Operator Skill Research Articles

Automated Visual Inspection

In manufacturing, where satisfying increasing customer demands is critical, quality is of the utmost importance for any organization. Evaluating the quality of a product may be tedious and error- prone, even for skilled operators. Though computer vision automates visual evaluation, it provides temporary solutions. The Lean manufacturing method has been created to overcome this. Statistical pattern recognition, image processing, object identification, and other activities are integrated and automated by computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence. Though computational limitations now restrict its application, it has potential to spread to other domains such as product design, defect diagnostics, automation of manufacturing procedures, and material property identification. In the future, this discipline may hold answers to a myriad of problems thanks to the ongoing advancement of research and development, which includes reinforcement learning

Multi-Convolutional Neural Network-Based Diagnostic Software for the Presumptive Determination of Non-Dermatophyte Molds

Based on the literature data, the incidence of superficial and invasive non-dermatophyte mold infection (NDMI) has increased. Many of these infections are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, thus causing inadequate treatment procedures followed by critical conditions or even mortality of the patients. Accurate diagnosis of these infections requires complex mycological analyses and operator skills, but simple, fast, and more efficient mycological tests are still required to overcome the limitations of conventional fungal diagnostic procedures. In this study, software has been developed to provide an efficient mycological diagnosis using a trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model as a core classifier. Using EfficientNet-B2 architecture and permanent slides of NDM isolated from patient’s materials (personal archive of Prof. Otašević, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Niš, Serbia), a multi-CNN model has been trained and then integrated into the diagnostic tool, with a 93.73% accuracy of the main model. The Grad-CAM visualization model has been used for further validation of the pattern recognition of the model. The software, which makes the final diagnosis based on the rule of the major method, has been tested with images provided by different European laboratories, showing an almost faultless accuracy with different test images.

Semi-Supervised Gan for medical image segmentation

Echocardiography is a popular ultrasound imaging method used for the diagnosis of heart conditions. With the advent of numerous image processing algorithms, echocardiographic image segmentation has become more significant. This is a crucial stage since it offers a framework for evaluating numerous cardiac parameters, including LV volume and heart wall, valve motion, ejection fraction, thickness, etc. All these factors are crucial for determining a heart's health. The task of manual segmentation requires skilled operators and takes a lot of time. By requiring the discriminator network to output class labels, we extend Generative Adversarial Networks to the semi-supervised type. This paper examines image segmentation techniques for echocardiography to find the borders of the left ventricle. In this paper, we introduce a new convolution neural network model for the auto-segmentation of the left ventricle in echo images. The division of a picture into regions is known as image segmentation. Segments, that computer vision can use to automatically understand. This method makes it easier to simultaneously evaluate and diagnose echo pictures. The segmentation of echocardiographic images can be utilized to measure cardiac characteristics like heart wall thickness.

Fastener hole inspection using 2D phased array

Fastener hole cracks, resulting from stress concentration around the hole, are potential sources of failure in mechanical structures. Traditionally, inspection involves manually moving a single ultrasonic probe around the hole or using an eddy current probe to move through the hole. However, single ultrasonic probe inspection is time-consuming and needs skilful operators. Eddy current inspection requires the removal of the fastener in advance and does not allow easy crack sizing and visualization. This paper proposes a novel approach that combines a 2D phased array with a coupling block to enable complete fastener hole inspection from a single array position. A single full matrix capture (FMC) data set is collected, from which 3D volumetric images are formed. To obtain clear images of the geometry and potential defects, half-skip and multi-skip total focusing method imaging algorithms are investigated together with transmitter–receiver pairs selection methods to detect different target features. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed inspection approach can eliminate dead zone problems and capture all target information from a single inspection position. These methods show great potential in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fastener hole inspections.

Neonatal intubation: what are we doing?

