Reduce Labor Intensity Research Articles

Novel Use of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for the Rapid Identification of Microorganisms in Endophthalmitis and Keratitis

To evaluate an application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the rapid identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens causing endophthalmitis and keratitis and compare time to detection with other laboratory methods. Culture-positive isolates obtained from vitreous and corneal samples were tested. Organisms tested were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis. Inoculi were prepared to a final concentration between 1 × 102 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL to 1 × 108 CFU/mL. Samples were hybridized with peptide nucleic acid probes for pathogens using the QuickFISH protocol (AdvanDx; OpGen, Gaithersburg, MD), and the slides were read with fluorescence microscopy. Of the 29 total isolates tested, 28 yielded positive identification. S. aureus was identified in four out of five vitreous samples, whereas coagulase-negative staphylococci were identified in all vitreous samples. Mixed staphylococci culture was identified in all samples. P. aeruginosa was identified in all six keratitis samples. C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and mixed fungal culture were identified respectively in eight of eight samples at minimal concentration of 1 × 104 CFU/mL. There were no false-negatives. Time to detection was 20 minutes after the 12- to 18-hour inoculation period and provided an identification 6 hours sooner than by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 1 to 2 days sooner than by routine culture. This small study demonstrates the sensitive, specific, and rapid detection of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungi using FISH probes in isolates from endophthalmitis and keratitis samples. This method decreases time to identification and reduces labor intensity compared with routine PCR and culture methods. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:S9-S12.].

Application of additive technology of selective laser melting (SLM) in designing a low emission combustion chamber of a gas turbine plant

The paper deals with the questions of introducing the additive technology of selective laser melting (SLM) into the production of the main structural elements of a combustion chamber for ground-based gas pumping, power and transport gas turbines. A fundamentally new design of a low-emission two-circuit burner was developed, adapted for the manufacture of products with a complex geometry through the use of selective laser melting (SLM) of metal powders according to mathematical CAD-models with the help of an advanced production technology. Technical difficulties associated with the implementation of additive manufacturing technology were overcome. The process chain was tried out from design to manufacturing and quality control of finished structural elements under conditions of mass production. The deficiencies of the parts manufactured by the additive technology were revealed and ultimately eliminated. Successful development of burners for a low-emission combustion chamber using a new technology significantly reduces labor intensity and time of production while maintaining high quality.

Automatic drill pipe emission control system based on machine vision

Drilling is not as modern as other industries and still has great potential for automatic control. Automatic drill pipe emission control system is mostly used for offshore drilling, and the derrick of the land drilling rig cannot be directly compatible with the mature drill pipe emission system of the offshore drilling rig because of its unique structure. Drill pipe emissions from land drilling are usually done by worker-assisted mechanical arm. In this kind of working environment, workers are labor intensive and prone to fatigue and safety cannot be effectively guaranteed. In order to reduce labor intensity and improve drilling efficiency, this paper presents an automatic control system of drill pipe emission based on machine vision. In the control process of the tripping operations, visual servo control is added, and the visual sensor is used to detect the centerline of the drill pipe in real time. After the system finding the deviation between the drill pipe and the mechanical arm, the posture of the arm is adjusted in real time to compensate for the deviation. When the claw mechanism is aligned with the centerline of the drill pipe, the drill pipe manipulator grabs the drill pipe to complete the emission task. In this paper, four methods for extracting the centerline are compared, and the linear regression method is the best.

A farm-level assessment of labor and mechanization in Eastern and Southern Africa

Once again, agricultural mechanization is top on the policy, research, and development agendas in sub-Saharan Africa. However, whether labor is limiting in this region—and mechanization is in demand—remains debated. The hypothesis of this study is that labor is a major limiting factor to the productivity of most farming systems in Africa. We used farm-level data (including detailed labor data) from eight sites dominated by smallholder agriculture and spanning four countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, and analyzed this unique dataset using multivariate methods (generalized linear models, boundary line analysis, and binary classification and regression trees). Labor and/or other sources of farm power (draught power or tractor power) were found to limit land productivity in all study sites. We also found that the overall contribution of female labor to farming was much lower than commonly stated—between 7 and 35%—and that the labor intensity experienced by women in agriculture was dependent to a large degree on men’s tasks. Our results reveal a much higher demand for mechanization than previously found by macroeconomic analyses, and point to a problem of access rather than demand. Our results also add to recent evidence debunking the persistent myth that women provide the bulk of the farming labor, and demonstrate that reducing labor intensity experienced by women in farming depends to a large degree upon understanding labor intensity experienced by men, rather than poorly founded generalizations about how women are overworked. This is the first time farm-level data containing detailed labor assessment and spanning four countries are used to assess mechanization demand in Africa. This paper also plays a pioneering role in debunking a number of myths related to labor in African smallholder agriculture, with implications for the mechanization agenda of the region.

