Placement System Research Articles

Alternative Scholarship Allocation Designs for University Placement System in Turkey

Alternative Scholarship Allocation Designs for University Placement System in Turkey

Performance Analysis of Object Placement Systems Based on Siemens S7-1200 its’ Evaluation of Effectiveness and Accuracy

The evolution of industrial automation systems has led to innovative solutions for efficient and precise object manipulation. This study introduces a groundbreaking "Object Placement System Based on Siemens S7-1200," designed to enhance object positioning tasks in manufacturing environments. The system's core control unit is the Siemens S7-1200 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), seamlessly integrated with a network of sensors and actuators for coordinated operations. Operators can easily define target positions and parameters for object placement through a user-friendly human-machine interface. The PLC facilitates real-time data exchange with sensors, enabling accurate object detection and adjustments during placement. The system's implementation involves meticulous PLC programming, sensor integration, and interface design. Experimental results validate its capability to achieve precise and repeatable object placements. The Siemens S7-1200 is a versatile PLC supporting controlled positioning of electrically driven axes and technology objects, tailored for small automation systems requiring simple or advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI and communication capabilities. The object placement system leverages the capabilities of the S7-1200 PLC for integrated sensor and actuator coordination, ensuring accuracy and repeatability. The study concludes that the innovative system utilizing the Siemens S7-1200 PLC underscores its potential for optimizing production processes and enhancing operational efficiency in industrial automation systems. The demonstrated ability to achieve precise and repeatable object placements highlights the viability of the Siemens S7-1200 platform for advancing object manipulation in industrial settings. The S7-1200 system manual provides specific information about the operation and programming of the PLC. Additionally, the system is supported by the TIA Portal programming software, which offers flexibility and ease of use.

Analysis of Food Supply Chain Digitalization Opportunities in the Function of Sustainability of Food Placement in the Western Balkans Region

This paper aims to analyze and define incentives for the implementation of modern technology and digitalization of the Food Supply Chain (FSC) in the function of sustainability of the food retail sector of the Western Balkans (WB) region. The survey method was applied to a sample of 255 employees. We tested the importance of certain indicators for the implementation of the digitalization process, such as the application of Blockchain Technology (BT), the use of modern IT solutions for traceability, the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), development of a system for electronic food placement, implementation of standards, measures, and procedures for regulating the digitalization process, continuous training of employees and economic and financial measures and incentives. A special segment of research deals with the impact of the implemented digitalization process on the sustainability of food placement. The research was conducted among employees of SMEs, large-scale business entities, and retail chains. The research results showed significant deviations from the mentioned incentives to the digitalization process depending on the size of the FSC participants. The work has practical implications because the obtained results show the FSC management, trade policy makers, and competent institutions (ministries, chambers of commerce, professional associations) what measures to apply in order to improve a more efficient implementation of the digitalization process of food placement and lay the foundation for the sustainability of the FSC. Guidelines for future research are outlined in the paper.

Brain stimulation targets for chronic pain: Insights from meta-analysis, functional connectivity and literature review

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have demonstrated their potential for chronic pain management, yet their efficacy exhibits variability across studies. Refining stimulation targets and exploring additional targets offer a possible solution to this challenge. This study aimed to identify potential brain surface targets for NIBS in treating chronic pain disorders by integrating literature review, neuroimaging meta-analysis, and functional connectivity analysis on 90 chronic low back pain patients. Our results showed that the primary motor cortex (M1) (C3/C4, 10–20 EEG system) and prefrontal cortex (F3/F4/Fz) were the most used brain stimulation targets for chronic pain treatment according to the literature review. The bilateral precentral gyrus (M1), supplementary motor area, Rolandic operculum, and temporoparietal junction, were all identified as common potential NIBS targets through both a meta-analysis sourced from Neurosynth and functional connectivity analysis. This study presents a comprehensive summary of the current literature and refines the existing NIBS targets through a combination of imaging meta-analysis and functional connectivity analysis for chronic pain conditions. The derived coordinates (with integration of the international electroencephalography (EEG) 10/20 electrode placement system) within the above brain regions may further facilitate the localization of these targets for NIBS application. Our findings may have the potential to expand NIBS target selection beyond current clinical trials and improve chronic pain treatment.

Real-Time Camera Image-Guided Nasoenteric Tube Placement in Prone COVID-19 ICU Patients: A Single-Center Study.