How and when the forces are applied during neonatal intubation are currently unknown. This study investigated the pattern of the applied forces by using sensorized laryngoscopes during the intubation process in a neonatal manikin. Nine users of direct laryngoscope and nine users of straight-blade video laryngoscope were included in a neonatal manikin study. During each procedure, relevant forces were measured using a force epiglottis sensor that was placed on the distal surface of the blade. The pattern of the applied forces could be divided into three sections. With the direct laryngoscope, the first section showed either a quick rise of the force or a discontinuous rise with several peaks; after reaching the maximum force, there was a sort of plateau followed by a quick drop of the applied forces. With the video laryngoscope, the first section showed a quick rise of the force; after reaching the maximum force, there was an irregular and heterogeneous plateau, followed by heterogeneous decreases of the applied forces. Moreover, less forces were recorded when using the video laryngoscope. Conclusions: This neonatal manikin study identified three sections in the diagram of the forces applied during intubation, which likely mirrored the three main phases of intubation. Overall, the pattern of each section showed some differences in relation to the laryngoscope (direct or video) that was used during the procedure. These findings may provide useful insights for improving the understanding of the procedure.What is Known:• Neonatal intubation is a life-saving procedure that requires a skilled operator and may cause direct trauma to the tissues and precipitate adverse reactions.• Intubation with a videolaryngoscope requires less force than with a direct laryngoscope, but how and when the forces are applied during the whole neonatal intubation procedure are currently unknown.What is New:• Forces applied to the epiglottis during intubation can be divided into three sections: (i) an initial increase, (ii) a sort of plateau, and (iii) a decrease.• The pattern of each section shows some differences in relation to the laryngoscope (direct or videolaryngoscope) that is used during the procedure.

Current Balloon Devices for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Balloon-based catheter ablation is a valuable option for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) because contiguous lesions can be created to achieve pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and the method is less dependent than traditional ablation methods on the operator's skill and experience. Cryoballoon ablation is used universally worldwide, with its efficacy and safety being comparable to the efficacy and safety of standard radiofrequency ablation, and the procedure can be completed in a relatively short time. Hot balloon ablation was developed in Japan. The balloon maintains its compliance even during the energy delivery, and a large areal ablation lesion is created. Furthermore, the hot balloon system is the only system for which oesophageal cooling is a standard feature. Laser balloon ablation, which is performed under direct endoscopic vision, has proven to be effective and safe for achieving a PVI. The laser balloon system provides an improved field of view and automated circumferential ablation for a rapid and effective PVI. The authors have reviewed the currently available balloon systems as used for AF ablation, i.e., PVI, and have provided detailed insight and perspectives on the currently available cryoballoon and hot balloon technologies, plus laser balloon technology.

Assessment of Basic Thoracic Ultrasound Skills in Immersive Virtual Reality: Gathering Validity Evidence

Background: Operator skills are essential for thoracic ultrasound (TUS) to ensure diagnostic accuracy. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has shown potential within medical education but never to assess TUS skills.This study aimed to develop an IVR test for assessing TUS skills, gathering validity evidence, and establishing a pass/fail score.Methods: An expert panel developed a test based on the TUS protocol by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) including a tutorial and two clinical cases (pleural effusion and interstitial syndrome) using an IVR platform [VitaSim, Denmark]. Four anterior, four lateral, and six posterior zones were available for examination and decision of diagnosis. Each correct examination equalled one point. The contrasting groups’ method was used to set a pass/fail score.Results: Data was collected at the during the ERS Congress 2022. We included 13 novices (N, experience: 0 TUS), 22 intermediates (I, 1-50 TUS), and 11 experienced (E, >50 TUS). Cronbach's alpha was 0.86. The total mean point scores in case 1 (C1) were N: 5.0±2.7; I: 7.3±2.4; E: 8.7±1.3 and in case 2 (C2): N: 4.5±1.8; I: 6.7±2.3; E: 8.5±2.1. Significant differences were found between the N and I for C1 (p=0.007) and C2 (p=0.02), I and E for C1 (p= 0.04) and C2 (p=0.019), and N and E for C1 (p<0.001) and C2 (p<0.001). The pass/fail score was seven points in each case.Conclusion: We established an IVR test that can distinguish between operators with different TUS skills. This enables a standardized, objective, and evidence-based approach to assess TUS skills.