Multi-Criteria Evaluation of the Organizational and Technological Options for Green Roof Systems Installation

This research of improving technology of installation green roof systems is aimed at reducing labour intensity, duration and cost of construction, as well as reducing labour-intensive operations and processes due to the optimal organization of installation of building structures. For the highlights of roof installation with greening systems, three options for organizational and technological solutions for roofing works have been developed, with various devices for constructive layers of inversion roofing structures. Research of technological processes of the device of green roof systems, and also rational choice of constructive-technological solutions allow to organize rhythmic installation of roofing coverings with systems of greening, using thus modern technologies of installation process and innovative methods of construction. The most promising solution at the present time for the installation of a roofing base is a multi-layer monolithic overlap with a heat-insulating layer of low-conductive lightweight concrete, that is presented as the base of one of the variants of the analysis of roofing. Modular green roof system is upper roof structure, technically advanced design solution of roofing, with innovative technological multifunctional advantages and the ability to integrate devices that convert solar and wind energy - solar panels and micro wind turbines. Moreover, hydroponics used as irrigation control systems in green roof system. This technique has proved to be highly effective in reducing nutrient load in runoff, controlling watering over a period of time. Completed multi-criteria assessment of the construction of roofing with greening systems, that considered in this research, allows to make the right choice of a rational organizational and technological option according to the criteria of Savage and the risk factor for Hurwitz.

Design of a new fruit tree bagging machine

Fruit tree bagging technology is a fruit protection technology that can reduce the amount of pesticides and reduce pests and diseases. However, the current fruit tree bagging is generally done manually, with low production efficiency, high labor intensity, and long bagging cycle. In order to solve these problems, a new type of fruit tree bagging machine was designed to assist manual work and improve production efficiency. The design fully considers the growth characteristics of different fruits. The fruit bag commonly used in the market is used as a model, and the spatial layout of the bagging machine is adjusted according to the steps and actions of the artificial bagging and the design of each functional unit and size. In order to improve the production efficiency of fruit farmers and reduce labor intensity.

A dynamic information platform for underground coal mine safety based on internet of things

Mechanical and intelligent mining technology reduces labor intensity, accidents and casualties while improving mining efficiency in underground coal mines. Such advanced mining methods are gradually realized in China with increasing application of an Internet of Things (IoT) technique. In this study, a dynamic information platform is established for underground coal mine based on IoT technology. The platform aims to satisfy various objectives of potential users through combining four subsystems, including data acquisition, transmission, analyzation and application systems. To achieve such functions, six functional layers are composed of the platform, including the supporting layer, perception layer, transmission layer, service layer, data extraction layer and application layer. The platform can monitor and record working conditions data of the coal mine production systems as well as location information of underground equipment and miners. Based on cloud computing techniques, big data related to underground coal mining can be analyzed quickly, and critical data associated with user requirements can be extracted precisely. The platform provides a 3D virtual mine system, safety diagnosis system, safety inspection system and emergency rescue system for coal mines. With the established platform, the danger-spotting and subsequent decision-making capabilities of users can be greatly enhanced to ensure underground mining safety.

Development of artificial neural network for determining the components of errors when measuring angles using a goniometric software-hardware complex

We have developed an artificial neural network to determine the components of error in measuring the angles by automated goniometric systems whose change over time is a non-stationary random process. There are known techniques for processing measurement results and normalizing the systematic and random components of measurement errors, they have been applied for many years, they are well justified, maximally formalized, fundamentally different and are governed by respective regulations. However, it is still a rather difficult and labor-intensive procedure to determine exactly which component of an error is present in the measurement results. A given procedure is based on using the Fisher’s dispersion criterion. In order to automate this procedure and improve performance efficiency of performed operations, we have developed an artificial neural network (ANN) and examined its functioning. It was determined that the proposed ANN could be successfully employed instead of known analytical-computational procedure using the Fisher’s dispersion criterion. The application of ANN could significantly reduce labor intensity and improve the efficiency of determining the systematic and random components of measurement errors. This is predetermined by the capability of ANN to perform parallel processing of measurement data in real time. The practical implementation of ANN is based on using the neuro-simulator Neural Analyzer, analytical software Deductor Professional developed by BaseGroupLabs. We trained ANN and tested its functionality on the set of simulation results and actual multiple observations when measuring the plane angle of a 24-facet prism. The ability of ANN to quickly and correctly determine components of measurement errors at the stage of analysis of measurement information makes it possible to subsequently define methods for its further processing in accordance with regulatory requirements. That would improve the accuracy and reliability of measurement results as it could help avoid incorrect and inaccurate calculations when normalizing measurement errors.

