Instrumentation Program Research Articles

UTILIZAÇÃO DE MAPAS CONCEITUAIS PARA VERIFICAÇÃO DE APRENDIZAGEM SIGNIFICATIVA EM ATIVIDADES INTERDISCIPLINARES NO TÉCNICO INTEGRADO EM AUTOMAÇÃO INDUSTRIAL

This article presents the results of an investigation into the use of concept maps to assess meaningful learning in interdisciplinary activities with students from a Technical Course in Industrial Automation integrated into High School at a Federal Institute campus in the interior of Rio de Janeiro state. Based on David Ausubel's Theory of Meaningful Learning and using Joseph Novak's Concept Maps, this work adopted a qualitative approach with a pedagogical intervention through an Interdisciplinary Didactic Sequence. Concepts from Physics, Programmable Logic Controllers, Instrumentation, Process Control, and Pneumatic Commands were integrated, using the Flipped Classroom and practical activities on a Didactic Bench. The analysis of the concept maps, created by students before and after the intervention, revealed a significant increase of 32.56% in the quality of cross-links, indicating deep integrative reconciliations and improved assimilation of interdisciplinary concepts.

Predictive model for shear wave velocity of gravelly soil and its application to liquefaction triggering assessment

Several studies have established empirical correlations between shear wave velocity (Vs) and standard penetration test blow count (SPT-N) for engineering use. However, these empirical correlations cannot be applied to gravel-rich soils since the measured SPT-N is often inflated in gravel. Therefore, an empirical correlation of Vs for gravel is developed in this study using the Engineering Geological Database for the Taiwan Strong Motion Instrumentation Program. The Vs predictive model considers gravel content (GC) and coefficient of uniformity (Cu) in addition to effective vertical stress, void ratio, fines content, plasticity index, and overconsolidation ratio, which have been considered previously. The proposed model indicates that Vs increases with GC and Cu. Moreover, the Vs adjusted for GC can be used with existing Vs -based liquefaction triggering relationships to rationally define the boundary between liquefaction and non-liquefaction case histories with different GCs.

A Wireless Ad Hoc Network Communication Platform and Data Transmission Strategies for Multi-Bus Instruments

As automatic test technology advances, the number of programmable instruments in a single test system increases. Traditional wired communication methods have a limited range and involve complex cable layouts. Single-function wireless converters provide a viable alternative, but they have limitations. These include complicated configuration, issues with multi-system collaboration, and data blocking. This paper proposes a wireless ad hoc network platform for multi-bus instruments based on a low-cost ESP-12H WiFi module. The platform supports GPIB, RS232, RS485, and CAN bus interface instrument access. It features easy configuration, ad hoc networking, and self-repairing capabilities. A relay multi-hop network with a tree topology expands capacity and coverage. Additionally, a dynamic window-receiving mode and an improved multi-priority queue ensure data transmission integrity. The experimental results show that the platform’s networking time is less than 10 s, and the coverage range reaches 50 m in complex indoor environments. It also shows good stability when running for a long time. However, due to hardware and software design limitations, the actual upload speeds fall short of the theoretical values. For example, RS232 and RS485 are about 10% slower than the theoretical values, and GPIB is about 80% slower. Further optimization is required in the future.

High performance enrichment and analysis of fluoroquinolones residues in environmental water using cobalt ion mediated paper-based molecularly imprinted polymer chips

