Guidance Instrument Research Articles

A metaheuristic-based optimization model for flight procedure design

In recent years, the continuous increase in air traffic has led to a saturation of available airspace. The new localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) instrument approach procedures (IAPs) offer additional capacity at aerodromes and in airspaces. To support their implementation, a specifically developed model focused on the improved IAP design process and optimized solution generation is proposed. The model provides a fully automated search of the solution space by employing the bee colony optimization metaheuristic algorithm. The resulting list of alternatives is ranked by the objective function score, which is affected by the balancing values of the complexity indicators and the achieved obstacle clearance height. The model’s capabilities are successfully validated against the challenging operational environment of Podgorica Airport. The model was initially developed to conduct IAP feasibility studies; however, it can also be used in the initial stages of airport planning projects or for IAP criteria validation.

Low-Threshold Digital Educational Escape Rooms Based on 360VR and Web-Based Forms

Escape rooms are an established game genre that has become popular in educational contexts in recent years. Digital escape rooms are variations, which use digital environments and may be played by participants not present on site. Compared to physical escape rooms, digital escape rooms are characterised by lower implementation and application efforts and at the same time by reduced intensity of the experiences. There is little evidence to date as to whether these low-threshold escape rooms are nevertheless sufficiently effective for learning. In this evaluation study, a learning activity based on a digital educational escape room (DEER) that uses the 360°-based spatial visualization (360VR) of a waterworks and a web-based form – contributing guidance and the escape room-specific challenges – is analysed. In the learning activity, students of environmental engineering study programs are asked to explore the 360VR-based waterworks guided by the instructions and challenges in the web-based form. Quantitative results of the study on learning outcomes and variables relevant to learning, such as emotion, motivation, and usability (N=73) are reported. The evaluation is supported by the qualitative results of guided interviews. Remarkably, some participants would have preferred to explore the 360VR environment without the guidance provided by the web-based form. Overall, the results show the learning effectiveness of the DEER, the efficacy of the web-based form as a guidance instrument, and values of learning-relevant variables that are conducive to learning. The DEER also achieved a high level of acceptance among students. Due to the low effort required for the creation of the DEER by lecturers and for application on the part of students, the presented combination of 360VR and web-based forms can be seen as a powerful low-threshold learning tool that enriches teaching.

Testing of a novel multi-branch horizontal well remediation technology for in situ remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater

Soil and groundwater contamination has become a key issue in urban redevelopment. It is particularly difficult to use heavy equipment for the remediation of restricted sites or areas contaminated by factories that are still in operation. In this case, horizontal wells are considered a potentially useful technology as they can potentially remediate contamination areas located below buildings and other surface/subsurface obstacles. This research first introduces the principles and advantages and disadvantages of direct push injection, improved slant well, high-pressure rotary jet technology, horizontal reactive media treatment wells, and horizontal directional drilling well. The key aspects for promising in-situ remediation techniques were summarized as remediation well design, remediation agent injection technology and drill pipe and well wall sealing technology. Based on the requirements for key technologies, a novel multi-branch horizontal well in-situ remediation process was proposed, which integrates vertical/horizontal directional drilling, rotary injection, and expansion sealing techniques, and relevant supporting drilling and injecting equipment were developed. A bench test and field test were conducted to test drilling tool performance, drilling accuracy, and injection radius of influence. The results showed that the developed supporting drilling tool met the process requirements and could complete multi-branch horizontal well remediation engineering construction. The deviation between the measured depth and the design depth of the multi-branch horizontal well constructed using this technology was less than 9%, and the deviation between the depth displayed by the guidance instrument and the measured depth was less than 1%. The injection radius of influence in the test field measured from the monitoring wells was greater than or equal to 5 m. The results of this research can provide an effective method for the remediation of contaminated sites.