3D photogrammetry application for building inspection of cultural heritage objects

Landmarked buildings require periodic inspection and restoration. Numerous techniques are known that allow engineers to perform detailed inspection of buildings and structures. In recent decades, 3D scanning and photogrammetry application for building inspection spread around. The purpose of the study is to develop the most effective approach to aerial photography with the use of UAV to create precise model of the building. Methodology. The technique is based on the creation of three-dimensional model out of 2-dimensional photographs with the help of dedicated software. Scientific novelty can be considered as the development of an algorithm for programming the UAV flight along the most optimal trajectory in order to obtain a sufficient number of images, and consequently constructing a model with the least number of distorted sections. The result of the work is a three-dimensional model of a building or structure with all actual sizes and textures preserved. Obtained model can be later used for a detailed study of the damages of the existing structural and architectural elements of building; also, it can be used as a background model for the reconstruction or restoration project design, depending on the research objectives. The practical significance of this method is demonstrated by the inspection of the actual landmarked building: the Mennonite school in Zaporizhia city. The inspected building was built in the late nineteenth century and has not changed its functional purpose until today. The building is one of the few well-preserved examples of authentic Mennonite architecture in the region, therefore a great deal of attention was paid for inspection and elaboration the measures for its restoration. A complex inspection was performed using 3D photogrammetric survey and creation of a three-dimensional model. Using the model, the places that need to be restored are precisely identified, and the defects that need to be eliminated are identified. The technical condition of the structures is estimated even in hard-to-reach places. Thus, it is clearly shown that the presented inspection technique significantly reduces labor intensity and raises the efficiency of building and structures inspection.

The Design of an Automatic Sealing System for Solid-State Fermentation of Xiaoqu Qingxiang Baijiu

Although the mechanization is relatively high in the production process of Solid-State fermentation Xiaoqu Qingxiang Baijiu, the fermentation tank is manually sealed with plastic film, which increases labor intensity, cleaning difficult and reduces automation level. In this paper, an automatic sealing system for solid-state fermentation of Xiaoqu Qingxiang Baijiu is proposed. Firstly, the structure of the fermentation tank and the fermentation cover is designed. Secondly, the installation process of fermentation cover on the fermentation tank with industrial robots is designed. At last, the sealing effect of the fermentation cover was detected by the detection systems of the robot. Meanwhile, the corresponding control of the robot is programmed according to the detection results. This automatic sealing system has the characteristics of high sealing effect and a high degree of automation, which also has the advantages of simple structure, simple operation and the ability of reducing labor intensity. In addition, its use in practice could also satisfy the solid-state fermentation process requirements of Xiaoqu Qingxiang Baijiu.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМООБРАЗОВАНИЯ МОНОЛИТНЫХ ПАНЕЛЕЙ ПРИ ПОЛУЧЕНИИ КЕССОНА КРЫЛА БЕЗ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ РАЗЪЕМОВ

The subject of the study in the article is the problem of the exact forming of individual panels in the wingbox assembling process without technological spanwise joints of the wing. The goal of the study is to create a model for an oblique curvature forming of the stiffened panels, which provides high tolerance of the panel shape and a given position of the bending axis. Objectives: a development of procedures that improve the tolerance of panel forming, reduce the amount of fitting work, reduce labor intensity, and increase productivity. The methods include: local deformation forming method by means of applying bending moments at the sweep angle and an additional correction angle, which takes into account the elastic effects of the stiffened panel; as well as numerical analysis of the forming process using ANSYS simulation. The following results are obtained. The created model of oblique curvature forming of the stiffened panels provides the capability to model the process of panel forming with the given tolerance. Using numerical approach, the magnitudes of the normal stresses and strains, deflections of the panels formed by applying local moments at the sweep angle, at the maximum load applied as well as their residual values. The results of the experiment of panel forming by unconstrained bending and local deforming on aluminum alloy samples are described. Conclusions. The scientific novelty of the research is as follows: the developed model of the stiffened panel forming process for a swept wingbox proofed the high efficiency while achieved the specified tolerance; by comparing the results, obtained by different methods, the advantages of the model applied to the local method of achieving the wing panel oblique curvature are verified. The local forming method by applying local bending moments to the ribs of the panel allows us to correct the oblique angle and achieve high tolerance due to the iterative procedure

