Industrial Technicians Research Articles

Dual channel visible graph convolutional neural network for microleakage monitoring of pipeline weld homalographic cracks

When using a single sensor to monitor early microleakage of nuclear power pressure pipeline leakage, there are problems such as low monitoring accuracy and poor early warning reliability due to the limitations of the monitoring range and weak difference between the leakage signals. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a dual channel visible graph convolutional neural network (DCV-GCN). Firstly, the acoustic emission time-series data of each channel are truncated and divided, and the significant frequency bands are selected based on the envelope spectrum. On this basis, the sequence group is averaged to obtain the graph structure sequence. Then, the limited penetrable visibility (LPV) graph construction algorithm is used to calculate the adjacency matrix, and the important nodes is reserved according to the eigenvector centrality. Furthermore, the inverse ratio of the distance from the sensor in each single channel to the center of the crack is used as the fusion weight, and the adjacency matrices are merged after normalization to transform the construction of the graph structure dataset. Finally, the dataset is input into the graph convolutional neural network, and the effectiveness of the method is verified by carefully designing three homalographic cracks. The results show that the proposed method can effectively extract the distinguishing features with similar frequency components and similar leakage rates, and the recognition accuracy of different leakage states can reach 98.56 %. In addition, through ablation experiments and different parameter strategy settings, the operating mechanism is explained, which can provide a reference for monitoring and analysis by industrial technicians.

Interpretable real-time monitoring of pipeline weld crack leakage based on wavelet multi-kernel network

The deep learning technology used for pipeline weld crack leakage monitoring lacks physical interpretability, which makes it difficult to provide theoretical support to decision-makers, reducing the practicality and applicability of the technology. To solve this problem, a deep learning framework that combines interpretability and feature fusion is proposed to solve the real-time monitoring problem of pipeline leaks. First, three different wavelet basis functions are used to analyze the leakage acoustic emission signal, and the resulting time-frequency features exhibit correlation and complementarity. Based on this, an interpretable neural network with different wavelet convolution kernels is designed to extract abstract feature details of wideband acoustic emission signals through multi-level dynamic receptive fields. Then, a feature fusion module based on channel importance weighting was designed to optimize the learning process of the network by highlighting the contribution of different channels. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method were verified through pipeline leakage acoustic emission monitoring experiments. The results show that the proposed method can effectively extract distinguishing features of leak acoustic emission signals, and the recognition accuracy of different leakage states can reach 98.32%, which is significantly higher than that of typical deep learning methods. In addition, feature map visualization proves that the proposed method has physical interpretability in abstract feature extraction, which will provide a reference basis for correct decision-making by industrial technicians.

การพัฒนาหลักสูตรการเรียนการสอนข้ามศาสตร์แบบบูรณาการสมรรถนะ ด้านอิเล็กทรอนิกส์อัจฉริยะเพื่อสร้างนวัตกรรมสำหรับสาขาวิชาช่างอุตสาหกรรม หลักสูตรประกาศนียบัตรวิชาชีพ (ปวช.) สังกัดสำนักงานคณะกรรมการการอาชีวศึกษาในพื้นที่ภาคใต้

The purpose of this research was to develop a competency-integrated cross-disciplinary curriculum with integrated intelligent electronics competency in order to create innovations for the field of industrial technicians, Vocational Certificate Program (Vocational Certificate) under the Office of Vocational Education Commission in the Southern Region. The research’s objectives are 1) to develop integrated competency-based teaching and learning curriculum intelligent electronics to create innovations for industrial technicians; 2) to access the quality of a competency-integrated cross-disciplinary training course outline aspect of intelligent electronics to create innovations for industrial technicians . The research instruments consisted of a training course, an experimental package, an evaluation form for content congruence with behavioral objectives, and a form to assess the suitability of the training course outline. The statistics used in the data analysis were average analysis, standard deviation, and the IOC conformity index. The research results were as follows: 1) A integrated cross-scientific instructional management model of intelligent electronic competency was consistent between content and behavioral objectives with a mean score of 0.90, and content was consistent with behavioral objectives. Moreover, the assessment’s results for the suitability of the training curriculum outline for integrated intelligent electronics competency in intelligent electronics to create innovations for industrial technicians were: the training content was high, In addition, the duration of the activities was at a high level, and the experimental design technique was at a high level.