BackgroundFluoroquinolones (FQs) are widely used for their excellent antimicrobial properties, yet their release into aquatic environments pose risks to ecosystems and public health. The accurate monitoring and analysis of FQs present challenges due to their low concentrations and the complex matrices found in actual environmental samples. To address the need for auto-pretreatment and on-line instrumental analysis, developing new microextraction materials and protocols is crucial. Such advancements will provide better analytical assurance for the effective extraction and determination of FQs at trace levels, which is of great significance to environmental protection and human health. ResultsIn this work, we presented a Co2+ mediated paper-based molecularly imprinted polymer chip (CMC@Co-MIP), combined with UPLC analysis, to develop an effective analytical method for identifying and quantifying trace amounts of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and enrofloxacin (ENR) in water samples. Notably, the addition of Co2+ in CMC@Co-MIP helped to capture the template molecule CIP through coordination before imprinting, which significantly improved the ordering of the imprinted cavities. CMC@Co-MIP exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity up to 500.20 mg g−1 with an imprinting factor of 4.12, surpassing previous reports by a significant margin. Furthermore, the enrichment mechanism was extensively analyzed by various characterization techniques. The developed method showed excellent repeatability and reproducibility (RSD < 13.0 %) with detection limits ranging from 0.15 to 0.21 μg L−1 and recoveries ranging from 64.9 % to 102.3 % in real spiked water samples. SignificanceWe developed a novel microextraction paper-based chip based on Co2+ mediation, which effectively improved the selectivity and convenience of extracting FQs. This breakthrough allowed the chip to have a high enrichment efficiency as well as provide a robust on-line instrumental program. It also confirms that the imprinting scheme based on metal ion coordination is a high-performance strategy.

Фонетические процессы в сочетаниях согласных (на материале осетинского языка)

The aim of the research is to identify all potential consonant clusters in the modern Ossetian literary language where assimilative and dissimilative changes are possible. The article discusses a detailed algorithm aimed at creating a theoretical basis for an orthoepic dictionary of the Ossetian literary language. The research is novel in that it is the first to obtain data on all possible assimilative and dissimilative processes in the Ossetian literary language. Consonant clusters were identified using a representative corpus of Ossetian texts presented on the Internet and consisting of 836,593 words. As a result of the study of 819 consonant clusters, such combinations were found in which, based on data on the phonemes of the Ossetian literary language, assimilative processes could be expected. In particular, this refers to consonant clusters where voiced and voiceless consonants meet at the boundaries of morphemes, voiced consonants in the final position and voiced consonants at the boundaries of morphemes. To determine the phonetic processes that occur in these clusters (progressive assimilation for voicing/devoicing, regressive assimilation for voicing/devoicing), words containing such clusters were included in the instrumental analysis program.

Diversity and Inclusion in I&amp;M: IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Mentorship Program

Diversity and Inclusion in I&amp;M: IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Mentorship Program

Integrating online learning into service quality assessment in higher-education its influence on student satisfaction

PurposeOnline learning gained ground during the pandemic and has continued to be used in the post-Covid era. Items related to online learning should be included in service quality assessment. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality, which includes the online learning dimension, on student satisfaction in higher-education in a blended learning environment.Design/methodology/approachA total of 452 valid questionnaires were collected from business undergraduate students enrolled in public universities in Greece. A modified version of HEdPERF is used to evaluate service quality. Due to the extensive use of online learning, an additional dimension was added to the HEdPERF scale which focuses on online education, a field that has not yet been widely examined. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the relationships between service quality, and student satisfaction.FindingsThe research findings verify the six-structure scale of the HEdPERF instrument (non-academic aspects, academic aspects, reputation, access and programs issues and online learning), providing satisfactory results in terms of reliability and validity tests. Service quality dimensions such as academic aspects, access, program issues and online learning are the influential dimensions of student satisfaction in a blended learning context.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has expanded traditional service quality instruments to include the dimension of service quality of online learning.

Militancy in the Perspective of Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Resilience in the face of change, adversity and uncertainty is an attitude that illustrates the spirit of militancy. The research team observed that there is no standard concept of militancy and its application in organizational life. The terms militant and militancy are often interpreted negatively in Indonesia, as they are associated with radicalism and terrorism (Purwastuti, 2011). In fact, in the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), militant means "high spirited, passionate and hard-nosed", while militancy means "toughness in fighting (facing, difficulties, fighting, and so on)". The purpose of this research is to find formulations and develop concepts about militancy from the perspective of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, especially in human resource management. The benefits of this research are expected to emerge a steady concept of militancy from which a measuring instrument and intervention program can be developed to improve militant attitudes in industrial and organizational settings. The research approach used in this study is a qualitative approach with data collection methods, namely interviews. Respondents in this study are academics and practitioners who are involved in military psychology and practitioners in the field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, especially in the field of human resource management (HRM). The results of this study are expected to be the basis for improving the quality of human resources in the organization through increasing the attitude of militancy in its human resources.

