Technical Professionals Research Articles

International perspectives on cultivating high-quality bachelor's degrees in vocational education: Insights, experiences, and practices from overseas universities

Cultivating high-quality technical and skilled professionals is essential for building a modern economic system and ensuring there is a balance between workforce supply and demand. Currently, there are various challenges associated with pilot programs offering undergraduate-level vocational education in China, including unbalanced training structures, limited curricular diversity, and inadequate systemic coordination. To address these issues, in this study, we employed a comparative case study methodology to examine the practices of several esteemed overseas universities in developing high-quality, undergraduate-level programs in vocational education. We systematically analyzed the training objectives, curriculum design, and support systems of these programs and categorized the associated practices as research-oriented, practice-oriented, and integration-oriented models. Drawing on the valuable insights revealed by this study will support China's goal of developing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Explainable Generative AI (GenXAI): a survey, conceptualization, and research agenda

Generative AI (GenAI) represents a shift from AI’s ability to “recognize” to its ability to “generate” solutions for a wide range of tasks. As generated solutions and applications grow more complex and multi-faceted, new needs, objectives, and possibilities for explainability (XAI) have emerged. This work elaborates on why XAI has gained importance with the rise of GenAI and the challenges it poses for explainability research. We also highlight new and emerging criteria that explanations should meet, such as verifiability, interactivity, security, and cost considerations. To achieve this, we focus on surveying existing literature. Additionally, we provide a taxonomy of relevant dimensions to better characterize existing XAI mechanisms and methods for GenAI. We explore various approaches to ensure XAI, ranging from training data to prompting. Our paper provides a concise technical background of GenAI for non-technical readers, focusing on text and images to help them understand new or adapted XAI techniques for GenAI. However, due to the extensive body of work on GenAI, we chose not to delve into detailed aspects of XAI related to the evaluation and usage of explanations. Consequently, the manuscript appeals to both technical experts and professionals from other fields, such as social scientists and information systems researchers. Our research roadmap outlines over ten directions for future investigation.

Challenges and Teaching Reform Strategies in Vocational College Engineering Training Courses

With the rapid development of vocational education, engineering training has become a crucial course for cultivating highly skilled technical professionals, highlighting its importance. However, vocational college engineering training courses still face numerous challenges during the actual teaching process, which affect the effectiveness of course teaching and the enhancement of students’ engineering competence. This article thoroughly analyzes the main problems existing in current engineering training course teaching, focusing on four aspects: students’ cognitive differences, inadequate course development, poor course adaptability, and limited teaching resources. Based on this analysis and previous research findings, targeted strategies are proposed, including enhancing students’ course cognition, clarifying course positioning, improving course adaptability, and optimizing the allocation of teaching resources. Furthermore, this article preliminarily verifies the effectiveness of some reform strategies through a small-scale teaching experiment. This study aims to provide theoretical guidance and practical reference for enhancing the teaching quality of vocational college engineering training courses.

Analysis of the effectiveness and user experience of employing virtual reality to enhance the efficacy of occupational safety and health learning for electrical workers and graduate students

IntroductionThe integration of engineering approaches in education and training is pivotal for reducing workplace incidents. Effective safety education increases workers' awareness of potential risks and fosters a robust Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) culture. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive experiences that enhance the efficacy of safety training. MethodThis study evaluated VR's effectiveness through two experiments that demonstrated improved learning capacities. The first study employed quantitative methods and quasi-experiments with electrical sector technical support professionals. The second study used a qualitative approach with scenario case studies involving graduate students. ResultsThe quantitative study revealed significant improvements in OSH understanding among electrical workers, highlighting VR-based training's superiority over traditional methods. The qualitative study found positive outcomes in VR usability and user experience among graduate students, affirming VR's effectiveness in OSH education. ConclusionVR has proven to be an effective and efficient training tool for both graduate students and experienced workers. It significantly advances skills, knowledge, and proficiency in electrical engineering by providing realistic, immersive, and tailored learning experiences. As VR technology continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of electrical technical education and training appears increasingly promising.

Mental Impacts of COVID-19 on Technical Nursing Professionals Who Provided Care in the Brazilian Amazon on the First Wave

The COVID-19 pandemic represented the greatest health challenges in the world and exposed technical nursing professionals to some occupational risks related to health care. The purpose was to evaluate the main occupational risks of the category of nursing technicians who provided care to suspected or confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Belém-Pará on 2021. The sample was recruited by Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). Exploratory analysis was performed in the Statistical software and in the Microsoft Excel 2019 spreadsheet.

