Group Of Operators Research Articles

Using Machine Learning to Understand Injuries in Female Agricultural Operators in the Central United States

The number of women choosing agriculture as an occupation is increasing. Agriculture is dangerous work, and women are at risk of serious injury, but the research on injuries in females is sparse. Women perform different types of farmwork and have different exposures than men. Studies have not assessed injury in a large group of female agricultural operators. In this study, we used XGBoost, a machine learning algorithm, and logistic regression to examine 17 factors hypothesized to be associated with injury in 1529 farm and ranch women. The sample was split into a training group of 1070, and the results were replicated in a test group of 459. The model accuracy was 88%. We compared the results of XGBoost to those of the logistic regression models and computed odds ratios to estimate effect sizes. We found that the two methods generally agreed. XGBoost identified the total number of musculoskeletal symptoms, age, sleep deprivation, high work-related stress, and exposure to respiratory irritants as being important to injury. The multivariate logistic regression model identified higher income, higher stress, younger age, and number of musculoskeletal symptoms as being significantly associated with injury. The analysis highlights the importance of musculoskeletal disorders and work strain to injury in women.

Almost periodically unitary solutions to stochastic differential equations

In this paper, we consider a class of stochastic differential equations with almost periodic coefficients. In the one-dimensional case, by using the unitary group of operators associated to the stationary increments of the Brownian motion, we show the unitary almost periodicity of the solution. We also prove that the tightness is a property of almost periodically unitary processes. Some examples are given.

Combined Short-Long Axis Versus Medial Oblique Axis for Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation: A Prospective Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

Previous literature suggested the advantage of combined short-long axis (CSLA) technique to avoid posterior wall puncture during internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation. The purpose of this study is to define the best ultrasound-guided IJV cannulation technique regarding the success rate in the first trial of insertion, time to successful central line placement, number of attempts, procedural complications, and operator satisfaction. Single-blinded, prospective randomized clinical trial. Elective cardiac surgeries in a tertiary care center. One hundred seventy-eight elective cardiac surgery patients older than 18 years accepted to participate in the study and signed the informed consent. Patients were randomized into two equal groups: medial oblique axis and CSLA. During the technique, vein dimensions, patient characteristics, technique duration, posterior wall puncture, number of attempts, complications, and operator satisfaction were documented. Apart from body weight, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between both groups. Compared to the CSLA, the medial oblique approach showed significantly higher first-trial success rate (92.1% v 75.0%, p = 0.002), less time for successful insertion (mean ± SD, 60.9 ± 54.9 seconds v 110.7 ± 101.6 seconds, p < 0.001), accomplishment with fewer attempts (mean ± SD, 1.09 ± 0.28 v 1.44 ± 0.81, p < 0.001), and higher operator satisfaction (mean ± SD, 4.45 ± 0.92 v 3.46 ± 1.32, p < 0.001). No significant difference in complications, including posterior wall puncture (p = 0.469), was noted between both groups. This study demonstrated the medial oblique axis approach was superior to the CSLA approach regarding first-trial success rate, time to successful line placement, number of attempts, and operator satisfaction when used during elective cannulation of the IJV. However, regarding the incidence of complications, there was no advantage of one approach over the other. Further research is needed to confirm these results among specific groups of operators, with awake patients and in emergent situations.

Platelet-rich plasma protects hippocampal neurons and memory functions in a rat model of vascular dementia.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a promising biomaterial rich in bioactive growth factors, offering potential as a therapeutic agent for various diseases. However, its effectiveness in central nervous system disorders like vascular dementia (VaD) remains underexplored. This study investigated the potential of PRP to mitigate VaD progression in vivo. A rat model of VaD was established via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and hypovolemia operation. Rats were randomly assigned to receive either PRP or platelet-poor plasma (PPP)-the latter being a byproduct of PRP preparation and used as a reference standard-resulting in the groups designated as 'operated group (OP)+PRP' and 'OP+PPP', respectively. PRP or PPP (500 μl) was administered intraperitoneally on the day of the operation and postoperative days 2, 4, 6, and 8. Cognitive function was assessed using the Y-maze, Barnes maze, and passive avoidance tests. On postoperative day 8, hippocampal samples were subjected to histological and semi-quantitative analyses. OP exhibited significant memory decline compared to controls, while the 'OP+PRP' group showed notable improvement. Histological analysis revealed increased neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in OP hippocampi, mitigated in 'OP+PRP'. Semi-quantitative analysis showed decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in OP, restored in 'OP+PPP' and further in 'OP+PRP'. These results highlight PRP's protective effects against VaD-induced hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment, partially attributed to BDNF/TrkB pathway upregulation.

