On-site Inspection Research Articles

Design of Traffic Improvement Plan for Line 1 Baijiahu Station of Nanjing Metro

The article proposes design improvements for the current issues at Baijiahu Station, reorganizing the layout of surrounding transportation facilities to address the existing disorder. Based on an understanding of Baijiahu Metro Station, the article analyzes the regional conditions, target service users, and potential future service users. Through on-site inspections and predictions based on current pedestrian flow data and conditions, the article forecasts the future demand for various transportation modes at Baijiahu Station. Subsequently, it puts forward improvement measures and plans concerning the layout of public facilities around Baijiahu Metro Station, the integration of subway and surface transportation, and crowd organization. These proposals aim to provide feasible planning solutions for the reconstruction and future development of Baijiahu Metro Station. Finally, the article uses simulation software to compare the effects before and after the improvements. This allows the optimized plan to effectively enhance the service efficiency and quality of the metro station, facilitating the rational integration of the subway into urban transportation and thereby improving the city's public transportation capacity and service standards.

A pre-failure narrow concrete cracks dataset for engineering structures damage classification and segmentation

Monitoring of structures’ condition plays a fundamental role in providing safety for users and extending the structures’ lifespan. The monitoring is conducted through on-site inspections by engineers thus this process is time-consuming, labor-intensive and prone to subjective engineering opinions. Detecting damage using machine learning algorithms on images can support engineers’ work, especially for early damages which are difficult to see with the human eye. This article is focused on the concrete crack detection problem in engineering structural elements. Despite the availability of several concrete crack detection datasets, no dataset allows semantic segmentation of cracks narrower than 0.3 mm (the crack width limit for typical engineering structures elements and environmental conditions according to EC 1992-1-1) and the ability for crack classification is limited. The provided open dataset represents only cracks below the crack width limit of 0.3mm, which do not yet indicate concrete elements failure. It is dedicated for early crack classification and segmentation, so that damage protection can be taken at an early stage to prevent structural element damages.

Long-term monitoring of a masonry arch bridge to evaluate scour effects

Evaluating the scour effects on masonry arch bridges is of utmost importance to ensure the continued operational safety of those infrastructures. Even if numerical and laboratory studies have demonstrated the possibility of detecting scour-induced effects by measuring the structural response of masonry bridges, there is a lack of long-term monitoring applications on real structures. Within this context, the paper presents selected results obtained during two years of continuous monitoring of a historical masonry arch bridge to evaluate scour-induced effects. Firstly, on-site inspections of the bridge revealed severe foundation erosion and extensive documentary research was carried out to identify the depth of the foundation level. Subsequently, a monitoring system was installed in the bridge, including several MEMS-based tiltmeters, 1 echosounder, 1 hydrometer and 1 weather station. The correlation between measured rotations and environmental parameters is investigated and a linear regression model is used to minimize/remove temperature-induced effects. The residual errors between measured and predicted rotations highlighted the occurrence of various anomalies.

Mechanical Properties of Concrete Produced with Coarse Aggregates from Different Mineralogical Origins Using Ultrasonic Tests

The use of nondestructive techniques in the technological control of concrete allows to evaluate and monitor the condition of the material without interfering with its properties; therefore, it is highly desirable in on-site inspections. Among these techniques, ultrasonic testing stands out as one of the most promising by its speed and simplicity to obtain results. However, inferences of strength and stiffness properties using ultrasound parameters should be made with caution, since many factors may interfere with wave propagation. This research aimed to evaluate the behavior of parameters obtained by ultrasonic testing (velocity of wave propagation [V] and stiffness coefficient [C = density × V2]) as predictors of the strength (fc) and stiffness (Eci) of concrete produced with coarse aggregates from different mineralogical origins. To achieve the objective, 128 specimens were produced with four aggregate mineralogical origins and four water-cement ratios, with 8 replications each. The ultrasonic tests were performed with two-frequency transducers (45 and 80 kHz). Prediction models of fc and Eci were statistically significant (P-value < 0,05) for both frequencies. The model using [C] as independent variable present better correlation with Eci (R2 > 91,2%) and with fc (R2 > 82%) than the model using only [V]. General regression models (regardless of the gravel type) were also statistically significant (P-value < 0.05), with R2 > 79% and prediction errors higher than those obtained for the specific models for different rock types.

