Operational Experience Research Articles

Design and Evaluation of a Leader–Follower Isomorphic Vascular Interventional Surgical Robot

Vascular interventional surgical robots (VISRs) can help doctors to avoid X-ray radiation. This paper proposes a leader–follower isomorphic robot where the structural form and operational logic are completely identical. The doctor’s operation on the leader robot is precisely replicated on the follower robot, enabling delivery and rotation capabilities. It can further achieve collaborative operation. This control system adopts a four-channel scheme based on acceleration and can achieve approximately ideal transparency. The leader–follower delivery error of the catheter/guidewire is less than 1 mm, and the leader–follower rotation error of the guidewire is less than 0.3° in an actual intervention task based on a human vascular model. Subsequently, the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to evaluate the learning curve of the robot system, demonstrating that both operators could master the operation method within 10 trials. We classified operators with different operational experience using machine learning methods. The classification process includes time-frequency domain feature extraction, feature selection based on the Relief method and random forest (RF) method, and a BP neural network (NN) classifier. The results indicate that this method can achieve accuracy of 94%. This paper comprehensively discusses the robot system from the perspectives of the mechanism design, control methods, and evaluation methods, providing valuable insights for the design of related robotic systems.

A Liberal Arts Course ‘Study on Studies’ with Expanded Content Based on Professors' Convergence

To address the issues caused by the segmentation and fragmentation of knowledge in our highly specialized modern society, convergence-oriented liberal arts education is essential. This paper introduces the development and operational case of a convergence liberal arts course, ‘Study on Studies’, approached from a fresh perspective. Current general liberal arts education in universities often falls short of effectively helping students develop the ability to think integratively across various disciplines. ‘Study on Studies’ is designed so that professors first engage in convergence learning across diverse academic fields and, based on this experience, foster students' integrated thinking skills. This course enables students to experience convergence thinking by exploring a range of disciplines, centered on the integration of the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This paper presents the specific structure and content system of the course and discusses the potential and directions for improving convergence education based on actual operational experience. While major-specific education effectively delivers specialized knowledge, liberal arts education can only be impactful when it fosters convergence thinking and experiences through an integrative, rather than purely professional, approach. To enhance the effectiveness of convergence education, I propose a new model for liberal arts courses, addressing both structural and content-related aspects, and anticipate a qualitative transformation in liberal arts education for the future.

Enhancing Efficiency and Patient Experience in Medical Clinics: A Systematic Review of Process Improvement Approaches

Objective: This systematic review examines the effectiveness of process improvement approaches in enhancing operational efficiency and patient experience in medical clinics. It aims to identify key strategies, their outcomes, and the barriers to successful implementation. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published between 2016 and 2024. The review included peer-reviewed articles and case studies that evaluated the impact of process improvement methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma, workflow optimization, and digital health technologies. Data extraction and synthesis followed the PRISMA guidelines. Results: The review included 35 studies spanning diverse healthcare settings. Key findings revealed that Lean methodologies and workflow redesign significantly reduced patient waiting times and increased clinic throughput. Digital tools, such as electronic health records and appointment scheduling systems, improved patient satisfaction by streamlining communication and reducing administrative burdens. Barriers to implementation included resource constraints, staff resistance, and technological challenges. Conclusion: Process improvement approaches are instrumental in addressing inefficiencies and enhancing patient experiences in medical clinics. However, successful implementation requires overcoming structural and cultural barriers. This review highlights the need for adaptive strategies tailored to specific clinical contexts and calls for further research on long-term outcomes and scalability of these interventions.

Comfort of smartwatch wearing: A comparative study of different hand types

<p>This study aims to explore the relationship between wrist size and the comfort and fit of smartwatch wearability. Measurements of hand dimensions, including wrist width, palm length, finger length, and finger width, were taken from 41 participants. Based on the analysis results, participants were grouped by wrist width, and individuals from different groups were asked to subjectively rate the comfort, strap fit, and ease of operation of the smartwatch. The results revealed that wrist width significantly impacts wearing comfort, while other hand features (such as finger width) play a crucial role in the operational experience. Users with wider wrists rated strap fit and wearing pressure more favorably, whereas those with narrower wrists demonstrated superior touchscreen operation performance. Additionally, the significant effects of design factors such as strap material, dial size, and smartwatch weight on wearing experience were also validated. These findings provide valuable insights for smartwatch design, highlighting the necessity of considering variations in hand dimensions to enhance the overall user experience.</p>

U.S. vs. Russia: Cyber «Drang nach Osten»