Availability and use of institutional support programs for emergency department healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed health care personnel (HCP) at risk for stress, anxiety, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To address this, hospitals developed programs to mitigate risk. The objectives of the current study were to measure the availability and use of these programs in a cohort of academic emergency departments (EDs) in the United States early in the pandemic and identify factors associated with program use. Cross-sectional survey of ED HCP in 21 academic EDs in 15 states between June and September 2020. Site investigators provided data on the availability of 28 programs grouped into 9 categories. Individual support programs included: financial, workload mitigation, individual COVID-19 testing, emotional (e.g., mental health hotline), and instrumental (e.g., childcare) Clinical work support programs included: COVID-19 team communication (e.g., debriefing critical incident), patient-family communication facilitation, patient services (e.g., social work, ethics consultation), and system-level exposure reduction. Participants provided corresponding data on whether they used the programs. We used generalized linear mixed models clustered on site to measure the association between demographic and facility characteristics and program use. We received 1,541 survey responses (96% response rate) from emergency physicians or advanced practice providers, nurses, and nonclinical staff. Program availability in each of the 9 categories was high (>95% of hospitals). Program use was variable, with clinical work support programs used more frequently (28-50% of eligible HCP across categories) than individual employee support programs (6-13% of eligible HCP across categories). Fifty-seven percent of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their stress and anxiety, and 12% were at elevated risk for PTSD. Program use did not significantly differ for HCP who reported symptoms of anxiety and/or stress compared to those who did not. Early in the pandemic, support programs were widely available to ED HCP, but program use was low. Future work will focus on identifying barriers and facilitators to use and specific programs most likely to be effective during periods of highest occupational stress.

Regional and Site-Specific Ground Motion Model for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis in Taiwan: A Case Study of I-Lan

In this study, a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) using a traditional approach with a simple logic tree that handles a single-site sigma is developed to present a site-specific ground motion hazard. The analysis relies on the accelerometer data collected from the I-Lan Plain, a deep sedimentary basin in Northeastern Taiwan where hundreds of earthquake sequences (with [Formula: see text] = 4.0–7.6) were recorded by the Taiwan Strong Motion Instrument Program (TSMIP) network between 1992 and 2016. The performance of PSHA on soil and hard sites is evaluated from two representative instrumented sites (ILA048 and ILA025), using residual measures available from a ground motion model (GMM) developed by Phung et al. [ 2023 ] (referred to as Ph23), from which the uncertainties in site terms ([Formula: see text] and single-site sigma ([Formula: see text] are estimated. We address key conceptual issues in the current PSHA approach and introduce a new region- and site-specific PSHA approach in which (1) site-to-site variability ([Formula: see text] is estimated as a random variance in a mixed effects GMM regression and (2) the GMM site-specific single-site sigma ([Formula: see text] is replaced with a generic site-corrected aleatory variability ([Formula: see text]). Comparison of the region- and site-specific hazard curves from our method against the traditional method estimates at two well-recorded sites in the I-Lan region shows an approximate 50% difference in prediction ground motion values considering for 2% and 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years.

