Problem-solving Tool Research Articles

Application of Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving (ARIZ) for the Heat Dissipation of Energy Storage Supply System for High-Power Locomotive

With the increasing demand for the energy density of battery system in railway vehicles, the ambient temperature of the battery system is increased. This means that the heat dissipation efficiency and battery service life are reduced, thus reducing the reliability of the battery. Contraposing the problem of the heat dissipation of energy storage batteries, the full deployment of the ARIZ algorithm has been provided for applications of problem-solving processes in this investigation. The advantage of using the ARIZ algorithm is that while the engineering system is kept unchanged or less changed, the effective heat dissipation of the energy storage battery with increasing energy density can be satisfied. During the process of the ARIZ algorithm, a mini problem is first defined. Moreover, the ideal final result and physical contradiction are defined. Following this, expanded material field resources are used, and finally, 22 innovative designs are obtained using the problem-solving tool in TRIZ theory. The final design scheme is provided by combining multiple schemes, and the heat compensator dispersion of a partially improved system in the optimized scheme has been simulated. The results show that the heat compensator dispersion of the air conditioning cooling system for battery modules has reached the design goals in this investigation, in which the maximum temperature of the module’s surface has been reduced to below 35.68 °C, and the maximum temperature difference of the module has reduced to below 5.6 °C.

Teaching Strategies for the Visually Impaired in Visual Arts

A 2018 study by the Eye Unit of the Ghana Health Service revealed that about 270,200 Ghanaians are blind, representing 0.74% of the Ghanaian population. Records indicate that the education and training of blind people in Ghana date back to the early 1940s. The study of Creative Arts involves experimentation and interaction with the natural environment as a problem-solving tool for national development. Creative Arts encompass Art forms like painting, sculpture, graphic designing, and ceramics. However, in the study of Arts in Ghana, certain challenges have become barriers for the visually impaired who pursue art. This is a conceptual study conducted at the University Practice School – South Campus – Ghana. It delves into the challenges that visually impaired learners are exposed to in the study of Arts and establishes if it is the end of the road for a mainstream student who becomes visually impaired along the path in pursuing the dream as an artist. The study identified that visually impaired learners can express themselves artistically once the teaching and learning process is facilitated with tailor-made teaching and learning strategies in art which directly focuses on potential art learners who are visually impaired. The study gathered that mainstream education in Ghana should be restructured to enable harnessing the potential of visually impaired learners.

Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Review of Complications and Advances in Imaging

Arthroplasty-related complications are challenging to diagnose as they often present with nonspecific signs and symptoms, and can lead to long-term morbidity if inadequately managed. The difficulty in imaging implants is compounded by its intrinsic propensity to artifacts. Strategies to reduce this include: Judicious use of the appropriate imaging modality for the relevant clinical indication; knowledge of optimizing imaging acquisition parameters; and use of metal artifact reduction (MAR) software. We review the literature on expected normal appearances of hip and knee arthroplasties, findings of arthroplasty-related complications on various imaging modalities, advances in imaging techniques, and subsequently, suggest an algorithm for painful arthroplasty assessment. Serial radiographs remain key in identifying subtle changes in component position, hardware failure, periprosthetic osteolysis, and potential for loosening, given their ready availability, high resolution, and minimal metal-related artifact. Computed tomography with MAR provides 3D assessment and information on bone stock for surgical planning and custom implants. Magnetic resonance imaging with MAR can identify complications at earlier stages, such as loosening, capsular dehiscence in instability, and periprosthetic edema in nondisplaced fractures. It has high diagnostic performance in infection (lamellated synovitis), particle disease, adverse reactions to metal debris, in addition to demonstrating impingement on neurovascular structures. Nuclear medicine imaging is used as a problem-solving tool and is valuable in its high negative predictive value. Novel imaging techniques can further reduce artifacts and improve visualization of the implant-bone interface, and machine learning can facilitate image interpretation although attaining sufficient data and clinical validation will be challenging.