A Novel Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy System for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Rationale: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) combined with a guide sheath (GS) as an instrument for confirming the proximity of the bronchoscope and its relationship to the lesion can increase the diagnostic yield when conducting transbronchial lung biopsy of peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs). A novel electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) system comprising a thinner locatable sensor probe as a guidance instrument was developed to be suitable for a thin bronchoscope with a working channel 2 mm in diameter. The diagnostic efficacy of EBUS-GS with or without this ENB system has not been confirmed. Objectives: To compare the diagnostic value and safety of EBUS-GS with or without the ENB system for diagnosing PPNs. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial was designed and conducted at three centers. Patients with PPNs suspected to be malignant were enrolled and randomly assigned to the ENB-EBUS-GS group or the EBUS-GS group. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic yield in each group. The secondary endpoint was the procedural time and other factors affecting diagnostic yield. The safety endpoint was procedural complications. Results: Four hundred participants were enrolled from July 2018 to October 2019, and 385 patients were analyzed, 193 in the ENB-EBUS-GS group and 192 in the EBUS-GS group. The mean nodule size was 21.7 ± 5.3 mm. The diagnostic yields were 82.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77.6-88.2%) in the ENB-EBUS-GS group and 73.4% (95% CI, 67.2-79.7%) in the EBUS-GS group. The difference between the two groups was 9.5% (95% CI, 2.6-16.3%), with an adjusted difference of 9.0% (95% CI, 2.3-15.8%) after adjusting for the stratification factors and center. The time to find lesions in the ENB-EBUS-GS group was shorter than in the EBUS-GS group (213.2 ± 145.6 vs. 264.8 ± 189.5 s; P = 0.003). Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred 3.6% of subjects in the ENB-EBUS-GS group and 3.1% in the EBUS-GS group, without significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions: The novel ENB system combined with EBUS-GS demonstrated improved ability to locate PPNs, achieving a high diagnostic yield for PPNs compared with EBUS-GS alone in a safe and efficient procedure. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03569306).

Prediction of Chromatography Conditions for Purification in Organic Synthesis Using Deep Learning.

In this research, a process for developing normal-phase liquid chromatography solvent systems has been proposed. In contrast to the development of conditions via thin-layer chromatography (TLC), this process is based on the architecture of two hierarchically connected neural network-based components. Using a large database of reaction procedures allows those two components to perform an essential role in the machine-learning-based prediction of chromatographic purification conditions, i.e., solvents and the ratio between solvents. In our paper, we build two datasets and test various molecular vectorization approaches, such as extended-connectivity fingerprints, learned embedding, and auto-encoders along with different types of deep neural networks to demonstrate a novel method for modeling chromatographic solvent systems employing two neural networks in sequence. Afterward, we present our findings and provide insights on the most effective methods for solving prediction tasks. Our approach results in a system of two neural networks with long short-term memory (LSTM)-based auto-encoders, where the first predicts solvent labels (by reaching the classification accuracy of 0.950 ± 0.001) and in the case of two solvents, the second one predicts the ratio between two solvents (R2 metric equal to 0.982 ± 0.001). Our approach can be used as a guidance instrument in laboratories to accelerate scouting for suitable chromatography conditions.

Concept description and accuracy evaluation of a moldable surgical targeting system

.Purpose: We explain our concept for customization of a guidance instrument, present a prototype, and describe a set of experiments to evaluate its positioning and drilling accuracy.Methods: Our concept is characterized by the use of bone cement, which enables fixation of a specific configuration for each individual surgical template. This well-established medical product was selected to ensure future intraoperative fabrication of the template under sterile conditions. For customization, a manually operated alignment device is proposed that temporary defines the planned trajectory until the bone cement is hardened. Experiments () with half-skull phantoms were performed. Analysis of accuracy comprises targeting validations and experiments including drilling in bone substitutes.Results: The resulting mean positioning error was found to be at the level of the target point whereas drilling was possible with a mean accuracy of .Conclusion: We proposed a cost-effective, easy-to-use approach for accurate instrument guidance that enables template fabrication under sterile conditions. The utilization of bone cement was proven to fulfill the demands of an easy, quick, and prospectively intraoperatively doable customization. We could demonstrate sufficient accuracy for many surgical applications, e.g., in neurosurgery. The system in this early development stage already outperforms conventional stereotactic frames and image-guided surgery systems in terms of targeting accuracy.

