology, psychology and surgery. Most studies included less than 100 volunteers. Of the applications 50% received afinal vote within 5months, during which several revision rounds took place. Overall, about 77% of votes issued during the observation period were positive and 2% were rejections. In 11% files were closed due to withdrawal. In 11% final votes were pending at the end of the observation period due to requests for revisions.Our results emphasize the importance of institutional ethics committees using the example of the Commission on Ethics and Scientific Integrity at the Karl Landsteiner University. Such committees fill agap in evaluating research not covered by Austrian legal regulations. Continuous development of standards, operating procedures, and national and international collaborations are required to assess and minimize risks to trial subjects and to provide asafe and productive environment for research in human medicine and related fields.

Toxicity of the marine glycosidic macrolides, polycavernoside E and akunolides, from Okinawan cyanobacterium Okeania sp. in mice

The toxicity of polycavernoside E and its structurally related macrolides, akunolides A, B, and C, was evaluated in mice. These compounds were recently isolated from the marine cyanobacterium Okeania sp. collected in Okinawa, Japan. The minimal toxicity of polycavernoside E was estimated as 0.81 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, whereas those of akunolides A–C were >13 mg/kg. Owing to the considerable toxicity of polycavernoside E, the occurrence of this cyanobacterium should be considered in seaweed production environments.

Risk factors, timing and frequency of occurrence of post-COVID syndrome in workers with intensive computer workload

According to leading experts of the World Health Organization, the threat of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus remains, which will lead to a sharp increase in morbidity and mortality. The severity of complications after COVID-19 depends not only on how severe the disease was, but also on other factors: genetic predisposition, age, concomitant diseases, and working conditions. This makes it urgent to conduct further scientific research on the ranking of the factors of the production environment that accelerate the spread of COVID-19. The study aims to determine the degree of occupational risk, taking into account the timing and frequency of manifestations of post-COVID syndrome (U09.9; U10.9 according to ICD–X) in specialists with intensive computer workload. In the period 2020–2024, the researchers conducted a survey at the workplaces of Kislovodsk enterprises and examined 556 people with an intensive computer load associated with servicing the flows of mass consumers during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. We have studied the timing and frequency of the occurrence of post-COVID syndrome, objectified by the degree of health risk factors in various categories of workers with intensive computer workload. The timing and frequency of seven post-COVID syndrome manifestations ranked (according to the degree of occupational health risk factors) (U09.9; U10.9 according to ICD-X) that occur in workers with intensive computer workload in the first two weeks after discharge from the hospital during hospitalization for COVID-19 (occupational health risk factors category A) or arising within three to four weeks after discharge from the hospital during hospitalization for COVID-19 (occupational health risk factors of category B). Based on statistical and clinical and hygienic data obtained in the period from 2020 to 2024, post-COVID manifestations in the gradations of "high" and "moderately high" occupational health risk for employees (n=556) with intensive computer load were ranked by the timing and frequency of occurrence of the named syndrome, as well as by the degree of risk of potential COVID-19 infections of the named groups of specialists associated with servicing mass consumer flows infected with constantly mutating representatives of enveloped RNA viruses. According to the degree of occupational risk to the health of persons with intensive computer workload, six groups of specialists associated with servicing mass consumer flows, potentially infected with COVID-19 and other representatives of enveloped RNA viruses, were ranked. Limitations. Post-COVID syndromes that occur within one to two and three to four weeks after discharge from the hospital have been studied. Ethics. Scientists have conducted research in accordance with the principles of biomedical ethics and approved by the local Ethics Committee of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupation Health, Moscow (Protocol No. 4 dated 04/14/2021). Each participant of the study submitted a voluntary written informed consent signed by him after explaining to him the potential risks and benefits.

Deep reinforcement learning driven trajectory-based meta-heuristic for distributed heterogeneous flexible job shop scheduling problem

As the production environment evolves, distributed manufacturing exhibits heterogeneous characteristics, including diverse machines, workers, and production processes. This paper examines a distributed heterogeneous flexible job shop scheduling problem (DHFJSP) with varying processing times. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model of the DHFJSP is formulated with the objective of minimizing the makespan. To solve the DHFJSP, we propose a deep Q network-aided automatic design of a variable neighborhood search algorithm (DQN-VNS). By analyzing schedules, sixty-one types of scheduling features are extracted. These features, along with six shaking strategies, are used as states and actions. A DHFJSP environment simulator is developed to train the deep Q network. The well-trained DQN then generates the shaking procedure for VNS. Additionally, a greedy initialization method is proposed to enhance the quality of the initial solution. Seven efficient critical path-based neighborhood structures with three-vector encoding scheme are introduced to improve local search. Numerical experiments on various scales of instances validate the effectiveness of the MILP model and the DQN-VNS algorithm. The results show that the DQN-VNS algorithm achieves an average relative percentage deviation (ARPD) of 3.2%, which represents an approximately 88.45% reduction compared to the best-performing algorithm among the six compared, with an ARPD of 27.7%. This significant reduction in ARPD highlights the superior stability and performance of the proposed DQN-VNS algorithm.