Prediction for underground seismic intensity measures using conditional generative adversarial networks

With the escalating development and utilization of subterranean spaces, the seismic hazards faced by underground structures are progressively increasing. However, owing to the challenges associated with acquiring underground seismic data and historical seismic design norms, pertinent regulations and research in this domain are scarce. This study focused on three crucial intensity measures in the seismic design process of underground structures peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and peak ground displacement (PGD). The research leverages seismic data obtained from the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP) to train and evaluate a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) model. This model was employed to establish a multivariate joint conditional probability distribution among the intensity measures at varying depths, facilitating the stochastic prediction of shallow intensity measures. In contrast to empirical formulas, the CGAN model eliminates the need for a predefined equation structure and enables the simultaneous prediction of multiple intensity measures. The performance of the model was evaluated by comparing the predictive accuracy of the CGAN model and empirical fitting formulas across diverse site conditions and depth intervals using metrics such as relative error coefficients. It can be concluded that the proposed CGAN model can accurately predict shallow seismic intensity measures, and the predictions conform to a specific conditional distribution while retaining the stochastic nature of seismic motion. Compared with empirical formula models, the CGAN model exhibited an enhanced predictive capability.

Experimental evaluation of geosynthetic-modular block connection loads

The design of segmental geosynthetic mechanically stabilized walls with masonry block facing is often governed by the loads that develop at the connection between the facing and geosynthetic. Yet the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the mobilization of such connection loads is, at best, incomplete. The testing apparatus developed as part of this study facilitates simulating the transference of stresses at the face and evaluating the facing connection loads in geosynthetic-reinforced soil walls. This study assesses the connection loads between a geogrid reinforcement connected frictionally to modular concrete blocks. A comprehensive instrumentation program was implemented to capture lateral earth pressures, geosynthetic strains and loads acting at the geogrid-block connection in a geosynthetic-reinforced unit cell subjected to incremental surcharge stages. Results indicate that conventional calculations, based on earth pressure theory, may underestimate the facing connection loads, mainly when the connection loads are triggered by the differential settlement of the backfill relative to the block facing. When this mechanism dominates the mobilization at the connection, reinforcement loads increase as the differential settlement increases, developing down-drag forces at the connection between the geogrid and modular blocks.

Incompatibility as a Resource for Programmable Quantum Instruments

Quantum instruments represent the most general type of quantum measurement, as they incorporate processes with both classical and quantum outputs. In many scenarios, it may be desirable to have some “on-demand” device that is capable of implementing one of many possible instruments whenever the experimenter desires. We refer to such objects as programmable instrument devices (PIDs), and this paper studies PIDs from a resource-theoretic perspective. A physically important class of PIDs are those that do not require quantum memories to implement, and these are naturally “free” in this resource theory. Additionally, these free objects correspond precisely to the class of unsteerable channel assemblages in the study of channel steering. The traditional notion of measurement incompatibility emerges as a resource in this theory since any PID controlling an incompatible family of instruments requires a quantum memory to build. We identify an incompatibility preorder between PIDs based on whether one can be transformed into another using processes that do not require additional quantum memories. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for when such transformations are possible based on how well certain guessing games can be played using a given PID. Ultimately our results provide an operational characterization of incompatibility, and they offer semi-device-independent tests for incompatibility in the most general types of quantum instruments. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Group-based instrumental musical training to enhance resilience among school-aged children from low-income families: A pilot randomised waitlist controlled trial.

To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and potential effectiveness of a group-based instrumental musical training programme in improving resilience, depressive symptoms, self-esteem and quality of life among school-aged children from low-income families. Assessor-blinded pilot randomised waitlist controlled trial with process evaluation. This study was conducted in the community from January 2022 to July 2023. Sixty-four children from low-income families (aged 8-12 years) were randomised (1:1) to intervention and waitlist control groups. The intervention group (n = 32) received weekly 1-hour instrumental musical training for 6 months in groups of four to five from professionally qualified musicians at a music centre. The participants in the waitlist control group (n = 32) received the same intervention as the participants in the intervention group after the completion of all outcome assessments. The primary outcome was the children's levels of resilience, measured using the Resilience Scale for Children - 10. The secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, self-esteem and quality of life. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1). An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. The 64 participants had a mean (SD) age of 9.5 (1.44) years, and 37 (57.8%) were boys. Compared with the waitlist control group, participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in resilience levels from baseline to T0 (group-by-time interaction coefficient β = 4.41; 95% CI, 1.82-6.99; p = 0.001), depressive symptoms (β = -6.42; 95% CI, -11.12 to -1.71; p = 0.008), self-esteem (β = -2.60; 95% CI, 0.28-4.92; p = 0.028) and quality of life (β = 6.69; 95% CI, 0.18-13.2; p = 0.044). The group-based instrumental musical training programme was feasible and acceptable for school-aged underprivileged children and showed the potential to improve the resilience and quality of life of this vulnerable population.