Fundamental Study of Press Molding Method for CFRP Preform Using a 3D Printer

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a composite material with high specific strength and is applied to transportation and aviation equipment. However, conventional processing methods require large-scale production apparatus or a high level of dexterity that only comes with extensive experience which makes it difficult to achieve high processing efficiency. The objective of this study is to develop a novel method for forming thermos-plastic CFRP (CFRTP) preforms implementing a 3D printer for press molding. Applying this method offers the advantage that continuous carbon fibers can be formed on a free-form surface. It also reduces the manufacturing time and operator skill required. The goal of this research is to establish a method for molding a free-form surface composed of continuous fibers by employing a 3D-printed preform designed to match the unfolded polygonised diagram of the free-form surface. Previous research introduced an unfolding approach for converting a three-dimensional shape to a plane surface based on a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system, enabling the generation of an unfolding diagram that maintains the continuity of fiber tow. Furthermore, the validity of unfolded diagram was confirmed by reproducing the objective three-dimensional shape from the unfolded diagram using thermos-setting CPRP (CFRTS) tow prepreg. In this study, the viability of the proposed molding process using CFRTP preform fabricated by a 3D printer was verified and an assessment of the formability of the molded parts was conducted.

Simulation-based assessment of upper abdominal ultrasound skills

BackgroundUltrasound is a safe and effective diagnostic tool used within several specialties. However, the quality of ultrasound scans relies on sufficiently skilled clinician operators. The aim of this study was to explore the validity of automated assessments of upper abdominal ultrasound skills using an ultrasound simulator.MethodsTwenty five novices and five experts were recruited, all of whom completed an assessment program for the evaluation of upper abdominal ultrasound skills on a virtual reality simulator. The program included five modules that assessed different organ systems using automated simulator metrics. We used Messick’s framework to explore the validity evidence of these simulator metrics to determine the contents of a final simulator test. We used the contrasting groups method to establish a pass/fail level for the final simulator test.ResultsThirty seven out of 60 metrics were able to discriminate between novices and experts (p < 0.05). The median simulator score of the final simulator test including the metrics with validity evidence was 26.68% (range: 8.1–40.5%) for novices and 85.1% (range: 56.8–91.9%) for experts. The internal structure was assessed by Cronbach alpha (0.93) and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.89). The pass/fail level was determined to be 50.9%. This pass/fail criterion found no passing novices or failing experts.ConclusionsThis study collected validity evidence for simulation-based assessment of upper abdominal ultrasound examinations, which is the first step toward competency-based training. Future studies may examine how competency-based training in the simulated setting translates into improvements in clinical performances.

The Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem with Setups and Operator Skills: an application in the textile industry

The Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSSP) is one of the most studied problems in the literature thanks to its practical relevance. Many industrial production scheduling problems can be seen as a FJSSP with different constraints and objectives. The studied problem arises in a textile factory, precisely in the sewing process. Multiple real-world constraints are tackled. Individual skills of operators and different types of setup times are considered: machine-change setup time for operators, colour-change setup times and configuration-change setup times. The objective is to minimize the total tardiness. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that tackles this variant of the problem. This paper presents a preliminary study to validate the approach and evaluate the tractability of the industrial problem. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is proposed and solved using a commercial solver. Real-world data are used to generate more than 1000 problems that are clustered in 4 groups based on the number of jobs to be scheduled, the number of operators and flexibility of their skills. The results show that the proposed MILP model can reach optimality for the small size instances but it is intractable for most large-sized instances. Moreover, the results highlight how diversifying the operators’ skills can help find better solutions.

