Real Working Environment Research Articles

Review of Prediction of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Gas Pipelines Using Machine Learning

Pipeline integrity and safety depend on the detection and prediction of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and other defects. In oil and gas pipeline systems, a variety of corrosion-monitoring techniques are used. The observed data exhibit characteristics of nonlinearity, multidimensionality, and noise. Hence, data-driven modeling techniques have been widely utilized. To accomplish intelligent corrosion prediction and enhance corrosion control, machine learning (ML)-based approaches have been developed. Some published papers related to SCC have discussed ML techniques and their applications, but none of the works has shown the real ability of ML to detect or predict SCC in energy pipelines, though fewer researchers have tested their models to prove them under controlled environments in laboratories, which is completely different from real work environments in the field. Looking at the current research status, the authors believe that there is a need to explore the best technologies and modeling approaches and to identify clear gaps; a critical review is, therefore, required. The objective of this study is to assess the current status of machine learning’s applications in SCC detection, identify current research gaps, and indicate future directions from a scientific research and application point of view. This review will highlight the limitations and challenges of employing machine learning for SCC prediction and also discuss the importance of incorporating domain knowledge and expert inputs to enhance the accuracy and reliability of predictions. Finally, a framework is proposed to demonstrate the process of the application of ML to condition assessments of energy pipelines.

Effects of a posture correction feedback system on neck and trunk posture and muscle activity during computer work

BackgroundComputer work often involves prolonged periods of static sitting, which can result in incorrect posture and increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders and associated pain. The incidence of neck pain among computer workers is increasing due to the association with incorrect posture. To solve the problem accurately, it is necessary to correct the incorrect posture. ObjectiveThis study investigated how the angle and muscle activity of the upper body changed when a posture correction feedback (PCF) system was applied during computer work. MethodsFifteen healthy, young adults participated in this study that was conducted in two sessions of 16 min each: the first without feedback and the second with feedback. Neck and trunk angle changes of the participants, as well as cervical erector spinae, upper trapezius, and thoracic erector spinae muscle activation, were measured during computer work. Kinematic and kinetic data were analyzed using a two-way repeated analysis of variance. ResultsNeck and trunk flexion were reduced with the feedback system. Muscle activation of the cervical erector spinae significantly increased over time with computer use and decreased with feedback system use (p < 0.05). ConclusionOur study demonstrates the PCF system may be an effective tool for alleviating postural stress in the neck and trunk in an office setting. Relevance to industryThe PCF system can assist computer workers in improving posture. This demonstrates ergonomic benefits and does not interfere with computer work, making it suitable for use in a real work environment. This can help prevent musculoskeletal disorders and associated pain resulting from prolonged computer work.

Knowledge on Nursing Empowerment, Prospects and Challenges

Nursing is a versatile profession and also one of the strongest pillars that the healthcare profession stands on. Nurses are closely related to real work environment where they always participate in patient care (Jones CB et al, 2007). Many a time student nurses face complexities from theory to clinical. Therefore it is essential that student nurses should be informed of those challenges and empower themselves to overcome all hurdles (Niaz et al, 2019). In general, empowerment is an essential factor which provides more power to the employees to make decision and self-determination within an organisation. In nursing, empowerment of nursing students means the opportunities or chances that help the student nurses to develop their professional life (Rudberg et al, 2022). Understanding the prospect of nursing, which means views regarding the scope and opportunities in nursing from every possible aspect, helps budding nurses to choose their areas of interest.

An Efficient Guiding Manager for Ground Mobile Robots in Agriculture

Mobile robots have become increasingly important across various sectors and are now essential in agriculture due to their ability to navigate effectively and precisely in crop fields. Navigation involves the integration of several technologies, including robotics, control theory, computer vision, and artificial intelligence, among others. Challenges in robot navigation, particularly in agriculture, include mapping, localization, path planning, obstacle detection, and guiding control. Accurate mapping, localization, and obstacle detection are crucial for efficient navigation, while guiding the robotic system is essential to execute tasks accurately and for the safety of crops and the robot itself. Therefore, this study introduces a Guiding Manager for autonomous mobile robots specialized for laser-based weeding tools in agriculture. The focus is on the robot’s tracking, which combines a lateral controller, a spiral controller, and a linear speed controller to adjust to the different types of trajectories that are commonly followed in agricultural environments, such as straight lines and curves. The controllers have demonstrated their usefulness in different real work environments at different nominal speeds, validated on a tracked mobile platform with a width of about 1.48 m, in complex and varying field conditions including loose soil, stones, and humidity. The lateral controller presented an average absolute lateral error of approximately 0.076 m and an angular error of about 0.0418 rad, while the spiral controller presented an average absolute lateral error of about 0.12 m and an angular error of about 0.0103 rad, with a horizontal accuracy of about ±0.015 m and an angular accuracy of about ±0.009 rad, demonstrating its effectiveness in real farm tests.

