Poor Maintenance Research Articles

W-beam guardrail crash analysis and evaluation using finite element method

Guardrails are highly recommended to be erected in the median and side corner of a highway road to secure vehicle accidentally loss it track, supports the safety of the vehicle driver and passenger from catastrophic accidents. The design and constructions of different guardrails are done confirming standard to retain their performance that related to energy absorption capacity. Besides, damaged guardrails that compromise their performance are seen in highways due to poor maintenance or repair. This study was conducted to investigate the structural integrity of W-beam guardrail damage. An impact test which leads to non-linear material deformation behavior was simulated using commercially available software, ABAQUS. The geometrical models of the guardrail were modeled adopting AASHTO standard, and a representative Jeep truck used to impact the guardrail at 90o with 42.26km/hr speed. The non-conforming W-beam guardrail was modeled considering a loss connection of supporting leg with the W-beam. Results of the study showed that the structural integrity of the damaged guardrail is affected as the internal and plastic energy was decreased from the W-beam guardrail without damage. More, the damaged W-beam was displaced more, by 14.15%, to the restricted area as compared to the W-beam guardrail without damage.

An assessment tool to improve rural groundwater access: Integrating hydrogeological modelling with socio-technical factors

Sustainable exploitation of groundwater resources for drinking water provision in rural communities in sub-Sahara Africa remains elusive due to the limited knowledge of these hydrogeological systems. This is exacerbated by poor maintenance of existing infrastructure, limited technical capacity, the socio-economic characteristics of the area and poor governance. Assessing the likelihood of a given individual user experiencing water shortage calls for an interdisciplinary approach. After a preliminary multifactorial analysis incorporating a range of variables from technical to societal, it was found that most of the overall risk of water shortage for an individual household could be attributed to three factors; (1) Proximity, specified as the distance to the closest supply well (determined by geographical parameters), (2) Availability of good quality water in the wells (determined by hydrogeological understanding and modelling), and (3) Sustainability (determined by socio-technical and socio-economic parameters). In the latter case, a distinction was made between hardware functionality- the water point's performance considering a sufficient yield and reliability through time- and software functionality, based on a combination of socioeconomic data from surveys and analysed using Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA). All three factors are eventually mapped onto indicators in the range of [0–1] and then represented in a Geographical Information System based on the partition of the entire spatial domain (e.g., counties, villages, and neighbourhoods). The three indicators are then combined in a final index based on the product of the three factors, thus mapping time-dependent overall risk and allowing the assessment of temporal risk-evolution scenarios. The methodology is applied to Kwale County, Kenya, where community handpumps and groundwater points comprise the main water supply system. Apart from mapping the present situation, the methodology is finally used to assess the impact of future climate scenarios.

Cloud Computing: a tool for effective records and information management system in Nigerian academic libraries

Academic libraries, as part of their traditional responsibility, engage in the collection and generation of data and records with a various degree of sensitivity and usefulness. This study examined the importance of library record and advocates for the implementation of cloud computing technology as a viable alternative to other mode of record storage. Cloud computing as a record management tool will help preserve the myriad of records generated from the daily activities of libraries. The paper also identified the danger of paper or electronic method of information storage. It argued that information stored in this format is susceptible to loss by theft, fire or computer viruses, hard drive collapse as well as the destruction of local library internet server due to poor maintenance culture on the part of the personnel. Apart from the data backup function, remote accessibility of these record is another key consideration for cloud computing utility in library record management. In view of the vast potential, especially in the area of its elastic storage capability, it is highly recommended for all academic libraries in the country. However, it is observed that the cost of data and irregular power supply are some of the challenges facing its adoption in Nigeria, as along with the vulnerability to cyber-attacks which may lead to a partial or total loss of record. In these regards, it is further recommended that cloud computing, as a service platform, is adopted as a backup platform rather than a sole tool for record and data management in academic libraries.