In June 2022, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command, Paul Nakasone, disclosed that his soldiers had conducted offensive cyberattacks against Russia before the Special military operation in Ukraine began. These so-called “hunt forward” operations are part of USCYBERCOM’s doctrine of persistent engagement. This doctrine involves the personnel of the Cyber Nation Mission Forces deploying to partner countries to work with their cyber defenders in their most critical networks and computer systems. Their mission is to search for and degrade enemy activities, while also researching their tools and tactics in cyberspace. This doctrine is one of Nakasone’s key innovations in Cyber Command’s course of action. Previously, U.S. cyber operations required authorization from the U.S. President. This restriction made actions like persistent engagement and hunt forward operations nearly impossible, as they require extensive activities within other countries’ networks even before a cyberattack is prepared. It is impractical to expect the President to approve every such request. Nakasone changed this by removing the requirement for presidential authorization. Today, this allows Cyber Command to conduct such operations - both defensive and offensive - much more broadly, and they are taking full advantage of this opportunity. The problem lies in the sphere of international law - both in the field of the law of war (jus in bello) and the right to war (jus ad bellum). U.S. politicians often claim that cyber operations can achieve strategic goals without crossing the threshold of armed conflict. In any other domain actions with similar effects could provoke war but not in cyberspace. This feature is its main advantage and the reason the U.S. sabotages other countr ies’ initiatives (particularly Russian) to establish a legal regime for state use of cyberspace. However, there is no consensus among U.S. specialists about the legal basis that legitimizes such operations against another country, both internationally and domestically. Yet, this ambiguity seems to work in the U.S. favor. In fact, U.S. soldiers have attacked another country’s (Russian) territory and this has not led to a direct war between Russia and the U.S. U.S. officials consider the hunt forward operation experience in Ukraine as both successful and useful for refining U.S. strategies in cyberspace, including the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the DoD Cyber Strategy. They plan to use such tools more broadly against Russia. Currently, the U.S. is actively working in the Post-Soviet area against Russia to disrupt Russia’s national interests. Among other things, Washington is attempting to coerce Central Asian states into alignment with U.S. interests. Hunt forward operations are an obvious tool of the United States, which Russia will most likely have to counteract there.

EXPERIENCES OF THE MILITARY INSTITUTE OF ARMAMENT TECHNOLOGY IN THE AREA OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS ACTIVITIES COVERED BY THE CONCESSION OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND ADMINISTRATION

In Poland, business activities involving the manufacture and trade of explosives, weapons, ammunition and products and technology for military or police use require all entities that deal with this matter to have an appropriate license. A license, which takes the form of an administrative decision and is issued through administrative proceedings, is thus a means of state regulations, by allowing only a specific entrepreneur to undertake and carry out the relevant business activity specified by the law. This activity is based on the basic legal Act of June 13, 2019, “on the performance of business activities, in the field of manufacturing and trading of explosives, weapons, ammunition and products and technology for military or police use”, and 20 regulatory acts to this Act in the rank of regulations. However, are the provisions of the law, adopted after 18 years of experience in operation of previous law and regulating the area of performance of this licensed activity, consistent, unambiguous and covering all activities related to the manufacture and circulation of explosives, weapons, ammunition and products and technology for military or police use? This is the question that the authors will try to answer basing on MIAT’s (Military Institute of Armament Technology) own experience, and on analysis of some topics.

Operation Experience of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel at Ukrainian NPPs

To ensure compatibility with the more robust design of TVSA manufactured by TVEL JSC, a modification of the Westinghouse FA, referred to as RWFA, was announced in 2013, which was designed to be more robust. Since 2015, RWFAs has been in pilot operation and since 2019 in commercial operation in Ukraine. The supply of Westinghouse FAs to Ukraine was under constant supervision and integrity control at all stages of operation and after its end. From the very beginning of the implementation of the WFAs, specialists of SE "NNEGC "Energoatom" and Westinghouse Company with the scientific support of NFC STE NSC KIPT carried out the annual inspections of the fuel assemblies. Based on the inspection results of 86 WFAs/RWFAs after 1-3 years of operation, it was concluded that the obtained values of the parameters characterizing the integrity of WFAs/RWFAs did not exceed the limits set during the FA design and safety substantiation of the core loading where those FAs were operated. All FAs that were subjected to scheduled inspections were loaded in the subsequent fuel cycles.