Agronomic performance of soybean and its relation with the production environment

The objective of the work is to identify the agronomic performance of soybeans and correlate meteorological attributes with yield components. The study was carried out at the Escola Fazenda of the Regional University of the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul - UNIJUÍ, located in Augusto Pestana – RS. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, consisting of 10 genotypes and five replications. Descriptive analysis was performed using mean plus standard deviation for variables that presented a coefficient of variation greater than 35%; normality and homogeneity tests were also performed, as well as analysis of variance, Tukey mean comparison tests and linear correlations supported by the t-test. Soybean grain yield is closely linked to meteorological elements, which play a crucial role in the fluctuations and frustrations of soybean agricultural harvests in the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul. The significant correlations between yield indicate that the water factor is what more affects production. The TMG7362IPRO cultivar had a higher yield with 73 bags per ha-1. -Iin this context, the soybean GMR also influenced yield in relation to climatic relations and had a better positioning.

Research on AGV Path Planning Based on Improved Directed Weighted Graph Theory and ROS Fusion

This article addresses the common issues of insufficient computing power and path congestion for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in real-world production environments, as well as the shortcomings of traditional path-planning algorithms that mainly consider the shortest path while ignoring vehicle turning time and stability. We propose a secondary path-planning method based on an improved directed weighted graph theory integrated with an ROS. Firstly, the production environment is modeled in detail to identify the initial position of the AGV. Secondly, the operational area is systematically divided, key nodes are selected and optimized, and a directed weighted graph is constructed with optimized weights. It is integrated with the ROS for path planning, using the Floyd algorithm to find the optimal path. The effectiveness and superiority of this method have been demonstrated through simulation verification and actual AGV operation testing. The path planning strategy and fusion algorithm proposed in this article that comprehensively considers distance and angle steering are simple and practical, effectively reducing production costs for enterprises. This method is suitable for logistics sorting and small transport AGVs with a shorter overall path-planning time, higher stability, and limited computing power, and it has reference significance and practical value.

Critical analysis of educational theories and their pedagogical practices: the applicability and the impact in the school context

The analysis of the main educational theories – Constructivism, Behaviorism, Socio-Constructivist Theory, Cognitivism, Humanism, and Connectivism – and their practical applications demonstrates the importance of a diverse and adaptive pedagogical approach. Constructivism: Focused on the active construction of knowledge by the student, it promotes meaningful and contextualized learning. Project-based learning (PBL) is a practice that increases student motivation and performance. Behaviorism: Emphasizes changing behavior through positive and negative reinforcements. Classroom reinforcement programs encourage appropriate behaviors, resulting in a more productive learning environment. Socio-Constructivist Theory: Highlights the importance of social and cultural interaction in learning. Methods such as cooperative learning improve academic performance and strengthen collaboration among students. Cognitivism: Focuses on internal thought processes, using tools such as mind maps to help students organize and structure knowledge, promoting critical thinking skills. Humanism: Focused on the student's personal and emotional development, it values ​​self-actualization and well-being. Welcoming learning environments and student-centered curricula promote individual growth. Connectivism: Addresses learning in the digital age, highlighting the importance of information networks and educational technologies. Integrating online platforms expands access to knowledge and involves students and parents more in the educational process.

Plant growth regulator effects on red fescue seed crops in diverse production environments

AbstractStrong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. spp. rubra Gaudin) is a cool‐season perennial turfgrass widely used in temperate and subalpine regions around the globe. Although creeping red fescue turf is tolerant of shade, low fertility acidic soils, and drought conditions, creeping red fescue seed crops grown in optimal growing environments can lodge, ultimately reducing yield in regions where this important turfgrass is grown for seed. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), chlormequat chloride (CCC) and trinexapac‐ethyl (TE), on plant height, lodging, and seed yield of strong creeping red fescue over 9 site‐years in the Peace River region of western Canada. The study encompassed 6 site‐years with first‐year stands and 3 site‐years with second‐year stands. The PGRs were applied alone and in a TE + CCC mixture at the two‐node (BBCH 32–33, where BBCH is Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie) and early head emergence (BBCH 51–52) growth stages in first‐ and second‐year stands, respectively. The application of TE, CCC, and their mixture resulted in a differential decrease in lodging and an increase in seed yield in first‐year stands. However, PGRs applied at BBCH 51–52 on second‐year stands had no effect on seed yield but reduced plant height and lodging. This study found a negative correlation between seed yield and lodging. Among the PGR treatments, the CCC + TE mixture was the most effective in reducing lodging and increasing seed yield of strong creeping red fescue.

