Technical Equipment Research Articles

Technical equipment of workshop production and logistics systems. Determination of organizational and production characteristics of equipment

Two approaches are considered for determination of the required volume of workshop logistics equipment and the requirements for its performance indicators. A volumetric-analytical calculation on a deterministic model and a calculation on a stochastic queuing model are proposed. Their capabilities and areas of rational application are studied. Keywords:workshop logistics, technological infrastructure, equipment, organizational characteristics a.g.lazarenko@yandex.ru

CONCERNING THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES BY THE SECRETARIAT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF UKRAINE IN PERFORMING ITS FUNCTIONS

Introduction. In accordance with the Law of Ukraine on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, the Secretariat of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine shall provide, in particular, managerial, information and logistics support for operations of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine (hereinafter – the Court). Currently, Ukraine is developing in the era of post-industrial society, where the development of modern technologies, artificial intelligence, the provision of innovative services, etc., play an important role. Undoubtedly, such development of society requires the transformation of all spheres of life, in particular, regarding the implementation of constitutional justice. Despite Russia’s continued full-scale aggression against Ukraine, national and European governments have been developing certain steps regarding the current and post-war development of Ukraine. One of these steps was the approval by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on December 14, 2022 (CM/Del/Dec (2022)1452/2.4) Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine «Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction» 2023-2026 that is dated November 29, 2022. According to this plan, one of the proposed action is to support the efficient functioning of the Court and development of the constitutional justice. The objective of the proposed action is to support to the Ukrainian authorities in the reform of the Court during the war and in the post-war context in line with the recommendations of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) and Council of Europe standards [4; P.10]. In our opinion, implementation of this direction is impossible without effective use of information and communication technologies during the performance of the Court’s functions. Summary of the main research results. Improving the work of the Court’s Secretariat with the use of information and communication technologies is seen in the enhancement of communication between citizens and the Court as a condition for increasing public trust in the Court’s activities, the improvement the Court’s electronic document management, legal regulation of the implementation of the Court’s e-justice in order to comply with the principles of transparency and openness in carrying out its activities. Conclusions. The article concludes the condition for a wider use of information and communication technologies in the activities of the Court’s Secretariat is first of all the adoption of the relevant legal regulation, development of the necessary software, training of staff on its use, provision of the Court’s Secretariat with a sufficient number of technical resources, premises and equipment for effective performance of its functions. Digitization of all spheres of public life, in particular the progressive development of e-justice, should definitely affect the legal regulation of relevant processes in the Court’s Secretariat.

Improvement of the method of processing animal bones in the production of educational and museum exhibits

The method of processing the bones of domestic and wild animals has been improved and maximally adapted to domestic conditions. The work was carried out on the basis of the laboratory of taxidermy and museum affairs of the department of anatomy and histology named after Р. Kowalskiy Bilа Tserkva National Agrarian University. The aim of the work was the practical application of the improved method of processing the bones of domestic and wild animals for the production of museum exhibits and educational materials. For the treatment and degreasing of bones, Pervol and Gala washing powders with a whitening effect and Fairy brand dishwashing detergents used as surfactants. Precursor-free chemical paint solvents 646, 647, 650 and White Spirit have proven themselves well as solvents for intraosseous fat. At the stage of preparation and cleaning of the bones from the muscles, they were subjected to maceration in water at room temperature for 7-10 days. Degreasing of bones in solvents lasted up to 1.5 months with daily visual control and mixing. Visual control have carried out by illuminating the bones with lamps with bright light. 60% perhydrol diluted with water in a ratio of 1:4 was used as a bleaching agent. As a result of comparative testing of various means, it was established that it is better to use deep penetration soil "Artisan No. 7" with exposure of bones in it for up to 7 days as a fxing preparation. It should be noted that chemical treatment of bones using household detergents and technical solvents is quite effective and affordable, although it takes a long time. The proposed method makes it possible to produce high-quality, visually aesthetic and tactilely pleasant, absolutely odorless, uniformly white educational preparations and museum exhibits of bones with minimal fnancial costs and technical equipment. Key words: domestic, wild animals, skeleton bones odorless, solvent.

