Ground Maintenance Research Articles

Outdoor workers' perceptions of skin cancer prevention: a qualitative study.

Outdoor workers are at increased risk for skin cancer and melanoma. This qualitative study aimed to explore outdoor workers' perspectives and experiences of primary (i.e. sun protection) and secondary prevention, i.e. skin self-examination (SSE) of skin cancer. Purposive, snowball, and theoretical sampling was used to recruit outdoor workers in Kentucky and Indiana. Semi-structured interviews via telephone or videoconference of approximately 45 min were conducted with interviewer probes and questions about perceptions of cancer risk, prevention, and screening techniques conducted, perceived barriers and facilitators, and preferences for health dissemination venues. The recordings were transcribed verbatim and de-identified. Analysis involved constructivist grounded theory coding strategies. Using peer debriefing and consensus building around themes, the researcher established a codebook for all interviews to utilize within Dedoose software for systematizing and organizing data. Eighteen interviews were conducted. Interviewees (N = 18) ranged in age from 35 to 78 yr, with 3 females. Outdoor industries included agriculture, maintenance, and grounds maintenance. Themes derived from the data showed the underlying factors and perceptions that influence outdoor workers to conduct primary and secondary cancer prevention activities. The level of alarm attributed to disease and the level of trust in information contribute to intentions to conduct activities. The intentions and trust toward healthcare institutions and providers drive the primary or secondary prevention behaviors. Cultural and contextual factors included masculinity and self-sufficiency, familial and occupational priorities, and community ties. These data provide a basis for developing future communications and interventions to decrease skin cancer incidence in outdoor workers. They indicate that secondary prevention and building self-efficacy in conducting SSE should be emphasized in tandem or over primary skin cancer prevention methods in this population. Trusted local healthcare providers should primarily provide prevention information, and materials should utilize testimonials from the local community to best influence this population. Communications and training interventions are needed in this population to induce a proactive level of alarm about cancer and result in the performance of SSE.

Design and Implementation of Simulation Training System for Ground Maintenance Pannel of a Certain Type of Aircraft

According to the design requirements of ground maintenance pannel simulation training system of a certain type of aircraft, a set of training system with the functions of ground handling practice, aircraft maintenance operation training and PMA interactive operation training is developed. The system design fully considers the requirements of generalization and modularization design. The function division of each module is clear, the signal interface is clear, and one of the modules can be replaced quickly to facilitate the positioning and elimination of failure. It has the dual expansibility of training task and training model, and can continuously add training task package, including procedure training, troubleshooting guidance training, etc., and can adapt to change in aircraft state.

Производственный травматизм в гражданской авиации

Statistical data on the Russian occupational injuries over two decades indicate a reduction in the victims annual number in all the sectors of the country economy from more than 150 thousand employees per year (2000) to 20 thousand (2021). It is shown that the number of fatal accidents during the same time decreased from 4.4 thousand per year to 1 thousand. The authors argue that during the aircraft ground maintenance in civil aviation, the cases of injury to employees and occupational diseases occur in accordance with what happens at the industrial enterprises. Statistics on monitoring working conditions and injury incidents at the aviation enterprises over the past three decades (excluding those injured in aviation accidents) are presented. Based on monitoring data, it is shown that in the period from 2000 to 2021, the rate of decline in the number of employees affected by industrial hazards in civil aviation is approximately 1.5 times higher than the same figure for the country. The results of a statistical analysis of the employee injury causes cases that occurred are described. It is stated that the working conditions characteristic feature of the employees at enterprises and organizations of the country during the period of time under consideration was and remains increased noise levels in the workplaces. At the civil aviation enterprises, the share of people employed in work with such harmful and (or) hazardous working conditions as noise, ultrasound, and infrasound the last decade is about 20 % over. The review is provided concerning the modern methods for reducing the impact of noise on the employees conducting aircraft ground handling operations. Recommendations are given on improving methods for counteracting the noise negative effects, developing personal protective equipment for areas of high noise pollution, and for further research.