Challenges in Technical Education in Bolivia During COVID-19 Pandemic

This research delves into the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on technical and technological education within Bolivia’s Higher Education sub-sector, particularly focusing on Technical and Technological Training Institutes. The interruption of practical teaching, inherent in the curriculum of these institutes, due to stringent containment measures imposed by the Bolivian State since 2020, has presented significant challenges for both educators and students. Through a comprehensive examination employing interviews, surveys, and focus groups, the study identifies key concerns such as limited internet access, insufficient ICT proficiency, and pedagogical hurdles specific to technical subjects. The transition to virtual learning has widened the pedagogical gap in technical education, exacerbated by disparities in technological resources, particularly impacting rural educators and those teaching practical courses. Economic vulnerability among technical professionals, especially in the informal sector, underscores the necessity for financial literacy and access to credit. As Bolivia moves towards resuming in-person classes, the study advocates for sustained teacher training in ICTs, development of virtual labs for practical subjects, and targeted social programs to support vulnerable technical professionals.

Development of an electric drive for personal light electric vehicles

Problem. The article addresses the challenge of enhancing inclusive mobility and environmental cleanliness by developing a traction electric drive for personal light electric vehicles. A study was conducted on modern electric drive systems for personal light electric vehicles. Goal. The aim is to boost inclusive mobility and environmental cleanliness through the development of a traction electric drive for a personal light electric vehicle, specifically based on a tricycle. Methodology. The methodology involves scientific analysis and synthesis of traction electric drives for electric vehicles. An assessment of the nominal capacity of the battery module from the Nissan Leaf electric car was conducted using both partial discharge procedures and the Leaf Spy Pro program. Results. Based on an analysis of existing electric drive systems, a traction electric drive for a tricycle was developed. A functional diagram of the electric bicycle drive was generated. A control system for a sensorless brushless motor was developed, determining rotor position by measuring EMF in the free phase. This led to the creation of a stable voltage electrical circuit with a virtual midpoint. The tricycle's electric drive utilizes two 10-inch motor wheels on the rear wheels, enabling high speed and efficiency. Controllers specifically designed for electric wheel motors with a power of 350 W were selected to control the traction electric drive. Modules from the 2015 Nissan Leaf electric car's battery, which had depleted 20% of their capacity, were chosen to power the electric drive. The battery health status is 77.95%. A model of the battery's electrical equivalent circuit was constructed, and partial discharge graphs of the Nissan Leaf battery module were analyzed. Originality. The results provide a comprehensive insight into the development of a traction electric drive for personal light electric vehicles, using a tricycle as an example. Practical value. The research led to the development of an electric drive for a three-wheeled vehicle, with two motor wheels of 350 W nominal power each. The power supply voltage ranges from 36 V to 48 V, powered by six battery modules from the Nissan Leaf electric car, totaling 48 V. The energy capacity of one battery module is 0.3898 kWh, resulting in a total energy capacity of 2.3388 kWh for the vehicle's battery. However, the realizable capacity does not exceed 1.871 kWh, providing a travel distance of approximately 75 km on one battery charge. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of reusing batteries from electric cars with diminished capacity to power light electric vehicles. The results are relevant for scientific and technical professionals involved in electric vehicle development.

Design and Development of Small Modular Courses for “Education-Training Integration” in Vocational Colleges: A Case Study

Vocational education plays a vital role in the development of skilled technical professionals and the advancement of the economy. However, the emphasis on campus education often neglects the importance of external training, hindering the overall development of vocational education. This study aims to address this issue by exploring the design and development of small modular courses that integrate training and education in vocational colleges, focusing on the mechanics course as a case study. The research methods employed in this study include an in-depth analysis of enterprise training needs, the development of digital teaching resources utilizing the finite element method (FEM), and the implementation of a small modular course integrating education and training. The data analysis reveals positive outcomes in terms of learners’ comprehension and engagement with complex mechanics formulas through the use of stress nephograms and other digital resources. This research provides a new perspective on curriculum design and offers insights into the integration of training and education in vocational colleges. The findings underscore the significance of incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and digital resources in enhancing the quality and relevance of vocational education, ultimately contributing to the cultivation of skilled professionals and the growth of the vocational education sector.