The abjection of ultrasound

The definitions of sound as found in the ANSI/ASA documentation (S1.1-2013) play an important role in the abjection of ultrasound. However, the threshold of ultrasound is a matter of debate as the enhanced abilities of some humans to sense ultrasound are now being discovered. While definitions and standards are useful for enabling structures of knowledge, they also situate knowledge in power structures, leaving epistemological blind spots in their wake. Particularly within policy making on noise and health this may have palpable consequences in the future. My foci with this paper are not only to map out how anthropocentric definitions of sound contribute to the abjection of ultrasound, but also to address some serious consequences for the human relationship to nature. First, I discuss definitions of sound and present examples of anthropogenic ultrasound production in the environment. Then I survey research on the negative consequences for the environment of anthropogenic ultrasound production. Finally, I show how the abjection of ultrasound is a consequence of our definitions of sound and the accompanying situated knowledge. With tools like resourcification theory and the concept of waste as scat, I then suggest ways in which anthropogenic ultrasound production can be encompassed in environmental impact debates.

Red Grape By-Products from the Demarcated Douro Region: Chemical Analysis, Antioxidant Potential and Antimicrobial Activity against Food-Borne Pathogens.

Wine production is one of the most important agricultural activities. The winemaking process generates a considerable volume of different residues characterized as by-products, such as pomace, seeds, stems, and skins. By-products are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant and antibacterial properties and may act as bacteriostatic or bactericidal agents against food-borne pathogens, improving food safety by enhancing antibiotic efficacy and reducing bacterial resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of grape components (skins, seeds, and stems) from three red grape varieties (Periquita, Gamay, and Donzelinho Tinto) and determine their antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Escherichia coli in food-producing animals and Listeria monocytogenes from food products and food-related environments. Ten phenolic compounds were quantified in these red grape varieties, with specific compounds found in different parts of the grape, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. Flavonoids are abundant in seeds and stems, malvidin-3-O-glucoside being the main anthocyanin in skins. The ethanolic extract from the seeds showed in vitro concentration-dependent activity against reactive species like •NO and O2•-. Gamay extract was the most effective, followed by Donzelinho Tinto and Periquita. Extracts showed varying antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with stronger effects on Gram-positive bacteria. L. monocytogenes was more susceptible, while E. coli was limited to three strains. Seeds exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, followed by stems. The results of our study provide evidence of the potential of grape by-products, particularly seeds, as sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, offering promising avenues for enhancing food safety and combating antibiotic resistance in food production and related environments.

INCENTIVOS E VALORIZAÇÃO PARA CARREIRA E CARGOS DEMAGISTÉRIO DO ENSINO BÁSICO TÉCNICO E TECNOLÓGICO (EBTT)

The present study aims to analyze the impacts of the incentives and appreciationprovided by the EBTT career plan on the teaching practice and professionaldevelopment of teachers. The following specific objectives were defined: to understandhow the career plan and continuing education influence the pedagogical practice ofteachers: to identify the main incentive and valorization policies implemented at theFederal Institute of Rondônia. The justification for this study is based on the need tounderstand more deeply the effectiveness of policies to value and encourage teachers.This understanding is essential to improve pedagogical practice and create a morestimulating and productive educational environment. By identifying successful practicesand areas for improvement, it will be possible to develop practical recommendationsthat contribute to the professional advancement of teachers and to the improvement ofthe quality of the education offered.

Digital Engineering in Photonics: Optimizing Laser Processing

This article explores the transformative impact of digital engineering on photonic technologies, emphasizing advancements in laser processing through digital models, artificial intelligence (AI), and freeform optics. It presents a comprehensive review of how these technologies enhance efficiency, precision, and control in manufacturing processes. Digital models are pivotal for predicting and optimizing thermal effects in laser processing, thereby reducing material deformation and defects. The integration of AI further refines these models, improving productivity and quality in applications such as micromachining and cladding. Additionally, the combination of AI with freeform optics advances laser technology by enabling real-time adjustments and customizable beam profiles, which enhance processing versatility and reduce material damage. The use of digital twins is also examined as a key development in laser-based manufacturing, offering significant improvements in process optimization, defect reduction, and system efficiency. By incorporating real-time monitoring, machine learning, and physics-based modeling, digital twins facilitate precise simulations and predictions, leading to more effective and reliable manufacturing practices. Overall, the integration of digital twins, AI, and freeform optics into laser processing marks a significant progression in manufacturing technology. These advancements collectively enhance precision, efficiency, and adaptability, resulting in improved product quality and reduced operational costs. The continued evolution of these technologies is expected to drive further advancements in manufacturing practices, offering more robust solutions for complex production environments.