Influence of cellulolytic preparation on the productive qualities of snails of the Helix Aspersa Maxima species

Heliciculture is a branch of animal husbandry that deals with cultivation and using edible terrestrial snails for food and cosmetic purposes. This type of animal husbandry has an advantage over others in terms of simplicity of technology, as snails do not require complex technical equipment and care. In addition, they are unpretentious in feeding and resistant to diseases. Heliceculture has signifcant potential for development in Ukraine, as there is already considerable demand for snails in the food and cosmetics market. This industry is also developing rapidly and becoming increasingly popular among farmers and businessmen worldwide. At the same time, achieving success in snail farming requires specifc knowledge and skills. For example, it is essential to choose a suitable cultivation method, ensure optimal keeping and feeding conditions, and adhere to the standards of product storage and processing. It is also worth considering the specifcs of the legislation regulating the breeding and circulation of snails and the possible risks associated with pollution and animal diseases. An essential aspect of the development of helicopter culture is research and development to improve the quality and quantity of products, as well as the technology for reproduction and keeping snails. Such research should help improve efciency and make the industry more competitive. Exploring opportunities to improve the efciency of nutrient use in snail feed can signifcantly increase the proftability of production. Enzyme preparations are widely used in heliceculture to enhance the digestion of complex compounds, reduce the negative impact of anti-nutrients, and improve feed conversion. The use of such products in heliculture is reasonable and can have a positive impact on production efciency. The direction of complex feeding in heliceculture has not been studied much, and the influence of this cellulolytic drug on the productive qualities of Helix Aspersa Maxima species snails has yet to be clarifed. The results obtained during the study can substantiate the positive aspects of using special preparations to increase snail cultivation efciency and the use of nutrients in the diet. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of cellulosolytic enzyme preparation «AGROCELL» on the productivity of snails of the species Helix Aspersa Maxima. The results of the work showed that the addition of the enzyme preparation «AGROCELL» to the diet increases the absolute increase in live weight of snails by 1.2 g and the chain weight by 0.1-1.1 g. Key words: snails, industry, enzyme preparation, productivity, feeding, technology, cultivation.

ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОСНАЩЕНИЕ И ДОБЫЧА РЫБЫ В ИРКУТСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ В 1947–1960-е гг.

The fishing industry plays a vital role in the development of the national economy, so its study is one of the most pressing problems for the economy of the region as a whole. The paper analyzes and summarizes the historical experience of the fishing industry, which is necessary to assess the current situation in the fishing industry and determine the further development of the industry. The functioning of the Soviet model of fisheries was ensured by a system of state support, which made it possible to successfully develop the fishing industry and solve social problems of coastal regions. The country's leadership always paid great attention to the development of the fishing industry as the most important sector of food supply for the population. During the years of Soviet power, in a short period of time, based on the implementation of plans for the industrialization of the country, the material and technical base of the fishing industry was created. Using the example of the Republic of Buryatia, the author examines the historical experience of combating poaching and notes the role of mobilization decisions of the Soviet state in this process. The current Soviet legislation on nature protection, the history of creation, structure and main functions of fisheries protection bodies are analyzed. Based on archival data, the number of detained offenders, the number of seized fish, fishing equipment and gear are given. A special place is given to the nature conservation society and the role of public inspectors, who, along with fisheries protection authorities, fought against poaching. An assessment is made of the technical equipment of fisheries protection authorities and criminal legal measures in preventing aquatic poaching based on an analysis of the established practice of their use in the period 1917–2000 in the Republic of Buryatia.

Modern material and technical support of the educational and training process in rowing at the stage of basic training

The article examines modern views on the training of rowing athletes, as well as the importance of using modern technical means in the training process. As a result of the literature analysis, it was found that when working with rowers at the stage of basic training, insufficient attention is paid to the operational analysis of information obtained during the training process. The relevance of this study is also due to the fact that the issue of the possibility of using modern technical means and portable devices by rowing athletes has not been covered in the scientific literature. The purpose of the work was to determine which technical means are used by rowers in the training process and to determine their priority in the opinion of the athletes themselves. The article describes the results of a questionnaire about the use of material and technical means and equipment in the training process of rowers aged 14-16 at the stage of basic training. It was found that the priority element of the training process according to the rowers is the material and technical base, namely: a gym, a modern paddle and special sports clothes. At the same time, the vast majority of respondents said they would like to be able to train with modern technical equipment such as wearables and GPS. Information from portable devices makes it possible to analyze the capabilities and physiological characteristics of athletes. This helps the athlete and coach to receive automatic feedback on how to improve personal results and prevent injuries. The use of portable devices in combination with modern inventory requires further research. In the future, we plan to develop a training program for rowers 14-16 y.o. with the use of portable devices in the training process.