An assessment of immediate newborn care readiness and availability in Nepal

ABSTRACT Background Global neonatal mortality necessitates access to immediate newborn care interventions. In Nepal, disparities persist in the readiness and availability of newborn care services within health facilities. Objective This study aimed to assess this status and compare facilities that had implemented an intensive newborn resuscitation capacity building and retention programme in the past five years with those that had not. Methods Our observational cross-sectional study involved 154 health facilities across Nepal. Through on-site inspections and maternal log reviews, we evaluated the immediate newborn care readiness and availability. Results The mean immediate newborn care intervention availability score of 52.8% (SE = 21.5) and the readiness score averaged 79.6% (SE = 12.3). Encouragingly, 96% of facilities ensured newborns were dried and wrapped for warmth, and 69.9% provided newborn resuscitation. Practices such as delayed cord clamping (42.0%), skin-to-skin contact (28.6%), and early breastfeeding (63.5%) showed room for improvement. Only 16.1% of health facilities administered Vitamin K1 prophylaxis.Domain-specific scores demonstrated a high level of facility readiness in infrastructure (97.5%), medicine, equipment, and supplies (90.6%), and staff training (90.9%), but a lower score for neonatal resuscitation aids (28.8%). Disparities in readiness and availability were evident, with rural areas and the Madhesh province reporting lower scores. Variations among health facility types revealed provincial and private hospitals outperforming local-level facilities. A positive association was observed between the LDSC/SSN mentoring programme and both the readiness and availability of immediate newborn care services. Conclusion This study highlights the gap between healthcare facility readiness and the actual availability of immediate newborn care interventions in Nepal. Addressing disparities and barriers, particularly in rural areas and local-level facilities, is crucial for improving neonatal survival. The positive link between the LDSC/SSN programme and service availability and facility readiness emphasises the significance of targeted training and mentorship programmes in enhancing newborn care across Nepal.

Quantitative test of delamination defects in CFRP with surface interference by laser thermography

Remote onsite inspection and quantitative evaluation of internal delamination defects in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures is of great significance in practical engineering applications. In this paper, a new method for quantitative test and 3D imaging of internal delamination defects in CFRP with surface interference by long pulse laser thermography is developed. The variation of surface temperature field in a CFRP plate with both defect and surface interference irradiated by a uniform laser source was analyzed by simulation and experiment. Image processing of the collected laser thermography image sequence was carried out to obtain the size and shape of the possible defects. Meanwhile, a method with using the peak time of the temperature difference curve was developed to precisely evaluate the defect depth and eliminate the surface interference. The information was then combined to achieve 3D visualization imaging of the actual defects.

Forms of interaction between the National Medical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (for adults) and the regions of the Russian Federation

In order to implement the Federal Project “Development of a Network of National Medical Research Centers and Implementation of Innovative Medical Technologies”, the National Medical Research Center (NMRC) on the “Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (for adults)” was established in 2021 on the basis of the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), designed to perform organizational and methodological management of specialized units of medical organizations of regions of the Russian Federation. Aim. Evaluate the contribution of Sechenov University to the implementation of the federal project “Development of a network of medical research centers and the introduction of innovative medical technologies” using the unique experience of the NMRC as an example.. Materials and methods. Analysis of the results of NMRC visits to the regions of the Russian Federation. Reports review of medical organizations of the regions of the Russian Federation. The involvement of medical personnel of the regions in the system of continuous medical education, including scientific and practical events carried out by NMRC, and the demand for the use of telemedical consultations were assessed. Results. During 17 months of the NMRC work 15 of on-site inspections in the regions of Russian Federation were carried out in order to analyze the level of anesthesiology and intensive care services in the regions of Russian Federation, 2577 telemedical consultations were provided, and 15 interactive educational modules for the portal of continuous medical and pharmaceutical education of Ministry of Health of Russia were prepared. Conclusion. The main forms of NMRC’s interaction with the regions of the Russian Federation are organizational and methodological, scientific and educational support of the representatives of healthcare practitioners and regional healthcare authorities. The NMRC activities are aimed at improving the quality of medical care in the field of anesthesiology and intensive care in the regions of the Russian Federation and the formation of a value-oriented approach in modern health care.