Behind the Scenes: Radiotherapy technical training through professionals' eyes

Training technical professionals for Radiotherapy is essential due to growing demand caused by early cancer diagnoses, global population aging, rising cancer rates, and evolving equipment and techniques. Our objective was to gather insights from graduates of various courses who are now working professionally, based on the principle that one way to assess educational training is by considering the attributes that trained and active professionals deem important in the improvement courses they have taken.A cross-sectional study (approved at the local Research Ethics Committee) was conducted, involving an online survey for the opinion of professionals already qualified as radiotherapy technicians or technologists and engaged in this work. The questionnaire consisted of 12 objective multiple-choice questions and four open-ended questions.Of the 59 received responses, 49 professionals completed some course. Thirty-one (64.6%) pursued improvement/enhancement, followed by specialization (15; 31.2%) and extension (two; 4.2%). Thirty-four (69.4%) respondents had not engaged in any practical activities during their training. As for course weaknesses, respondents cited: inflexible schedule (29; 59.2%), distance from residence (12; 24.5%), low hourly load (four; 8.2%), and other issues (four; 8.2%).The data underscores the need to adjust technical training in Radiotherapy, emphasizing the importance of a recognized professional team, practical learning, flexible schedules, and financial viability.The strategic perspective of radiotherapy technicians currently working in this job market, emphasized the need for an adjustment in the offering of courses. These insights provide more well-structured foundations for contemporary teaching and learning processes, considering current societal characteristics, technological advances, and future student demands.

Occupations and careers within organizations: Do organizations facilitate unequal wage growth?

Recent research suggests that occupations and organizations intersect during the formation of wage inequality. Using administrative data from the Netherlands, I investigate whether workers who are employed in different occupations experience unequal wage growth when staying in an organization. Results reveal that workers in professional and managerial positions realize larger wage growth than workers who work initially in lower-status occupations. After six years of staying at the same organization, predicted wage growth rates vary between 5.44% for production workers and 10.18% for technical professionals. The findings indicate that occupations compound present and future wage advantages at the organizational level. I test whether occupational sorting across organizations with differing pay quality mediates part of the occupation-based heterogeneity in wage growth. The results show that occupational sorting is marked but that sorting explains only up to around 8% of inequality in firm-internal wage growth between different occupational classes in the Dutch labor market.

Development of creative skills of future specialists in higher polytechnic colleges of the People's Republic of China

A modern educational environment demands technical students to have well-developed creative skills. The study emphasizes the relevance of developing and implementing an educational programme aimed at fostering the creative abilities of students in technical disciplines within higher polytechnic colleges in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The scholars applied a randomized method for the experimental and control groups. The research sample consisted of 212 students enrolled in the Department [BLINDED], [BLINDED] College (Pingdingshan, China). Before the experiment, all participants had an inadequate level of verbal and non-verbal creativity skills. The experimental group followed a six-month creativity training once a week, while the control group learned the standard curriculum. The scholars used the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking to assess the creative skills of students. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in the average creativity scores among students who completed the training. These results highlight the importance of developing creative skills in future engineers and technical professionals in China and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed training. The practical application of this training approach helps educators improve the quality of education and train highly qualified specialists in technical industries.

Modified FMEA for risk management in geotechnical structures during hydraulic circuit filling of a hydroelectric power plant

This article presents an approach centered on a modification of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Method (FMEA) for risk management concerning geotechnical structures during the hydraulic circuit filling process within a hydroelectric power plant. In this work, the conventional FMEA method, typically employed in various projects and processes, was adapted through the development of specific classification criteria. The primary objective was to enhance the applicability of this method to geotechnical structures during the filling procedure. The validity of this method was confirmed through its application in a case study. This analysis suggests that the newly devised scoring tables have streamlined the risk analysis process by reducing the number of classification categories and adopting a color scale. In addition to their role in classifying failure modes, these tables also serve as a guide for mitigating the risks associated with the filling procedure. The appropriate course of action is determined based on the specific aspects presented in the analyzed geotechnical model. It is our belief that the insights generated by this research will offer valuable support to technical professionals responsible for hydraulic circuit filling in hydroelectric projects. This support aims to enhance the safety of this activity by minimizing the severity of failures and increasing the probability of their detection.

Monitoramento da durabilidade de estruturas de concreto armado existentes: conceitos, avanços e perspectivas

Abstract This article explores the fundamental concepts related to the durability of existing reinforced concrete structures, focusing on its monitoring. It compares the current approach adopted in major projects with that applied to other structures in service. It presents the principles of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and examines various sensor solutions available on the market and developed in research projects. It emphasizes the feasibility of democratizing structural monitoring, which is currently limited by cultural barriers. To achieve this, it highlights the need for collaboration among technical professionals, researchers, professional associations, and government agencies to overcome the challenges that have led to the so-called “control blackout” in the built environment.