Model Predictive Control for Unmanned Excavator Based on Skilled Operator’s Operation Trajectory

Model Predictive Control for Unmanned Excavator Based on Skilled Operator’s Operation Trajectory

A Comparison of Preparation Times between Manual, Rotary, and Reciprocating Files in Primary Molar Pulpectomy

Abstract Aim: To compare preparation times using manual, rotary, and reciprocating files during pulpectomy treatment of primary molars. Settings and Design: This study was an in vitro, randomised, cross-sectional study. Methods: The study was performed on 60 extracted human primary mandibular second molars. Only mesiobuccal canals were prepared using one of three preparation techniques; each preparation technique group comprised 20 canals. Canal preparations were performed by a single, skilled operator using stainless-steel (ss) K-files (ISO size 20–35), a ProTaper Gold SX file, and a WaveOne Gold Medium file following glide path preparation. Preparation times were recorded in second (s) with a digital stopwatch. Statistical Analysis: Preparation times were compared using analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance, where appropriate. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The mean preparation time using the ss K-files was significantly longer (186.4 s) than when using the ProTaper Gold SX (29.6 s) or WaveOne Gold Medium files (30.5 s) (P &lt; 0.001). Similar preparation times were recorded when using the ProTaper Gold SX and WaveOne Gold Medium files (P = 0.939). Conclusion: Preparation times with the ProTaper Gold SX and WaveOne Gold Medium files were significantly faster than when using the ss K-files to prepare primary tooth root canals for pulpectomy. Similar preparation times were noted when using the rotary and reciprocation instrumentation groups (P &gt; 0.05).

Visual Servo Control for Workspace Navigation of Nanorobot End-Effector Inside SEM

Despite of the promising advancements in the last decade, the majority of scanning electron microscope (SEM)-based nanomanipulation tasks remain manually performed. Even in automated tasks, human intervention is required, at least during the task preparatory stage, where both the object of interest and robot end-effector are adequately enclosed in the field of view (FOV) of SEM at moderate magnification. This paper proposes a fully automated visual servo control method for workspace navigation of nanorobot end-effector that actively maintains the end-effector position offset from the center of FOV during passive working scene zooming and translation operations. We also propose using the scaling image Jacobian matrix theory to adaptively establish the hand-eye relationship of the nanorobotic system at uncalibrated magnifications, without the need for hardware regulation. This proposed method for workspace navigation is applicable to almost all commercial nanomanipulation systems. To the authors’ best knowledge, there has been no dedicated research on this problem in the literature. Experiments show that the proposed method significantly improves workspace navigation efficiency by about two-thirds, even for a skilled operator. <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Note to Practitioners</i> —Workspace navigation refers to the process of moving the FOV to visually enclose the object or feature of interest at a moderate magnification, which is prerequisite for initializing either an automated or manual nanomanipulation task. This process involves consecutive zooming of the SEM in and out, as well as translating the sample stage, which can cause the end-effector to move out of the FOV. Therefore, it is necessary to move the robot end-effector with visual assistance along workspace navigation to avoid unexpected collisions. Typically, skilled operators perform this process manually in almost all nanomanipulation tasks, which is tedious and time-consuming. Therefore, developing an automated visual servo control method for workspace navigation of end-effector will significantly contribute to the nanomanipulation community.

Automated system of monitoring professional skills development of food production operators based on a computer simulator

Research is devoted to the development of a computer simulator complex (CSC) to develop the professional skills of food production operators. The structure (conceptual model) of CSC for training of food production operators is developed, the distinctive features of which for solving the problem of professional training of operators is the integration of the simulator, which allows to reproduce real technological processes of food production for training purposes, with the automated information system (AIS) of control over the formation of professional skills in the course of exercise courses on CSC. The sets of parameters that determine: the structure and properties of the technological operation modeled in the exercise on CSC for the generation of individual exercise variants; the actions performed by the trainee in the exercise depending on the features of the simulated technological operation with the use of physical models of real equipment or elements of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR); evaluation of the process and results of the exercise in the virtual automated training environment CSC are described. The application of CSC in the training process allows to flexibly customize exercises for professional training of operators of different branches of food industry (meat, dairy, bakery, confectionery, etc.), which helps to improve the quality of training results, as well as to reduce the labor intensity of creating and controlling the implementation of training courses in CSC by operators.