“That was one of my most difficult and biggest challenges”: experiences, preconditions and preventive measures of health-oriented leadership in virtual teams – A qualitative study with virtual leaders

BackgroundHealth-oriented leadership (HoL) has a positive impact on health- and work-related outcomes of employees in face-to-face settings. Increased digitization during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes and increased job demands. According to current state of research, HoL in virtual teamwork is insufficiently researched. The aim of the study is to examine the experiences of virtual leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify preconditions and preventive measures for promoting HoL.MethodUsing a qualitative study design, semi-structured, guide-based telephone interviews were conducted with 16 German virtual leaders between May and July 2021. The collected data were inductively analyzed and interpreted using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Explorative analyses of differences between leaders with and without pre-pandemic experiences with virtual leadership were made.ResultsResults indicated that leaders, regardless of pre-pandemic experiences with virtual leadership, faced diverse challenges in implementing HoL in virtual teamwork during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual leaders perceived personal preconditions (e.g., leaders’ characteristics or behaviors), organizational preconditions (support by management or open-minded corporate culture), social preconditions (e.g., social support by team) and technical preconditions (e.g., sufficient technical equipment) as conducive to implementation of HoL. Almost all leaders with pre-pandemic experience identified a need for structural preventive measures, whereas almost all leaders without pre-pandemic experience reported a need for behavioral preventive measures in order to promote HoL in virtual teams.ConclusionsThis study suggests that implementing HoL in virtual teamwork is challenging, complex and requires adjustments in leadership behavior. Thereby, the study provides initial empirical findings for a holistic approach to HoL implementation in virtual teams, considering beneficial multilevel preconditions. Due to a limited generalization of present results, longitudinal and interventional studies will be necessary for the analysis of causal relationships in future research. In particular, a holistic research perspective in order to understand the complex, contextual interdependencies of leadership is recommended. In practice, based on a differentiated needs analysis, structural preventive measures for a holistic organizational development as well as behavioral preventive measures for ongoing personnel development are recommended.

Remote interrogation and confrontation: problems of practice and prospects

The article, based on the results of an empirical study conducted by the author, states the absence in the Russian Federation of a wide practice of remote interrogation and confrontation. The objective factor in the form of insufficient technical equipment of the preliminary investigation bodies is analyzed as the reason for this. A separate reason is the incompleteness of legal regulation, which excludes the indication in the law of an investigator who is obliged to establish the identity of a remotely participating person when applying the norms of Article 189.1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, as well as the absence of legally regulated features of the investigator’s exercise of the authority to present material evidence, a document during remote interrogation and confrontation.It is indicated that such circumstances create the risk of incomplete provision of the procedural rights of an uncontrolled subject of the process, including for a reasonable period of criminal proceedings, a full and comprehensive investigation of the circumstances of the criminal case. In this regard, the author notes the need to allocate budgetary funds for sufficient technical support for the preliminary investigation bodies. There is also a proposal to improve the norms of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation in the part under consideration.

A new molecular method for fast differentiation of cockles Cerastoderma edule and Cerastoderma glaucum

Cerastoderma edule and C. glaucum are two species of cockles that co-exist in European waters. They are morphologically similar but exhibit remarkable differences in biological, ecological, and genetic aspects, as well as in resistance to parasites (e.g., Martellia cochilia) and in disease incidence (e.g., disseminated neoplasia). Moreover, they differ in their economic significance; while C. edule represents a highly valuable marine resource, C. glaucum is only marginally fished. The aim of this work was to develop a simple and fast method that, for the first time, uses the sequence of a mitochondrial gene for the molecular differentiation of the two cockle species. A total of 304 partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, retrieved from the Nucleotide database, were used to design two sets of species-specific primers to generate PCR products of different sizes (322 bp in C. glaucum and 247 bp in C. edule). The discriminatory ability of the PCR assay was tested in cockles from the Spanish, French, and Italian coasts with successful differentiation in all cases. This novel molecular identification method requires minimal technical equipment and can be carried out in one working day. For its simplicity, it can be very useful for conservation and sustainable management of the two cockle species, facilitating the assessment of distribution, abundance and relative sensitivity to viruses, parasites and diseases.