Developing Framework for Teaching Technical Skills to Metalwork Undergraduates in Vocational-Based Education in Nigeria

The rising prevalence of unemployment and high demands at workplaces require vocational-based education teachers to devise an appropriate practical skills procedure. Teaching through a well-designed instructional procedure that stresses learners' involvement in skill practice is an alternative to cultivating skills. This study proposes a scientific procedure for implementing a vocational-based education curriculum in colleges of education by identifying key activities that lecturers and industrial technicians considered to be important for teaching undergraduate technical skills in Nigeria. There is no accepted framework for teachers to teach skills and evaluate their instruction. Efforts have been made to create such a prospective framework, but none has been put into use (Bannister et al. 2018) because they are poorly understood (Sarker, Vincent, and Darzi 2005). The study utilized the Delphi research strategy to gain consensus about the processes and activities involved in teaching skills. Then, employed the Four D Model (4-D model), which included the steps of Task identification, Material arrangement, Task execution, and Task evaluation, was developed in the research. We test a model of factors predicting the appropriate teaching model. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. The result revealed the differential effect of the variables considered. However, the activities in each stage were utilized to design the scientific procedure for teaching technical skills in colleges of education. Because learning skills that are shielded in hands-on activities rely upon teaching procedures and skill practice opportunities, we concluded that effectively utilizing this scientific framework in colleges would improve students’ practical skills acquisition and make them active in the learning process.

Industrial verification of egg handling for meal preparation: a case study of professional engagement with application of remote design thinking during the COVID‐19 pandemic

SummaryThe COVID‐19 pandemic generated impacts on all segments of society, including the food industry, which had to adapt to the reality of greater demand and increased costs. During the pandemic period, the new Brazilian legislation on microbiological food standards came into force, demanding documentary evidence of the adequacy of production processes and food safety. Every day, the need for international cooperation, local actions and agile working methods becomes more evident. The objective of this work was to engage professionals remotely to verify a new egg handling process in a food industry, where powdered eggs were replaced by the in natura form during the pandemic. A process description was developed with a flowchart and microbiological sampling plan to verify the process, using the design thinking method, conducted by videoconference by professionals from four microbiology laboratories together with professors, researchers and industry technicians. The analysis results proved the microbiological adequacy of the egg handling process. The method of remote decision‐making by design thinking and the engagement of different laboratories and professionals intends to subsidise other food and food service industries, making it possible to structure the monitoring and verification of food processes, in an agile and economical way.

Thermodynamic and geochemical studies of formation water in Rag-e Sefid oil and gas field, Iran

<abstract> <p>Nowadays, the concentration of mineral cations and anions in the formation water of oil and gas fields is a challenging issue for oil industry technicians managing the formation of mineral deposits during water injection operations. For this reason, the analysis of formation water mineral ions during exploitation operations can be a valuable solution for the efficient management of oil production. Therefore, in this research, the thermodynamic and geochemical evaluation of formation water in the Reg-e Sefid oil and gas field is considered. Based on the results of this study, the formation of calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate can be expected due to the concentration of mineral ions dissolved in the formation water in the Reg-e Sefid oil and gas field according to the StimCad2 software. Also, based on the evaluation of ion ratios, the studied oil and gas field formation has ideal conditions for hydrocarbon production. Based on the results obtained from the comparison of the water and rock formation of the Rag-e Sefid oil and gas field, the source of ions (except calcium and magnesium ions) is related to ancient sea water.</p> </abstract>

สมรรถนะการจัดการเรียนรู้ที่จำเป็นสำหรับครูอาชีวศึกษา ด้านช่างอุตสาหกรรมในพื้นที่ภาคใต้

The study of competency in learning management for vocational teachers in industrial technicians in the southern region is quantitative research. The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the learning management methods of vocational teachers in industrial technicians in the southern region. 2) to study the needs of developing appropriate learning management for teaching and learning industrial technicians in the southern region, where the population is the industrial technician expert who works in vocational institutions in the southern region. The sample group comprises expert teachers from large vocational institutions in 15 people, medium size 14 people, and small 14 people using purposive sampling data storage method using document analysis review and in-depth interviews. The research tool used to collect the data was an in-depth interview and semi-structured interview. The data were analyzed by mean and percentage. The results indicated that the methods of learning management that is suitable for learning management according to the opinions of teachers whom experts in industrialism used today. In case the percentage is greater than 10, it is found that there are six methods of learning management. As for learning management methods that teachers should develop in vocational institutes for industrial technicians, there are seven methods: 1) Learning management Problem-Based Learning has the greatest need 2) Flipped Classroom 3) Jigsaw Classroom Techniques 4) Discussion Method 5) Peer Instruction 6) Project-Based Learning, and 7) Case Study. The results of this research will be taken into consideration to develop teachers further.