Background & Aims: This study aims to assess the application value of the real-time camera image-guided nasoenteric tube placement in critically ill COVID-19 patients undergoing endotracheal intubation and prone position ventilation therapy. Methods: We enrolled 116 COVID-19 patients receiving endotracheal intubation and prone position ventilation therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were randomly divided into the real-time camera image-guided nasoenteric tube placement (n = 58) and bedside blind insertion (n = 58) groups. The success rate, placement time, complications, cost, heart rate, respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) scores were compared between the 2 groups. Results: For ICU patients with COVID-19 undergoing prone position ventilation therapy, the success rate and cost were significantly higher in the real-time camera image-guided group compared to the bedside blind group (P < .05). The placement time and complication incidence were significantly lower in the real-time camera image-guided group (P < .05). The differences in heart rate, respiratory rate, GCS scores, and APACHE-II scores were insignificant (P > .05). Conclusions: The real-time camera image-guided nasoenteric tube placement system had advantages for ICU COVID-19 patients undergoing prone position ventilation therapy, including a high success rate, short placement time, and no impact on patient position during tube placement. Real-time camera image-guided nasoenteric tube placement can be performed in any position, and demonstrates high efficiency, safety, and accuracy.

Surgical Navigation System for Pedicle Screw Placement Based on Mixed Reality

Surgical Navigation System for Pedicle Screw Placement Based on Mixed Reality

The Impact of East Cashew Social Entrepreneurship On Pro-Poor Tour-ism In Karangasem Regency

Based on data, there are more than 28 thousand residents in Karangasem, Bali, who live below the poverty line. This poverty occurs because residents who were previously in-volved in the tourism industry cannot meet their basic needs, with the average monthly per capita expenditure below the poverty line. Karangasem was chosen deliberately as a research location because it has the lowest human development index in Bali. The re-search sample was taken randomly from poor households who previously worked in the tourism sector and are now laid off as informants. Further data was collected through structured interviews and observations. The results of data analysis and discussion show that the entrepreneurial welfare project in East Bali identified two strategies for reducing poverty. First, cluster one is a strategy for poor households who are very poor and have a low level of education. In situations of economic and social limitations, it is necessary to channel employment opportunities through a job placement system for this type of house-hold. They are given the opportunity to produce goods for certain companies, involving three parties: poor individuals, companies, and the government. Second, cluster two is a strategy for poor individuals who work independently to increase their income. For entre-preneurial households, are advised to develop their businesses into micro, small and me-dium businesses to increase sales. This strategy focuses on improving quality in the pro-duction, marketing and financing processes. The second cluster strategy is a model of rural community empowerment based on partnerships.

Tunneled femoral dialysis catheters and factors affecting their outcome: a single institution experience.

To assess a single-center experience with tunneled femoral dialysis catheter usage and outcomes and to identify any operator-dependent factors related to risk of premature catheter failure. Retrospective review of the institutional radiology information system for tunneled femoral dialysis catheter placement from 2010 to 2017 was performed. Patients for whom the catheter was placed for an indication other than dialysis or who were less than 18 years of age at the time of catheter placement were excluded. Premature catheter failure rate, cause of premature failure, catheter patency (in days) and infection rate were assessed. Operator/placement characteristics, including laterality, catheter tip placement, and catheter length were also assessed. A total of 101 patients were included in the study. This included n = 116 catheter placements. Thirty-four percent of patients (n = 40) were lost to follow-up, resulting in n = 61 patients and n = 76 catheters analyzed. Premature catheter failure rate was 48% (n = 36), with low flows being the foremost cause of failure (64%, n = 23). Average primary patency of these catheters was 82.4 days (1-328 days). About 8% of catheters (n = 3) were complicated by infection, resulting in an infection rate of 0.4/1000 catheter days. None of the operator-dependent factors analyzed, including catheter laterality, catheter tip placement, and catheter length, demonstrated a significant association with premature catheter failure. Institutional primary access patency rates are comparable to or higher than previously published data, while infection rates are similar to or lower than those reported in the literature. None of the operator-dependent factors related to placement was shown to significantly decrease the risk of premature catheter failure. These findings suggest that while femoral dialysis catheters do not function well in the long term relative to internal jugular vein dialysis catheters, prior literature may undervalue their utility and function, particularly given that these catheters are used as a "last resort" for many patients.

Development and evaluation of robot-assisted ultrasound navigation system for pedicle screw placement: An ex-vivo animal validation.