An improved multi-objective discrete bees algorithm for robotic disassembly line balancing problem in remanufacturing

Remanufacturing is an effective way to realize the reutilization of resources. Disassembly, as an essential step of remanufacturing, is usually finished by manual work which is low efficiency and high labor cost. Robotic disassembly provides an alternative way to reduce labor intensity and disassembly cost. Disassembly line is an efficient method to deal with end-of-life products on a large scale. Balancing the workload of robotic workstations is the main objective of robotic disassembly line balancing problem. In this paper, an improved multi-objective discrete bees algorithm is proposed to solve robotic disassembly line balancing problem. The feasible disassembly sequence is obtained by space interference matrix method. It is used to generate robotic disassembly line solution by robotic workstation assignment method. After that, the multi-objective robotic disassembly line balancing problem is proposed. With the help of efficient non-dominated Pareto sorting method, the improved multi-objective discrete bees algorithm is proposed to find Pareto optimal solutions. Based on a gear pump and a camera, the performance of the improved multi-objective discrete bees algorithm is analyzed under different parameters and compared with the other optimization algorithms. In addition, Pareto fronts of robotic disassembly line balancing problem are also compared with those of the other two cases. The result shows the proposed method can find better solutions using comparable running time compared with the other optimization algorithms.

FINANCIAL SECURITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (THE CASE OF RUSSIA)

Under the conditions of today’s megarisks, the general level of instability of the world economy is only rising, the number of unprofitable organizations with overdue debts increases, and this creates additional threats to financial security of the states. In this regard, the presented research results have scientific and applied importance for risk management of financial security of economic entities on the basis of the suggested control and analytical concept. The suggested concept includes; monitoring, diagnostics, prevention of crisis situations, including bankruptcy, corporate fraud or financial irregularities in the economy. Accounting for the specifics of economic entities in the analysis, diagnostics and control of their activities is aimed at developing an effective management system for corporate fraud and bankruptcy prevention. The conceptual principles of information and analytical support, improved methods used in analyzing, evaluating and monitoring financial security contribute to the development of this methodology for economic analysis and control, ensuring their effectiveness and transparency. The comprehensive toolkit offered here for diagnosing financial security allows identifying the areas of increased bankruptcy risks, fraudulent actions or ineffective business management; unify the control process, thereby reducing labor intensity and improving the quality of control measures.

Coping Strategies of Economically Destitute Women Who Acquired HIV Through Paid Blood and Plasma Collections in Rural China

Little is known about the lives and hardships of socially marginalized and economically destitute women in rural Central China living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), who acquired the virus through commercial blood and plasma donations in the mid-1990s. Women living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) experience significant economic hardships and social exclusion in a male dominated, traditional, rural Chinese society, including the loss of labor power, financial burdens, and HIV-related stigma. This qualitative study examined strategies used by these marginalized women to cope with these hardships. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 15 interviews from women in Fuyang City, Anhui. Findings reveal that women undertook a variety of coping strategies: migrating to smaller towns, reducing labor intensity, reallocating labor within households, supplementing incomes by taking on additional jobs, borrowing money from relatives, reducing food consumption, lowering standards of living, withdrawing children from school, strategically disclosing HIV status and background information to employers, as well as avoiding weddings or funerals. This study identifies policy implications that can be used by social workers to mitigate the deleterious social and economic impacts of HIV and AIDS on the lives of women in vulnerable rural households in central China.

Reducing Labor Intensity in the Development of New Universal Cutting Fluids for Machining

The process of developing new universal cutting fluids is labor-intensive due to the requirement of conducting experiments to determine the impact of numerous additives on tool life during different technological operations. Therefore, finding the best cutting fluid, the use of which will result in the longest tool life, is a long and laborious process. To reduce labor intensity while creating new cutting fluids accelerated methods are applied first, such as the method of determining the tribometric properties of a new fluid. Subsequently wear tests are carried out, using only those cutting fluids which show the best tribological behavior.The aim of this study is to reduce labor intensity in developing new universal cutting fluids. For this purpose, a new accelerated method has been developed, which helps to determine the capability of the fluid to counteract the adhesion between the chips and the cutting tool. Furthermore, a new sequence of cutting fluid tests has been proposed which significantly reduces the amount of wear tests, resulting inconsiderable reduction of the overall labor intensity in the development of new cutting fluids.