The community service journal

ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; The objective of the Student Work Program (KKM) activity is to enhance the capacity and skills of the Panamping Village community, Bandung sub-district, in managing the cultivation of Tilapia fish. The work program provides an opportunity for students to gain direct experience in the working world, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired during their studies in a real working environment. This KKM activity is participated in by members of fish cultivation groups in the village who have a desire to improve their existing businesses. The challenges faced include the lack of knowledge and skills among the community regarding fish cultivation, especially in plastic ponds, and business planning. Additionally, there is a lack of implementation of good fish cultivation technologies, such as feeding practices, pre-stocking seedling management, all of which can affect fish growth. Moreover, there are no alternative fish rearing facilities, while the demand for tilapia fish is quite high. The method employed in this activity involves an approach that engages members of fish cultivation groups within the village. The implementation of the activity includes the direct provision of 2000 tilapia fish fingerlings. The results of this KKM activity have had a positive impact on the village.

A NEED ANALYSIS FOR THE TRAINING CURRICULUM MODEL

Work-based learning is a learning process carried out in most of a real work environment. It requires students to have the ability to apply those skills in their work environment. Developing a training curriculum model for a course is normally preceded by a need analysis. So, there is a need to do needs analysis. The aim of this study is to determine the generic skills and values required to fulfil the need of the community and the needs for the development of a training curriculum model which is trained based on the work-based learning approach. The study is using a quantitative approach which uses survey method. The samples involved are 43 trainers which are chosen through purposive sampling. Questionnaires are distributed to all the samples. Questionnaires are developed by the researcher. Data is analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 for frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The overall findings of the study show that there is no educational training either scheduled or application in the course, and there are no direct resources which focuses on generic skills and values elements. They also agree to be trained with all the seven generic skills and five values skills before they join the industry. The implication of the study is that all the elements such as the generic skills and values should be included in the training curriculum module. In conclusion, they need few generic skills and values which contributes to a training curriculum model that can facilitate a better teaching and learning process. Further researchers proposed are to gain data from various educational sector like community colleges and to go for in-depth research such as qualitative approach.

Investigation of the basic parameters for alternative solid rocket propellant engines for research and civilian use

Investigation of the basic parameters for new generation of alternative solid rocket propellant engines for research and civilian use was implemented. This was caused from needs for substitution of the widely used construction materials of the aircraft units based on polymers and of petroleum composites. Numerous fire tests, both static and flight, in a real working environment of a new generation of environmentally friendly solid rocket propellant engines that are completely degradable in the nature were carried out. The obtained results after burning of rocket fuel for internal engine ballistics and thermo-mechanical coupled characteristics of composite materials are presented.

METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE HEALTH CHECK TOOL

At the moment, when solving the issue of improving the quality of software, the question of competent planning of team resources and the allocation of teams to specific tasks or specific projects is at the forefront. Especially in large IT departments, there is a problem of forming a well-coordinated team with the necessary competencies, both technical and verbal. This article explores the "Star Map" method, which helps to comprehensively evaluate employees when they are assigned to a project or task. The article also offers aspects of automation of this method, simplifying its application and increasing its efficiency. The study includes an analysis of the application of the "Star Map" method in a real working environment and an analysis of work with this method and without this method. The results of the study confirm that the use of the "Star Map" method contributes to the formation of a team with an optimal combination of competencies and improves the overall quality of the software. At the same time, the automation of the method makes its application more convenient and efficient. In conclusion, the article offers recommendations on the implementation of the "Star Map" method in organizations to achieve better results in software development.

Electronic work-based learning (eWBL): a framework for trainers in companies and higher education

ABSTRACT Driven by COVID-19, remote work is popularising. Companies and employees are increasingly embracing its benefits of flexibility and convenience, showing reluctance to return to full-time office schedules. Similarly, companies and HEIs started offering remote forms of work-based learning (WBL) – or eWBL. However, remote work presents social and psychological barriers associated with physical isolation that need addressing. In the context of WBL, which aims to provide a real-work environment for students, it is essential to explore these barriers as they might undermine the development of critical competencies associated with WBL, particularly creativity, teamwork, collaboration, networking and situational awareness. While research has started producing alternatives to overcome some of these limitations, we still miss a robust framework for designing and implementing these and other potential new strategies that could further enhance eWBL. To address this gap, a comprehensive framework is developed by integrating literature recommendations with results from 27 case studies derived from the Erasmus + Project eWBL. The framework comprises five primary phases: design, preparation, onboarding, delivery, and assessment. Each phase contains several sub-phases that offer practical implementation steps to WBL trainers in higher education and industry on how to deliver high-quality eWBL.