1950년대 기술인력양성책의 추진과 한계

This article notes what technical manpower training policies were established and developed at the government, schools, and industrial sites in the 1950s after the liberation. After the liberation, the military and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry sought to develop and pursue a short-term training-oriented technical training plan to increase the operating rate of the production sector. Due to the lack of technical manpower, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry first operated mechanical technology and mining technical training centers. Second, the Industrial Technician test was conducted for a short period of time when there were no other certificates except for educational diplomas. After the Korean War, in order for the corporate technical personnels to lead the provision of practical training and retraining for technical personnel in industrial sites. The aid authorities attempted ① the strengthening of the practice for vocational education ② the retraining of workers in the nearby area ③ the retraining of teachers in vocational schools. This was for the purposes of enhancing the effectiveness of aid and economic reconstruction. However, it was not easy to settle this technical training system under high unemployment and people''s aspirations to go to universities. It was difficult to change the atmosphere of Korean society in a short period of time, preferring to go to university over finding a job. The goal of vocational education and training was not for the higher education but to get employed. Hence, it was necessary to ‘grow‘ the industry in order to set a firm footing in the vocational education and training institution. Without the growth of the industry, it was difficult for technical skills to immediately lead to employment. Technical skills were harder to be recognized than university diplomas in the labor market due to the industrial structure, which was challenging to become skilled, get hired, and move up the social ladder after getting technical training and technician certificates. Attempts to change the technical training system intended by the aid authorities in the 1950s seemed to have failed. As a result, since the 1960s, technical manpower training policy has been transformed from educational to labor policy in character.

Digital twin oriented architecture for secure and QoS aware intelligent communications in industrial environments

In modern networking industrial environments, characterized by the integration of Operation Technology and Information Technology, there is a strong need to ensure both safety and security of operations and communications. In this regard, IEC 62443 zones and conduits represent powerful high-level abstractions stressing the importance of clearly separating machines in relation to safety requirements and of clearly defining inter-machine communication security requirements. However, their actual implementation is still demanded to human-centric error-prone procedures performed by technicians directly on network elements, without any integrated plant-wide point of view. To overcome these issues, first of all we originally state the need of applying the Digital Twin approach to zones and conduits, making easier the definition and management of inter-machine security requirements. For instance, industrial technicians can specify that communication among two zones should always flows through a ciphered conduit with a given algorithm and key length, at the cost of increased latency. Secondly, we state the need of exploiting an intelligent reasoner to monitor the current state of the environment (represented by asset and network Digital Twins), actively reconfiguring them in case desired requirements are not satisfied. Then, the reasoner allows to enforce requirements while also considering the fulfillment of a proper trade-off between security and performance, e.g., by reducing the ciphering complexity to ensure prompt packet dispatching whenever required. Performance results based on our working prototype demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed solution under stringent requirements typical of industrial environments. In particular, in terms of better flexibility we proved that our orchestrator is able to create a new Digital Twin in less than 2.5 s in a typical edge node with a medium load. In addition, proposed routing policies based on our machine learning reasoner led to the satisfaction of well-defined low latency requirements (250 ms) while avoiding packet dropping.

Industry Technicians Embedded in Clinical Teams: Impacts on Medical Knowledge.

Advances in implantable medical devices have increased the role for industry-employed allied professionals (IEAPs) in providing training and support during surgical procedures and follow-up care. The effect of these changes on the organization of medical knowledge and the sharing of information remains largely unexplored. Recent work in social epistemology and the conceptualizing of implantable medical device companies as part of a knowledge-based industry provide a framework for engaging with this issue. In this article, we argue that the insertion of industry technicians into hospitals diminishes epistemically valuable knowledge-sharing practices. This is in part a result of health care professionals' increased dependence on IEAPs, who control access to knowledge about devices, limiting opportunities both for independent learning and for dialogic education practices through which participants work toward a common goal. Ultimately, we claim that overdependence on the IEAP as expert undermines a basic social value regarding knowledge sharing for everyone's benefit.