Enhancing production monitoring: A back allocation methodology to estimate well flow rates and assist well test scheduling

Production flow rates are crucial to make operational decisions, monitor, manage, and optimize oil and gas fields. Flow rates also have a financial importance to correctly allocate production to fiscal purposes required by regulatory agencies or to allocate production in fields owned by multiple operators. Despite its significance, usually only the total field production is measured in real time, which requires an alternative way to estimate wells’ production. To address these challenges, this work presents a back allocation methodology that leverages real-time instrumentation, simulations, algorithms, and mathematical programming modeling to enhance well monitoring and assist in well test scheduling. The methodology comprises four modules: simulation, classification, error calculation, and optimization. These modules work together to characterize the flowline, wellbore, and reservoir, verify simulation outputs, minimize errors, and calculate flow rates while honoring the total platform flow rate. The well status generated through the classification module provides valuable information about the current condition of each well (i.e. if the well is deviating from the latest well test parameters), aiding in decision-making for well testing scheduling and prioritizing. The effectiveness of the methodology is demonstrated through its application to a representative offshore oil field with 14 producing wells and two years of daily production data. The results highlight the robustness of the methodology in properly classifying the wells and obtaining flow rates that honor the total platform flow rate. Furthermore, the methodology supports well test scheduling and provides reliable indicators for well conditions. By utilizing real-time data and advanced modeling techniques, this methodology enhances production monitoring and facilitates informed operational decision-making in the oil and gas industry.

The effect of a resourcefulness-based instrumental reminiscence program for nursing home residents: A pilot study

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of a resourcefulness-based instrumental reminiscence program (RIRP) for nursing home residents. MethodsThis study was a mixed-methods study with one-group pretest-posttest design. The RIRP incorporated Emotional Venting, Reconstruction Strategies, Planning for Future, and Strengthening Support. It was performed once a week for 6 weeks. A post-intervention interview was conducted to explore participants’ perception of the RIRP and quantitative data about psychological adjustment, learned resourcefulness, social support, self-efficacy, and quality of life were collected. Results40 participants completed the RIRP with an 88.9% intervention compliance rate. 92.5% participants satisfied with the RIRP. A significant improvement was identified in psychological adjustment, learned resourcefulness, self-efficacy, social support, and mental health in nursing home residents after the RIRP. Qualitative results identified three prominent categories: innovation, benefits, and challenges. ConclusionThe innovative RIRP is a feasible intervention in potentially improving psychological adjustment, learned resourcefulness, self-efficacy, social support, and mental health of nursing home residents. Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/). Identifier: ChiCTR2100042767. Date of trial Registration: 28/01/2021.

Scientific Instrumentation Complex for the ExoMars-2022 Landing Platform

Scientific objectives, instruments, and measurement program of the scientific instrumentation of the Kazachok stationary landing platform of the State Corporation Roscosmos and the European Space Agency (ESA) ExoMars-2022 project are presented. The scientific objectives of research on the landing platform included the long-term climate monitoring, the studies of the atmospheric composition, the mechanisms for dust lifting and related electrical phenomena, atmosphere–surface interactions, the subsurface water abundance, monitoring the radiation situation, and the study of Mars internal structure. To address these problems, 11 Russian and two European instruments with a total mass of 45 kg were built, tested and integrated into the spacecraft. These include a television camera system, meteorological complexes, a suite for studying dust and related electrical phenomena, optical spectrometers and an analytical complex for studying the atmospheric composition, a microwave radiometer, the neutron and gamma spectrometers for surface research, a seismometer, magnetometers and a Mars proper motion experiment to study its internal structure. Although the ExoMars-2022 project has been discontinued, the scientific objectives of the landing platform have not lost their relevance, and the technical solutions and developments implemented in scientific equipment are of interest and promising for further Mars exploration.