Design of a remote assistance model for truck maintenance in the mining industry

PurposeIt is well known in the mining industry that the increase in failures and breakdowns is due mainly to a poor maintenance policy for the equipment, in addition to the difficult access that specialized personnel have to combat the breakdown, which translates into more machine downtime. For this reason, this study aims to propose a remote assistance model for diagnosing and repairing critical breakdowns in mining industry trucks using augmented reality techniques and data analytics with a quality approach that considerably reduces response times, thus optimizing human resources.Design/methodology/approachIn this work, the six-phase CRIPS-DM methodology is used. Initially, the problem of fault diagnosis in trucks used in the extraction of material in the mining industry is addressed. The authors then propose a model under study that seeks a real-time connection between a service technician attending the truck at the mine site and a specialist located at a remote location, considering the data transmission requirements and the machine's characterization.FindingsIt is considered that the theoretical results obtained in the development of this study are satisfactory from the business point of view since, in the first instance, it fulfills specific objectives related to the telecare process. On the other hand, from the data mining point of view, the results manage to comply with the theoretical aspects of the establishment of failure prediction models through the application of the CRISP-DM methodology. All of the above opens the possibility of developing prediction models through machine learning and establishing the best model for the objective of failure prediction.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this work is the proposal of the design of a remote assistance model for diagnosing and repairing critical failures in the mining industry, considering augmented reality and data analytics. Furthermore, the integration of remote assistance, the characterization of the CAEX, their maintenance information and the failure prediction models allow the establishment of a quality-based model since the database with which the learning machine will work is constantly updated.

Poned-Based Public Service Innovation in Efforts to Service Pregnant Women at the Wonoasih Health Center, Probolinggo City

This research was about PONED-based public services in efforts to service pregnant women at the Wonoasih Health Center, Probolinggo City. The background of this research was the insufficient examination of pregnant women at the Wonoasih Health Center, Probolinggo City. So that the innovation developed in service delivery was through PONED services. The research method used was descriptive qualitative method. The results of this study were that the Wonoasih Health Center provides specialized PONED services to deal with cases of obstetric emergencies and neonatal procedures that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, and are potentially dangerous for the mother and baby. One of them was outlined in the "Mom Love Movement" program to increase the survival rate of pregnant women and reduce the percentage of deaths of pregnant women due to childbirth, and baby safety. Obstacles faced in the development of PONED services were inadequate operational funds, socialization that was not optimal, poor maintenance of medical devices, low quality of inpatient rooms, and the geographic location of the Wonoasih Health Center.

Applying the Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network Model to Predicting School Closures: An Example of Taipei City

In this study, we utilised multi-layer perceptron neural networks (MLPNNs) to assess the issue of school closures. Specifically, this study uses the MLPNN model to conduct learning assessments to identify schools that may suffer from poor management. The empirical findings are briefly summarised as follows: (1) The research shows that more than half of the private schools in this study will face bankruptcy. In Taipei City, out of the 23 existing private schools, only four operate normally, while the remaining 19 private vocational high schools require assistance. About 12 schools face severe problems in terms of poor management, accounting for 63% of the total, while seven schools had a prediction value below 50, indicating a severe problem. These schools have expressed an immediate need for government assistance. (2) According to the MLPNN model in this study, reducing the number of full-time teachers is a primary factor contributing to school closures. First, since full-time teachers are a fixed cost, the dismissal of teachers tends to be prioritised to bring down school management costs. This, in turn, reduces the teacher-student ratio. Other factors that contribute to school bankruptcy are dismissing staff and part-time teachers, reducing expenditure, and poor operational maintenance. When the above policies are implemented in schools with poor management, a vicious cycle is created, leading to the bankruptcy of schools.

Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping Approach to Conduct Deficiency Investigation under SIRE 2.0 Inspection

Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE) 2.0 has recently become operational as a new vessel inspection regime in the tanker industry. This study proposes a methodology to analyse and address multiple deficiencies observed during SIRE 2.0 inspections. The methodology is structured based on Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) to identify and analyse the causes of deficiencies derived from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) classification scheme, including the factors under key dimensions, such as diminished human performance, marine environment, safety administration, and management. An illustrative case study on a set of deficiencies has been conducted to ascertain the utility of the methodology. The results specifically reveal that inadequate situational communication and awareness, inadequate knowledge of ship procedures, regulations, and standards, inadequate supervision, being unaware of role or task responsibility, poor maintenance, etc. are the potential causes that might lead to the occurrence of deficiency items. Considering the dimension-based distributions of causes, the study highlights integrated preventive action recommendations specific to the analysed deficiency cases. Consequently, the study might help tanker shipping companies manage key challenges with SIRE 2.0 implementations.

Knowledge on female hygiene and its associated diseases: a mini review

PurposeMenstruation is a part of the female reproductive cycle that begins with adolescence. Menstruation is a natural change; it relates to several malpractices and misconceptions that may contribute to adverse health outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have searched relevant papers using Google Scholar and PubMed to write this mini review.FindingsDuring menstruation, poor hygiene maintenance can cause serious illness, which includes the urinary tract and reproductive tract infection. Menstruation management is a hygienic system, and it is essential for females because poor hygiene maintenance during menstruation can cause some infections and numerous sexually transmitted diseases. There are a few nanotechnology-based products that have come into the market to offer some relief to females during their periods.Originality/value This mini review will help researchers to design innovative female hygiene products that can relieve the discomfort caused to women during their reproductive age.