Aspects of Managing the Daily Activities of Operational Groups of Russian Forces in Syria

Aspects of Managing the Daily Activities of Operational Groups of Russian Forces in Syria

Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Yager Power Operators and Possibility Degree-Based Group Decision-Making Model

As an extended form of intuitionistic fuzzy set, the theory of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) can describe fuzziness more flexibly. This study aims to develop a group decision-making model based on the distance measure, Yager power aggregation operators and the possibility measure in the context of IVIFSs. For this purpose, new distance measure is proposed to quantify the dissimilarity between two IVIFSs. In addition, comparison with existing distance measures is performed to illustrate the efficiency of introduced measure. Combining the Yager’s triangular norms with the proposed distance-based power operators, a series of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) Yager power aggregation operators are introduced with their desirable properties. Moreover, a possibility measure is developed for pairwise comparisons of IVIFSs, which overcomes the shortcomings of existing IVIF-score function, IVIF-accuracy function, and IVIF-possibility measures. The developed possibility measure is further utilized to compute the weights of criteria. To prove the practicality and effectiveness of introduced model, it is applied to a case study of manufacturing plant location selection problem with IVIF information. Finally, sensitivity and comparative analyses are carried out to test the stability and robustness of the proposed method under the setting of IVIFSs.

ANALYSIS ON MULTIPLICATIVE k-ATANGANA–BALEANU FRACTIONAL INTEGRALS WITH APPLICATION TO VARIOUS MERCER-TYPE INEQUALITIES

We innovatively introduce a new group of integral operators called multiplicative [Formula: see text]-Atangana–Baleanu fractional integrals. Following the path of this research, we discuss their [Formula: see text]integrability, continuity, boundedness together with linearity, and successfully construct two Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer inequalities employing this multiplicative fractional integrals, focusing on endpoint- and midpoint-type, respectively. Subsequently, we further propose three identities, involving trapezoid-Mercer-, midpoint-Mercer-, and parameterized-Mercer-type, and combining the function [Formula: see text] is multiplicatively convex or, for some fixed [Formula: see text], the function [Formula: see text] is convex, and we formulate a series of corresponding fractional Mercer-type inequalities. Intended to enhance the readers’ deeper understanding of the results, we offer two instances accompanied by graphical representations, facilitating the validity of the inequalities gained in the current paper. Finally, some applications in multiplicative differential equation, the quadrature formula and special means are presented as well.

Human Factors and AI in UAV Systems: Enhancing Operational Efficiency Through AHP and Real-Time Physiological Monitoring

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations has advanced efficiency, safety, and decision-making. This study addresses critical gaps in UAV methods, including insufficient integration of human factors, operator variability, and the lack of systematic error analysis. To overcome these challenges, a novel approach combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with three core human factors models: the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act (OODA) loop, the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), and the SHELL model. An online survey was conducted across diverse UAV operator groups to prioritize critical factors within each model. Additionally, real-time monitoring of heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and respiratory rate (RR) was conducted during UAV operations at various automation levels with different experience levels. Visualization through boxplots and percentage change matrices provided insights into operator stress and workload across automation levels. Integrating AHP findings and physiological data revealed significant differences in operator prioritization, highlighting the need for tailored AI-UAV strategies. This research combines survey data with real-time physiological monitoring, offering visions into optimizing human-AI interaction in UAV operations and providing a foundation for improving AI integration and operator strategies.