The role of macrophage polarization and related key molecules in pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis induced by coal dust dynamic inhalation exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats

Coal dust is the main occupational hazard factor during coal mining operations. This study aimed to investigate the role of macrophage polarization and its molecular regulatory network in lung inflammation and fibrosis in Sprague-Dawley rats caused by coal dust exposure. Based on the key exposure parameters (exposure route, dose and duration) of the real working environment of coal miners, the dynamic inhalation exposure method was employed, and a control group and three coal dust groups (4, 10 and 25 mg/m3) were set up. Lung function was measured after 30, 60 and 90 days of coal dust exposure. Meanwhile, the serum, lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected after anesthesia for downstream experiments (histopathological analysis, RT-qPCR, ELISA, etc.). The results showed that coal dust exposure caused stunted growth, increased lung organ coefficient and decreased lung function in rats. The expression level of the M1 macrophage marker iNOS was significantly upregulated in the early stage of exposure and was accompanied by higher expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and the chemokines IL-8, CCL2 and CCL5, with the most significant trend of CCL5 mRNA in lung tissues. Expression of the M2 macrophage marker Arg1 was significantly upregulated in the mid to late stages of coal dust exposure and was accompanied by higher expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. In conclusion, macrophage polarization and its molecular regulatory network (especially CCL5) play an important role in lung inflammation and fibrosis in SD rats exposed to coal dust by dynamic inhalation.

Wine Production through Virtual Environments with a Focus on the Teaching–Learning Process

This paper focuses on the application of the hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) technique in the winemaking process. The HIL technique provides an effective methodology to test and verify the automatic control of industrial processes in 3D laboratory environments. Two parts are considered: (i) software, which consists of the virtualization of the wine process in order to generate a realistic work environment that allows the student to manipulate the system while visualizing the changes in the process; and (ii) hardware, through which the process control is implemented in ladder language in a PLC S7 1200 AC/DC/RLY (programmable logic controller). Bidirectional Ethernet TCP/IP communication is established, achieving a client–server architecture. This article highlights the main advantages of the HIL technique, such as its ability to simulate complex and extreme scenarios that would be difficult or expensive to recreate in a real environment. In addition, real-time testing of the hardware and software to implement the control system is performed, allowing for fast and accurate responses. Finally, a usability table is obtained that demonstrates the benefits of performing industrial process control work in virtual work environments, focusing the development on meaningful learning processes for engineering students.

Material characterization and uncertainty evaluation at millimetre wave frequencies in TUBITAK UME

The frequency response of the materials which are used in communication systems has gained increasing importance nowadays. Frequency response measurements of materials in laboratory environments do not contain sufficient information about real working environment conditions. The free space dielectric measurement method, known as one of the most frequently used material characterization methods at high frequencies, is used to give more accurate results under real operating conditions. In this study, using the TUBITAK UME’s infrastructure, the measurement results in free space at millimetre wave frequency, and the uncertainty calculations of the measurements are given for some materials such as Teflon, Fr4, Komacel, and Air. Measurements were performed at two different frequency bands such as E and D bands by using KMMS software which is known to run up to 50 GHz frequency. Measurement results of materials were compared with the known low-frequency response of the materials in this study. And uncertainty calculation model was discussed in this study either.

Adjusting the ChildProgramming Methodology to Educational Robotics Teaching and Debugging

In 2013, the ChildProgramming methodology was presented as a model for teaching programming to groups of children between 10 and 12 years old, applying collaborative, playful, and agile development strategies. Different projects have been developed at the undergraduate and graduate levels at the Universidad del Cauca, where this methodology has been applied in case studies that have allowed its validation and adjustment, making contributions to the conceptual model (abstraction, transactive memory, gender, and gamification). In this article, a general review of the evolution of the methodology is conducted, and two new approaches that enrich the ChildProgramming methodology, the application of debugging practices, and the inclusion of educational robotics, are presented. The objectives, conceptual model, proposed practices, and the conclusions or results obtained in the validation process of these new elements, carried out in a real work environment applying the case study methodology, are presented. Likewise, the future of the methodology is presented in terms of work in progress and proposals for future work.