Towards Human-Centric Digital Simulation: Guidelines to Simulate Operators Skills Acquisition and Health in Circular Manufacturing Systems

The ongoing environmental crisis motivates some businesses to shift towards a circular economy. This shift necessitates a comprehensive overhaul of their existing manufacturing processes to enhance their adaptability to circular principles. Amidst substantial uncertainty and a strong need for skilled human labour to handle intricate and variable tasks, operator training emerges as a pivotal element in guaranteeing the efficiency of the production system. Several solutions could be explored to improve operators’ skills while integrating a strong social and environmental dimension. In this context, the use of simulation can carry out tests to optimize the acquisition of skills in circular manufacturing systems. However, the current simulation models rarely integrate knowledge from the human and social sciences to model operators in systems while they are crucial to the performance of circular workshops. This paper proposes a methodology to develop a digital simulation taking into account operators’ health and skills acquisition in those systems.

Comparative Analysis of Intraoral Scanners and Traditional Impression Methods in Full-Arch Implantology: A Systematic Review

Background: The comparative effectiveness of intraoral scanners (IOS) and conventional impression (CI) methods in full-arch implantology has been a topic of ongoing debate. This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive comparison of these methods across different applications and conditions. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, with the search conducted across different online databases and the relevant studies were extracted, following which they underwent bias assessment and their relevance towards this review was examined. Results: Five in-vitro studies, encompassing various types of IOS and CI methods, were systematically reviewed. The review revealed that neither IOS nor CI could be deemed universally superior. Their relative effectiveness varied depending on several factors, including the specific application, the presence or absence of landmarks, and the type of dimensional analysis used. For instance, while digital techniques offered advantages in terms of minimal distortion for tilted implants, conventional methods demonstrated superior trueness in other scenarios. Conclusion: The findings underscored the importance of a context-specific approach in selecting between IOS and CI, thereby guiding clinical practice and informing future research. However, the transferability of the findings to clinical practice may be limited due to the in-vitro study design, the variety of IOS types, the unaccounted influence of operator skill, and the incomplete exploration of the role of landmarks. Future studies should address these limitations to further enhance our understanding of full-arch implantology.

Ultrasound Applications in Pediatric Orthopedics.

Imaging techniques have significantly impacted physicians' capability for diagnosis and differential diagnosis for decades. The aim of this review is to update our knowledge regarding the use of US in orthopedic pediatric patients for diagnostic purposes or procedural/therapeutic purposes. This review demonstrates the application of US in trauma (long bone fractures, radial neck fractures, etc.), developmental anomalies such as developmental dysplasia of the hip and congenital dislocation of the patella, soft tissue pathologies (ganglion cyst, popliteal cyst, hemangioma, lipoma, etc.), tumors, apophysitis, joint effusion, and femoral acetabular impingement. US aid in musculoskeletal procedures has also been reported; US-guided procedures such as aspiration, injection, biopsy, foreign body removal, and peripheral nerve block reduce complications, thus making the procedures safer for the patient. Sonography is a fast, low-cost, mobile, non-invasive, and radiation-free diagnostic tool. Even though US requires a skilled operator and has a long learning curve, in experienced hands is the "orthopedic surgeon's stethoscope".

Enhanced enrichment of extracellular vesicles for laboratory and clinical research from drop-sized blood samples.