Characteristics of work-related spine injury in the USA: a National Trauma Data Bank analysis.

Workplace injury is a commonplace occurrence in the USA. Spine injuries are especially devastating as they can cause chronic pain and limit mobility which prevents patients from returning to work. Gaining a better understanding of the patients, mechanisms, and treatments associated with these injuries can aid in improving outcomes. The purpose of this study is to characterize the nature of work-related spine injuries. The National Trauma Data Bank was queried from 2017 to 2019 for all diagnoses involving the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury characteristics, spinal diagnoses, and procedures were identified for each occupation. Occupational industries, patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, diagnoses, and spinal procedures were characterized. A total of 100,842 work-related injuries were identified between 2017 and 2019. Of those, 19,002 (19%) were spine injuries, and subsequently, 3963 (21%) required spinal surgery. Eight thousand twenty-nine (42%) cases were seen among construction workers, which had the highest proportion of Hispanic patients (36%). Smoking was prevalent in labor-intensive occupations with high rates of spine injury such as building and grounds maintenance. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from a roof. The most common injury diagnoses were L1, L2, and L3 fractures, and the most common procedures were T12-L1 fusion, multilevel thoracic fusion, and multilevel lumbar fusion. Spine injuries represent a significant portion of work-related injuries in the USA and a considerable portion require neurosurgical intervention. Initial efforts should focus on the prevention and management of lumbar spine injuries in the construction industry.

Occupational fatalities among grounds maintenance workers in the United States (2016-2020).

In 2019, grounds maintenance work was ranked among the most dangerous jobs in the United States. The objective of this study was to provide a national profile of fatal injuries of grounds maintenance workers. Data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and Current Population Survey were analyzed to determine grounds maintenance worker fatality rates and rate ratios during 2016-2020. During the 5-year study period, a total of 1064 deaths, or average fatality rate of 16.64 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees (FTEs) was identified in grounds maintenance workers compared to 3.52 deaths per 100,000 FTEsfor all occupational worker deaths in the United States. The incidence rate ratio was 4.72 per 100,000 FTEs[95% CI:4.44-5.02; p < 0.0001]. The primary events or exposures that led to work-related deaths were transportation incidents (28.0%), falls (27.3%), contact with objects and equipment (22.8%), and traumatic acute exposures to harmful substances or environments (17.9%). Black or African American workers had higher death rates, while Hispanic or Latino workers accounted for over one-third of all occupational-related fatalities. Each year, fatal work injury rates were consistently nearly fivetimes higher among those employed in grounds maintenance work than all US worker fatalities. Wide-ranging safety intervention and prevention measures are needed to protect workers. Future research efforts should employ methods that include qualitative approaches to gain a better understanding of worker's perspectives and employer's operational work practices to mitigate risks that contribute to these high work-related fatalities.

Green space creation and utilization in coordination with policies for Healthy Cities in Japan

ABSTRACT Over the past 18 years, policies for Healthy Cities have been introduced in Japan to promote public health and provide ample green spaces through the collaborative efforts of various sections of Japan’s local governments. These efforts have been directed at such matters as the health of city residents, grounds maintenance, sport, and community development in both plan-making and implementation, and share the common goal of creating more green spaces. In this study, we reviewed policies for Green Structure Plans in coordination with Health Promotion Plans and policies for Healthy Cities in six Japanese cities, and assessed the role of policies for Healthy Cities in supporting and promoting green spaces and policies for planning green spaces in these cities. We found that the integrated planning of public health and the provision of sufficient green spaces, particularly in disadvantaged city areas, can produce significant improvements in the quality of the environment. We also determined the city size that is best suited to cross-sectional collaboration for policy development and implementation in the planning process.