Design and Prototype Development of Quadrant Estimation Unit for Laser Beam Rider Guidance System

With the development of science and technology, precision-strike weapons are been considered to be important for winning victory and defending the country during war (or) attack. Laser guidance is one of the major methods to execute precision-strike in modern warfare. At present, the problems faced at the primary stage of Laser guidance has been solved with endeavors of countries. Several technical aspects of laser-beam riding guided system have been mature, such as atmosphere penetration of laser beam, clutter inhibition on ground, laser irradiator, encoding and decoding of laser beam. Further, laser beam quality, equal output power and atmospheric transmission properties are qualified for warfare situation. Riding guidance instrument is a crucial element of Laser-beam riding guided system and also in Radar-beam riding guiding system, and is also a essential element of airborne, vehicle-mounted and individual weapon. The optical system mainly consists of sighting module and laser-beam guided module. Photo detector (Quadrant detector) is the most important sensing device, and also the key to acquire the coordinate information of target space. Currently, in consideration of the 1064 nm of wavelength applied in all the semi-active laser guided weapons systems, lithium drifting silicon photodiode which is sensitive to 1064 nm of wavelength is used in photoelectric detector. Compared to Solid and gas laser, diode laser has many merits such as small volume, simple construction, light weight, long life, low cost and easy modulation.
 The present work includes the study of Various ATGM, their guidance mechanism, particularly laser beam rider guidance. Study has been carried to understand the composition and operating principle of Laser-beam riding guided system. The present work also deals with prototype development of quadrant estimation unit required for Laser beam rider guidance.

Exploring the current position of ESD in UK higher education institutions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the position of education for sustainable development in the UK Higher Education (HE) sector with respect to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and Higher Education Academy (HEA) Guidance for education for sustainable development (ESD).Design/methodology/approachBy means of a mixed-method approach underpinned by a concurrent triangulation design strategy, this research presents evidence from an online questionnaire survey and in-depth semi-structured interviews.FindingsInsights are presented from case studies of a group of UK Higher Education Institute (HEIs) which have made significant progress in embedding ESD in the curricula.Research limitations/implicationsCentral to this study is an exploration of the ESD integration process of this group including a description of the approaches to integration, the challenges faced and overcome and the critical success factors. It examines the role of a guidance instrument in simplifying and accelerating the ESD curricular integration process. The results of the study show that there is a multitude of integration approaches applied varying in their emphasis.Practical implicationsThe main challenge HEIs face is engaging staff that may question the relevance of the ESD concept, and that lack an understanding regarding its implications for their discipline. Critical success factors identified are institution-wide people support, high-level institutional support and funding. The QAA and HEA guidance has successfully supported HEIs in developing their ESD commitments.Originality/valueThe results of this research can support HEIs in developing their own approach to ESD, as they learn from similar UK HE providers, particularly with respect to overcoming barriers and enhancing critical success factors to ESD curricular integration.

EVALUATION OF SOUTH SULAWESI ON STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM

AbstracThe purpose of this study is to provide reports on the advantages, weaknesses and recommendations related to the program to become better at PPLP in South Sulawesi in terms of context, input, process and product (CIPP) with qualitative and quantitative research approach. The instrument of this research is observation, documentation and questionnaire arranged to collect quantitative data, while interview guidance instrument is arranged to collect qualitative data. The data collected from the elements of trainers, athletes, and administrators were analyzed quantitatively descriptive percentage using microsoft excell and qualitative data analysis triangulation. The result of South Sulawesi PPLP evaluation is statistically from context variable, input, process, product as a whole has been done well with 70.30% percentage. The evaluation of context variables shows excellent results with a 90% percentage. The input evaluation showed good results with the percentage of 61.40%. The results of the evaluation process showed good results with a percentage of 77.46%. Product evaluation results show considerable results with 52.34% percentage.Keywords: Program Evaluation, CIPP, PPLP Coaching South Sulawesi.

A matching activity when entering higher education: ongoing guidance for the students or efficiency instrument for the school?