Program Of Formative Assessment Instruments In The Management Of Learning Evidence Of Teachers Of The Arena – Piura, 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the formative assessment instrument program on the management of learning evidence of teachers in La Arena, Piura. It is of the applied type because its specific purpose is to improve a problematic situation that affects teachers, who through the application of the Design of Evaluation Instruments Program improved the management of learning evidence. The study population consisted of 40 teachers at both educational levels. The sample consisted of 26 teachers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. To achieve this purpose, 15 work sessions were held at the teacher level, and all the sessions contributed to strengthening professional competencies in each of the dimensions of the dependent variable. We worked with a single group of teachers to whom a pre-test was applied, then the program was applied and then a post-test was applied. Comparing the pre-test and the post-test, it is confirmed that there are significant differences, allowing us to demonstrate that the application of the program has had significant effects.

Methodology for regional industrial complex management: Architecture of an agent-based model

Industry is the backbone of the economy of developed countries and individual regions. To optimize management processes in such a complex and multi-level sector, specific economic-mathematical models and practical tools have to be developed. The paper discusses the optimal architecture of the regional industrial complex management model on a modern theoretical-methodological and instrumental (program) basis. The classical management theory, optimization theory and game theory constitute the methodology of this study. Among the research methods applied are agent-based and minimax approaches. We substantiate the use of agent-based modelling to simulate administering the regional industrial complex. The paper presents a three-tiered management architecture consisting of federal, regional and company level authorities (united by type of activity). For each level, control agents are identified and a set of indicators formed, which cover the structure of the phase vector, including its attributes, key parameters, control actions used, risks, a model of the parameters’ dynamics, and a model of the data possessed by the object. We build a hierarchical structure of administration and information relationships in the model and, based on the minimax approach, create an algorithm of agents’ efforts to select optimal control actions. The proposed architecture will allow forming a flexible toolkit for assessing industrial development scenarios and producing the best step-by-step management pattern of the regional industrial complex.

Evaluation of intermixing application of geotextiles at subgrade-base interface using accelerated pavement testing

This study focuses on identifying and quantifying the potential benefits of a geotextile separator in flexible pavements placed at the interface between a granular base and an underlying soft subgrade with high water content and a granular base. While benefits of using separators in roadway applications have been generally acknowledged, quantification of such benefits has been limited. The evaluation in this study is based on the results from two accelerated pavement tests using a one-third scale Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS3) device. Both models have identical configuration except that a non-woven geotextile was placed at the interface between the subgrade and base layer to serve as a separator in one of the pavement models. The subgrade material used in this study involved a soil mixture containing fifty percent kaolin and fifty percent Monterey sand #30. The base material was an angular AASHTO #8 aggregate. Additionally, an instrumentation program was implemented involving sensors to track the earth pressure distribution, the subgrade excess pore pressures generation, the change in moisture content of the subgrade and the horizontal particle displacement of the base layer. During exhumation of the pavement models, base and subgrade samples were collected to quantify the levels of intermixing. The results of the APT were quantified in terms of the traffic benefit ratio (TBR), which was as high as 6.4 for 25.4 mm rutting showing the significant benefit of using a non-woven geotextile as a separator to extend the design life of flexible pavements. The differences in performance observed between the control and the separation pavement models were found to correlate well with the amount of intermixing observed at the interface between subgrade and base layers. A series of soil columns were tested using cyclic loading to extend the intermixing analysis to different subgrade types with different fine content and geotextiles. The study concluded that higher levels of fine contain in the subgrade would lead to higher levels of intermixing. A correlation between the pore size of the geotextiles and the pumping of subgrade into the base was identified suggesting that smaller pore size would mitigate the pumping intermixing mechanism more efficiently.