A tool to automatically design multiplex PCR primer pairs for specific targets using diverse templates

Multiplex PCR is an increasingly popular method for identifying species, investigating environmental diversity, and conducting phylogenetic analysis. The complexity and increasing availability of diverse templates necessitate a highly automated approach to design degenerate primer pairs for specific targets with multiple sequences. Existing tools for degenerate primer design suffer from poor maintenance, semi-automation, low adaptability, and low tolerance for gaps. We developed PMPrimer, a Python-based tool for automated design and evaluation of multiplex PCR primer pairs for specific targets using diverse templates. PMPrimer automatically designs optimal multiplex PCR primer pairs using a statistical-based template filter; performs multiple sequence alignment, conserved region identification, and primer design; and evaluates the primers based on template coverage, taxon specificity, and target specificity. PMPrimer identifies conserved regions using Shannon’s entropy method, tolerates gaps using a haplotype-based method, and evaluates multiplex PCR primer pairs based on template coverage and taxon specificity. We tested PMPrimer using datasets with diverse levels of conservation, sizes, and applications, including tuf genes of Staphylococci, hsp65 genes of Mycobacteriaceae, and 16S ribosomal RNA genes of Archaea. PMPrimer showed outstanding performance compared with existing tools and experimental validated primers. PMPrimer is available as a Python package at https://github.com/AGIScuipeng/PMPrimer.

Risk analysis of inland waterways transportation on the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

This study aimed at analyzing accidents and risk on inland waterways transport operations in the Niger delta basin, Nigeria. Quantitative data obtained from the dada base of the National Inland waterways Authority (NIWA) were subjected to risk assessment methods. The results reveal an estimated average individual risk (AIR) value of 6.2x10-5, a fatal accident rate (FAR) of 975 fatalities per 8640 exposed hours; and accident frequency rate (AFR) value of 0.7% for the inland waterways of Niger delta. It concludes that waterways of Niger delta have high risk indices and potentials of accident occurrence due to poor maintenance dredging, enforcement of regulations; and thus recommends that NIWA should invest optimally in safety awareness and policy enforcement for sustainable waterways operations in Nigeria.

Stunning Compliance in Halal Slaughter: A Review of Current Scientific Knowledge.

Muslim scholars are not unanimous on the issue of the application of stunning in the halal slaughtering of animals. Appropriate stunning makes animals unconscious instantaneously, thus avoiding unnecessary pain and stress during the slaughtering of animals. The present review comprehensively summarizes the available scientific literature on stunning methods in view of their halal compliance during the slaughter of animals. The issue of maximum blood loss, reversibility of consciousness, and animals remaining alive during the halal cut are the key determinants of approval of stunning in the halal slaughter. Further, missed stuns due to poor maintenance of equipment, improper applications, and poor restraining necessitates additional stunning attempts, which further aggravates pain and stress in animals. Scientific findings suggest that halal-compliant stunning technologies are reversible, do not kill animals prior to the halal cut, and do not obstruct blood loss. There is a need to carry out further research on the refinement of available stunning technologies and their application, proper restraints, proper identification of the death status of animals, and assurance of animal welfare in commercial halal meat production.

Evaluation of Cushioning Effect and Human Injury According to Occupant Posture and Use of Air Mat in Case of Elevator Fall

Because of the function of facilities that transport individuals and luggage to elevated locations, poor maintenance and human errors by users and workers can result in many elevator accidents annually. In particular, given the characteristics of an elevator used by an unspecified number of people, in the event of a fall accident due to wire rope cutting, an occupant’s body may be fatally injured, thereby causing substantial human damage. To minimize human injury, it is important to reduce the relative impact speed between the car and the pit by utilizing the buffer effect according to the role of the safety device and the posture of occupants. The AIS (Abbreviated Injury Scale) is an anatomical-based coding system established by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine that classifies and describes the severity of injuries. In this study, through human injury analysis, safety device operation such as speed governor and buffer when cutting elevator wire rope, occupant’s behavior, and air mat usage were used to derive force and torque values for the injured part, and then determine the amount of impact and degree of injury to the human body using the multibody model provided by the MADYMO program and AIS by analyzing the buffering effect of the impact.