RESEARCH INNOVATIONS IN DIRECTIONAL AND HORIZONTAL DRILLING AND SIDETRACKING TECHNIQUES

Directional and horizontal drilling, and sidetracking techniques have become integral components of the oil and gas industry, which allows access to hydrocarbon reserves in challenging environments. This paper provides an overview of these drilling methods and explores recent trends in the development of technical equipment for horizontal drilling and sidetracking. Directional drilling allows for drilling at various angles, including horizontal and multilateral, providing access to reservoirs beneath the Earth's surface. This technique involves specialized equipment and precise control of the drill bit's direction and deviation, resulting in better reservoir management, increased productivity and reduced environmental effect. Horizontal drilling, on the other hand, involves drilling laterally through subsurface rock formations, particularly beneficial for accessing unconventional reservoirs (shale formations). Horizontal drilling allows operators to access more of the formation, resulting in increased productivity and reduced environmental footprint. Sidetracking techniques are employed to redirect the path of a wellbore, necessary for avoiding geological hazards, accessing untapped reservoirs, or bypassing damaged sections of the well. This process requires careful planning, specialized equipment, and skilled personnel to ensure successful execution while minimizing risks. The paper also discusses modern trends in the development of technical equipment for horizontal drilling and sidetracking technology. These include automation and robotics to improve drilling efficiency and safety, advancements in drilling fluids and measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technologies for better wellbore stability and real-time data acquisition, and innovations in extended reach drilling (ERD) tools and casing and cementing solutions. Additionally, there is ongoing development in sidetracking techniques to improve efficiency and reliability, such as whipstock and casing exit technologies. The Ultrashort-Radius Radial System (URRS) is highlighted as an advanced drilling technology, enabling access to reservoirs with restricted space or challenging geometries. Although challenges such as cost and adaptation to downhole conditions remain, ongoing research and development is aimed at overcoming these barriers and demonstrating the feasibility of innovative drilling technologies. Ultimately, these advances contribute to the industry's goal of maximizing hydrocarbon production while ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. Keywords: directional drilling, horizontal drilling, sidetracking techniques, technical equipment development, ultrashort-radius radial system, laser drilling.

The effects of standing foot-transmitted vibration on self-reported discomfort ratings.

Occupational foot-transmitted vibration (FTV) exposure is common in industries like mining, construction, and agriculture, often leading to acute and chronic injuries. Vibration assessments require technical expertise and equipment which can be costly for employers to perform. Alternatively, researchers have observed that self-reported discomfort can be used as an effective indicator of injury risk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of standing FTV exposure on self-reported ratings of discomfort, and whether these subjective ratings differed by body area and exposure frequency. Participants (n = 30) were randomly exposed to standing FTV at six frequencies (25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 Hz) for 20-45 seconds. Following each exposure, participants rated discomfort on a scale of 0-9 in four body areas: head and neck (HN), upper body (UB), lower body (LB), and total body. Results indicated that participants experienced the most discomfort in the LB at higher frequencies (p < 0.001), consistent with the resonance of foot structures. The HN discomfort tended to decrease as the exposure frequency increased, although not statistically significant (p > 0.0167). The UB discomfort remained relatively low across all frequencies. The study suggests a potential connection between resonant frequencies and discomfort, potentially indicating injury risk. Although self-reported discomfort is insufficient for directly assessing injury risk from FTV, it provides a simple method for monitoring potential musculoskeletal risks related to vibration exposure at resonant frequencies. While professional vibration assessment remains necessary, self-reported discomfort may act as an early indicated of vibration-induced injuries, aiding in implementing mitigation strategies.

Application Research of Information Technology in College Basketball Teaching

This study deeply discusses the specific application of information technology in basketball teaching. Through the application of information technology by teachers, it is found that the influential factors of information technology teaching are mainly composed of teachers' "cognition", "willingness" and "application". The correlation analysis of the three dimensions showed that: the gender of teachers had no significant difference in cognition, intention and application of information-based teaching (p&gt;0.05); There were significant differences in teachers' cognition, intention and application of information-based teaching (P&lt;0.01). There were no significant differences in the cognition, intention and application of information-based teaching among teachers' educational background (p&gt;0.05). Based on case studies and correlation studies, this study puts forward solutions such as continuous investment in technical equipment, strengthening teacher training and in-depth research on new technologies to promote the wider application of information technology in basketball teaching. In the future, information technology will continue to play a key role in basketball teaching and promote the development of college basketball teaching towards a more scientific and intelligent direction.

Stage Lighting In Puppetry, A Friend Or An Enemy ?