Stock, composition and distribution of the nursing workforce in Brazil: a snapshot.

to analyze the availability (in terms of stock and composition) and accessibility (in terms of geographical distribution) of the nursing workforce in Brazil. this is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, identified by combining databases available on institutional websites and structured according to indicators from the World Health Organization's "National Health Workforce Accounts". The study considered nursing professionals at senior level (nurses) and middle level (nursing auxiliaries and technicians). Indicators of stock, composition, distribution (by age group and gender) and the ratio of nurses to doctors were included. there was an increase in the number of personnel between 2005 and 2010, mainly in middle and technical level professionals. There are more personnel aged between 36 and 55, with a predominance of women in all categories, despite the increase in men. There was an uneven distribution of personnel across the country's regions, with the Southeast having the largest number of professionals. The ratio of nurses to doctors is less than one in the South and Southeast. despite the large number of nurses, their distribution is uneven. The growth of nursing technicians has significantly outstripped that of nurses, indicating more intensive technical training policies than those found in higher education.

RECURSOS EDUCACIONAIS PARA ESTUDANTES COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO DO AUTISMO (TEA): SÍNTESE DE EVIDÊNCIAS QUALITATIVAS

ABSTRACT Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that compromises communication and social skills. This study aimed to analyze the educational resources used by technical and higher education professionals who deal with students with ASD. This review was registered in PROSPERO CRD42020212986 and followed the recommendations of the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist. The scientific databases used in the search were Medline via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Lilacs. Ten articles were selected for the review. The educational resources that stood out along the way were: training in social and organizational skills; educational/professional support and monitoring; technological artifacts for audiovisual interaction; and assessment tools with educational capabilities. It is understood that the improvement of educational resources, emphasizing clear and objective communication, as well as the sociability of classes, becomes essential to promote a more effective and stimulating educational environment for the learning of autistic students.

Strategic Tasks of State Support for the Post-War Development of the National Economy

The article highlights the main issues of government support for the post-war development of priority sectors of the national economy that are of strategic importance for sustainable economic development and national defense capabilities; and substantiates the corresponding instruments of fiscal support using the example of titanium industry. In the study, the strategic tasks of government support for the post-war development of national economy are considered from the standpoint of a comprehensive solution to the problems of forming an innovative foundation for economic renewal, ensuring the technological change, creation of a complete cycle of deep titanium processing and titanium production in Ukraine which will meet the needs of domestic demand and the entry of domestic producers into world markets. Ensuring changes in educational sphere in accordance with the real economy’s demand for technical specialists and professionals is seen as a part of a comprehensive industrial policy approach, and fiscal instruments for this purpose are proposed.
 The need to expand the list of instruments of government support for the development of strategic industries is substantiated. The list should include both measures of tax support for investment projects with significant investments provided for by current legislation, as well as grants, innovative transfers from the government budget, measures to support the export of innovative titanium products, and innovative corporate income tax benefit to stimulate innovations, training tax allowance to support business investment in human capital. Proposals to extend the instruments for financing priority sectors of Ukraine’s economic revival do not contradict the norms of EU legislation in the field of government aid.
 Possible measures for ordering the regulatory framework of the proposed in the article direct budgetary and indirect government support instruments for the innovative development of strategic sectors of the economy are outlined. In particular, changes to the Tax Code of Ukraine on the introduction of innovation and training allowances for corporate income tax, changes in the minimum useful life of innovative equipment, and tax credit recognition of VAT amounts in the acquisition prices of technology property rights and in the import of technology under a technology transfer agreement, as well as to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of January 24, 2020 No. 28 “On the provision of financial government support” in terms of increasing the volume of loans and reducing the cost of their servicing for business entities in the titanium industry.

Comparative analysis of electrical models of lith-ium-ion batteries in electric vehicles

