Operator Training Research Articles

Community, health and rehabilitation

The problems of guaranteeing the best possible social and health services in every part of the world to combat any form of disability and limitation of participation for all, as indicated by international ethical-political documents, are still very great. A critical point that could favour this progress is to enhance the integration between the growing potential of rehabilitation science (medical and clinical evidence, technologies, and training of numerous operators..) and the ability of communities as a whole to stimulate, support and qualify these interventions with the participation of citizens (families, neighbours and associations) who can voluntarily actively carry out important synergistic actions in many fields. This could develop in any socio-economic condition; in developed ones supporting and finalizing any treatment in common life and in developing countries offering competencies and knowledge to the strong funding actions of community projects aimed at populations with disabilities in this part of the World. The community of rehabilitation professionals, national governments and rulers, and international institutions (UN, WHO..) must well understand this aspect and make it their own in training, in the definition of care protocols, in the definition of the organization of socio-health and rehabilitation systems in each country in relation to the different local economic and cultural conditions.

A combination interferometric and morphological image processing approach to rapid quality assessment of additively manufactured cellular truss core components

Advanced manufacturing (AM) processes such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) are increasingly capable of fabricating components with useful and unprecedented mechanical properties by incorporating complex internal bracing structures. From the standpoint of quality control and assessment, however, internally complex assemblies present significant build-verification challenges. Here we propose a hybrid approach to the inspection involving the application of computer-aided speckle interferometry (CASI) and morphological image processing as a rapid, inexpensive, and facile method for AM quality control. The described methodology has low capital equipment costs, is full-field and non-contact, can be used in an industrial setting, and has very low requirements in terms of operator training and expertise. Consisting primarily of the combination of image processing software with a simple optical system of variable sensitivity, the method is shown to be effective for inspection of a titanium honeycomb component subjected to differential pressure. Results are compared to those achieved with computed tomography (CT), immersion ultrasound testing (UT), and optical holographic interferometry. Lastly, we propose several possible processing strategies for automated quality assessment based on this powerful hybrid approach.

Autonomous Liquid–Liquid Extraction Operation in Biologics Manufacturing with Aid of a Digital Twin including Process Analytical Technology

Liquid–liquid extraction has proven to be an aid in biologics manufacturing for cell and component separation. Because distribution coefficients and separation factors can be appropriately adjusted via phase screening, especially in aqueous two-phase systems, one stage is frequently feasible. For biologics separation, aqueous two-phase systems have proven to be feasible and efficient. The simple mixer–settler equipment type is still not standard in biologics manufacturing operations. Therefore, a scalable digital twin would be of aid for operator training, process design under the regulatory demanded quality by design approach for risk analysis, design and control space definition, and predictive maintenance. Autonomous operation is achieved with the aid of process analytical technology to update the digital twin to real time events and to allow process control near any optimal operation point. Autonomous operation is first demonstrated with an experimental feasibility study based on an industrial type example of pDNA manufacturing via lysis from E. coli with and without cell separation performance.

The State of the Art of Forest Operations in Beech Stands of Europe and Western Asia

Beech (Fagus spp.) is one of the most common tree species in Europe and Western Asia. The implementation of sustainable forest Operations (SFOs) in beech forests is therefore crucial in terms of sustainable forest management. This review summarises the state of the art concerning time-motion studies carried out in beech forests, defining the work productivity and the related costs of different harvesting systems applied in these stands. The main focus in recent years on felling and processing operations has been the introduction of fully mechanised systems in beech forests, obtaining satisfactory results in terms of work productivity. However, the working performance is still lower than in coniferous stands. Skidding and forwarding resulted in suitable techniques for ground-based extraction, both showing a clear inclination towards increasing working performance when applying higher levels of mechanisation. Aerial extraction by cable yarders is particularly important in beech forests, considering that these are often located in steep terrains. Further efforts should be dedicated to enhancing the training for operators to extend the application of aerial extraction systems, which ensures good levels of work productivity and limited soil disturbances. In summary, this review aimed to give a clear insight into forest operations in beech forests which could be useful for forest managers, forest engineers and researchers in the sector of sustainable forest operations.