Testing and implementation of LEU+ 6% enriched UO2 fuel at The PULSTAR reactor

The PULSTAR reactor is a light water moderated and cooled, UO2 fueled reactor featuring both 4% and 6% enriched fuel assemblies. The PULSTAR was operated for over 40 years with 4% enriched assemblies. Originally designed to demonstrate key reactor concepts in the 1970s, the PULSTAR now serves as a hub of research opportunities. Recently, the PULSTAR has successfully demonstrated methods for licensing and operations with higher enriched fuel in a typical light water reactor configuration. Using MCNP, a model was developed and benchmarked against historical core loadings of the PULSTAR. Key reactivity contributions as well as kinetic effects were simulated. From this model, predictive calculations were completed to demonstrate the compliance of operations, with 6% enriched assemblies, to all required technical specifications. Based on the results, the PULSTAR reactor license was successfully amended to include both 4% and LEU+ 6% enriched assemblies. Results from three core loadings from 2017 to the present demonstrate the adherence of the PULSTAR to its technical specifications and the related US NRC regulations, while operating with LEU+ 6% enriched fuel. Operational experience with these new mixed enrichment cores continues to show excellent agreement between the predicted and observed reactor behavior. The precedent set by the simulations and operations with the PULSTAR’s mixed enrichment cores can be beneficial to the planned introduction of higher enriched (LEU+) fuel in the light water commercial reactor (LWR) fleet in the US and worldwide.

Operational experience with dynamic current rating of busbar systems in 220-kV-substations

Operational experience with dynamic current rating of busbar systems in 220-kV-substations

Optimization of the route of the refueling machine to reduce the refueling time: Case study of the BN-800 reactor

Sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR) are included in the list of fourth-generation nuclear energy systems, the so-called generation IV (GEN-IV). It is the only technology of GEN-IV that possesses the significant practical experience of design, construction, and operation of high-power reactors. Due to the high temperature of the coolant at the BN-600 and BN-800 reactor core outlets, the steam generator produces steam with higher enthalpy, and this significantly increases the efficiency of cogeneration at SFR power plants in comparison with pressured water reactor (PWR) or boiling water reactor (BWR) units. The primary nuclear fuel effectiveness rises due to cogeneration with higher efficiency of a sodium-cooled fast reactor nuclear power plant (NPP) in comparison with thermal reactors. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the reactor refueling outages to improve the nuclear power plant utilization factor.It is possible to reduce the duration of the reactor refueling by the route optimization of the refueling machine movement. The prevailing in the world thermal neutron reactors with water cooling have a refueling machine that points the certain fuel assembly using two coordinates. The fast neutron reactors use sodium as a coolant; thus, there is a problem with its violent reaction with water and air oxygen. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude the contact of sodium and surrounding air during the refueling. To achieve this, the system of refueling machine pointing is used, consisting of two or three eccentrically located rotating plugs with hydraulic locks. The article presents the results of the creation of mathematical models of refueling machine movement and fuel assembly gripping. The time-optimal algorithms for the operation of refueling machines with three rotating plugs are proposed. The use of the new algorithm allows to reduce the time of movement of the grip of the refueling machine by 30–37%.

Re-engineering of ball mill at Novotroitsk Plant of Chromium Compounds

Novotroitsk Plant of Chromium Compounds (NPCC) specializes in the processing of chromite and dolomite ores. Operating experience showed that the loss of operability of the ball mill installed in this workshop leads to unplanned downtime due to the failure of drive elements, which account for 11.3 % of the rated operating time of the workshop. To improve the reliability of technological equipment, it was proposed to replace the existing electric drive with a modern geared motor, which transmits rotation to the mill drum through a gear coupling. As a result of the new drive engineering, it was possible to simplify its design and reduce the labor intensity of maintenance and repair. Additional capital expenditures do not exceed RUB 3.4 million and pay off in less than 3 months.

The Role of Single Landscape Elements in Enhancing Landscape Aesthetics and the Sustainable Tourism Experience: A Case Study of Leisure Furniture