Hazard identification with failure mode & effect analysis and fault tree analysis in the chemical industry

Introduction: The possibility of system failure is something that can happen and can cause harmful effects on workers and the community around the factory. This is shown from the component failure data for the last five years. Components of the sodium silicate production system often fail especially the production pump component. Thus, this study is aimed to analyze the forms of failure, conduct a risk assessment, and determine the basic cause (cut set) of component failure for risk mitigation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in a company that has sodium silicate production (the company name is withheld). The data or sample that was collected was primary and secondary. FMEA was the next step after mapping the functional block diagram (FBD). Then from the results of the risk assessment on the FMEA, hazard identification was carried out using the FTA method to determine the basic cause (cut set) of component failure for mitigation. After that, the data was analyzed. Results: This study found that the highest risk values ​​were solvent tank leaks (with a risk value of 15) and production pumps that were not functioning (with a risk value of 20). The results of identification by using FTA to the peak incident of solvent tank leaks obtained 12 cut sets and a minimum of 2 cut sets, caused by the factor of poor maintenance and service life, in the pump production section received 7 cut sets and a minimum of 5 cut sets, caused by there was no supply factor of sodium silicate, bearing life, corrosion, irregular lubrication and short circuit. Conclusions: Regarding this study, the hazard identification was sodium silica from X company, mainly caused by the dissolver tank leakage and production pump.

Physico-chemical and Coliform Bacteria characterization of Selected Shallow wells in Awe, South-western Nigeria

Due to lack of town-water supply in Awe area within South-western Nigeria, residents rely on shallow groundwater for household utilization. The aim of the present work is to study the water quality from selected hand-dug wells in Awe communities. The study involved analyses of major ions and trace elements which included iron, lead, zinc, copper and cadmium; and assessment of coliform bacteria counts in thirty (30) shallow hand-dug wells. Spectrophotometric method was used for chemical analyses while multiple-tube technique was employed for the bacterial enumeration in water. From the results, the pH was between 5.9 and 7.4 mg/l, Electrical Conductivity (EC) ranged from 20 to 1000 μS/cm while total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged between 30 and 500 mg/L. Concentration of major ions in mg/L were; calcium, 9.63- 76.8, magnesium, 4.58- 32.03, sodium, 2.12 – 27.85 and potassium, 1.68- 20.29 while for anions bicarbonate, 46- 260, nitrate, 0.1- 0.42; sulphate 4- 26 and chloride-7.81- 103.6. Trace elements occurred below detection limits ranging from < 0.01 to < 0.05 mg/L. From the Piper plot, the dominant hydrogeochemical facies was Ca-HC03 type. The concentrations of the major ions are within the acceptable limits. However, there is presence of coliform bacteria in most wells and the growth were too numerous to count in some wells. This indicated anthropogenic inputs from infiltration of contaminated water most likely from poorly maintained human waste storage facilities such as toilet facilities and poor maintenance culture of the sampled hand-dug wells.

Reconstruction of stadiums: A case study of Ukraine

Motives: In Ukraine, stadiums have been built in line with global design and construction standards. Light and color play an important role in the design process, and traditional regional forms and ornaments have been incorporated into conceptual designs. The construction or reconstruction of stadium is fraught with numerous problems due to the need to separate different categories of spectators, ensure spectator comfort, and decrease project costs.Aim: The aim of this article was to analyze and compare the condition of Ukrainian stadiums in 2020 and 2022–23, to identify the reasons for poor stadium maintenance, and to propose solutions to these problems.Results: The main characteristics and design concepts of Ukrainian stadiums were described. The existing problems were identified in each stadium, and potential solutions were proposed. Stadium reconstruction projects were reviewed, and their strengths and weaknesses were described.

Motorbike Vibrations Induced by Surface Irregularities in Road Pavements

The author proposes a multi-axis equivalent mechanical system with two degrees of freedom on the horizontal plane and five degrees of freedom along the vertical axis to evaluate the accelerations on a motorbike’s seat using the state- space representation. The experimental investigations evaluate three types of routes to analyze the comfort vibrational of the motorcycle: paved roads with poor maintenance, road surface with crushed stone, and a road with an artificial bump. Experimental processing considers the gyroscopic and accelerometric signals to deduce the Euler angles. The error analysis evaluates the discrepancy between the accelerations predicted, using the calibrated multi-axis mathematical model, and those obtained in the experimental investigations. The multi-axis model estimates the vibrations on the seat induced by surface irregularities in road pavements. The mathematical prediction obtained by the multi-axis model and experimental investigations analyzes the accelerations in the resonance frequencies of the human spine between 4-12 Hz.