Problem. This article addresses the challenge of enhancing the environmental friendliness and energy efficiency of vehicles. It does so by conducting a comparative analysis and identifying ways to improve the electrical models of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The study includes an examination of well-known electrical models of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, such as the Rint model, the RC model, the Thevenin model, and the PNGV model. It identifies key characteristics of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, including state of charge, mass, actual voltage, energy required for recharging, among others. The study also explores models of battery degradation, focusing on capacity reduction and the increase in active resistance. It substantiates directions for improving electrical models of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles by considering changes in capacity, internal resistance, polarization resistance, and both calendar and cyclic degradation. Goal. The aim of this work is to enhance the environmental friendliness and energy efficiency of vehicles through a comparative analysis and by determining ways to improve the electrical models of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Methodology. Our approach to achieving this goal involves using electrical models of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, which describe various parameters such as state of charge, actual voltage during charge/discharge processes, and energy required for recharging. The study encompasses an investigation into the degradation of electric vehicle batteries, including their use in Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology. Results. The analysis of electrical models of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, aiming to increase their accuracy, considers the following aspects: changes in internal resistance and polarization resistance; capacity variation; and battery degradation. The change in internal resistance and polarization resistance should be considered based on two factors: the state of charge of the battery and the degree of its degradation. While the first factor is relevant primarily when the battery is deeply discharged (SoC<30%), the second factor must be considered at any state of charge. Capacity changes should be accounted for based on calendar and cyclic degradation. It has been determined that the primary causes of degradation in electric vehicle batteries are calendar aging (service life) and aging due to charge/discharge cycles. Contrarily, it is argued that using Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology can reduce battery degradation by 10%. Originality. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the electrical models of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and contribute to the improvement of existing models. Practical value. This research enhances the accuracy of current electrical models of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles by considering the variable nature of internal resistance and capacity during vehicle operation. It may be valuable in assessing the residual parameters of electric vehicle batteries during their secondary use, such as in the residential sector for solar energy support. The findings can be recommended to scientific and technical professionals involved in developing energy storage systems for electric vehicles.

Exploring the Early Adoption of Open AI among Laypeople and Technical Professionals: An Analysis of Twitter Conversations on #ChatGPT and #GPT3

Large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-3 and their derivative products such as ChatGPT have garnered significant attention for their remarkable ability to process texts and conduct human-like conversations. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation theory, this study examines the early discussions about LLMs on Twitter, specifically about ChatGPT and GPT-3, during the first three months following the release of ChatGPT. By utilizing topic structural modeling and sentiment analysis on a sample of 42,273 #ChatGPT tweets and 17,639 #GPT3 tweets, we explore how laypeople and technical professionals differ in their attitudes in the early stage of the adoption of LLMs. Our findings suggest that the discussion surrounding ChatGPT and GPT-3 primarily revolves around relative advantage and compatibility, with the majority of #ChatGPT conversations demonstrating negative sentiment and #GPT3 discussions containing more positive topics. The Twitter discussion using #ChatGPT is highly business-oriented, while the discussion of #GPT3 covers a broader range of topics in terms of the characteristics, applications, and potential ethical concerns of LLMs. This study offers implications for government agencies and policymakers, suggesting that further research is needed to fully understand the potential applications and risks of LLMs.

Phytotoxicity Removal Technologies for Agricultural Waste as a Growing Media Component: A Review

In response to the challenge of resource recycling, this review investigates the removal of phytotoxicity from agricultural waste for its application as a growing media component. Agricultural waste typically exhibits high phytotoxicity due to the presence of substances such as phenols, organic acids, ammonia, nitrogen, and heavy metals. These substances hinder seed germination and plant growth, posing a significant barrier to the use of agricultural waste as a growing media component. Thus, it is imperative to mitigate or eliminate phytotoxicity before effectively utilizing agricultural waste. This review rigorously analyzes an extensive array of recent studies, scrutinizing diverse technologies for the mitigation of phytotoxicity in agricultural wastes. The methods investigated include the four most common methods—composting, heat treatment, washing, and aging, and a recently introduced method, ammonium incubation. Each method was assessed considering its underlying principles, effects in application, and respective advantages and disadvantages. This review suggests that successful phytotoxicity mitigation in agricultural waste hinges on reducing the content or activity of phytotoxic substances. Moreover, this study emphasizes that future phytotoxicity mitigation efforts should aim for economic efficiency while maximizing the preservation of the original material volume and weight. This study offers insightful guidance for technical professionals aiming to mitigate the phytotoxicity of agricultural waste, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Teaching practice of civil engineering in higher education from the perspective of ideological and political education

In today's higher education, the ideological and political education has become the key path to cultivate students' comprehensive quality, and the teaching practice of civil engineering major is particularly important under this background. From the perspective of ideological and political education, this paper deeply discusses the teaching strategies of civil engineering majors in colleges and universities. It will focus on how to penetrate ideological and political elements while imparting professional knowledge, and cultivate students' social responsibility, ethical concepts and innovative spirit. Through the strategic analysis of course design, practice planning and faculty construction, it aims to provide a feasible ideological and political path for the teaching of civil engineering major, so that students can become technical professionals and have more social responsibility and humanistic care.