A Statistical Approach to the Impact of Qualitative Variables on Water Consumption in Schools

Objective: To investigate the relationship between qualitative structural, behavioral and operational variables (continuous, discrete and binary) and water consumption in school environments. Theoretical framework: School managers lack adequate material resources and qualified information to effectively implement these practices, especially in developing countries. Method: An exploratory and correlational analysis was carried out between structural, operational and behavioral variables and water consumption in 911 schools located in Bahia, Brazil. In addition, consumption was estimated using predictive models based on ARIMA. Results and conclusion: The maximum consumption values ranged from 52.98 to 95.65 liters per student per day. A significant positive correlation was identified between the variables "Built-up area" and "IDEB Index" for 26 schools located in the suburbs of the city of Salvador, Bahia. ARIMA predictive models can be considered adequate as long as the variability of the data is not too great. Periodic on-site inspections, training of maintenance staff and dialog with school managers were effective in reducing water consumption Research implications: The introduction of practices for the rational use of natural resources during school education is certainly an important initiative to ensure a less environmentally unsustainable society. Originality/value: The study provided unprecedented information on the relationship between neglected variables such as "IDEB" and water consumption in schools. These results may help in the adoption of measures and practices that effectively promote citizen education aimed at preserving natural resources.

Risk Assessment in Sustainable Production: Utilizing a Hybrid Evaluation Model to Identify the Waste Factors in Steel Plate Manufacturing

In the realm of industrial development, steel has consistently played a pivotal role due to its extensive applications. This research aims to refine the process of steel plate manufacturing, focusing on reducing waste as a critical step towards embracing sustainable development and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our approach integrates a hybrid analytical model grounded in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to thoroughly investigate the waste-producing elements in steel plate production. The methodology of this study is structured in a three-pronged approach, as follows: Initially, it involves meticulous on-site inspections across various factories to pinpoint potential sources of waste. Subsequently, we employ the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to intricately analyze the interconnectedness and impact of various risk factors. The final phase utilizes the Performance Calculation technique within the Integrated Multiple Multi-Attribute Decision-Making (PCIM-MADM) framework for aggregating and evaluating risk scores. This multifaceted approach aids in establishing the priorities for corrective actions aimed at waste reduction. Our findings present innovative solutions for identifying and mitigating critical waste factors, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable steel manufacturing process. These strategies promise scalability and adaptability for broader industrial applications and provide critical insights into resource optimization. This research directly supports the objectives of SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization. Furthermore, it resonates with SDG 12, advocating for sustainable consumption and production patterns. By enhancing the efficiency and cost effectiveness of steel plate production, this study significantly contributes to minimizing waste and elevating the sustainability of industrial practices.

Synchronous Grouting Analysis of Shield Tunneling through High Water Pressure Fault Fracture Zone

Using numerical software to establish a three-dimensional geological model of shield tunneling through fault fracture zones, considering the synchronous grouting effect at the shield tail, the disturbance of various geotechnical structures in the fault fracture zone under deep burial and high water pressure conditions is studied. According to the comparison between the numerical model analysis results and the on-site inspection results of the entire process of Shiziyang B3 section, synchronous grouting at the shield tail is the main reason for the changes in soil and water pressure in the fault fracture zone area. The soil and water pressure changes strongly during shield tunneling, and the maximum excess pore pressure value occurs when the shield tail passes. When the shield tunneling machine is far away, the soil and water stress shows a downward trend. The impact of synchronous grouting decreases with the increase in tunneling distance. Due to the difference in permeability, the variation law of pore pressure in the fault fracture zone is significantly different from the original rock, leading to a faster increase in pore pressure in the fracture zone area and a wider range of influence.

Utilization of an Information System for the Efficient Implementation of the Integrated Environmental Permit System in South Korea

The construction and operation of information systems are valuable for the implementation of an integrated environmental permit system (IEPS). This study introduces an IEPS and examines its implementation in South Korea. Using operational cases from the IEPS, we demonstrate how the system is structured for each permit application procedure and the mechanisms by which permits are processed. In South Korea, the operation of an IEPS has made it easy to track the progress of permits and immediately notify the relevant authorities regarding permit applications and supplementary requests, thereby reducing the time required for permit reviews and amendments. Furthermore, disclosing the review results and other permit information ensures the reliability of permits. Additionally, the regular input of data, such as pollutant monitoring data from facilities and compliance with permit conditions, into the IEPS facilitates the stable management of all data related to facility permits and operations. Regulatory agencies can utilize the database within the IEPS to gain insight into facility conditions before conducting on-site inspections, ultimately reducing the time required for such inspections. Moreover, by accessing past inspection records through this system, facilities requiring more focused management can be identified, and data from the system can be used in planning future inspections.