Isolation and characterisation of Bacillus velezensis WHk23 as a potential mosquitocide

ABSTRACT Mosquitoes transfer several diseases to humans and animals in many parts of the world. Mosquito control depends mainly on chemical insecticides which can lead to insecticide resistance, environmental problems and health issues. In this paper, we report the isolation and characterisation of a potential mosquitocidal bacterial strain (Bacillus velezensis WHk23) belonging to the operational group Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Phylogenetic analysis using rpoB gene confirmed that the isolate belongs to Bacillus velezensis. Genetic analysis by polymerase chain reaction indicated the presence of genes encoding for several lipopolypeptides and polyketides such as surfactin, bacillomycin, fengycin, iturin, macrolactin, bacillaene and difficidin. Crude toxin from the bacterial strain demonstrated larvicidal and pupicidal activity against both Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. Larval LC50 was 25.41 and 33.97 µg/ml while pupal LC50 was 4.05 and 12.63 µg/ml for An. stephensi and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. With increasing reports of mosquito resistance to different chemical and biological insecticides, these results suggest that the new isolate may have a potential for use as a safe environmentally friendly alternative for mosquito control.

Drillers and bulldozer operators have experienced exceptionally high exposures to respirable crystalline silica in US surface coal mines

IntroductionPrevious studies suggest respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is an important driver of resurgent pneumoconiosis among US coal miners. Although greater attention has been focused on dust exposures in underground coal...

Status and Prospects for Research on the German Police and Administration’s Actions Against Poland in the Period from mid-October 1938 till December 1939

Preparations for aggression against Poland on the police-administrative front began in Germany as early as the spring of 1939. At the forefront, here are the activities of the police authorities (Gestapo, Security Service) aimed at collecting data on persons in the territory of Poland to be arrested and possibly liquidated. In the form of arrest warrants, these findings were then used, in September and October 1939, by the so-called operational groups of the Security Police and SD (Einsatzgruppen). In mid-October, these groups established permanent headquarters, spreading political terror over the occupied areas. The administrative side of the occupier's activities differed depending on the status given to particular areas: whether they were incorporated into the Reich or included in the so-called General Government. All these aspects, including the personalities of the functionaries and clerks involved, deserve full investigation.

Compartilhamento de vivência extensionista com grupos de acolhimento psicológico a crianças e suas cuidadoras

The objective was to present reflections and narrate the journey of Psychology students as coordinators of two operational groups with therapeutic purposes, one aimed at children (6 to 9 years old) and the other at their caregivers, aiming to answer the question about the benefits of these group practices. The clinical material was interpreted using the method of thematic analysis and psychoanalytic theory focused on childhood and group clinical intervention. The relevance of the play technique to group clinical management with children and the need to promote family participation in their treatment was verified. Contributions to professional practice resulting from the formation of bonds between children-caregivers-work team were also noted. It was considered that the operative group used as a psychological device favors the elucidation of anxieties and enables learning and communication.

Mechanisation applied to entomological production cannot ignore insect reactivity: a case study on Bombyx mori in the context of the 'Serinnovation' project.

In December 2017 the Venetian Region (local Authority), financed the creation of the Operational Group (OG) 'Serinnovation', within the framework of the Rural Development Plan supported by the European Community. The OG aims at coordinating and spreading innovation in sericulture through mechanisation of processes and centralisation of some rearing steps, the use of waste as by-products and traceability to promote local productions. The project acts on perceived quality by increasing the added value, through production cost efficiency, and on the recovery of the waste material for further applications (circular economy). The final target was to develop a niche-process to obtain traceable 'Made-in-Italy' silk for the luxury market and non-textile applications. A first strategy to increase the efficiency of the process was to build an automatic leaf cutting machine to prepare the feed for the first three instars of the silkworm (Bombyx mori Linnaeus). This new machine - based on a patent - was validated through several tests and compared with the cutting system previously used. The study was completed by a bioassay of production and survival rate associated with the introduction of this innovation. The results showed that labour saving is in the order of 10% compared to a semi-manual process, the leaf quality is not affected, survival of larvae and silk production are not significantly different from the control. This methodology is proposed as a study case for other similar mechanisation processes in entomological production, as the impact of innovations on insect physiology should be carefully considered.