When dealing with such topics as lighting setup, particularly in a puppet production, and its impact on the actor, namely the puppeteer, the main goal is to emphasize the importance of a stage element that is often ignored by the director and the lighting technicians as well as by other members of the production crew including the actor, the scenographer or the coreographer. My interest in this issue is not of recent date and the present article is the result of both collecting information on lighting techniques and concepts (lighting points, positions, dimensions, technical equipment, aso) and interviewing lighting technicians in this art , as one may call it, on their correlation to every phase in the evolution of a production. I do not claim to have supplied clear solutions to the above matter, but I have opened a path for debate for those that are interested in such aspects, mostly for those that can actually address this issue in an appropriate manner when working on the lighting setup of a puppet production or other stage production.

How pregnant women with diabetes experience telemonitoring of the fetal heart rate – An interview study

ObjectivesThe use of telemonitoring in healthcare is generally increasing. Women with complicated pregnancies are using telemonitoring as an alternative to conventional management, encompassing hospitalization or frequent outpatient clinic visits. However, there is sparse evidence on how pregnant women experience monitoring of their unborn babies at home. Women might feel uncomfortable with this responsibility, and moreover they might miss face-to-face contact with healthcare personnel. Study designThe study setting was a Danish hospital with a tertiary obstetric unit attending approximately 3400 births annually. A qualitative study design with interview as method included 11 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. This design was used to investigate how pregnant women with complicated pregnancies experienced telemonitoring of the fetus. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the pregnant women’s experiences of telemonitoring. ResultsWomen with type 1 diabetes or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus found the advantages of telemonitoring to outweigh the disadvantages. They experienced telemonitoring as time-saving and that telemonitoring decreased the level of stress. Moreover, telemonitoring supports positive collaboration with healthcare professionals.The women also experienced a lack of coordination of consultations between different departments at the hospital and challenges with timing, feedback, and technical issues. Moreover, the women requested an opportunity to discuss family formation and emotions. ConclusionsPregnant women with type 1 diabetes or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus benefit from the use of telemonitoring. To further improve the implementation and use of telemonitoring clinical implications, consider how timing and coordination of care, technical equipment, and feedback mechanisms could be improved.

Investigation of Flow and Combustion Technology Changes in a Device Nozzle for Natural Gas as a Result of Mixing in Hydrogen

The efforts of the European Union (2021, EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Networks) have been waiting for a solution to the problem of -even if only partial- independence from natural gas. The article shows the effects on the combustion technical parameters and equipment, if the 100% natural gas plant is replaced with a certain proportion of hydrogen. The article examines how it affects the combustion technical parameters of natural gas user equipment if the gas that feeds them is replaced by hydrogen-natural gas mixtures of different proportions. The results show that with the introduction of hydrogen, the Wobbe number decreases, and with this equipment, hydrogen can be added to the natural gas in an amount of 23 V/V% so that it meets the standards. When examining the flame propagation speed, we conclude that it is expected that the flame will not burn back at this ratio. The work promotes the progress of natural gas-hydrogen co-combustion technologies, as it examines a special part of the combustion equipment, the nozzle, and the flow engineering processes taking place in it. With the help of this model, we successfully investigated the excess air resulting from various natural gas-hydrogen mixtures in the case of a given geometry, but the model, with its mathematical additions, also proves that mixing in hydrogen generally reduces the amount of incoming air.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ АГРЕГАТОВ МОБИЛЬНЫХ СРЕДСТВ ДОСТАВКИ СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННОГО ОБОРУДОВАНИЯ И ЛИЧНОГО СОСТАВА ДЛЯ ТУШЕНИЯ ПОЖАРОВ

The issues of maintaining the reliability of the functioning of power units of mobile technical equipment designed to deliver specialized equipment and personnel to firefighting sites are being investigated. In relation to moderately boosted power units (4Ch11/12.5; 4ChN11/12.5) for the chassis of medium-duty fire-fighting vehicles (ZIL-5301; GAZ-3403), statistical patterns of changes in the characteristics of their technical condition depending on the operating time in engine hours were studied experimentally. The patterns make it possible, with a high degree of reliability, to substantiate the relationship between the technical condition of power units and their fuel equipment with indicators of the effectiveness of the use of mobile fire fighting equipment: power, fuel efficiency and environmental safety in the processes of their long-term operational operation for their main purpose – fire extinguishing.