Trend in tropopause warming and its influence aircraft performance

PurposeTemperature anomalies in the upper troposphere have become a reality as a result of global warming, which has a noticeable impact on aircraft performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the total air temperature (TAT) anomaly observed during the cruise level and its impact on engine parameter variations.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical methodology is used in this study, and it is based on measurements and observations of anomalous phenomena on the tropopause. The primary data were taken from the Boeing 747-8F's enhanced flight data recorder, which refers to the quantitative method, while the qualitative method is based on a literature review and interviews. The GEnx Integrated Vehicle Health Management system was used for the study's evaluation of engine performance to support the complete range of operational priorities throughout the entire engine lifecycle.FindingsThe study's findings indicate that TAT and SAT anomalies, which occur between 270- and 320-feet flight level, have a substantial impact on aircraft performance at cruise altitude and, as a result, on engine parameters, specifically an increase in fuel consumption and engine exhaust gas temperature values. The TAT and Ram Rise anomalies were the focus of the atmospheric deviations, which were assessed as major departures from the International Civil Aviation Organizations–defined International Standard Atmosphere, which is obvious on a positive tendency and so goes against the norms.Research limitations/implicationsNecessary fixed flight parameters gathered from the aircraft's enhanced airborne flight recorder (EAFR) via Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC) 664 Part 7 at a certain velocity and altitude interfacing with the diagnostic program direct parameter display (DPD), allow for analysis of aircraft performance in a real-time frame. Thus, processed data transmits to the ground maintenance infrastructure for future evaluation and for proper maintenance solutions.Originality/valueA real-time analysis of aircraft performance is possible using the diagnostic program DPD in conjunction with necessary fixed flight parameters obtained from the aircraft's EAFR via ARINC 664 Part 7 at a specific speed and altitude. Thus, processed data is transmitted to the ground infrastructure for maintenance to be evaluated in the future and to find the best maintenance fixes.

20 ppm Anhydrous Ammonia Odor Agent Proposed for Hydrogen Fuel for Safe Detection of Leaks

Preferably 20 ppm anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is proposed to be added to hydrogen fuel (H) made from renewable energy sources (green hydrogen), so that H leaks may be easily detectable by smell, but not dangerously toxic. Including this odor agent, would allow H to be distributed safely in pipes, as required by law, and it would allow H to be safely stored, transported, and exported for sale, and widely commercialized. Further research is suggested to identify optimum pressure, temperature, and automated technique for injecting NH3 into H, and to chart the minimum concentration needed, as a function of temperature and humidity. An application to make hypersonic H burning aircraft safer for ground maintenance crews is proposed. An ability to make, store and distribute H, made from local sources of renewable energy, would reduce a need for fossil fuels, especially in poor, remote communities, where it could improve their economy by creating an export product for sale, while reducing pollution.

HISTORICAL CIRCLE OF THE FACULTY OF GROUND STRUCTURES AND AIRFIELDS OF THE NATIONAL AVIATION UNIVERSITY

The article is devoted to the genesis of the scientific and educational school for training specialists in the design, construction and operation of airfields at the National Aviation University. The historical periods of formation and development of educational technologies and educational management are revealed. It is noted that the training of specialists in the design, construction and operation of airfields and ground facilities, including airports, was started at the National Aviation University in 1933. The rapid development of civil aviation in the post-war period led to the establishment of the Faculty of Airports in 1968 as part of the university. During this period, the educational and scientific activity of the faculty is characterized by the formation of a holistic model of educational training of specialists in ground maintenance of civil aviation and operation of airfields. Under the influence of the market conditions of the socio-economic development of the state, a period of transformations and searches for a model of educational activity began in 2002, which culminated in the creation of the Faculty of Architecture, Construction and Design in 2018, a significant decline in the interest of entrants to educational training under the airfield operation program. From 2021, the search for a balance between the specialties of the faculty and a change in the priorities of educational training will take place in favor of restoring the role of the National Aviation University in the development of airfield construction and airfield operation.