Анализ влияния освещенности на качество распознавания лазерной сетки машинным зрением

The main purpose of the study was to analyze the quality of laser grid shape detection in various ranges of illumination intensity for industrial application in conditions of underground and open-pit mining and on production sites. In particular, the dependences were established of the illumination level effect on the quality of the laser grid shape detection with the machine vision. Images were used as the study objects, while the subject was the machine vision algorithms and the values of the qualitative shape detection parameters. As a result, the authors have identified the conditions for the most effective shape detection of a laser grid projected onto the surface. In accordance with the developed methodology, the result of a series of laboratory tests was obtained with different light discreteness. In case of insufficient value of the parameter for a group of pixels, erosion and dilation operations were used, allowing to change the parameters of adjacent pixels to the values that would ensure the shape detection. The results are obtained in the form of qualitative dependence of the laser grid cells shape detection on illumination in laboratory conditions. The conclusion is made about the optimal illumination range, at which the quality of the laser grid shape detection is stable. The obtained results can be applied in various industries, including the mining industry, when measuring the objects volume with machine vision in combination with a laser grid.

Non-perturbative solutions of hierarchies of evolution equations for colliding particles

The article deals with the challenge of the construction of solutions to hierarchies of fundamental evolution equations for many colliding particles. The method of cluster expansions of the groups of operators of the Liouville equations for observables and a state is used to establish the generating operators of expansions representing solutions of the Cauchy problems of the BBGKY hierarchy (Bogolyubov–Born–Green–Kirkwood–Yvon) as well as of the dual BBGKY hierarchy, respectively.

The Prevalence and Associated factors of muscles and skeleton systems in The Air conditioning assembly plant

This research aimed to study the prevalence and factors related to musculoskeletal disorders among air-conditioner assembly line operators. This study was conducted on a group of 193 operators performing duties at an air-conditioner assembling factory. The interview method aimed at collecting data consisted of individual factors, job characteristic factors, environmental satisfaction factors, working posture factors, psychological factors as well as parts of the body. The interview process was conducted from May to July 2023. After the sample group of operators had been interviewed, the results of the study were summarized as follows; the cross-sectional study revealed that there were five significant factors of musculoskeletal disorders which were individual factors such as gender (p&lt;0.001) and education (p=0.001), job characteristic factors such as section (p=0.01) and work duration (p&lt;0.001), environmental factors such as temperature (p=0.006), working posture factors such as work with hand above shoulders (p&lt;0.001), and psychological factors (p=0.008). Moreover, it was found that the lower back (31.6%) and the shoulders (28.5%) were the most of body parts being injured in the air-conditioning assembly work respectively. Therefore, it is clear that these factors were significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders. There are two main recommendations for this research. Firstly, RULA and REBA analysis should be conducted to assess the risk level of musculoskeletal disorders. Secondly, the number of sample group should be increased. In addition, other study should be done in this point hereinafter, apart from assembly line operators, other work type should be surveyed such as, office operators and forming metal operators.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ОПЕРАТИВНОГО И КОНСЕРВАТИВНОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ДВУХЧАСТНЫХ СМЕЩЕННЫХ ПЕРЕЛОМОВ ПРОКСИМАЛЬНОГО ОТДЕЛА ПЛЕЧЕВОЙ КОСТИ У ПОЖИЛЫХ ПАЦИЕНТОВ

Purpose. To evaluate the long-term results of treatment of two-part displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in patients over 60 years of age by comparing the effectiveness of surgical treatment using fixing plates and conservative methods. Materials and methods. Between March 2022 and August 2024, a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 22 patients in the Central Hospital of the RCH. Participants were divided into two groups: surgical treatment with the use of fixing plates and non-surgical treatment. The primary outcome measure was the DASH scale, and secondary criteria were the Constant-Murley scales, the Visual Analogue Pain Scale, the 15D and EQ-5D Quality of Life questionnaires, and the Oxford Shoulder Scale. The study was semi-blind, using sealed envelopes and standardized treatments. Results. At 2 years after the start of the study, there were no statistically significant differences in the average DASH score between the groups: 29.1 in the operational group and 28.0 in the non-operational group. The difference was 1.2 points (p = 0.20). Similarly, other measures, including the Constant-Murley scale, VAS of pain, and quality of life assessments, did not demonstrate significant differences in the long term. Conclusions. The study showed that at 2 years there are no statistically significant differences in the results between the operative and conservative treatment of two-part displaced fractures in groups of patients over 60 years of age. These data confirm the lack of benefits of surgery during long-term recovery, emphasizing the importance of an individualized approach when choosing tactics for treating these fractures.