This study focuses on Xuanwu Lake Park and Purple Mountain National Forest Park in Nanjing to explore the impact of leisure furniture as a single landscape element on the visual landscape evaluation and sustainable tourism experience. In previous studies, researchers paid more attention to the overall beauty of landscape and its impact on tourists’ experiences, and there was a lack of studies on the role of a single landscape element (such as leisure furniture) in enhancing landscape beauty and tourists’ experiences. This study addresses gaps in the literature by isolating leisure furniture from other landscape elements in order to assess its unique contribution to aesthetic appeal and the various dimensions of a sustainable tourism experience, including sensory, emotional, cognitive, and operational aspects. Using Schmitt’s five-dimensional Strategic Experiential Model as the framework and combining the dual methods of visual assessments and visitor surveys, an assessment team consisting of 40 members was formed to evaluate the visual landscape of leisure furniture in two major scenic spots, and 492 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed to study the impact of leisure furniture on tourists’ experiences. The findings reveal that leisure furniture significantly enhances visitors’ aesthetic evaluations and sensory experiences at Xuanwu Lake National Forest Park. However, suboptimally designed leisure furniture at Purple Mountain National Forest Park negatively affects both the visual appeal and sensory experience of visitors. Nevertheless, in both locations, leisure furniture positively impacts emotional and operational experiences, highlighting its role in promoting relaxation and interaction among visitors. This study provides practical insights for landscape designers and urban planners regarding the importance of carefully designing and positioning leisure furniture to optimize aesthetic and experiential outcomes. It also provides certain enlightenment and insights for future exploration of the impacts of other landscape elements (such as vegetation, water, lighting, etc.) on visual landscape evaluations and visitors’ experiences.

Clinical Best Practices for Radiation Safety During an Alpha DaRT Treatment.

Alpha DaRT is a new alpha radiation treatment for treating solid tumors and is currently being evaluated through clinical trials worldwide. Being a novel radiation treatment, it is important to discuss the safety considerations and procedures that are needed to ensure safe use of this unique approach. The objective of this article is to provide a set of recommendations-radiation safety best practices that were developed based on operational and clinical experience.

AI assistance in enterprise UX design workflows: enhancing design brief creation for designers.

The study explores the impact of AI tools on the daily tasks of designers in corporate environments, with a focus on the creation and evaluation processes of design briefs. Given ChatGPT's advanced natural language processing capabilities and its potential to meet the complex communication and analysis needs of design work, this tool was selected to investigate its application in designers' workflows. Through expert interviews, experimental testing, and third-party expert evaluations, we collected and analyzed data to understand the impact of AI on work processes. The findings indicate that AI tools significantly enhance both operational experience and subjective perceptions across most tasks. Additionally, the study provides a visual comparison of the testing process through a user experience map, highlighting AI's positive influence on work efficiency, information retrieval, verification, analysis, communication, and decision-making. However, challenges remain in ensuring information authenticity, protecting content copyright, and maintaining professional identity. The primary objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of AI application in business contexts and its impact on designers' roles. By analyzing real-world feedback, the research aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of AI solutions in enterprises and offer practical recommendations. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI thinking into workflows and adopting a human-centric approach for the future development of corporate work environments.

Biofuels in lime kilns – Operating experience in the Nordic pulp and paper industry

The lime reburning process is a central part of the chemical pulp mill. It is energy intensive and consumes large amounts of fossil fuel, globally consuming about 50 terawatt-hours (TWh) of fuel per year. Conversion to operation with biofuel is interesting, both to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to reduce costs. Researchers interviewed managers in mills that use solid, liquid, or gasified biofuels to replace fuel oil or natural gas in their lime kilns, and they conducted surveys related to fuel consumption and operations and maintenance. In Sweden and Finland, there were ten mills in 2020 using biomass powder or gasified biomass as the primary fuel, and two more installations were under construction. There were also nine installations in operation or under construction outside the Nordic countries. Fourteen mills in Sweden and two mills in Finland used tall oil pitch as the main fuel. Fuel consumption in Swedish lime kilns was 3.8 TWh in 2020, and 90% of this energy was supplied with biofuels. Of about 4.2 TWh used in Finnish lime kilns, approximately 45% was supplied with biofuels. Developments in the design of the fuel supply system include belt dryers being used in all new installations and mass flow metered dosing systems being used in most new pulverized fuel installations. Bark gasifiers have increased considerably in size. Lignin powder firing has been established as a proven option. A solution for many Swedish and Finnish mills is the use of tall oil pitch as a replacement for fuel oil.