The Impact of Alpha Wave Music On Employee Productivity In Real Work Environments

In recent years, it has been discovered in some brainwave studies that alpha waves are one of the four basic brainwaves that effectively activate the left hindbrain region. Therefore, a type of music has emerged that can trigger these brainwaves, collectively known as Alpha wave music. This article aims to demonstrate whether Alpha Wave Music can make employees more productive so companies can increase their effectiveness affordably and efficiently. This study fills a gap in the application of Alpha wave music in practical application scenarios and builds a data model on the relationship between performance and employee competencies. After investigating the needs of technology companies for employee competencies this year, by linking performance with mathematical computation, concentration, and creativity, a controlled experiment was conducted to conclude that this type of music does have the ability to enhance employee performance. If there is the ability to conduct another more in-depth study in the future, the influences that are more specific to the internal factors of the employees can be modeled, and the final model based on a combination of external and internal factors can be obtained in the most total, and then the influence of Alpha wave music on performance can be further established.

The effectiveness of the model of occupational self-efficacy in improving the quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs in individuals living with schizophrenia: A pre- and post-intervention pilot study

BACKGROUND: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia often experience major limitations in returning to work despite participating in rehabilitation programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether individuals who were diagnosed with schizophrenia experienced improved return to work rates, quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs after participating in an intervention program that utilizes the Model of Occupational Self-Efficacy (MOOSE). METHOD: Nine (n = 9) individuals who were diagnosed with schizophrenia participated in the study. The research study specifically utilized a pre- and post-intervention research design. In order to gather data from the participants, the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire and Self-Efficacy Questionnaires were used to determine whether the individual living with schizophrenia’s quality of life and self-efficacy beliefs improved after participating in a vocational rehabilitation program. RESULTS: All participants in this study presented with an improvement in Return-to-Work Rates, Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Quality of Life scores. The results of the study revealed a 100% return to work rate, a statistically significant effect of the intervention (i.e., MOOSE) on Self-Efficacy beliefs, measured using the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, F(1, 8) = 6.606, p = 0.03.*. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicated that MOOSE is a useful model to facilitate the return to work of individuals living with schizophrenia. It is also suggested that cognitive rehabilitative activities, life skills and work skills training in a real work environment be included as part of the vocational rehabilitation program.

Evaluation of intracranial stenting in a simulated training and assessment environment for neuroendovascular procedures.

Given the inherent complexity of neurointerventional procedures and the associated risks of ionizing radiation exposure, it is crucial to prioritize ongoing training and improve safety protocols. The aim of this study is to assess a training and evaluation in-vitro environment using a vascular model of M1 stenosis, within a clinical angiography suite, without relying on animal models or X-ray radiation. Using a transparent model replicating M1 stenosis, we conducted intracranial stenting procedures with four different setups (Gateway & Wingspan, Gateway & Enterprise, Neurospeed & Acclino, and Pharos Vitesse). A video camera was integrated with the angiography system's monitor for real-time visualization, while a foot switch was employed to simulate live fluoroscopy. Three neuroradiologists with varying levels of expertise performed each procedure for three times. The total duration of fluoroscopy as well as the time from passing the stenosis with the wire to completion of the procedure were recorded using a dedicated software designed for this experimental setup. Compared to the Gateway & Wingspan procedure, the total fluoroscopy time reduced significantly with the Gateway & Enterprise, Neurospeed & Acclino, and Pharos Vitesse procedures by 51.56 s, 111.33 s, and 144.89 s, respectively (p < 0.001). Additionally, physicians with under 2 years and over 5 years of experience reduced FT by 62.83 s and 106.42 s, respectively, (p < 0.001), compared to a novice physician. Similar trends were noted for the time of wire distal to stenosis, with significant reductions for Neurospeed & Acclino and Pharos Vitesse compared to both Gateway & Wingspan as well as Gateway & Enterprise (all p < 0.001). Procedures requiring wire exchange maneuvers exhibited nearly twice the fluoroscopy time in comparison to balloon-mounted stenting or stent-placement via PTA balloon catheters. The more experienced neuroradiologist demonstrated significantly quicker performance in line with expectations in a real-life clinical setting, when compared to the less experienced interventionalist. This in-vitro setup allowed the evaluation of alternative technical approaches and differences in experience of operators without the use of animal models or X-ray. The setup combines advantages of simulators and silicone vessel models in a realistic working environment.