ОПТИМІЗАЦІЯ РЕСУРСІВ АЕРОПОРТУ ДЛЯ НАЗЕМНОГО ОБСЛУГОВУВАННЯ ПОВІТРЯНИХ СУДЕН В УМОВАХ НЕВИЗНАЧЕНОСТІ

Introduction. The changes that are taking place in Ukraine due to the influence of both global and regional factors lead to the fact that airports needs to review the concepts of managing the company’s activities and look for new strategies for functioning on the market. This article examines the main causes of flight delays that affect the operation of airport services and thus cause uncertainty. The activity of domestic airports is analyzed. The problem of operational planning and management of ground handling of aircraft at the airport is considered. Criteria for the effectiveness of ground handling of aircraft at the airport have been determined. Problems statement. Aviation transport in Ukraine is one of the main transport elements of the transport and logistics system of the country and the world. But it is also the most expensive mode of transport, which greatly affects the price of transportation. Transportation costs exceed 50%, and their reduction is the main goal of the transportation process. Therefore, for this, it is necessary to optimize the distribution of material and technical resources during the ground handling of aircraft at the airport. That is, regardless of flight delays, readiness to service the aircraft must be ensured by all airport services regardless of deviations from the daily flight schedule. Purpose. Analysis of the feasibility of optimizing material and technical resources during ground maintenance of aircraft, in order to increase the efficiency of the airport. The object of the study is the largest international airport «Boryspil», which, according to information from analysts, will have an even greater load after the war. The subject of the study is ground handling of aircraft at the airport. Materials and methods. Statistical analysis of ukrainian airports. Analysis of information sources regarding airline flight delays. Mathematical method of process research. Results. After studying the statistical data of ukrainian airports, it was concluded that due to the successful geographical location, the flows through them will increase. The main goal of Ukraine’s transport strategy is to integrate Ukraine’s transport complex into the global transport network, which also includes air transport. Therefore, in order to stay afloat and be competitive, it is necessary to introduce and improve the provision of services. Conclusions. Clearly organized ground handling of aircraft at the airport allows to optimize the use of material and technical resources, increase the number of serviced flights and affects the effective operation of the airport, its capacity.

Occupational history associates with ALS survival and onset segment

Objective To identify associations between occupational settings and self-reported occupational exposures on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) survival and phenotypes. Methods All patients seen in the University of Michigan Pranger ALS Clinic were invited to complete an exposure assessment querying past occupations and exposures. Standard occupational classification (SOC) codes for each job and the severity of various exposure types were derived. Cox proportional hazards models associated all-cause mortality with occupational settings and the self-reported exposures after adjusting for sex, diagnosis age, revised El Escorial criteria, onset segment, revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), and time from symptom onset to diagnosis. Multinomial logistic regression models with three categories, adjusted for age, assessed the association between occupational settings and exposures to onset segment. Results Among the 378 ALS participants (median age, 64.7 years; 54.4% male), poorer survival was associated with work in SOC code “Production Occupations” and marginally with work in “Military Occupation”; poor survival associated with self-reported occupational pesticide exposure in adjusted models. Among onset segments: cervical onset was associated with ALS participants having ever worked in “Buildings and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations,” “Construction and Extraction Occupations,” and “Production Occupations”; bulbar onset with self-reported occupational exposure to radiation; and cervical onset with exposure to particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, metals, combustion and diesel exhaust, electromagnetic radiation, and radiation. Conclusion Occupational settings and self-reported exposures influence ALS survival and onset segment. Further studies are needed to explore and understand these relationships, most advantageously using prospective cohorts and detailed ALS registries.

Evaluation of seafloor environmental characteristics of harvesting ground of a kelp Saccharina longissima using GIS in the Pacific coastal area of eastern Hokkaido, Japan