ABSTRACTIn order to lower dropout rates and stimulate student success in higher education, the Dutch government implemented a new law demanding that every higher education institute offer a matching activity to applying students. This article evaluates how students and teachers experience this matching activity. Data were collected in a Dutch university of applied sciences through questionnaire (students: n = 1711, teachers: n = 52) and interview research (students: n = 136, teachers, n = 36). Results provide insights into useful and improvable aspects of the matching procedure. It also reveals a tension related to a ‘conflicting perspective’: the matching activity can be used as a selection-oriented instrument or as a guidance instrument, which leads to different perceptions on the effectiveness of the instrument.

The Application of Magnetic Guidance Drilling Technology in Shengli Oilfield

The magnetic guidance drilling technology could use the magnetic guidance instrument to measure the distance between the signal source and the instrument, which is used to control the well trajectory. It is an essential supplement of the existing steering drilling technology. At present, the magnetic guidance drilling technology is mainly applied to dual horizontal wellslls for heavy oil reservoir, CBM horizontal connected wells, wells to mine underground soluble minerals, and relief wells. This paper mainly introduces the working process of magnetic guidance drilling technology and connected wells. In order to test the overall performance of this technology, an experimental study is conducted on it, and the field test was carried on Shengli oil field.

Comparison and Analysis on Environmental Function Matrix Computing in Separation of Guidance Instrument Systematic Errors

Environmental function matrix computing can provide aircraft data support for guidance instrument systematic error compensation to promote the precision. There were two ways to calculate the environmental function matrix, telemetry data direct computing method and telemetry data iterative computing method. A new iterative computing method with tracing data was put forward. The three methods were compared by using simulated data to do the experiment .It could be concluded that the precision of the tracing data iterative computing method was the best of three methods.

Magnetic Guidance Drilling Technology Field Test

Magnetic guidance drilling technology is use of magnetic guidance instrument measuring the distance between the signal source and the location of the instrument, and it is used to control the well trajectory to connect or parallel the target layer. And it is an effective supplement of the existing steering drilling technology. At present, the magnetic guidance drilling technology is mainly applied to drill horizontal wells in pairs for the super heavy recovery, CBM horizontal connected wells, underground soluble minerals, relief well and so on. This paper introduces the situation of the magnetic guidance drilling technology.

The Research of the Magnetic Guidance Prototype

Magnetic guidance drilling technology is use of magnetic guidance instrument measuring the distance between the signal source and the location of the instrument, and it is used to control the well trajectory to connect or parallel the target layer. And it is an effective supplement of the existing steering drilling technology. At present, the magnetic guidance drilling technology is mainly applied to drill horizontal wells in pairs for the super heavy recovery, CBM horizontal connected wells, underground soluble minerals, relief well and so on. This paper introduces the research process of the magnetic guidance prototype.

The Data Processing and the Related Software Development of the Active Magnetic Measuring Instrument

Magnetic guidance drilling technology is use of magnetic guidance instrument measuring the distance between the signal source and the location of the instrument, and it is used to control the well trajectory to connect or parallel the target layer. And it is an effective supplement of the existing steering drilling technology. At present, the magnetic guidance drilling technology is mainly applied to drill horizontal wells in pairs for the super heavy recovery, CBM horizontal connected wells, underground soluble minerals, relief well and so on. This paper introduces the data processing and the related software development of the active magnetic measuring instrument.

Magnetic Guidance Drilling Technology

Magnetic guidance drilling technology is use of magnetic guidance instrument measuring the distance between the signal source and the location of the instrument, and it is used to control the well trajectory to connect or parallel the target layer. And it is an effective supplement of the existing steering drilling technology. At present, the magnetic guidance drilling technology is mainly applied to drill horizontal wells in pairs for the super heavy recovery, CBM horizontal connected wells, underground soluble minerals, relief well and so on. This paper introduces the magnetic guidance drilling technology.