Case Study of Learning Difficulty Class III Students at SDN 06 Batu Taba, Ampek Angkek Sub-District

Diagnosis of learning difficulties is the process of determining the problem of students' inability to learn by examining the background causes by analyzing the symptoms of learning difficulties or barriers that appear. The purpose of this study is to identify the location of learning difficulties experienced by students and the provision of treatment. The type of research used in this research is a qualitative case study in nature. The key informants in this study were students with the initials S and supporting informants, namely the school principal, who was also a class III homeroom teacher, class II teacher, and parents of students. Data collection techniques were carried out using non-test methods, namely observation, interviews, general problem-solving tools, problem-solving tool PTSDL, Sociometry, and format of mastery of learning material difficulties. The data analysis technique is data triangulation. This study found that one student with the initial S experienced learning difficulties in mathematics and Arts and Culture and Skills. After being given counseling services in the form of remedial learning, students with the initial S experienced an increase in subject mastery.

Knowledge Management and Academic Service Quality on Organization Performance

Knowledge management (KM) in education is considered an approach that enables people to collect information, share and use knowledge to improve organizational performance through educational programs, student outcomes, and effective decision-making of work processes. Organizational performance in the university includes student satisfaction, research productivity, curriculum, academic staff responsiveness, and research rankings. KM through the adoption of advanced technology enables organizations to implement better processes, strong and good collaborative structures, knowledge and information sharing, and problem-solving tools. However, limited studies examine the determinants of the KM process and their relationship to university performance through academic service quality from an educator's perspective. In this study, we proposed a theoretical research model to investigate the determinants of the KM process and examine its relationship to university performance through academic service quality. Data collected from 71 academic staff in universities were used to test the hypotheses with structural equation modelling – Partial Least Square. The results showed information technology and culture have a positive impact on the KM process. Quality of academic services partially mediates knowledge management and university performance. KM process and quality of academic services determine and influence organizational performance substantially (f-square=77.6 %). Finally, among the KM processes, knowledge discovery was found to have the highest effect size on organizational performance. However, KM enablers consisting of rewards & incentives, and organizational support were not proven to influence the KM process. Both culture and IT capabilities must be considered by universities in supporting the KM process and building a culture that supports sharing and utilizing knowledge in every task. Additionally, this capability can help improve the quality of academic services which leads to increased organizational performance.

Comparing the Use of Educational Technology in Mathematics Education between South African and German Schools

This mixed-method study investigated how primary school mathematics teachers in South Africa and Germany utilise educational technology. The perceptions of the principals and teachers regarding the use of educational technology and the obstacles to its integration were contrasted. In addition, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2019 data from these countries were used to evaluate the relationship between educational technology and learner accomplishment. The results showed that teachers from both nations employed educational technology as a presentation-, reinforcement-, supplement-, and problem-solving tool, and also used it to stimulate the learning environment, as shown through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. In addition, obstacles such as a lack of tablets/computers, technical support, and a lack of relevant continuous professional development impeded the incorporation of educational technology in mathematics by these teachers. Additionally, multi-level models revealed that access to a computer and internet connectivity at home correlated positively with German learners’ mathematics performances, while no statistically significant relationship was observed in South Africa. The results of this study have policy implications and are discussed at the end of this paper.

Lean innovation training and transformational leadership for employee creative role identity and innovative work behavior in a public service organization

PurposeWith the growing need for employees to be innovative, public-sector organizations are investing in employee training. This study aims to examine the effects of a combined Lean Six Sigma and innovation training, using action learning, on public-sector employees’ creative role identity and innovative work behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe authors studied a public service agency in Singapore in which a five-day Lean Innovation Training was implemented, using a combination of Lean Six Sigma and Creative Problem-Solving tools, with a simulation on day one and subsequent team-based project coaching, spread over six months. The authors administered pre- and postintervention surveys among all the employees, and initiated group interviews and observations before, during and after the intervention.FindingsCreative role identity and innovative work behavior had significantly improved six months after the intervention, enabled through senior management’s transformational leadership. The training induced managers to role-model innovative work behaviors while cocreating, with their employees, a renewal of their agency’s core processes. The three completed improvement projects contributed to an innovative work culture and reduced service turnaround time.Originality/valueStarting with a role-playing simulation on the first day, during which leaders and followers swapped roles, the action-learning type training taught all the organizational members to use various Lean Six Sigma and Creative Problem-Solving tools. This nimble Lean Innovation Training, and subsequent team-based project coaching, exemplifies how advancing the staff’s creative role identity can have a positive impact.

