High Labor Research Articles

The anatomy of COVID mortality in Russia’s regions, 2020–22

ABSTRACT Counterfactual estimates of excess deaths in Russian regions in the period 2020–21 are compared with officially reported COVID deaths to analyse underreporting. COVID mortality levels at the end of years 2020 and 2021 as well as annual growth during 2021 and the first half of 2022 reveal that COVID is a real threat to high labour productivity regions and those with relatively bigger defence and civilian sectors. Corruption lowers COVID mortality growth, suggesting a public health system where better care is obtained informally. Improved access to a doctor just before the pandemic lowered the level of mortality during the worst year (2021) but did not impact the mortality growth or the mortality level in 2020. Better prevention of any virus including COVID in the future would include more regionally decentralised vaccine and testing initiatives to boost compliance plus a fundamentally reformed health system that includes access to foreign-made vaccines and higher quality mortality data.

Childcare employment—before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

The employment rate in the United States fell dramatically in many industries during the COVID-19 pandemic—the childcare industry, in particular, was hit hard. In this article, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Business Response Surveys and other BLS sources to examine employment, wages, telework, benefits, and the inner workings of the critical child daycare services industry before and during the pandemic and most importantly how the industry has managed since. Although the childcare industry’s wages are low and it has high labor turnover, our findings show that it is critical in supporting workers across all industries.

Determinants of exports performance: Evidence from Indonesian low-, medium-, and high-technology manufacturing industries.

This study explores the determinants of the export performance of Indonesia's low-, medium-, and high-technology manufacturing industries by focusing on the role of raw-material imports and technical efficiency. Micro firm-level data from 2010-2015 were utilized for the analysis in this study. The stochastic frontier analysis was employed to measure technical inefficiency and to determine its effect on export performance. Our findings indicate that in all categories of industry technical efficiency, raw materials imports, foreign direct investment (FDI), location, firm size, labour productivity, and concentration of industries were significant determinants of export performance. While high efficiency increases exports in low- and medium-technology firms, exports decrease in firms with high efficiency accompanied by high imports, FDI, size, and labour productivity. Furthermore, in high-technology industries, efficiency reduces exports and again increases them when mediated by a concentration of industries and location. The empirical strategy also supports the positive effect of imports on export performance in both industries, which also aligns with decreased exports in firms with high imports accompanied by high FDI, efficiency, labour productivity, the concentration of industries, and size. To this end, the study has implications for low-, medium-, and high-technology manufacturing that are mainly concerned with increasing exports.

The relationship between Foreign investment (FDI), Trade internationalization and Labor productivity in Vietnamese localities

This article studies the impact of FDI and international trade on labor productivity of Vietnamese provinces. Analyzing a sample of 63 provinces in the period 2010-2021, the research findings indicate positive impacts of FDI disbursed in the provincial economy. The number of employees in active FDI enterprises and exports on the labor productivity. In contrast, the number of active FDI enterprises and imports have insignificant effects on labor productivity; meanwhile, the economic growth influence negatively the labor productivity of provinces. On the basis of research results, we propose recommendations for attracting FDI implying large capital scale and high labor use: at the same time, it is necessary to increase exports by controlling selectively imports in order to improve labor productivity for Vietnamese provinces

Smart Transformation Technology for Digitizing T Oilfield

In response to the current situation of T Oilfield being remote, with high total labor demand, dispersed well distribution, and low automation levels, this paper systematically summarizes the digital technologies and application effects in the construction of S operation area. By integrating process optimization, streamlining management levels, and incorporating video and communication technologies, a low-cost digital construction model for T Oilfield is established. During the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, with the goal of reducing construction investment and streamlining management levels, the low-cost digital construction model is applied to adjust the organizational structure of T Oilfield, reduce total labor demand, and achieve cost-effective, digitally lean management.

A Brief Review of Artificial Intelligence Robotic in Food Industry

Artificial Intelligent Robotic (AI Robotic) is the formal term for an ‘intelligent induced’ robot that can operate with vision (eye) to detect a product defect, or a control operating system to assist robot to differentiate good and reject product during production. A number of cutting-edge manufacturing automation technologies have been developed, including automatic inspection, autonomous robots, additive manufacturing, ubiquitous manufacturing, cloud manufacturing, and cyber-physical systems. Intelligent and automation technologies for worker assistance have been considered feasible. As knowledge-driven industries develop in terms of artificial intelligence and robotic automation, and to upgrade the existing and next generation of workforce, higher and further education is needed to advance a better understanding of robotic automation in manufacturers who face endless challenges such as labor shortages, high turnover labor force, product innovation, quality matters, and many others. This paper provides a general view of food supply chain challenges when faced with labor issue, environmental disaster and production problems. AI Robotic application would be a good source of problem solving in food manufacturing, food processing and food handling process.