Growth trends of loblolly pine age five or less in relation to soil type and management intensity

We evaluated three objectives for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees age five or less: 1) how height growth varies by soil type and silvicultural intensity, 2) the accuracy of predicted base-age 25 site index (SI25) using age one to five heights, and 3) if height dominance exhibited early in the rotation is maintained throughout the rotation. Data from 42 sites across the southeastern United States with an array of soil textures and management intensities (optimal, intensive, and operational) were used. Management intensity and soils significantly affected tree height. Coarse loamy soils were the most responsive to increasing management intensity. At age four, tree heights were greatest in the optimal group (4.63 m), followed by the intensive (4.31 m), and then the operational (3.06 m). Organic soils do not appear to respond to maximum management intensity. Predictability of SI25 was high especially starting at age four, with R2 values ranging from 0.27 for the age four intensive group to 0.78 for the age four operational group. The optimal group had the greatest slope with an expected increase of 2.61, 2.75, 1.88, and 1.78 m in site index per additional meter of height at ages two, three, four, or five, respectively. Data from six different study sites indicate, the tallest (class one) and smallest (class five) trees changed percentile class the least often over time. As early as age two, over 40 % of observations in classes one and five had zero changes in class through age 13. Young tree data were effective in predicting SI25, and height dominance appeared generally set early in the rotation.

The development of a method for increasing the reliability of the assessment of the state of the object

The object of the research is assessment of object with different degrees of embeddedness. The subject of the research is the process of assessing the state of objects using the apparatus of neuro-fuzzy expert systems, the apparatus of relational analysis and bio-inspired algorithms. The problem that is solved in the research is to increase the reliability of the assessment of the objects state, regardless of the number of attachments. The originality of the research is that: – possibility of increasing the reliability of the object state assessment due to the parallel use of two bio-inspired algorithms; – taking into account the degree of awareness of the object state, due to the application of correction coefficients for the degree of awareness; – construction of both object and relational models, which allows to increase the reliability of assessment of the objects state; – possibility of combining the results of the work of bio-inspired algorithms, which makes it possible to mutually verify the correctness of the work of each of the algorithms; – universality of solving the task of assessing the state of objects with different degrees due to the hierarchical nature of their description; – possibility of simultaneously searching for a solution in different directions; – adequacy of the obtained results. An example of the use of the proposed method is presented on the example of solving the task of determining the composition of an operational group of troops (forces) and elements of its operational construction. The specified example showed an increase in the reliability of the assessment of the objects state by an average of 20 % due to the use of additional improved procedures. It is advisable to use the proposed method to solve the problems of assessing the state of multidimensional objects in conditions of uncertainty and risks, which are characterized by high requirements for the reliability of the information obtained

Long-term outcomes and operators' experience in primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is typically performed by experienced operators. Therefore, the safety of pPCI for STEMI performed by less experienced operators with the support of experienced operators remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of pPCI for STEMI performed by less experienced operators with the support of experienced operators. In total, 775 STEMI patients were enrolled and divided into groups according to operator experience in PCI: less experienced (n = 384) and experienced (n = 391) operator groups. Experienced operators were defined as those who had performed > 50 elective PCI procedures per year as the first operator or instructional assistant, whereas less experienced operators were defined as others. When less experienced operators performed the pPCI, experienced operators supported them. The primary endpoint was any cardiovascular event, defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and unplanned hospitalization for heart failure. In the propensity score-matched analysis, 324 patients were included in each group. The cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint over a median of 5years in the less experienced operator group was similar to that in the experienced operator group (15% vs. 18%, P = 0.209). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, there was no excess risk for patients operated upon by less experienced operators for the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.25; P = 0.417). pPCI for STEMI by less experienced operators did not increase the risk of in-hospital mortality or 5-year long-term cardiovascular events if supported by experienced operators.