Defining Computational Thinking as an Evident Tool in Problem-Solving: Comparative Research on Chinese and Canadian Mathematics Textbooks

Purpose To analyze mathematics problem-solving (PS) procedures in Chinese (CH) and Canadian (CA) elementary mathematics textbooks that leverage computational thinking (CT) as a cognitive tool, which have evidently existed and been implemented. Design/Approach/Methods In this study, an analysis framework was developed to investigate the characteristics of CT tools for three PS steps—understand the problem, devise and conduct plans, and look back into textbooks—in four contexts: data practices, modeling and simulation practices, computational tools practices, and systemic thinking practices. Findings Our results demonstrate the tools (CT) employed in the PS process in CH and CA mathematics textbooks. The strong connections between the “look back” stage and CT tools were explored. During the “look back” stage, both countries required students to transfer their knowledge and perform generalization. In addition, CT is regarded as a basic skill analysis for students in mathematics education and has received significant attention at every stage of the PS process. Originality/Value This study brings a new perspective to CT research in education by regarding CT as a cognitive tool for students in mathematics PS.

Injection mammoplasty: Normal imaging appearances, complications, and implications for mammographic screening.

The normal imaging appearances of the common agents used in injection mammoplasty and the challenges of mammography screening will be reviewed. The local database from a tertiary hospital was accessed for imaging cases of injection mammoplasty. Free silicone is seen as multiple high-density opacities on mammograms. Silicone deposits can often be seen within axillary nodes due to lymphatic migration. Sonographically, a snowstorm appearance is seen when the silicone is diffusely distributed. On MRI, free silicone is hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with no contrast enhancement. Mammograms have a limited role in screening due to the high density of silicone. MRI is often required in these patients.Polyacrylamide gel and hyaluronic acid are seen as multiple collections on mammography. Polyacrylamide gel collections are of the same density as cysts, while hyaluronic acid collections are of higher density but less dense than silicone. On ultrasound, both can appear anechoic or show variable internal echoes. MRI demonstrates fluid signal with hypointense T1-weighted and hyperintense T2-weighted signal. Mammographic screening is possible if the injected material is located predominantly in the retro-glandular space without obscuring the breast parenchyma.On mammograms, autologous fat locules appear as lucent masses. Rim calcification can be seen if fat necrosis had developed. On ultrasound, focal fat collections can demonstrate varying levels of internal echogenicity, depending on the stage of fat necrosis. Mammographic screening is usually possible for patients after autologous fat injection as fat is hypodense compared to breast parenchyma. However, the dystrophic calcification associated with fat necrosis may mimic abnormal breast calcification. In such cases, MRI can be utilized as a problem-solving tool. It is important for the radiologist to recognize the type of injected material on the various imaging modalities and recommend the best modality for screening.

MATHEMATICAL PROBABILITY: LEARNER'S MISCONCEPTION IN A SELECTED SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL

Mathematics plays an essential role in developing human thought, particularly in developing problem-solving and reasoning. While mathematics has become a problem-solving tool in various fields, including science, it has distinct qualities known as probability and, more specifically, probability theory. For most learners, the probability is difficult to learn and conceptualize. Hence, the present study investigates learners’ misconceptions in the teaching and learning of probability in a selected school in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Underpinned by a Post-positivist paradigm, the study employed a quantitative research approach and a survey design in which data were gathered from mathematics learners from grades 10-12. Findings revealed that although the frequency of misconceptions varied across grade levels, it was difficult to describe how misconceptions about probability changed. As such, while learners progressed through the grades, some misconceptions faded with age, others remained stable, and others grew in power. The findings also revealed that the types of probability misconceptions did not differ significantly by gender, and male learners tend to have more misconceptions about probability than female learners.

Lesions of the prevascular mediastinum

Mediastinal masses are agroup of heterogenous lesions which may be acoincidental finding or present with symptoms. More than half of mediastinal lesions are located in the prevascular mediastinum. As these tumors are not often encountered in clinical routine, making adiagnosis with ahigh degree of confidence may seem challenging. The latest computed tomography (CT)-based classification of the mediastinal compartments by the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) moves away from earlier radiograph-based classification systems and helps to reliably classify tumors based on location, although in some cases the lesion can occupy more than one compartment. Radiology plays an important role in the evaluation of anterior mediastinal lesions. Although in some cases imaging features alone allow adiagnosis to be made; in other cases knowledge of important radiological features and their analysis in the context of patient factors like age and duration of symptoms can help to narrow down the differential diagnosis, avoid unnecessary workup, and guide further steps. Computed tomography (CT) is central for the characterization of mediastinal masses in clinical routine. In some situations, like in the case of thymic cysts or thymic hyperplasia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as anoninvasive problem-solving tool.