The current application of 3D printing simulator in surgical training.

In the rapidly evolving field of medical education, the integration of innovative technologies has become paramount to enhance the training and proficiency of future surgeons. Among these advancements, the application of 3D printing technology stands out as a useful tool in surgical training. The advantages of the 3D printing model include customization, re-usability and low-cost. The average cost of the 3D printing simulators was between $100-1000. However, there were extremely high potential labor cost during the 3D printing that hadn't been calculated into. Additionally, in the current stage, the 3D printing simulator still have specific limitations. The most mentioned limitation was poor haptic feedback of the simulators, which was very important during the surgical training, since it is the key element for junior doctors to master practical procedures. Also, some simulators didn't possess the integrated and elaborate structure as the human tissue, hence not the whole surgical procedures can be practiced by the trainees, and further improvement should be made. Although there are shortages, many studies have proved that 3D printing simulator can effectively reduce learning curves and is useful to enhance the trainees' surgical skills.

Phytoremediation: Sustainable Approach for Heavy Metal Pollution.

Rapid industrialization, mining, and other anthropogenic activities have poisoned our environment with heavy metals, negatively impacting all forms of life. Heavy metal pollution causes physiological and neurological disorders, as heavy metals are endocrine disrupters, carcinogenic, and teratogenic. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to address the challenge of heavy metal contamination on a global scale. Physical and chemical approaches have been employed for pollutant removal and detoxification, but these methods cannot be adopted universally due to high cost, labor intensiveness, and possible negative impact on natural microflora. Phytoremediation is one of the preferred and safest approaches for environmental management due to its high efficiency and low cost of investment. The plant can uptake the pollutants and heavy metals from water and soil through an intense root network via rhizofiltration and process via phytostabilization, phytovolatilization, and accumulation. At a cellular level, the phytoremediation process relies on natural mechanisms of plant cells, e.g., absorption, transpiration, intracellular storage, and accumulation to counter the detrimental effects of pollutants. It is widely accepted because of its novelty, low cost, and high efficiency; however, the process is comparatively slower. In addition, plants can store pollutants for a long time but again become a challenge at the end of the life cycle. The current review summarizes phytoremediation as a potential cure for heavy metal pollutants, released from natural as well as anthropogenic sources. It will provide insight into the advancement and evolution of advanced techniques like nanoremediation that can improve the rate of phytoremediation, along with making it sustainable, cost-effective, and economically viable.

Automated Disassembly of Battery Systems to Battery Modules

The increasing market share of electric vehicles leads to a growing demand for raw materials such as lithium and cobalt, where the supply situation is fraught with risk. Product-specific challenges regarding high voltage, product state/variance, and labor shortage require flexible automated non-/ semi-/ destructive disassembly. However, there is a need to implement industrial, scalable automation approaches to deal with this problem. This paper addresses the development of a flexible robotic cell for the fully automated disassembly of battery modules from battery systems. The paper presents all required tools and processes for battery diagnoses, machine learning-based object recognition, loosening and removing fasteners, opening sealings, gripping components, separating cables and plugs, and removing the battery modules. Based on this, a sorted disposal/recycling of the material can be realized. Finally, the holistic robot cell, including a safety concept, is described using the example of an actual disassembly process.

The Application of Automatic Teaching Evaluation System Based on UTOP and ST Analysis

Teaching evaluation is an effective way to improve the quality of teaching. Nevertheless, traditional teaching evaluation has some problems, such as high labor costs, low efficiency and, based on experience or standards, etc. As well, EAIT has been highly developed in recent years. In this study, the automatic teaching evaluation system is adopted. Through focus group interviews, a comprehensive investigation is conducted on the views and improvement of teachers of various subjects in primary school on automatic teaching evaluation.

Електросапа – культиватор «Мрія»