Spinal instrumentation with pedicle screw placement (PSP) is an important surgical technique for spinal diseases. Accurate screw trajectory is a prerequisite for PSP. Ultrasound (US) imaging with robot-assisted system forms a non-radiative alternative to provide precise screw trajectory. This study reports on the development and assessment of US navigation for this application. A robot-assisted US reconstruction was proposed and an automatic CT-to-US registration algorithm was investigated, allowing the registration of screw trajectories. Experiments were conducted on ex-vivo lamb spines to evaluate system performance. In total, 72 screw trajectories are measured, displaying an average position accuracy of 2.80±1.14mm and orientation accuracy of 1.38±0.61°. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of proposed US system. This work, although restricted to laboratory settings, encourages further exploration of the potential of this technology in clinical practice.

Geospatial mapping of food advertisements in three low-income communities in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract Background The South African food environment is characterized by pervasive marketing on television and in print media of unhealthy food and beverages. Little is known about the extent of outdoor food and beverage marketing (product, spatial advertising, branding) at transport interchange areas, community food outlets, and schools. Our study aimed to map outdoor food and beverage marketing within the vicinities of these areas in three low-income communities in Cape Town. Methods Data on food and beverage-related branding, product type, placement, pictures, and Global Positioning System coordinates were captured using a web-based questionnaire. Geographic Information System software was used to delimit the target communities and areas, geospatially map the physical food environment, and perform spatial analysis of the data. Results Overall, 986 food and beverage advertisement entries were observed. Preliminary results depicted trends of advertisements clustering around retailers. Spatial trends depicted that fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) advertisements were likely to collocate around transport interchange areas, while SSB advertisements were more likely to collocate near schools. The spatial trend for alcohol advertisements indicated a clustering near main roads. Spatial trends for product types varied by location. Few advertisements for fruit and vegetables were captured. Further spatial analysis is underway to assess advertisement density and proximity to youth-related areas, food outlets, and transport interchange areas. Conclusions Low-income communities, commuters, and schoolchildren in South Africa are targeted by advertisements for unhealthy foods and SSBs, indicating the need for policy intervention to regulate food marketing. Key messages • Geospatial mapping of food and beverage advertisements indicated the promotion of unhealthy products in low-income communities in South Africa. • Food and beverage adverts target school children and commuters using public transport in poorer communities.

Efficacy of increasing levels of exposure therapy in the treatment of maladaptive behaviors and anxiety.

The present study examined the effectiveness of increasing levels of exposure therapy, which is applied for the treatment of maladaptive behaviors and anxiety. A total of 16 sessions were applied to the study group in the experimental group three times a week for 10 weeks. Patients aged ≥18 years whom the referring clinician evaluated as meeting the criteria for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-V-TR) Generalized Anxiety Disorder were included in the study. For the control group, demographic characteristics and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were applied in the first session, followed by Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory as a post-test and follow-up. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings of the study group were obtained at the cortical level. Electrodes for EEG measurements were recorded using the International 10/20 Electrode Placement System. EEG data were obtained using the EEG Analysis Program software. Following the data collection phase, all data were entered into cells based on items using SPSS 25 software. When the findings obtained in the study were examined, it was determined that the increasing levels of exposure and behavioral therapy applied for maladaptive anxiety decreased the anxiety levels compared to those before therapy. This finding can be interpreted as that the cortical function-oriented application method for anxiety effectively reduced the anxiety levels of the study group. However, EEG asymmetry revealed a change in the data before and after the application. These findings demonstrate that the application affects the EEG asymmetry changes at the cortical level.

Coordination control of the automated fiber placement system using photogrammetry-based leader–follower approach

The use of multiple robots in an automated fiber placement system (AFPS) makes it possible to manufacture composite structures with complex shapes. The robots in such system usually adopt independent trajectory planning and control methods. This makes the AFPS lack coordination, and rely heavily on the high-precision calibration of the system when completing complex fiber placement tasks. In this article, a novel photogrammetry-based leader–follower (PBLF) approach is proposed for a particular AFPS which consists of a serial manipulator and a parallel robot to improve its accuracy and coordination. The approach is composed of an offline trajectory planning module, a leader module, and a follower module. The trajectory planning algorithm in the offline trajectory planning module solves the problem of robot workspace constraints and mandrel occlusion in the fiber placement tasks for complex structure. Besides, a novel photogrammetry-based pose tracking method is proposed to make the follower robot track its desired relative trajectory with respect to the moving reference frame and keep the coordination of the two robots. The theoretical stability of the proposed approach is proved. The results of experiments indicate that the proposed approach can reduce the average mean absolute errors of the relative pose in position and orientation direction by 62.15% and 46.42%, respectively. While the corresponding average root mean square errors are reduced by 61.20% and 45.26%, respectively. Therefore, compared with Non-Coordination approach, the PBLF approach can effectively improve the coordination of the two robots.