Safety preparedness in arab public schools

BackgroundA proper and adequate school environment is important for an effective learning process and for the maintenance of students' health, given that they spend a considerable amount of time at school. Safety preparedness in schools includes, for example, protection from biological, physical, and chemical risks and physical hazards associated with poor construction and maintenance practices. ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate safety preparedness in girls’ public schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). MethodsSeventeen girls' schools were randomly selected in the Eastern Province of KSA. A designed checklist was used for this study, composed of two main parts. The first part included general information about the school, while the second part was composed of 6 items with a total of 58 questions, evaluating the school's safety preparedness. ResultsThe safety preparedness in the studied schools ranged between 70 and 90%. Some safety practices were found to be adequately applied, others were poorly applied, and certain items were completely absent. Generally, some examined schools were not compliant several safety and emergency preparedness recommendations. ConclusionCollaboration between the School Safety Committee and schools is essential to reach a satisfactory standard in terms of school safety. Therefore, it is recommended that the School Safety Committee engages with schools more actively, especially in terms of the preparation of a school safety management plan.

Heritage impact assessment of Adi Ganga Kalighat, Kolkata, India, towards SDG 11.4 and 8.9 for urban heritage

This study addresses the complex issue of preserving the historic fabric and cultural assets while promoting sustainable development in urban areas, focusing on the Adi Ganga River in Kolkata, India. The problem arises due to the encroachment and poor maintenance of historical sites. The research questions aim to assess the protection of Adi Ganga River's historic fabric and enhance heritage preservation in line with UN SDGs 11.4 and 8.9, emphasizing cultural conservation and sustainable tourism supporting regional heritage and livelihoods. The study utilizes Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) to evaluate the protection of Adi Ganga River’s historic fabric and enhance heritage preservation in line with sustainable development goals. It provides an impact assessment matrix for mitigating the adverse impact of development projects on cultural heritage sites and reveals 25 critical development indicators. HIA is an effective tool for preserving cultural heritage assets and achieving sustainable development goals. Incorporating HIA into the Environmental Impact Assessment structure can create an organized and transparent process for assessing the ecological implications of development projects on cultural heritage sites. The findings emphasize the significance of sustainable HIA for preserving tangible/intangible heritage, promoting tourism and employment, and balancing sustainability and culture in sustainable development. This research holds significance as it emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in fostering sustainable development and aligning with UN SDGs. Policymakers should consider incorporating sustainable HIA in decision-making to balance sustainability and culture.

An analysis of human error and reliability in the operation of fixed CO2 systems on cargo ships using HEART Dempster-Shafer evidence theory approach

CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system activation accidents may occur as a result of unintentional system activation or human error. Crew members present in the area could suffer serious consequences, including death, if CO2 gas is released into a protected compartment such as the engine room, CO2 room, or cargo area. It is therefore crucial to investigate and address the causes of such accidents. The use of Dempster-Shafer (D-S) theory and the Human Error Assessment and Reduction Technique (HEART) to the Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) of CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system activation accidents is discussed in this study. On the one hand, D-S theory allows for uncertainty-based reasoning and can be extremely advantageous, especially when analysing complex systems where there are many potential challenges. On the other hand, HEART is an organised method to examine and reduce human error in high-risk systems. Together, these techniques provide a powerful tool for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system activation accidents. The study revealed that the total human error probability (HEP) for the CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system was 3.10E-01 and the reliability of human performance for the given process was 6.90E-01. The results of this paper highlight many factors such as equipment failure, inadequate training, and poor maintenance practices, as well as factors contributing to the risk of accidental system activation. By addressing these factors, the probability of CO2-fixed fire suppression system activation accidents can be significantly reduced.

CHALLENGES OF TEACHERS’ SUPERVISION TOWARDS THE SAFETY OF GHANAIAN KINDERGARTEN LEARNERS

The study sought to assess the challenges of teacher supervision towards the safety of learners in kindergarten schools within Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The study was situated in the interpretivist paradigm by employing a qualitative research approach. The instrumental case study design was adopted for this study. A semi-structured interview guide was utilized to collect data from 16 participants. A convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the participants for the study. The data were analyzed thematically with the help of an online qualitative analysis tool, Taguette. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of kindergarten teachers are overloaded with tasks that make them inefficient to supervise their learners for their safety. Again, this study emerged that poor maintenance culture in kindergarten schools contributes to the ineffective supervision of most kindergarten teachers. The study findings also suggest that most kindergarten teachers are challenged with inactive supervision because of the inequivalent teacher-learner ratio. It was recommended to the National School Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA), the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to collaborate and make a policy criterion for inspecting all kindergarten schools for safety before certification of operation would be issued to them. It was also recommended to the National Teaching Council (NTC) to include teacher supervision and safety in their assessment modules for licensing kindergarten teachers and school administrators and heads.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0059/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>