Differences in gaze behaviors between trainees and experts during endovascular therapy for cerebral aneurysms: a preliminary study using a cerebral aneurysm model.

In the neuroendovascular field, the training of operators has become an important issue. Recently, eye-tracking technology has been introduced into various fields of medical education. This study aimed to apply eye-tracking technology to the training of neuroendovascular therapy. Six neurosurgeons, including three neuroendovascular specialists and three trainees, at our institution and related facilities participated in the study. Eye movement was recorded by the eye-tracking device during the microcatheter navigation and coil placement into the silastic aneurysm model under biplane X-ray fluoroscopy. Eye-tracking analysis during neuroendovascular therapy was feasible in all six subjects. In microcatheter navigation, specialists tended to more frequently switch their attention between frontal and lateral images than trainees. In coil embolization, the overall gaze frequency tended to increase, and the average fixation duration tended to decrease as the number of experienced cases increased. Inexperienced operators tend to fix their gaze when they are operators than when they are assistants. More experienced operators tended to look at the microcatheter longer in the coil insertion task. The eye-tracking analysis may be useful for operator training in neuroendovascular therapy. Experts may have moved their eyes more frequently than trainees to gaze at the right place. In the future, it will be necessary to collect gaze data for more operators in various tasks.

Russian vs. American Kettlebell Swing – Which One to Choose?

Kettlebell swing exercises have been proposed as a method for developing power, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity. There are two distinctive techniques or styles of kettlebell swing: Russian (RKBS) and American (AKBS), and the purpose of this study was to quantify the specific differences within each exercise. The aim of this paper was to determine which style offers greater mechanical output in the form of power, velocity and momentum, with consideration of energy expenditure and injury risk, and which represents a safer version of training operator for developing specific dimensions of strength and power along with muscular endurance. The selected population of physically active men (n=15; age: 27.5±4.5 years; height: 185.9±14.1 cm; weight: 96.1±11.1 kg; kettlebell swing experience: 3.6±2.4 years) were recruited to perform kettlebell swings of both styles. They performed eight maximal swings using a 24 kg kettlebell (~25% bodyweight), during which the concentric and eccentric phases and their respective amplitude, duration, peak and mean velocity, momentum and average power were analysed. The results of the paired sample t-test showed a statistically significant difference between styles in cycle duration, momentum, amplitude and velocities, while power generated was similar for both styles. In conclusion, both styles are viable training options, though the RKBS style presents a potentially safer alternative due to its biomechanical properties.

Integration of Dynamic Models and Virtual Reality for the Training of Steam Generator Operators

Abstract The goal of the PITSTOP (Immersive platform for structured operator training) project is to overcome the limits of traditional workplace training on dangerous systems and reduce the related risks, using an innovative integration of engineering simulation models and virtual reality (VR) tools. This article specifically presents the first VR platform for training on small-scale industrial steam generators, representative of a vast class of hazardous industrial equipment. The dynamic model of the steam generator was developed in matlab-simulink using a mixed physics-based and data-driven approach. The generator model includes the main engineering components, actuators and measuring equipment, as well as control logic and emergency procedures. It can simulate normal operations and emergency situations. The model was calibrated using experimental data collected from the real system at various operating conditions to align simulated performance with the real behavior. The VR environment was developed in Unity, a graphics engine widely adopted by the videogame industry, using three-dimensional computer-aided design models of the steam generator and its surroundings. The user can access this immersive system wearing an HTC Vive headset. Unlike most existing training systems, learners can interact with the actuators using bare hands gestures, without controllers, making the experience intuitive and easily accessible. By connecting the dynamic model with the VR environment, the user's interactions are directly provided to the steam generator model, which in turn directly outputs the steam generator response to the VR environment, providing audio and visual feedback to the user, as if they were actually acting on the real generator. The results from this study could boost the further development of training platforms to safely train operators and certify their competence.