Musculoskeletal disorders and perceived physical work demands among offshore wind industry technicians across different turbine sizes: A cross-sectional study

Offshore wind service technicians (WTs) inspect, maintain, operate and repair wind turbines, and are frequently exposed to ladder climbing, manual handling activities and work in awkward postures, all known risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. Our primary aim was to assess the prevalence, severity and impact of musculoskeletal disorders among WTs and their perceived physical work demands, specifically related to the turbine size serviced (work site). We collected data using a cross-sectional survey including WTs (n = 176) from Denmark and the United Kingdom. Musculoskeletal disorders were assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and physical demands were reported with duration considered in response categories and turbine size (Small, Medium, Large) defined by reported work site. Descriptive statistics, analyses of variance and logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds of experiencing poor health and performance outcomes between turbine sizes. Our results showed that the population was young (37 ± 8 years), male-dominated (99% males) and with low seniority (81% with less than 10 years) in the wind industry. WTs servicing larger sized turbines were less likely to experience musculoskeletal disorders (OR 0.15 [95% CI: 0.04 to 0.58]) and generally reported lower physical work demands compared with small turbines. Overall, we found a high prevalence (68%) and severity (median of 5 (0–10 NRS)) of musculoskeletal disorders across body parts and turbine sizes. The overall high but turbine size-specific prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and physical work demands may inform decisions on required levels of health promotion and suitable preventive strategies in the offshore wind industry going forward.

Vernacular Technical Practices Beyond the Imitative/Innovative Boundary: Apple II Cloning in Early-1980s South Korea

This article seeks to reinstate the significance of microcomputer cloning in the history of computing, seeing it as a vernacular technical practice that is outside of the institutional domain yet entangled with it. While exploring the practices of Apple II cloning at the Cheonggyecheon electronics market, and its contribution to promoting the computer industry in South Korea during the early 1980s, the study examines how the vernacular technical practices of cloning moved beyond the imitative/innovative boundary. It has two parts. First, the cloning of Apple II computers is traced with a focus on cottage industry technicians at the electronics market and their East Asian translocal connections. Second, the entanglements of the vernacular with the institutional are analyzed in relation to how clones were sometimes superior to the original while retaining compatibility with it, which in turn made large firms rely on such vernacular practices. Arguing that the boundaries of copy/original, imitative/innovative, or vernacular/institutional were permeable, this study concludes that vernacular technical practices of cloning, although outside formal institutions and official histories, constitute a critical part of the computer industry and the history of computing.

The socio-economic reality of industrial vocational training during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera in Spain, 1923–1930

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to analyse the social and economic implementation of the reform of industrial vocational training during Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship in Spain (1923–1930), based on the Industrial Education Statute of 1924 and the Vocational Training Statute of 1928. Framed within an international context affected by the consequences of the First World War, the project formed part of an authoritative corporate structure within the ideological paradigm of “reactionary modernism”: a combination of social tradition and the modernity of industrialisation, exemplified in the vocational training of industrial workers and technicians in the work schools. In particular, the objective is to identify the effects of the implementation of this reform on a local level from a training, socio-professional, political, and economic perspective. To do this, the legislative and newspaper sources of the reform have been analysed, together with annual reports and reviews of the educational centres and the statistical yearbooks of enrolment. The results indicate that, in spite of the institutional re-launch of the reform, the ideological basis of the project clashed with the specific interests of the local reality.

Analysis of Abnormal Tank Volume Curve in Calibration Process of Horizontal Metal Tank Volume Comparison Method

This paper introduces the works, calibration process and data treating method of the horizontal metal tank system calibration by the volume comparison method. Nine typical abnormal tank volume curves are analyzed in this paper, which not only helps to improves the operating skills and work efficiency of the industry technicians, but also ensures the accuracy of the calibration results of the volume comparison method.

Calculation of interlock, 1 × 1 rib, and single jersey knitted fabrics shrinkage during the dyeing process after determining loop shape

This study investigated existing dimensional variations in knitted fabrics produced by weft-knitting technology for knitting and dry relaxation, dyed and dry relaxation, and dyed and wash relaxation for the interlock, 1 × 1 rib, and single jersey structures. This paper demonstrates that once the structure has been knitted, the shape that the loop takes in the fabric, and loop length and loop width, for each relaxation state will be the main factor responsible for dimensional variations in cotton knitted fabrics. It also shows how loop length affects knitted fabric dimensions when knitting machine parameters are modified by varying the use of feeders, and obtaining more loosely or more tightly knitted fabrics. In this study a model to predict the longitudinal and transversal shrinkage of interlock, 1 × 1 rib, and single jersey fabrics after the dyeing process is presented. This avoids following the conventional analysis procedure according to Standard UNE-EN ISO 6330 of September 2012 and, thus, avoids investing relatively long calculation times, which speeds up the production process by avoiding product lots being stopped. These results are important for textile industry technicians as they substantially simplify production calculations in weft-knitted fabrics companies. This work offers an effective method for predicting the longitudinal and transversal shrinkage and width of knitting fabrics after the dyeing process from the loop dimension after the knitting process. The application of the study results may help businesses to significantly save time and, consequently, imply an intermediate product stock investment saving.