Emergency stabilization of a landslide in Pirin National Park

The investigated landslide occurred in December 2021 on a steep river-valley slope in the southwestern part of the Pirin National Park. It has a typical circular shape with approximate dimensions: width of 20 m, length of 15 m and depth up to 4 m. The sliding involves mainly the soil-rock mass of the road embankment. The landslide affects a forest road and threatens the hydraulic canal “Syrchaliytsa” of the “Sandanska Bistritsa” cascade. The study is based on an on-site inspection and geotechnical mapping, its analysis and interpretation, aided by available archival and published data, and the authors’ personal experience of similar sites in the area and other parts of the country. The main objectives are to establish the engineering-geological conditions of the terrain, assess the main factors defining the landslide stability and develop a conceptual solution for its strengthening.

Community-Based Apiculture Enterprise: Rapid Appraisal in the Selected Municipalities in Lanao del Norte, Philippines

Beekeeping projects fail due to several factors, including insufficient food supply (nectar and pollen) and the presence of pests and diseases, among others. Hence, rapid appraisal of bee pasture areas is vital for the success of an apiary establishment. The study aimed to rapidly assess the communities’ potential for apiculture enterprise, specifically in the municipalities of Tubod, Lala, and Sapad, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. Gathered data and information were recorded through on-site ocular inspection and interviews with some community folks using the rapid appraisal instrument. Results revealed that the communities in the municipalities of Tubod (44.78) and Sapad (43.80) were appraised to be favorable for apiculture enterprise, while the communities in the municipality of Lala (41.80) were appraised neutral for apiculture enterprise. The appraised resource factor parameters favorable for apiculture were; vegetation for bee foraging, the area available for bee foraging, road accessibility, transportation services, electricity service, and irrigation facilities. Other factors were neutral, with a few appraised as less favorable but could easily be made favorable with appropriate management intervention. The importance of rapid appraisal results of the study served as baseline information in providing timely, relevant, and actionable information that supports effective decision-making and response efforts in future beekeeping project establishment.

Smartphone-based pH responsive 3-channel colorimetric biosensor for non-enzymatic multi-antibiotic residues.

Antibiotic residues in animal-derived food pose a risk to food safety and human health. Here, a smartphone-based pH-responsive 3-channel colorimetric biosensor is constructed for rapid detection of non-enzymatic multi-antibiotic residues in milk. In this system, a magnetic separation and enrichment approach is designed to specifically capture different antibiotic residues in complex environment. Indicators loaded on polydopamine-silver nanoparticles with excellently pH responsive visualization properties are utilized to ensure the high sensitivity of detection system. Moreover, smartphones are introduced to fulfill the demand for portable and on-site inspection of practical applications. It achieves simultaneous detection of oxytetracycline, kanamycin and streptomycin in the linear range of 1-105 pg/mL with detection limits of 0.085, 0.168, and 0.307pg/mL, respectively. The practicality of the reported multi-antibiotic residues detection system is successfully demonstrated and evaluated challenging milk samples. Therefore, this system demonstrates the wide applications in multi-antibiotic residue analysis and food safety guarantee.

Homicide, suicide, or accident? Complex differential diagnosis. A case series

Distinguishing between homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths remains a challenging task. The examination of actual cases, which involve a multitude of variables, significantly contributes to our understanding of these matters. In this context, we present three distinct cases that required the involvement of various specialists to conduct a thorough analysis of the manner of death. In the first case, the integration of on-site inspection, autopsy, radiological, and kinematic data enabled the identification of a homicidal death. In the second case, the combination of circumstantial evidence, autopsy findings, toxicological analysis, and meteorological data revealed an atypical accidental death resulting from an attempted suicide. In the third case, radiological findings, supplemented with criteria from forensic science, indicated an accidental manner of death. In all reported cases, a multidisciplinary approach played a pivotal role in the differential diagnosis of the manner of death.

The Detection of 27 Fentanyl Compounds in Solid and Liquid Drugs Based on Differential Raman Spectroscopy

Fentanyl and its derivatives have been mainstays for the treatment of pain for many years. To accurately detect them in medical applications and customs, a rapid, sensitive, and selective method is urgently needed. In this study, we established a point-of-care-testing (POCT) differential Raman approach for the detection of fentanyl substances in liquid and solid conditions. The silver nanoparticle was prepared and characterized as SERS substrate, which can adsorb fentanyl-related molecules on the rough surface to enhance the Raman signal. Subsequently, 27 kinds of fentanyl-related substances were detected to determine that the POCT spectral resolution is better than 6 cm−1, Raman detection range is 100–3200 cm−1, and the detection limit of the fentanyl-related substances at 1002 cm−1 is 0.1–25 ppb. Furthermore, the Raman characteristic peaks of fentanyl were checked through comparison between theoretical calculations and experiments to obtain a database for rapid on-site inspection. Thus, the fast, accurate, stable POCT approach can be widely applied to monitor drugs and toxins due to its sensitivity, specificity, and abundance database.