An Operator Training Simulator to Enable Responses to Chemical Accidents through Mutual Cooperation between the Participants

Research in the training simulation sector to improve the realism and immersive experience of operator training simulators (OTSs) entails combining cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Although most of the existing studies has been about troubleshooting training, research into the response to chemical accidents through mutual cooperation between the participants has been insufficient. Therefore, we developed an immersive OTS that can facilitate mutual cooperation. Training processes to educate trainees in general chemical facilities were selected, while changes that can occur in facilities during an accident and the corresponding responses in various scenarios were used as the training content. A communication system that relays information between the worksite and the control room was implemented using a distributed control system (DCS) and AR technology. We installed a pilot plant and developed a DCS, thereby establishing an infrastructure that allows the boardman and field operator to cooperate during accident scenarios. Furthermore, we developed an OTS that allowed trainees to learn prompt and accurate responses to chemical accidents through operation of the actual equipment. The training effect of the OTS was found to be approximately 4.5 times better than traditional training methods. It is, therefore, anticipated that the developed OTS will minimize losses or damage caused by chemical accidents.

Welding Product Quality Improvement Using The Seven Tools Method

PT. SRM is an organization that provides steel construction services. Welding is the most essential step in the production of construction materials. A significant number of defective welds is a factor that contributes to high production costs. The Seven tools technique is a tool that assists quality control and 5W+1H analysis in the development of plans to address existing product issues. This study's objective is to identify the types of defects, their underlying causes, and the steps taken to reduce the amount of defects in order to increase production cost efficiency. According to the results of the discussion, the total production was 13,309 units with 2,767 faults. The flaw with the highest percentage is the porosity defect, which is equal to 26.7%. Improvements include providing operator training to improve machine operating skills, periodically inspecting materials to maintain material quality, performing periodic machine repairs to prevent a decline in production quality, and compiling quality and accurate standard operating procedures for welding techniques.

Risk Assessment of Oil and Gas Pipeline Based on Vague Set-Weighted Set Pair Analysis Method

This study focuses on a risk assessment method for oil and gas pipelines. Oil and gas pipelines are usually constructed in a complex geological environment and are potentially dangerous. Risk assessment is a key step for their safety management. Therefore, the present paper establishes a risk indicator system as the risk assessment foundation, and we propose a risk assessment method to obtain a quantitative assessment result for the pipeline based on set pair analysis (SPA) theory. For the weight values of each indicator in the assessment process, this paper presents a calculation method based on vague sets theory. Then, a pipeline in the Yanchang oilfield was taken as a case study to verify the feasibility of the method, and the final assessment result was 2.911, which meant the pipeline was relatively safe. The method could also obtain the risk level of each indicator, showing that geological conditions, extreme weather, and public safety awareness were particularly unsafe, and service time, pipeline deformation, ground activity, and operation training were relatively unsafe. It is expected that the risk assessment result could provide a reference for pipeline safety management.

A Method to Design Assembling Lines for Super Premium Efficiency Motors

Producing highly efficient electric motors remains a challenge nowadays. Given that the legislation in the field requires the transition to the production of engines with increased efficiency, for manufacturing companies, switching from one generation of engines to another can be a difficult task. This paper analyzes ways to adapt the assembly of engines of the IE4 generation starting from the assembly lines of the engines of the previous generation, IE3. The analysis of the assembly process covers both the operator training part and the actual assembly part. Ten possible variants for the assembly line and specific decisional variables have been defined. The decision to choose the optimal assembly configuration was made using as management tools the matrix of consequences and utilities. The validation of the theoretical model of the assembly line was carried out through a case study built for two classes of electric motors, namely G90 and G180. For a total production of IE4 electric motors of 20,000 parts/month, the analyzed variants, respectively, the two sizes (G90 and G100) represent 35% (7000 parts/month) of the G90 size and 22% (4400 parts/month) the G100 size. The aim is to provide a new modular assembly concept, which depending on the orders, can use, as given in the conclusion of this article.