In this article, we propose the design of a universal electric hoe - a cultivator with a balancing drive wheel for inter-row cultivation of row crops. Currently, chemical methods and mechanical loosening are widespread in modern agriculture, but concerns about the use of herbicides, especially in "organic farming," leave no choice. We propose a machine that allows for inter-row cultivation of any row crops, even by a child. The proposed device is to be equipped with an electric motor with an electric battery, which will allow for greater mobility, low noise and vibration levels, as well as a set of tools to perform all technological operations when growing row crops. Ninety percent of manual labor in the cultivation of garden crops is spent on sowing and subsequent cultivation of row spacing. Therefore, the device must have a certain set of tools, such as a "hiller paw" for cutting furrows and hilling; a "one-sided paw" for removing weeds from the row spacing; a "lancet paw" for deep loosening and crust destruction. As can be seen from the above, manual weeding is the most effective method of weed control for working on a personal plot. However, due to the high labor intensity of the work, the task of creating a device for processing both inter-row and intra-row weeding is now being addressed. Field tests have shown that this device performs all the tasks in full, and the battery capacity, subject to continuous processing, is enough for 400 m2. The next step in improving the functional characteristics of the proposed design is to equip the electric chopper-cultivator with a device for inter-row cultivation. Inter-row cultivation is a method of weed control that involves removing weeds from the internal space between plants in one row. This process can be an important step in crop care and is aimed at reducing competition between weeds and crops. It is important to perform inter-row weeding in a timely manner, especially in the early stages of crop growth when weeds are just beginning to gain weight. It is economically feasible for the operator to control the machine manually. After a short practice, the control accuracy can reach several centimeters.

Progress in Research on Marine Litter-Related Monitoring Technologies

The problem of marine litter pollution is becoming increasingly serious and has become one of the important global environmental issues. From the perspective of source and sink, floating riverine litter (FRL) is the main source of floating marine litter (FML), while beach litter (BL) and FML are the source and sink of each other. It is necessary to research the transformation mechanism and collaborative governance policy among these three kinds of marine litter, based on accurate monitoring data. However, conventional monitoring methods have problems such as high labor costs, insufficient representativeness and poor comparability. Hence, developing efficient and intelligent monitoring technology is the focus of recent future. Since 2018, monitoring technique of marine litter relevant research literature has grown rapidly, showing this technique a hot spot. In this paper, the relevant research literature is divided into three litter types (BL, FML, and FRL) and two ways (fixed monitoring and mobile monitoring). Similarities and differences in research focus, platform selection, result accuracy and result application are summarized and reasoned, with a view to accelerating the research progress and better supporting BL, FML, and FRL control in China.

ВОССТАНОВИТЕЛЬНАЯ НАПЛАВКА И ЭЛЕКТРОМЕХАНИЧЕСКАЯ ПОВЕРХНОСТНАЯ ЗАКАЛКА ЗАМКОВ БУРИЛЬНЫХ ТРУБ

The main reason for the wear of the drill pipe locks when rotating in an open borehole is the presence of a solid layer in aggressive geological formations. (Research purpose) The research purpose is increasing the physical and mechanical properties of the surface layer by researching and developing a technology for hardening the outer surfaces of drill pipe locks restored by electromechanical surface hardening. (Materials and methods) Surfacing was performed on the coupling parts of drill pipes with thread Z-147 in the strength group G105. They were fused with a powder wire of various chemical composition back-to-back with three belts on each sample. Wear tests of surfacing were carried out on a test bench using a special technique (resistance to abrasive wear). The chemical composition of the surfacing indicates a carbon content in the surface layer of 0.28 to 0.40 percent. Methods of restoration of locks by surfacing were examined and the physical and mechanical properties of the surface layer of the restored drill pipes were evaluated, the microstructural state of the base and deposited metal was analyzed. (Results and discussion) It was noted that despite the large number of technologies for surfacing drill pipe locks, the special equipment used, the high labor intensity and cost of surfacing processes and subsequent turning on pipe-cutting machines, it is not possible to increase their wear resistance. This is due to the insufficient hardness of the surface layer of the deposited locks (no more than 28-32 on the Rockwell scale), which does not exceed the surface hardness of the new drill pipe. An experimental increase in the hardness of the surface layer of the deposited samples after electromechanical surface hardening was confirmed. (Conclusions) The results of wear tests of deposited materials indicate the effectiveness of electromechanical surface hardening of reducing surfacing.

Practical Considerations and Limitations of Using Leaf and Canopy Temperature Measurements as a Stomatal Conductance Proxy: Sensitivity across Environmental Conditions, Scale, and Sample Size.