Educational design and modelling of electro-hydraulic control system machine tool motion

Purpose. To present the design and modeling technology of real electrohydraulic systems, for use in the educational process of a higher educational institution, and the prospects of the proposed approach in the training of technical specialists. As an example, the model of the motion control system of the hydraulic cylinder of the device for fixing parts on the working table of a milling machine, created on the basis of components of the Festo company, is considered. The methods. The methodological basis of the work is a systematic approach, which consists in the use of modern FluidSim software - comprehensive software for creating, modeling and studying, including electro-hydraulic circuits and educational equipment of the Festo company, which allows students to acquire and develop practical skills and at the same time simulate a real working environment . Additional advantages of computer and physical modeling in the educational process are the interactive component, which facilitates the visualization of educational material and improves the process of problem solving. Findings. Taking into account the pedagogical features inherent in the world trends in technical education, the application of a comprehensive approach using computer and physical modeling in the training of technical specialists in the design of electrohydraulic systems is justified in the educational process. The sequence and results of the students' work on one of the options for the implementation of the educational project – the control system for the motion of the hydraulic cylinder of the device for fixing parts on the work table of the milling machine – have been demonstrated. The result of the proposed approach is also an increase in students' motivation, the achievement of a higher level of practical knowledge and skills compared to the traditional model of education. The originality. A modified algorithm for the formation of an extended model of mastering educational material from electro-hydraulic devices and systems with the use of modern software and equipment has been developed. Which allows students to acquire and develop practical skills and at the same time simulate a real working environment. Practical implementation. The materials of the work can serve as a basis for using the proposed integrated approach, which will improve the process of learning and teaching electrohydraulics, ensuring a higher level of learning outcomes, especially in terms of acquiring practical knowledge and skills.

Dynamics of Student Internship System in Faculty of Art of KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana: Exploring Perceptions, Values, Access and Development Outcomes

An internship programme is a great way to connect what is learnt in class with actual work experience. Existing research has underscored the positive contribution of internship to the educational process and career outcomes among students. The internship programme for students of Faculty of Art, KNUST is a requirement or considered as a compulsory 15 credit hour course for the award of undergraduate degree. As such it is a vital component of the curriculum. Nonetheless, empirical literature on the dynamics of the internship programme at the university is sparse. Without insight into these dynamics however, there will be lack of information that could inform policy and continuous improvement of the programme. To bridge this gap, this paper seeks to analyze the internship experiences of students to determine what factors seem to create the greatest perceived value. The study employed the descriptive exploratory study design approach. Data was obtained from a total of 376 students of the Faculty of Art through the use of questionnaire designed in open and close ended patterns and focus discussions. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) computer package was used for data analysis, while descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage were used to analyze the facts sought from the questionnaire. The students described a variety of skills learned during the internship including mastering the use of some equipment, software, and report writing. About 80% of the participants indicated that the internship programme was important and linked the classroom work to real work environment. All the students regardless of their experiences indicated they had value for the internship which they believe will play a role in their future career objectives. On the other hand, some of the students had some unfavourable experiences including inadequate work space, provision of inadequate PPEs, boring and difficult tasks. Others were engaged in other duties that were not related to their field of studies, all of which could potentially influence the perception of students.

Influence of Spatial Characteristic Parameters of Film Cooling Holes on the Strength of Turbine Blade

In order to improve the fatigue resistance of turbine blades with special-shaped film cooling holes in real working environments, the spatial geometric characteristics of the gas film holes are studied by using the numerical calculation method of gas-thermal-solid depth coupling, which is based on the spatial geometric characteristics of special-shaped film cooling holes. Then, the influence of stress level and durable strength at the hole edge is developed, which includes the parameters of the film jet angle, the flow direction divergence angle, the span-wise divergence angle, and the pore diameter on the film cooling holes. The results show that the flow direction expansion angle and the spanwise expansion angle are the most significant impacts on the hole edge stress at the same pore diameter and film jet angle. Compared with the cylindrical gas film hole, it is decreased by about 9.3% to 25.8%, which is the hole edge equivalent stress of the special-shaped gas film hole. The durable strength of the hole edge increases by about 11.1% to 25.2%.

A novel bearing diagnosis method under random impact disturbance based on the nonlinear convolutional sparse filtering

The fault diagnostic approach based on sparse optimization has been receiving considerable attention. Which shows superior robustness and noise adaptability. However, in the real working environment, the collected bearing signals are often accompanied by random impact interference owing to alterations in working circumstances and load mutations. In this paper, the nonlinear sparse metric is used to reduce the interference of random shock excitation (FNCSF). The nonlinear activation has different activation coefficients for different amplitudes, which can change the sparsity distribution of the raw data. Firstly, the influence of different nonlinear activation functions on the diagnostic performance is studied. Then, in order to solve the scale inconsistency caused by nonlinear activation, the nonlinear function is created to the generalized form to further improve the noise adaptability of feature extraction. The second-order Gaussian fitting is used to improve the performance of the learning filter. Simulation and experimental results verify the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the suggested technique can significantly reduce the interference of random impact components.