The work school in Spain: training citizens and industrial technicians (1923–1930)

ABSTRACT This article aims to portray industrial workers’ vocational training during Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship in Spain (1923–1930), based on the Industrial Training Act of 1924 and the Vocational Training Act of 1928. The programme was devised to meet the modernising expectations of a conventional society. The grounds for government interventionism were laid down in a new curriculum based on the Work School, influenced by the aims of the New School, whose main objective was to create citizens and technicians. Accordingly, this article analyses, on the one hand, the ideological context that fostered the rebirth of industry-oriented training, and the influence of social Taylorism and the New School movement on the design of a newly humanised-technological programme; and, on the other hand, the corporate political manipulation by Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship of the new model of training based on work schools, influenced by the idea of reactionary modernisation.

Migrants’ strategies within the Arctic Council member-states: bottleneck vacancies analysis (by the example of Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway)

The article deals with the Arctic Council labor market characteristics analysis, particularly, we have looked at some macro indicators and reviewed about 800 bottle-neck vacancies to identify differences across 4 Arctic Council member-states (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway), sectors and level of education referring to skill levels in demand. Differences in levels of economic development also seem to have an effect on labour demand in different countries.Our bottle-neck vacancies analysis has shown that vacancies demanding higher vocational education are highly necessary especially in Denmark and Sweden. Finland and Norway are demonstrating acute shortage both in vacancies with higher and secondary vocational education. Under bottleneck vacancies analysis a great emphasis was made upon high-tech/non hi-tech economic sectors. Vacancies demanded in high-tech economic sectors are mostly represented with mountain metallurgy technicians, software developers, chemical engineers, mechanics, biotechnologists, heavy industry technicians, IT engineers, and electrical engineers. These vacancies are particularly demanded in Sweden, Denmark, Norway. Non-high-tech bottleneck vacancies are represented in such economic sectors as construction, light industry, forestry, transportation and trade. Medical staff vacancies are also in high demand. Health care specialists are primarily demanded in Finland. One possible reason for that could be rapidly ageing population in the Arctic Council member-states resulting in higher demand for healthcare professionals.

A framework to improve training and development of workers’ technical skills: effects on operational performance during company relocation

A case study is presented in a food and beverage company, during the transfer of a production plant location. To address the problems of loss of industrial technicians and closing emerging gaps in knowledge of tasks’ execution to be performed by new technicians, the company has implemented mitigation actions: work characterization, the creation of standard procedures, and the implementation of operational control routines, among others. The process of technical skills development for the production center was systematized by a framework developed for this purpose. The use of this framework, combined with a specifically designed training program, allowed for improvements in technicians’ proficiency in performing operational tasks that have a direct influence on the process performance, as evidenced by the improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness. This framework could be adaptable to other manufacturing companies to improve Training and Development skills of their workers, aiming to create and transfer of intraorganizational knowledge.

What Your Students Ought to Know about Electrochemistry (But Ask Us Instead)

“Have you made sure your reference electrode is connected to your potentiostat? Are you even using a reference electrode?” Electrochemistry equipment manufacturers frequently find themselves in the position where they are providing guidance and troubleshooting advice to graduate students and industry technicians. In addition to these expected services, the role we find ourselves often playing is auxiliary academic advisor. Over the years, our electrochemists have collected numerous anecdotes about a variety of apparent research catastrophes, and graduate advisors may be personally surprised to learn the kinds of stories we have heard. While there are certainly instances when reported problems are valid and require in-depth technical assistance with the instrument, it is not uncommon for the problem to be traced to a gap in fundamental or practical electrochemical knowledge. When an issue is encountered in an electrochemical experiment, the underlying problem is either the fault of the chemistry or the instrument. This creates tension between the student or technician and the electrochemical equipment manufacturer, and we find that blame is often reflexively passed onto us during a phone call or email exchange. However, the simplicity, and sometimes unintentional comedy, of many of these issues may suggest the heart of the problem is fear of asking one’s advisor, or of damaging equipment from improper use. In this presentation, we will share some of the recurring problems we encounter from bewildered students and technicians across the world, and use these stories to alert lab directors about some common deficiencies we have observed. While we are sympathetic to the varying methods, busy schedules, and tight deadlines of the average academic advisor (or industry supervisor), our experience of repeatedly filling in basic knowledge gaps suggests there may some simple, practical steps that can be taken with those who are beginning electrochemical research to build a strong foundation for future success.

Professionals and Technicians for Industry 4.0

Professionals and Technicians for Industry 4.0