The characteristics of the seafloor environment of the harvesting grounds of the kelp, Saccharina longissima, were evaluated by spatial analysis using a geographic information system (GIS) in the Pacific coastal area of eastern Hokkaido. The kelp harvesting grounds were formed in water depths ranging from 1.2 m to 9.6 m, slopes ranging from 0° to 16.3°, bottom substrate (coarseness score) ranging from 1.82 to 3.00, bottom current velocities ranging from 0.7 cm/s to 116.4 cm/s, and a maximum slope of 37.6°. These values include the viable environmental conditions for the kelp. The kelp growth parameters estimated from kelp measurement data before the harvesting season were positively related to the bottom current velocity. This suggests that the bottom current velocity has a significant effect on kelp growth. The 58 harvesting grounds were classified into two categories based on their growth: those with high kelp growth and those with low kelp growth. Based on a decision tree model, the differences between the two harvesting ground categories were explained by the bottom current velocity, maximum slope, and bottom substrate. In addition, their specific environmental conditions were also quantified. The quantified environmental conditions were also used to create a potential map for the kelp growth in the harvesting grounds. This study provides an understanding of the environmental characteristics of the kelp harvesting grounds, as well as a procedure for mapping the kelp growth potential, thus contributing to the sustainable use of the kelp resources through kelp harvesting ground management and maintenance.

Evaluation of hand-arm vibration(HAV) exposure levels among grounds maintenance workers: An observational human exposure measurement study.

Evaluation of hand-arm vibration(HAV) exposure levels among grounds maintenance workers: An observational human exposure measurement study.

Associations of self-reported occupational exposures and settings to ALS: a case–control study

BackgroundEnvironmental exposures contribute to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal and progressive neurological disease. Identification of these exposures is important for targeted screening and risk factor modification.ObjectiveTo identify occupational exposures that are associated with a higher risk of ALS using both survey and standard occupational classification (SOC) coding procedures, and to highlight how exposure surveys can complement SOC coding.MethodsALS participants and neurologically healthy controls recruited in Michigan completed a detailed exposure assessment on their four most recent and longest held occupations. Exposure scores were generated from the exposure survey, and occupations were assigned to SOC codes by experienced exposure scientists.ResultsThis study included 381 ALS and 272 control participants. ALS participants reported higher duration-adjusted occupational exposure to particulate matter (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.19–1.78, p < 0.001), volatile organic compounds (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.02–1.45, p = 0.029), metals (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.21–1.82, p < 0.001), and combustion and diesel exhaust pollutants (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.43, p = 0.041) prior to ALS diagnosis, when adjusted for sex, age, and military service compared to controls. In multivariable models, only occupational exposure to metals remained significant risk (OR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.11–2.20, p = 0.011), although in an adaptive elastic net model, particulate matter (OR = 1.203), pesticides (OR = 1.015), and metals (1.334) were all selected as risk factors. Work in SOC code “Production Occupations” was associated with a higher ALS risk. SOC codes “Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations”, “Construction and Extraction Occupations”, “Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations”, and “Production Occupations” were all associated with a higher exposure to metals as determined using survey data.DiscussionOccupational exposure to particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, metals, pesticides, and combustion and diesel exhaust and employment in “Production Occupations” was associated with an increased ALS risk in this cohort.

Ground Track Control Using Differential Drag for Small Earth Observation Satellite Constellations

This paper presents a framework for the acquisition and the maintenance of ground track configurations of small Earth observation satellite constellations. Specifically, the relative ground track spacings at the equator are controlled using differential drag to achieve the desired Earth coverage pattern without a propulsion system. The proposed framework is based on a divide-and-conquer approach to solving the optimal differential drag constellation management problem and comprises five processes for solving the related subproblems. The proposed framework can be used to manage end-to-end applications, from establishing the initial acquisition plan for the target ground track configuration, to the closed-loop command generation for the ground track acquisition and maintenance. Using the proposed framework, optimal acquisition plans with the minimum time and minimum altitude losses can be identified in a systematic way. The usefulness of the proposed method is demonstrated based on simulations incorporating the uncertainties in drag prediction.