Optimization and control of working parameters of hot blast furnace

In order to improve the working efficiency of hot blast stoves, reduce environmental pollution, reduce labor intensity and improve combustion efficiency, this paper uses ANSYS software to simulate the temperature field and flow field of the hot blast stove, and uses the PID controller to realize the automatic control of the hot blast stove. The model and working principle of the hot blast stove are briefly introduced. The operating parameters (blowing fan air flow, coal intake) of the hot blast stove are briefly studied. The results show that the amount of air flow of the blast furnace depends on the coal intake of the hot blast stove, which is generally per kilogram of coal. 8m3-10m3- air is required. When the coal intake is 120kg/h and the air volume of the blower is 1200m3/h, the hot blast stove can work stably with high efficiency. The results obtained are input into the database for later combustion. The work provides a theoretical basis.

Turning mechanism and optimisation design of automatic screen printing machine

Screen printing technology is now widely used in garment printing. This technology has become the most important printing method for garment printing because of the advantages of large quantity, high efficiency and low price. Automatic screen printing machine has the advantages of saving energy and reducing labour intensity. In this paper, the principle and process characteristics of automatic screen printing are studied. A new design scheme for turning device is proposed in the light of the turning mechanism. Meanwhile, the idea of axiomatic design is used to optimise the design of the turning mechanism. The new turning mechanism overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional mechanism and reduces the friction and noise in the printing process. The practical application shows that the scheme is in conformity with the technical requirements and the reliability is good and improves the working efficiency of screen printing machine and enhances versatility.

Turning mechanism and optimisation design of automatic screen printing machine

Screen printing technology is now widely used in garment printing. This technology has become the most important printing method for garment printing because of the advantages of large quantity, high efficiency and low price. Automatic screen printing machine has the advantages of saving energy and reducing labour intensity. In this paper, the principle and process characteristics of automatic screen printing are studied. A new design scheme for turning device is proposed in the light of the turning mechanism. Meanwhile, the idea of axiomatic design is used to optimise the design of the turning mechanism. The new turning mechanism overcomes the shortcomings of the traditional mechanism and reduces the friction and noise in the printing process. The practical application shows that the scheme is in conformity with the technical requirements and the reliability is good and improves the working efficiency of screen printing machine and enhances versatility.

Use of the cross-type dowels when connecting elements of timber bridges

The use of cross-type dowels that are battered down with a gunshot method makes it possible to reduce labor intensity and speed up the process of erection and reconstruction of timber bridges. Objective of this paper is to develop a methodology for estimation of the permissible distance between dowels. For this purpose, the method of holographic interferometry in colliding beams was used. The resulting equations were obtained for the patterns of interference fringes observed in reflected light transmitted through the hologram. The investigations showed that the shear component of the strain tensor decreases exponentially with distance from the dowel. The concept of deformation attenuation constant was introduced, i.e. the distance at which the deformation decreases by e times. It is recommended to set dowels at a distance equal to eight attenuation constants.

Improving the car environmental qualities by studying the engine load characteristics in the modes of injection rate off

Abstract The current studies and developments are aimed at the study of the environmental qualities of a car by taking the speed and load characteristics of the engine. To achieve the study objectives, a diagnostic device is designed based on the standard electronic car engine control unit. The device capabilities allow implementing the technique of full and partial cylinders cutout by effecting on the pulses supplied to the electromagnetic injectors, high-voltage circuits of the ignition system. The device function contains a number of algorithms for testing and correcting the operating modes of engine systems. A technique for taking the speed and load characteristics of the engines has been developed, which makes it possible to exclude expensive load stands significantly reducing labor intensity and money costs. The experimental procedure by means of the developed device allows to achieve high accuracy of setting the load effects, their smoothness, technological try-out of all methods and conditions, and includes the possibility: to set and control the airflow supply into the cylinders; to change the engine characteristics depending on the load conditions; to partially cut-out the cylinders to save fuel at minimum loads; to ensure increasing fuel charge and stabilizing the fuel combustion process; to increase a speed of exhaust gases recirculation; to reduce losses during throttling; to reduce fuel consumption. The study results have showed that the engine may be loaded by cylinder cutout up to a value when the indicator torque is equal to the friction losses torque, namely up to the boundary of the unstable engine operation. The obtained data of speed and load characteristics can be widely used in subsequent studies relating to improving the engine efficiency, reducing exhaust gases toxicity.