Stomatal conductance (gs) is a crucial component of plant physiology, as it links plant productivity and water loss through transpiration. Estimating gs indirectly through leaf temperature (Tl) measurement is common for reducing the high labor cost associated with direct gs measurement. However, the relationship between observed Tl and gs can be notably affected by local environmental conditions, canopy structure, measurement scale, sample size, and gs itself. To better understand and quantify the variation in the relationship between Tl measurements to gs, this study analyzed the sensitivity of Tl to gs using a high-resolution three-dimensional model that resolves interactions between microclimate and canopy structure. The model was used to simulate the sensitivity of Tl to gs across different environmental conditions, aggregation scales (point measurement, infrared thermometer, and thermographic image), and sample sizes. Results showed that leaf-level sensitivity of Tl to gs was highest under conditions of high net radiation flux, high vapor pressure deficit, and low boundary layer conductance. The study findings also highlighted the trade-off between measurement scale and sample size to maximize sensitivity. Smaller scale measurements (e.g., thermocouple) provided maximal sensitivity because they allow for exclusion of shaded leaves and the ground, which have low sensitivity. However, large sample sizes (up to 50 to 75) may be needed to differentiate genotypes. Larger-scale measurements (e.g., thermal camera) reduced sample size requirements but include low-sensitivity elements in the measurement. This work provides a means of estimating leaf-level sensitivity and offers quantitative guidance for balancing scale and sample size issues.

RECENT PERSPECTIVES CONCERNING EDUCATION AND TRAINING FUNDING IN ROMANIA. THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL AND INVESTMENT FUNDS

In the European Union (EU), member countries organise and develop education and lifelong training systems. While this responsibility rests with individual states, the EU supports members’ actions by supplementing their capacity through political cooperation and various funding instruments. Therefore, this paper assesses the impact of structural funds' (ESIFs) absorption in the general European framework, with a particular focus on Romania. More precisely, we are interested in observing the implementation of operational programmes intended to finance education and training in different programming periods. For the theoretical component, this research stresses the role of several social actions granted from nonreimbursable sources that contribute to achieving the objectives of the Cohesion Policy, i.e., maximising human capital performance according to the development needs of the citizens. Hence, this study presents the absorption degree of the most relevant ESIF interventions in Romania, following the specifics of the national education system. In the empirical plan, based on a comparative analysis of the main socioeconomic strategies oriented towards stimulating human capital accumulation, we analyse some key medium- and long-term outcomes from capitalising on the potential of qualitative education. By efficiently implementing these actions, we hope Romania may accomplish (or at least get closer to) the regional targets of high labour force competitiveness, social integration at European standards, and sustainable economic growth.

Hybrid Pixel‐Level Crack Segmentation for Ballastless Track Slab Using Digital Twin Model and Weakly Supervised Style Transfer

Crack detection at the pixel level across complex scenarios (structural interference and adverse working conditions) is a critical consideration in the maintenance of ballastless track slab (BTS). Although existing deep learning models achieve acceptable accuracy on cracks with a monotonous background, the ground truth with high labor cost is inevitable and their performance in complex scenarios may fall far below their theoretical bounds or even cause “all‐black images.” A hybrid algorithm based on synthetic data from digital twin model and weakly supervised style transfer is proposed in this paper for addressing the above challenges. The algorithm uses a region‐attention strategy to enable the uncontrolled generative adversarial network (GAN) focusing its attention on weak labels containing crack regions, directly obtaining segmentation results with the same style as the ground truth of the crack forest dataset. In addition, a digital twin model that can simulate the real inspection working conditions is established to generate a synthetic crack dataset, enabling the hybrid algorithm to extract the most discriminative features. The results show that the performance of the hybrid algorithm on inspection images across complex scenarios is nearly 25% higher than that of the DeepLabv3+ network, while the time cost consumed is only 0.5% of the latter. The deployment of the region attention strategy also enables the hybrid algorithm to achieve a mean intersection of union (MIoU) of 79.38%, which is nearly twice as much as that of GAN. It not only eliminates the oversegmentation caused by structures such as rails and fastener systems but also overcomes “all‐black images.” In addition, synthetic data can greatly enlarge the range, type, and number of discriminative crack features compared with data augmentation based on limited real data, thus enhancing the performance of the hybrid algorithm for uncertain inspection data. Particularly, the fully trained hybrid algorithm based on the synthetic dataset shows good adaptability and generalization to adverse working conditions such as uneven lighting, noise, and blur.

Historical and cultural heritage of Semirechye as a factor in the development of educational tourism: ancient stages and modern potential

In the programs for the development of tourism in Kazakhstan, starting from the 90s of the 20th century, the need for priority development of inbound tourism is regularly declared. However, to this day, most domestic tourism enterprises are focused on sending clients abroad, mainly to distant foreign countries. From the point of view of the author of this article, one of the reasons why only a small part of travel agencies is engaged in receiving tourists is the high labor intensity of this activity, which requires specialists to have deep knowledge, including local history. This knowledge allows creating unique tours based on the history of the region. This article, briefly revealing the ancient history of Semirechye, is relevant and can serve as a basis for creating new tourist routes in the region, contributing to the development of inbound tourism in Kazakhstan

Do land transfers reduce the effects of labour costs on agricultural land abandonment?