GUT BACTERIAL DIVERSITY BETWEEN POLYGRID LAND SNAILS REFLECT ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENCES

GUT BACTERIAL DIVERSITY BETWEEN POLYGRID LAND SNAILS REFLECT ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENCES

SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUND HANDLING FACILITIES

The topical issue of providing aircraft with ground handling equipment of flights that would meet modern requirements of functional and quality indicators, international standards and prospects for the development of aircraft in the context of cooperation with NATO countries is considered.&#x0D; The results of the analysis of open literature sources on the possibilities of manufacturing means of ground maintenance of aircraft by the military-industrial complex of Ukraine are presented. The methodology of the system approach is aimed at the development of general requirements for ground-based power supply and start-up of aircraft engines. Analysis of trends in domestic and foreign models of ground handling equipment has determined that the problem of ensuring a given military-technical level of the fleet of military aircraft and helicopters is becoming more relevant every year, and work to create products and their components requires a comprehensive system approach.&#x0D; Methodical approaches to the development of general requirements for ground-based means of power supply of aircraft are presented. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of their use to justify the decision to supply these samples of special-purpose ground handling equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In this regard, the main task of the military-industrial sector of Ukraine is to prepare the production of analogues of electric and gas equipment for ground handling of aircraft and helicopters and their harmonization with NATO standards.

Improved deep learning based telemetry data anomaly detection to enhance spacecraft operation reliability

Spacecraft is a complex system integrating a large number of electronic components and payloads. During the in-orbit operation, abnormal events often occur due to the influences of space environment, performance degradation and other factors. These anomalies affect the operational reliability of spacecraft system in orbit. The telemetry data of spacecraft is the main basis to determine its in-orbit state. Data-driven telemetry data anomaly detection method can timely detect the abnormal state of spacecraft system, which provide reference for ground maintenance and ensure the safety and reliability of operation as well as the spacecraft itself. This paper proposes an improved deep learning based anomaly detection method for the anomaly detection of spacecraft telemetry data. Especially, the highly nonlinear modeling and predicting ability of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks are combined with multi-scale anomaly detection strategy to increase the detection performance. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using the NASA benchmark spacecraft data and the hydrogen clock data of the Beidou Navigation Satellite.

THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF PERFORMANCE: A SWEET SPOT

The building of distinct capabilities in an organization is essential; without those capabilities, organizations lose competitive edge and advantage, and ultimately market share and brand presence. Organizations utilize many tools to build human capabilities, which include interventions that seek to improve performance. The more HR can provide a line of sight to the C suite that those interventions and capability-building activities positively impact performance and business outcomes, the more effective HR can be at moving the HR strategy to the core of the business strategy. This writing explores using intersectionality to describe a confluence of design thinking, human performance technology, organizational network analysis, and influence on performance interventions. Keller (1987), Parker and Marsha (2021), and Roy (2021) have written on the various approaches to improving performance, but none of these studies utilized a confluence of the aforementioned strategies, hence the “sweet spot.” That spot is the foundation and centerpiece of the reasoning in this paper. This paper chronicled a performance exercise utilized by the author at the City of Detroit as an HR practitioner and applied this intersectionality to performance in the grounds maintenance division. It was learned that all aspects of these strategies layered together yielded robust results, concluding that many more HR practitioners and human performance technologists could employ this strategy and measure the outcomes.

Administrative Services Satisfaction Survey in Private Higher Education Institution in Malolos City, Bulacan, Philippines

The study examined the level of satisfaction of the administrators, teaching and non-teaching personnel of services rendered by the Administrative Services through Survey in Private Higher Education Institution in Malolos City, Bulacan. An ongoing effort to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and services in the Private Higher Education Institution in Malolos City, Bulacan and specifically to identify needed adjustments to better “facilitate education” through Administrative Services (AS), the Head, University Buildings and Campus Ground Maintenance Unit develop and administer a comprehensive Satisfaction Survey. The purpose of the study is to examine the area of strengths and weaknesses that were identified through the survey questionnaire used by 50 respondents representing the 20% of the Private Higher Education Institution in Malolos City personnel. This study makes use of the descriptive survey method to obtain date and information needed in determining the Administrative Services Satisfaction Survey. All Administrators, faculty, and non-teaching staff in the Private Higher Education Institution in Malolos City were invited by questionnaire and completed the survey. The purpose of this brief is to examine the responses from the fifty valid surveys received. The summary of the study provides recommendations for further research and to produce corrective actions on the area that need improvement.