A Harris Hawk Optimisation system for energy and resource efficient virtual machine placement in cloud data centers.

Virtualisation is a major technology in cloud computing for optimising the cloud data centre's power usage. In the current scenario, most of the services are migrated to the cloud, putting more load on the cloud data centres. As a result, the data center's size expands resulting in increased energy usage. To address this problem, a resource allocation optimisation method that is both efficient and effective is necessary. The optimal utilisation of cloud infrastructure and optimisation algorithms plays a vital role. The cloud resources rely on the allocation policy of the virtual machine on cloud resources. A virtual machine placement technique, based on the Harris Hawk Optimisation (HHO) model for the cloud data centre is presented in this paper. The proposed HHO model aims to find the best place for virtual machines on suitable hosts with the least load and power consumption. PlanetLab's real-time workload traces are used for performance evaluation with existing PSO (Particle Swarm Optimisation) and PABFD (Best Fit Decreasing). The performance evaluation of the proposed method is done using power consumption, SLA, CPU utilisation, RAM utilisation, Execution time (ms) and the number of VM migrations. The performance evaluation is done using two simulation scenarios with scaling workload in scenario 1 and increasing resources for the virtual machine to study the performance in underloaded and overloaded conditions. Experimental results show that the proposed HHO algorithm improved execution time(ms) by 4%, had a 27% reduction in power consumption, a 16% reduction in SLA violation and an increase in resource utilisation by 17%. The HHO algorithm is also effective in handling dynamic and uncertain environments, making it suitable for real-world cloud infrastructures.

Utilizing ALEKS and Standards Grading for Mathematics Placement and a Bridge Course for STEM Students

We present a system for math placement and intervention that pairs ALEKS PPL with an online, standards-based “bridge” course designed to prepare students interested in STEM for PreCalculus. To determine the efficacy of this system we studied ALEKS PPL placement scores, bridge course grades, ALEKS concept mastery percentages, and PreCalculus grades for a population of 175 students over a span of two years. The study was conducted at a small (∼800 undergraduates), private university with limited resources for placement processes and remedial course offerings. We find that around 95% of students placed into the bridge course passed the course and also significantly increased in mastery of ALEKS topics, with mean increases in all concept groups. We also find students who enroll in the bridge course receive similar PreCalculus grades compared to those who placed directly into PreCalculus.

A novel radiographic analysis system for subaxial cervical spine pedicle screw placement

BackgroundPrecise pedicle screw placement of the subaxial cervical spine is difficult. Not every hospital is equipped with a guidance system that can provide effective help. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is almost a routine preoperative examination for cervical spine surgery in all hospitals. Appropriate measurement and analysis of the CT images could assist optimal cervical pedicle screw placement. The purpose of this study is to propose a new and universal method using computed tomography (CT) morphological parameters analysis to assist optimal cervical pedicle screw placement from C3 to C7.MethodsA localization system with six parameters was designed based on preoperative CT reconstruction to guide subaxial cervical spine pedicle screw placement. The six parameters were distance from the starting point to the midline [D1], distance from the starting point to the lower edge of the inferior articular process [D2], transverse section angle [TSA], sagittal section angle [SSA], pedicle width [PW], and pedicle height [PH]. The six parameters were analyzed in 53 participants.ResultsCombining D1 and D2 could localize the entrance of the pedicle screw, and we concluded that D1 and TSA and D2 and SSA could be a new standard for determination of the transverse and sagittal orientation of the pedicle screw. The six parameters were closely related to the patient’s gender, height, and weight. PH and PW were linearly correlated and could guide selection of the appropriate pedicle screw. SSA was an independent parameter of the relevant vertebral body, and changes in SSA had nothing to do with the curvature or posture of the cervical spine.ConclusionsUnderstanding and applying the six-parameter localization system are essential for achieving accurate and optimal pedicle screw placement in subaxial cervical spine, regardless of cervical sagittal alignment.