Impact Analysis of Guidance Instrument Error Separation Accuracy on Sampling Rate of Inertial Navigation Equipment

Based on the linear model of guidance instrument error separation, study on the separation accuracy affected by data sampling rate of inertial navigation equipment. First, theoretically proved that the higher data sampling rate is, the higher separation accuracy we can get. Second, a method for determining the optimal sampling rate is presented, whose idea is from the model itself. At last, the simulation results can verify the above two conclusions.

Concept of a fiber guidance instrument for laser-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy

Summary Objective New developments in laser-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LLPN) have created a demand for surgical tools which are compatible with laparoscopic equipment to ensure that laser-assisted technique is safer and reproducible. A concept was developed for a novel laser fiber guidance instrument based upon observations made during minimally invasive LLPN with a modified, commercially available ENT laser guidance instrument. Patients and methods Ten patients underwent laser-assisted laparoscopic/retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy by means of fiber-assisted light application of 1318 nm using a surgical diode laser (Eraser; Rolle&Rolle, Austria). Observations made during the laparoscopic procedure were analyzed with a view to developing a novel laser fiber guidance instrument taking into account intraoperative laser-related requirements. Results All laparoscopic procedures were completed without any changeovers to open surgery. Tumor locations (kidney: 5 left/5 right) were central (1/10), upper pole (2/10), lower pole (2/10) and middle kidney parenchyma (5/10). The mean operation time and blood loss were comparable to standard techniques. All patients showed a favorable outcome with uneventful postoperative convalescence. A concept for a new instrument was developed taking into consideration the drawbacks associated with the clinical handling of the used modified ENT laser guidance instrument and ensuring that the new instrument is simple, cheap and easy to produce as well as easy to handle. Conclusion The in vivo observational study presented here shows that the 1318 nm emitting diode laser is a promising device for LLPN. Laser-based treatment facilitates for both good coagulation as well as cutting effects. The observations made resulted in a concept for an improved instrument. It is therefore conceivable that in the future there will be a wider use of LLPN for selective and precise laser resection of tumors with almost bloodless operation field and adequate fiber manipulation.

New Prognostic Markers for Outcome of Acute Pancreatitis

The objective of this study was to assess the reporting of studies on new prognostic markers of outcome in acute pancreatitis. We used MEDLINE searches complemented with perusal of review articles' references to identify eligible English-language studies. We included studies evaluating nonroutine markers for acute pancreatitis. Eligible outcomes included Atlanta criteria, Japanese criteria for severity, multiple/single organ failure, complications, interventional treatment, hospitalization length, and death. We generated a 47-item checklist on Acute Pancreatitis Prognosis by adapting a previously constructed reporting guidance instrument for prognostic tumor markers (REMARK [Reporting Recommendations for Tumor Marker Prognostic Studies]). The checklist addresses the reporting of essential information in prognostic studies. The 184 identified eligible studies reported on 196 different prognostic markers. One hundred forty-four studies (78.3%) found at least 1 prognostic marker to be nominally statistically significant. Significant improvements over time were seen in the reporting for 17 items, but major deficiencies were noted even in 2004-2009 studies. Particularly, 12 items were reported in less than 10% of studies overall and even within the most recent studies. Despite some improvements over time, the reporting of important aspects of prognostic studies in acute pancreatitis remains suboptimal. The proposed REMARK-based checklist may help improve the quality and reporting of research in this field.

Study on Angular Stiffness of Monolithic Flexible Joint

The monolithic flexible joint is introduced as a novel component of inertial guidance instrument. The angular stiffness of the joint is investigated by employing theory of flexure hinges considering the key part of the joint is a variation of the common circular flexure hinge. Closed-form equation is formulated to unify the typical angular stiffness equations developed by other authors in terms of the circular hinge, and the main variables of the formulation are also discussed. Finite element models of the monolithic joint are built to confirm the analytical model predictions. A measuring system controlled by computer is also developed to evaluate the angular stiffness of the monolithic flexible joint. Checked against finite element analysis and experimental measurement data, the analytical model predictions are within 7% error margins. The study results indicate that the angular stiffness is more sensitive to the minimal thickness of hinge and less sensitive to the notch angle and the oblique angle of hinge.