Developing Information Gateway for Intelligent Decision-Making and Stability in Solar Power Generation

Abstract This study has developed a specialized information gateway for inverters, utilizing relays, data converters, and single-board computers, among other components. Upon receiving data from the gateway, the server processes it to generate an intelligent solar monitoring system. The platform utilizes deep learning RNN and LSTM algorithms to forecast power generation at solar power plants, allowing for real-time monitoring of weather and power generation. By comparing actual and expected power generation data, the system can adjust equipment maintenance and cleaning schedules. It is designed to automatically alert staff members to take appropriate action when anomalous power generation data is continuously transmitted. Additionally, the system sends an alert for on-site inspection and removal of any abnormal situations to increase the stability of solar power generation. This study employs deep learning and IoT data collection to provide the knowledge necessary for intelligent decision-making and increased stability in solar power generation. JEL classification numbers: C43, F68, H41. Keywords: Solar energy, IoT monitoring, RNN, LSTN, Abnormal return.

Fall risk management in interventional prenatal diagnosis perioperative pregnant women based on tracking methodology and failure mode and effect analysis application.

The aim was to explore the effectiveness of a tracing methodology combined with failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for managing falls in pregnant women during the perioperative period of interventional prenatal diagnosis. Using the tracing methodology, the process was evaluated and analyzed using FMEA after reviewing data, on-site interview, case tracking and on-site inspection, and improvement measures were proposed for the existing risk factors, and the fall-related quality indicators, satisfaction with fall-related health education, and risk priority number were compared before and after implementation. Effectiveness analysis for interventional prenatal diagnosis of perioperative maternal falls risk management resulted in a significant decrease in risk priority number (P < .01), a significant increase in the rate of correct fall risk identification and assessment, correct handover rate of pregnant women at risk of falls, correct intervention rate of pregnant women at high risk of falls, and effective coverage of falls-related health education (P < .01), a significant increase in satisfaction with falls-related health education (P < .001), and the incidence of falls among pregnant women decreased from 0.12% to 0%. The use of tracking methodology combined with FMEA can reduce the risk of perioperative maternal falls in interventional prenatal diagnosis and improve the safety of maternal visits.

A Danish model of building macro-components to promote circularity

A better understanding of the material composition of the existing building stock is important for the development of circular economy strategies in the building sector. This paper presents a recently developed model to map the types and amounts of various materials in existing buildings in Denmark, with a high level of detail at the level of components rather than just material types. The model is meant to enable a detailed description of the building stock and a consideration of how components could be reused. Building properties are imported from the Danish national building registry (BBR) and processed into a relational database. Properties are combined with information on past construction techniques from architecture handbooks to estimate the most likely macro-components (types of wall, roof, etc) used in each building, and dimension these components. Material amount estimates from the model are compared with previous estimates as well as with material inventories from case study buildings. While the open-source model currently lacks accuracy, it is intended to be easily modifiable, and can support continuous improvements of the estimates based e.g. on new information from material passports, waste treatment facilities or remote sensing data. The paper discusses future opportunities to improve the model’s accuracy and use it to help develop circularity strategies and complement on-site inspections to overcome barriers to circularity.

Pembangunan Prototaip Aplikasi Mudah Alih untuk Kerja Pemeriksaan Bangunan

Building surveyors traditionally relied on descriptive longhand surveys to record an information by hand during on-site building inspections. However, the traditional approach such as checklist that usually practiced were unstructured and unstandardized among organization. In certain cases, it might have a missing document and issue on time-consuming for analysis. Therefore, this mobile application prototype purposely built to track the building defects where it can be used on site during building inspection. This is to record the information according to 11 evaluation criteria namely defect classification, type of building, type of location, type of element, sub-element, causes of defects, defects categories, defect groups, type of defects, building condition level and priority level of repairs. Besides that, the pictures or images can also be kept as supporting evidence. This mobile application prototype included three development phases which are design and utilization, system installation and maintenance and implementation. This mobile application has been projected to be used with mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. It can also be accessed either through Play Store (for Android User) or the App Store (for Apple’s iOS user). This mobile application also provides a convenient and alternative method in recording the real time findings instead of using manual checklist. Finally, it has the potential to be developed and commercialized with the addition of more user-friendly features.