In the realm of biomedical advancement, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are revolutionizing our capacity to diagnose, monitor, and predict disease progression. However, the comprehensive exploration and clinical application of EVs face significant limitations due to the current isolation techniques. The size exclusion chromatography, commercial precipitation reagents, and ultracentrifugation are frequently employed, necessitating skilled operators and entailing challenges related to consistency, reproducibility, quality, and yields. Notably, the formidable challenge of extracellular vesicle isolation persists when dealing with clinical samples of limited availability. This study addresses these challenges by aiming to devise a rapid, user-friendly, and high-recovery EVs isolation technique tailored for blood samples. The NTI-EXO precipitation method demonstrated a 5-fold increase in the recovery of serum EVs compared to current methodologies. Importantly, we illustrate that a mere two drops of blood (∼100 µL) suffice for the recovery of enriched EVs. The integrity and quality of these isolated EVs were rigorously assessed for the size, purity, and contaminants. This method was validated through the successful isolation of EVs from organ transplant recipients to detect disease-specific exosomal markers, including LKB1, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and PD-L1. In conclusion, NTI-EXO method can be used for small clinical samples, thereby advancing discoveries in the EV-centric domain and propelling the frontiers of biomedical research and clinical applications.

AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENT IN ONE VISIT PERIODONTAL PLASTIC SURGERY USING SCALPEL AND LASER SURGICAL TECHNIQUE (CASE REPORT)

Introduction: A charming smile is formed from good harmonization of teeth and gums. Short teeth clinical crown, dark gingival color, diastema between the maxillary central incisors can interfere the aesthetic of the smile. This case report aims to describe the treatment of periodontal plastic surgery in form of aesthetic crown lengthening, gingival depigmentation and frenectomy to improve function and aesthetic in one visit using scalpel and laser. Case: A 23 year old male patient complained that the maxillary front teeth spaced, short and small, and the gum of the upper jaw is dark, which caused aesthetic discomfort. Objective examination showed high frenal attachment reaching the interdental papilla to palatal, diastema of the maxillary central incisors, short clinical crown and brownish maxillary gingiva. aberrant frenum labialis superior, altered passive eruption and gingival hyperpigmentation diagnoses was made in this case. Case Treatment: Aesthetic crown lengthening treatment with scalpel, gingival depigmentation using scrapping technique and frenectomy using combination of laser and scalpel surgical technique was carried out in one visit. Discussions: The advantages performing three periodontal plastic surgeries in one visit is require just once preparation of surgical materials and instruments, once surgical trauma, once prescription and less number of control visits. Conclusions and Suggestions: Treatment of crown lengthening, gingival depigmentation and frenectomy in one visit are considered effective and efficient based on time, trauma, and costs required. The periodontal plastic surgery technique can be choosing based on clinical finding on patient, patient’s needed and clinical skills of operator.

Standard Penetration Test in Malaysia: Safety Issues and Improvement Opportunities

Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is the most frequently used field test for site investigation where drilling work is performed in-situ to determine properties of geomaterials for a project. The SPT results can be affected by the ‘SPT System,’ which includes the operator of the drill rig, the specific model of the drill rig itself, the SPT equipment used to perform the test, and the procedures used in performing the overall test. The safety hazards associated with the system affect the SPT results. Although several countries are embracing innovative technologies in the SPT drilling works to enhance safety performance, the adoption of these technologies in Malaysia remains relatively sluggish. This study aims to analyse the current SPT practice in Malaysia from the lens of ‘the SPT System,’ technologies used in the SPT drilling works, and identify the best practice adopted locally in ensuring safety. This study collected 102 responses using a questionnaire survey validated by four construction professionals experienced in the SPT drilling works. The study revealed that the British Standards are the most used standards in Malaysia. The traditional methods are still being practiced as the “SPT System’ in Malaysia due to the difficulties in obtaining skilled operators for new technology adoption. Advanced technologies have not been adopted because construction professionals are complacent with the current technologies. Amongst innovative safety gear, smart equipment tags and smart wrist wearables are the most favourable. This study presents new findings and sheds light into the local practice of the construction professionals in Malaysia in the SPT drilling works. This study provides an insight for Malaysian construction industry to develop a strategy in improving the efficiency and safety of SPT drilling works through adoption of innovative technologies. Technology driven safety hazard mitigation may boost Malaysian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) industry and in doing so will increase TVET operators to be trained and certified.