ABSTRACT We account for the endogeneity problem in the statistical analysis of recent survey data from 5 provinces in southwest China and show that the positive effects of labour costs on ALA are weaker if farmers’ demands for land transfers are met. Meanwhile, public interventions in land transfers by local governments or village collectives reduce the ALA caused by the high labour costs. Our analysis implies that well-functioning land rental markets in less-developed regions effectively alleviate the aggravating effects of high labour costs on ALA.

Development of an Automatic Tree Coating Machine Based on Cooperative Functioning of Multiple Nozzles

Background: At present, the tree whitewashing in China is mainly based on the traditional manual whitewashing method, which has the shortcomings of high labor intensity, low efficiency, excessive wastage of paint, danger to human health, and poor adaptability to the strong seasonality of tree whitewashing. Objective: To reduce the sunburn and water evaporation of trees, prevent the invasion of diseases and pests, and to enhance the disease resistance of trees, the tree trunk coating mainly uses a traditional manual method. However, this mainstream manual whitewashing approach is labor- intensive and inefficient. To resolve the issue, an automatic spraying device for tree coating based on multisprinkler cooperative operation is designed. It can meet the requirements of tree whitening and replace manual operation. To some extent, this machine can reduce labor intensity and promote the healthy growth of trees. Methods: Through literature review and field research, the technical requirements and research status of tree whitewashing have been explored. The three-dimensional Software Solidworks has been used to model the rack assembly, device moving assembly, up and down moving assembly, nozzle moving support assembly, and spraying assembly, and then the three-dimensional assembly of the whole machine has been carried out. According to the simulation optimization results, the initial three-dimensional model is modified, and then the engineering drawing is drawn through the threedimensional model for prototype processing, manufacturing, and assembly. The schematic diagram and PCB pattern of the circuit board of the electronic control system have been drawn, the program of the controller k60dn512 single chip microcomputer has been written, simulation and debugging have been conducted, and the control system has been designed. Laboratory and field tests on the prototype have been conducted, and the device has been improved according to the test data. Results: Experiments show that the device can accurately spray trees with a trunk circumference of 50-125cm. When the trunk circumference is greater than 125 cm, repeated spraying can meet the spraying requirements. The trunk circumference is in the range of 50-80 cm, and the opening and closing angle is in the range of 80-100°. The spraying effect is good, and the average spraying coverage can reach 97.73%. The trunk perimeter is in the range of 80-125 cm, and the opening and closing angle is in the range of 100-120°. The spraying effect is the best, and the average spraying coverage can reach 98.06%. During the experiment, the spraying efficiency of the device can reach 100 trees/hour, which is significantly higher than the efficiency of manual operation. Conclusion: The device improves the efficiency and quality of tree spraying, reduces the labor intensity of operation, and realizes the high-efficiency spraying for tree coating.

АКТУАЛЬНОСТЬ ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ МОНИТОРИНГА СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ КУЛЬТУР И ХВОЙНОГО ПОДРОСТА В ВЕГЕТАТИВНЫЙ ПЕРИОД

Modern agriculture faces a number of challenges, including climate change, resource constraints and the need to increase productivity. In this context, the assessment of quantitative parameters of crop growth by technical means during the growing season becomes particularly relevant. The scientific approach to this problem is becoming a key tool for optimizing production and ensuring food security, sustainable development of forest ecosystems. (Research purpose) To substantiate the relevance of monitoring crops and undergrowth during artificial reforestation during the vegetative period. (Materials and methods) Video monitoring of agricultural crops, automated segment recognition, geospatial data, literature review, statistical analysis were used. (Results and discussion) The statistics and problems of existing measures for monitoring coniferous undergrowth after reforestation measures were analyzed. The methods of using video monitoring of agricultural crops, in particular, for analyzing the yield of corn shoots, were considered. The use of a video monitoring system to control the care of coniferous undergrowth in the first five years after reforestation was substantiated. Key limitations and difficulties were cited, including high labor costs, insufficient monitoring, lack of systematic approach, limited human labor and low speed and accuracy of data processing. It has been shown that these factors emphasize the need for innovations in methods of controlling the growth of crops and caring for coniferous young. (Conclusions) It was revealed that the video monitoring system of coniferous undergrowth is one of the solutions to the problems of monitoring the condition of forest areas. It was determined that it allows assessing the quality of planting work, determining the growth and health indicators of seedlings, monitoring the environment by indirect signs and, due to a high level of digitalization and automation, responding quickly to violations. It was stated that the assessment of the parameters of crop growth in real time with the use of technical solutions makes it possible to identify problems such as diseases and parasites at an early stage, which will improve the possibilities for their prevention.