Sherlock 3CGtip confirmation system for placement of peripherally inserted central catheters and related nursing countermeasures in a patient with double superior vena cava

Sherlock 3CGtip confirmation system for placement of peripherally inserted central catheters and related nursing countermeasures in a patient with double superior vena cava

Foster care in Portugal: outcomes, needs, and challenges for deinstitutionalization

This paper assesses evidence of and challenges to the development of the foster care system in Portugal. It describes the evolution of the social policy adopted in the Portu­guese child placement system, highlighting family placement in foster care, followed by an overview of the main institutional actors in the protection system and the supports provided to family carers. Then, based on available research developed in Portugal, a portrait of the experiences lived by foster families and children placed in foster care is presented, reveal­ing children and carers’ opinions about well-being and personal development, education and leaving care process, foster care and residential care, and participation in decision-making. The analysis adopted identify the intensity and singularity of relationships in foster care, and the impact it has on children’s and foster families life’s. They reveal an intense, unique experi­ence that is unmatched by other educational and affective relationships established between adults and children. The article discusses implications for policies and practices, by consid­ering the need for a shift from residential to family care to achieve a better balance in the system and move closer to international statements of good practices.

Pedicle Screw Placement Accuracy in Robot-Assisted Spinal Fusion in a Multicenter Study.

Pedicle screw fixation is a spinal fusion technique that involves the implantation of screws into vertebral pedicles to restrict movement between those vertebrae. The objective of this research is to measure pedicle screw placement accuracy using a novel automated measurement system that directly compares the implanted screw location to the planned target in all three anatomical views. Preoperative CT scans were used to plan the screw trajectories in 122 patients across four surgical centers. Postoperative scans were fused to the preoperative plan to quantify placement accuracy using an automated measurement algorithm. The mean medial-lateral and superior-inferior deviations in the pedicle region for 500 screws were 1.75 ± 1.36mm and 1.52 ± 1.26mm, respectively. These deviations were measured using an automated system and were statistically different from manually determined values. The uncertainty associated with the fusion of preoperative to postoperative images was also quantified to better understand the screw-to-plan accuracy results. This study uses a novel automated measurement system to quantify screw placement accuracy as it relates directly to the planned target location, instead of analyzing for breaches of the pedicle, to quantify the validity of using of a robotic-guidance system for accurate pedicle screw placement.

Transcranial direct current stimulation to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves performance of obstacle avoidance gait task.

We aimed to investigate the effect of dual-task interference between cognitive and obstacle avoidance walking tasks, and the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the performance of this cognitive-motor dual task. The healthy young subjects participated in a single task consisting of a three-digit subtraction task (e.g. 783 - 7) or a 15-m track with six 7.5-cm high obstacles. Then, the subjects performed two single tasks simultaneously as dual tasks, before and after sham and anodal tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) to left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, the F3 region of the 10/20 electroencephalogram electrode placement system). The effect of tDCS on each outcome (number of correct answers, the clearance height above the obstacle, and foot placement position) was analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Model effects included tDCS (real, sham), time (pre-, post-tDCS), and task (single task, dual task) conditions. A significant difference in the tDCS, time, and task conditions was observed; the correct number of subtraction tasks increased, and the clearance height and the distance between the obstacle and foot decreased in front of the obstacle. Our findings suggest that dual task performance is causally related to left DLPFC activation under complicated walking tasks and tDCS over this cortical area increases overloaded its information processing capacity.

Prototype "Kendang Jaipong" Virtual Instrument as Music Creativity Tools

Numerous organological discoveries in the form of virtual instruments have surfaced as a result of the impact of developing digital music technology. To conserve and promote music based on local culture, organological innovations in the form of virtual instruments, such as the kendang jaipong, must be implemented. The goal of this work is to describe the development of the kendang jaipong virtual instrument from organological investigations through the realization of a marketable prototype. By sampling from the Kendang Jaipong’s actual instrument and converting it into a virtual instrument based on the KONTAKT Library, the technique utilized is practice-led research, also known as practice-based research. Pre-production, production, and post-production are the three stages of the design process. This prototype makes use of 137 samples that are based on a variety of chosen kendang sounds. To enable each type of kendang sound to function as a virtual instrument in DAW and Digital Music Notation programs, the audio samples are organized in a placement system on the keyboard keys included in the KONTAKT feature. The Kendang Jaipong prototype has been successfully tested on several music productions using DAW-cast and video score. The usage of the multi-round robin's function to have a more diversified sample, as well as the addition of the midi files capability, are things that need to be developed on this prototype product so that it may be used as a machine learning by users.