New opportunities for low-cost LiDAR-derived snow depth estimates from a consumer drone-mounted smartphone

Snow has significant impacts on springtime flooding, water resource management practices and the regional water-energy budget. In situ observations are considered some of the highest quality measurements of snow depth available, and are useful constraints for numerical weather prediction models and reanalysis system estimates of snow water equivalent. The application of laser altimetry (LiDAR-Light Detection and Ranging) for measuring snow depth has proven an effective method for quickly observing large areas, however this technique is expensive to perform due to the high cost of the necessary equipment coupled with required operator training. In this work, we examine the capabilities of the iPhone 12 Pro LiDAR (iLiDAR) when attached to a consumer-grade DJI Phantom 4 quadcopter in estimating snow depth at three study sites in southern Ontario, Canada. Initial comparisons between drone iLiDAR depth estimates and collocated snow ruler measurements demonstrate good agreement, with a root-mean-square error of 3 cm and absolute mean error of 2.5 cm. The intersection of these two technologies defines a novel, low-cost alternative to traditional LiDAR-based snow depth measurement systems, while maintaining a high level of observational accuracy and precision.

Inter- and intra-operator variations in manual segmentation of hippocampus from MRI

PurposeWe evaluate inter- and intra-operator variations in manual segmentation of hippocampus and present their potential sources. Hippocampal atrophy is common in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE). Effective diagnosis and treatment of mTLE depends on accurate and efficient segmentation of hippocampus from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Manual segmentation by expert radiologists remains the gold standard, although automated segmentation methods exist. MethodsHippocampus was segmented in MRI of 118 unilateral mTLE patients and 25 non-epileptic subjects (65 males, 78 females; mean age 39 years) by three operators (M1, M2, M3) manually and by three software tools (FreeSurfer, LocalInfo, ABSS) automatically. Segmentation results were evaluated using 7 volume-, voxel-, and distance-based performance measures. Inter-operator variation was evaluated by comparing the segmentation results of the three operators. Intra-operator variation was evaluated by comparing manual and automatic segmentation results. Segmentation results were used to lateralize epileptogenicity in mTLE patients. ResultsRanking of performance measures differed when using M3 segmentations as ground truth rather than M1 or M2 segmentations. The standard deviation tended to be higher when using M3 as ground truth and M1 or M2 as test segmentation. Variation in performance measures and increased standard deviation when using M3 as ground truth are indicative of inter-operator variability. Standard deviations were larger when using M2 segmentations as ground truth and automated segmentations as test segmentation, rather than M1 or M3. Large standard deviations between M2 segmentations and automated segmentations are indicative of intra-operator variation. Among automated segmentation methods, ABSS produced segmentations most similar to manual segmentations, but FreeSurfer and LocalInfo lateralized epileptogenicity more accurately. ConclusionsPart of inter-operator variation might be due to temporal separation of M3 segmentations from M1 and M2 segmentations (M3 performed segmentations a few years before operators M1 and M2). Inter-operator variation will likely reduce if all operators segment within the same time frame, reducing discrepancies in training of operators. Intra-operator variation can likely be mitigated with additional oversight by a neuroradiologist. Inter- and intra-operator variability may generate inconsistencies in outcomes. Future automated segmentation techniques may integrate neural-network-based (ABSS) and atlas-based (FreeSurfer and LocalInfo) segmentation techniques for optimal performance.

Development of ROV Simulator based on Real Oceanographic Data

In recent years, demand for efficient oceanographic research for the development of marine resources has been increasing on a global scale. In general, research and operation training on underwater robotics in the ocean is very costly, and the climate and conditions of the ocean may make it impossible to conduct experiments. In this paper, we introduce an ocean simulator using real oceanographic data that can avoid these issues. First, we treat Choreonoid which is an integrated software for robots applied by National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), as the basis of the simulator software. Furthermore, to demonstrate its feasibility in a more realistic ocean environment, we introduce the seabed data obtained from oceanographic research and a function to reproduce ocean currents on the simulator. In this paper, self-localization experiment is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the simulator for oceanographic research.

Retracted: VR/AR Technology in Human Anatomy Teaching and Operation Training.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/9998427.].

Repeatability, Reproducibility and Sources of Variability in the Assessment of Backscatter Coefficient and Texture Parameters from High-Frequency Ultrasound Acquisitions in Human Median Nerve.