Life Cycle Prediction of Airport Operation Based on System Dynamics

Traditional airport development planning often overlooks an in-depth consideration of the airport operation life cycle, which frequently causes deviations from planned objectives during operation. This paper presents a framework for predicting and segmenting the airport operation life cycle by integrating the dynamic characteristics of the System Dynamics (SD) model with the static properties of Logistic modeling to examine the development trajectory of airport operations. The influencing factors in this model are selected across three levels: airport, city, and macro-environment. A system dynamics model of airport operation is constructed using causal loop diagrams and system flow diagrams. Using Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) as a case study, the airport’s operational capacity from 2005 to 2035 is predicted through SD simulation. Subsequently, the airport operation life cycle from 2005 to 2050 is forecasted and segmented using Logistic modeling. The results indicate that, under the standard scenario, CAN’s operational capacity experiences two declines in 2016 and 2020, attributed to airport construction and emergencies. Logistic modeling identifies three distinct life cycle phases in the airport’s operation. Furthermore, by comparing various airport operation scenarios, the analysis reveals that fluctuations in the city economy significantly impact the airport’s operational system without altering its overall development trajectory. In contrast, the occurrence of emergencies can substantially modify the airport operation life cycle.

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.

Can ChatGPT Revolutionize Language Learning? Unveiling the Power of AI in Multilingual Education Through User Insights and Pedagogical Impact

ABSTRACTIn the era of accelerating globalization, the necessity for multilingual education is increasingly prominent. This study investigates the effectiveness of the AI‐based chatbot ChatGPT in multilingual teaching applications. This study employs a quasi‐experimental research methodology to examine the experiences of 100 international students at a university in Western China. The investigation delves into multiple dimensions of ChatGPT's effectiveness, including user interface design, operational experience, educational interaction, student engagement, personalized learning recommendations, and the enhancement of cultural understanding. The findings indicate that ChatGPT demonstrates significant potential in multilingual teaching, particularly in providing personalized learning support and facilitating cultural comprehension. However, improvements are needed in aspects of user interface friendliness, interaction naturalness, and depth. This research not only provides empirical support for the use of ChatGPT in multilingual education but also introduces a fresh perspective on integrating AI technology into educational practices, thereby advancing its role in multilingual teaching.

Mitigating risks in hydrogen-powered transportation: A comprehensive risk assessment for hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages

Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, crucial to achieving net-zero energy goals. However, the rapid expansion of hydrogen-powered transportation is outpacing safety standards, posing significant risks due to limited operational experience, involvement of new actors and lack of targeted guidelines. This study addresses the urgent need for a tailored comprehensive risk assessment framework. Using Structured What-If (SWIFT) and bowtie barrier analysis, the research evaluates a hypothetical pilot project focusing on hydrogen refuelling stations, vehicles, and garages. The study identifies critical hazards and assesses the adequacy of current risk mitigation measures. Key findings reveal gaps in safety practices, leading to 41 actionable steps and 5 key activities to help new actors manage hydrogen risks effectively. By introducing novel safety guidelines, this research contributes to the development of safe hydrogen use and advances the understanding of hydrogen risks, ensuring its sustainable integration into transportation systems.

유아교사의 디지털 교육 운영 경험의 현상학적 연구

Objectives We fundamentally understand the phenomenon that appears in early childhood teachers' digital education experiences and operation cases, and through interviews and in-depth technology, we derived early childhood teachers' digital education use experience and operation and demands for digital education operation, and proposed effective application in the educational field. Methods Seven early childhood teachers with digital education experience at a daycare center in Incheon were selected as research subjects. Research data was collected through focus group interviews from April 25 to 26, 2024, through group face-to-face interaction tailored to the circumstances of the research participants, and phenomenological research methods of interpretation, coding, and classification according to qualitative data analysis procedures. was analyzed. Results The experiences of early childhood teachers using digital education were as follows: ‘educational value of digital media’, ‘role of early childhood teachers in utilizing digital education’, ‘positive experience of digital education’, and ‘digital education that realizes dynamic play’. Digital education operation experience was expressed as ‘classroom environment for digital education operation’, ‘selection and use of digital media’, ‘classroom operation using digital media to develop early childhood teachers’, and ‘digital education influenced by finances’. , The demands for operating digital education include ‘problems and limitations of digital education,’ ‘concerns in the process of operating digital media education,’ ‘plans for the development of digital education,’ and ‘education using digital media where our voices coexist.’ ','Literacy education for a digitally safe world for both children and parents.’ Conclusions The role of an early childhood teacher can be seen as connecting with appropriate digital media, recognizing the importance of linking with the elementary education curriculum, and understanding that the level of class varies depending on the teacher's ability to use digital media. In order to operate digital education in the educational field, professional education and financial support from the government must be supported. Early childhood teachers need a willingness to not focus on the convenience of digital education and an attitude of self-vigilance. When providing digital media to young children, they need to have a balanced perspective by teaching them how to use digital media safely and correctly, as well as the need to prevent addiction and limit time. The significance of the study is that it has derived a direction that should help in the formation of and act as a filter to filter out negative things.