Fire detection and suppression in rooms with different geometries

The paper presents experimental research findings on the integral characteristics of physicochemical processes in the area around a fire at different stages of its development and suppression. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of the operation of fire detectors in rooms of various geometries. The temperatures in different cross sections, as well as the composition of gaseo us products of thermal decomposition and flame combustion of materials were investigated. The study dealt with class A fires involving wood. Mock-ups of rooms with distinctly different geometries were used: a parallelepiped, a rectangular truncated pyramid and a bow-roof (arched) structure. Efficient arrangement of technical equipment (light and gas analysis sensors, heat and smoke detectors, nozzles) was determined to provide early detection of a fire, prompt initiation of suppression and completion of combustion and smoldering. Minimum volumes of a firefighting liquid (water in this case) and spraying times were identified that are necessary and sufficient to suppress combustion. Guidelines were proposed on the arrangement of technical equipment for early fire detection and efficient containment of fire in the shortest time. A mathematical apparatus has been developed that allows predicting the performance of fire detectors and sensors. The research results can be used to evaluate the most effective locations for fire sensors in the design of buildings and structures.

Sign language interpreters’ experiences of remote interpreting in light of COVID-19 in Sweden

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the work of sign language interpreters from mostly face-to-face assignments to remote interpreting. The overall aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of interpreters working between spoken Swedish and Swedish Sign Language (STS) during the adjustment to remote interpreting (RI) due to COVID-19. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 26 sign language interpreters and analysed with qualitative content analysis. The interpreters represented 19 of the 21 regions in Sweden. The results of the analysis revealed five themes: (a) a comparison of interpreting settings; (b) adaptability; (c) social relations and interaction; (d) technical equipment; and (e) sustainability. Within the themes’ multifaceted experiences of both positive and negative aspects from a micro to a macro level were reported. This rather new setting for interpreters is still in transformation; thus, follow-ups are necessary.

THE INFLUENCE OF VIBRATIONS ON THE EFFICIENCY OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

This article is devoted to the study of the influence of vibrations on the efficiency and reliability of the internal combustion engine (ICE). The authors consider in detail the amount of vibration that occurs as a result of engine operation and its possible consequences for various components. The article examines modern methods of vibration analysis and their impact on various types of technical systems, including electromechanical, hydromechanical, and thermal energy equipment. Vibration reduction technologies and their implementation to increase the efficiency of technical systems are being studied. The study also includes consideration of possible technologies and innovations aimed at reducing the impact of vibration on engine performance, such as the use of shock absorbers, design optimization and the use of new materials. In particular, the article analyzes the use of the latest materials for vibration reduction, the development of control and diagnostic systems, and also studies the impact of vibrations on human health and the environment. The importance of considering vibration aspects in the process of design, operation and maintenance of technical equipment is noted. Possible implications for measurement accuracy, electronic stability, and overall control efficiency are highlighted. The authors offer practical solutions to reduce these negative impacts, including the use of innovative technologies and the development of improved electronics systems. This article is aimed at the engineering and scientific community, as well as at professionals who are interested in improving the efficiency of technical systems and understanding the effect of vibrations on their functioning. The conclusions and recommendations presented in this paper can be used for further research and development in the field of vibration engineering and technology.

Exploratory assessment of the SLAKES method to characterize aggregate stability across diverse soil types

AbstractClassical soil aggregate stability (AS) methods lack standardized protocols and require long measurement times. However, the fairly new SLAKES method purportedly allows for rapid AS estimation with minimal technical equipment. SLAKES has been tested on fine‐textured soils but its suitability for other soil types is unknown. This study investigated SLAKES’ suitability for AS measurements on silty clay, silt loam, and sandy loam soils. For each SLAKES test, three aggregates were immersed in distilled water and imaged for 10 min. SLAKES output includes disaggregation data per aggregate and three coefficients from a Gompertz function that describe slaking dynamics. Four AS descriptors obtained from SLAKES output were investigated: the averaged maximum slaking from a test (aSK), the maximum slaking for each measurement (aggregate) (aFT, from fitting a Gompertz function to SLAKES raw data), the averaged aFT for the measurements in a test (a̅FT), and the slaking index at 10 min per measurement (SI600). The aSK is a direct descriptor included in the SLAKES output, while aFT, a̅FT, and SI600 are indirect descriptors. The SI600 was the most preferred SLAKES AS descriptor since it is a calculated parameter and due to its sensitivity in detecting AS status among all soil types. The sandy loam soil was the most stable from both the raw SLAKES data and fitting, albeit counterintuitive. SLAKES default measurement time was sufficient for the silty clay and silt loam soils but not for the sandy loam soil. Overall, SLAKES was a useful tool for AS measurements on fine‐textured soils but was less suitable for AS measurements on the coarse‐textured soil.