Ultrasound (US) is an increasingly prevalent and effective diagnostic modality for neuromuscular imaging. Gray-scale B-mode imaging has been the dominant US approach to evaluating nerves qualitatively or making morphometric measurements of nerves, providing important insights into pathological changes for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Among more recent ultrasound strategies, high-frequency ultrasound (often defined as >15 MHz for clinical applications), quantitative ultrasound and image textural analysis offer promising enhancements for improved and more objective approaches to nerve imaging. In this study, we evaluated the repeatability and reproducibility of backscatter coefficient (BSC) and imaging texture features extracted by gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCMs) in homogeneous tissue-mimicking reference phantoms and in median nerves in the wrists of healthy participants. We also investigated several practical sources of variability in the assessment of quantitative parameters, including influences of operators, and participant-to-participant variability. Overall, BSC- and GLCM-based outcomes are highly repeatable and reproducible after operator training, based on measurement of descriptive statistics, repeatability coefficient (RC) and reproducibility coefficient recommended by Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance (QIBA RDC). GLCM parameters appear more reproducible and repeatable than BSC-based parameters in healthy participants in vivo. However, such variability noted here must be compared with the value ranges and variability of the results in pathological nerves, including median nerves afflicted by trauma, overuse syndromes such as carpal tunnel syndrome and after surgical repair.

НАПРЯМИ ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ СИСТЕМИ НОРМАТИВНОГО СПІЛКУВАННЯ ВІЙСЬКОВОСЛУЖБОВЦІВ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ГВАРДІЇ УКРАЇНИ У СФЕРІ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ

The article presents the results of theoretical and empirical research aimed at revealing in a holistic and systematic manner the psychological features of professional activity of operators of unmanned aerial systems of tactical classes. The authors established that such professional activity is objectively complex, clearly regulated, multifunctional, comprehensive, has an individual and collective nature of work, and contains elements of extremity in performing typical tasks not only in combat but also in everyday conditions, which is due to the presence of a few inherent stress factors which negatively affect its subject. The study proves that the performance of a wide range of professional tasks by an operator of unmanned aerial systems of tactical classes places high demands on his physical endurance, emotional balance, ability to concentrate and distribute attention, ability to switch from one task to another, requires a high level of professional competence, nervous and mental stability, rapid adaptation to activities in difficult conditions, moral normativity of behaviour, focus on achieving professional mastery, motivation for professional success, responsibility, personal organization, self-discipline, high level of involvement of volitional processes, ability to maximum mental productivity in conditions of emotional and physical tension. The work carried out allowed us to establish an array of individual psychological characteristics of the specialist under study, which are professionally important, and the main contraindications for a person to serve as a UAV operator in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. The areas of applied application of the presented research material for a more complete practical implementation of the psychological component of the process of professional training of tactical UAV operators are presented.

“TEG” talks: technology worth spreading?

“TEG” talks: technology worth spreading?

Study on the training of machine operators in the consumer goods industry

Study on the training of machine operators in the consumer goods industry

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The article presents the results of theoretical and empirical research aimed at revealing in a holistic and systematic manner the psychological features of professional activity of operators of unmanned aerial systems of tactical classes. The authors established that such professional activity is objectively complex, clearly regulated, multifunctional, comprehensive, has an individual and collective nature of work, and contains elements of extremity in performing typical tasks not only in combat but also in everyday conditions, which is due to the presence of a few inherent stress factors which negatively affect its subject. The study proves that the performance of a wide range of professional tasks by an operator of unmanned aerial systems of tactical classes places high demands on his physical endurance, emotional balance, ability to concentrate and distribute attention, ability to switch from one task to another, requires a high level of professional competence, nervous and mental stability, rapid adaptation to activities in difficult conditions, moral normativity of behaviour, focus on achieving professional mastery, motivation for professional success, responsibility, personal organization, self-discipline, high level of involvement of volitional processes, ability to maximum mental productivity in conditions of emotional and physical tension. The work carried out allowed us to establish an array of individual psychological characteristics of the specialist under study, which are professionally important, and the main contraindications for a person to serve as a UAV operator in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. The areas of applied application of the presented research material for a more complete practical implementation of the psychological component of the process of professional training of tactical UAV operators are presented.