Relationship between active learning heuristic problem-solving approach and students’ attitude towards mathematics

The study explored the direct relationship between active learning heuristic problem-solving approach and students’ attitude towards mathematics, using linear programming (LP) word tasks. Two instruments were used for data collection: the Attitude towards Mathematics Inventory-Short Form was adapted (with α = .75) as a multidimensional measurement tool, and a validated standardized active learning heuristic problem-solving tool. A quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test, and non-equivalent control group study design was adopted. A sample of 608 grade 11 Ugandan students (291 male and 317 female) from eight secondary schools (public and private), four from central Uganda, and the remaining four from eastern Uganda participated. Data were analyzed using PROCESS macro for SPSS (v.4). The results revealed a direct significant positive relationship between active learning heuristic problem solving approach (ALHPSA) and students’ attitude towards solving LP word tasks (ATLPWTs). Thus, the ALHPSA positively and directly impacted on students’ ATLPWTs. The findings can be explained by theoretical, conceptual, and/or psychometric factors. Overall, the results indicate beneficial practical implications that support the theoretical framework for enhancing the learning of mathematics using word problems in Ugandan secondary schools and beyond.

Imaging Recommendations for Diagnosis, Staging, and Management of Adrenal Tumors

AbstractAdrenal glands are affected by a wide variety of tumors apart from infective and inflammatory lesions and their noninvasive characterization on imaging is important for the management of these patients. Incidentalomas form the major bulk of adrenal tumors and differentiation of benign adenomas from other malignant lesions, especially in patients with a known malignancy, guide further management. Imaging is an integral part of management along with clinical and biochemical features. The cornerstone of clinical and biochemical evaluation of adrenal tumors is to determine whether the lesion is functional or nonfunctional. Computed tomography (CT) is considered as the workhorse for imaging evaluation of adrenal lesions. CT densitometry and CT contrast washout characteristics are quite reliable in differentiating adenomas from malignant lesions. CT is also the modality of choice for the evaluation of resectability and staging of primary adrenal tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has superior contrast resolution compared to other morphological imaging modalities and is generally used as a problem-solving tool. MRI chemical shift imaging can also be used to reliably detect adrenal adenomas. Ultrasonography (USG) is used as a screening tool that is usually followed by either CT or MRI to better characterize the tumor and it is not routinely used for assessing the resectability, staging, and characterization of adrenal tumors. Another important role of USG is in image-guided sampling of tumors. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography and other nuclear medicine modalities are a valuable addition to morphological imaging modalities. Image-guided interventions also play an important role in obtaining tissue samples where diagnostic imaging is not able to characterize adrenal tumors. In the functioning of adrenal tumors, adrenal venous sampling is widely used to accurately lateralize the secreting tumor.

Enigma of the unusual pelvic mass: Lessons learnt

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy (EP) is one of the common complications of early pregnancy. We are presenting a case of unruptured EP which presented as an ovarian mass on ultrasonography. Chronic ectopic pregnancies are very rare presentations that can present as hematosalpinx and can pose diagnostic challenges in cases with misleading clinical history and absent acute abdomen signs. In such cases, magnetic resonance imaging can be a problem-solving tool and can identify pathology, and helps in the prompt management of pathology.

Topology Optimization: A Case Study of Precast Panels

This research hypothesizes that designers can use engineering problem-solving tools such as topology optimization for architectural design explorations beyond optimizing a design domain with predefined boundary conditions. Engineering, in this sense, is not just an after-the-fact consideration or an assessment tool but an integrative part of the design process. We selected the design of architectural precast concrete elements for façades as a case study to demonstrate how defining the design problem leads to different solutions. The discipline of architecture has increased awareness of the environmental impact of material use; thus, it is important to employ design methods that create structural geometries that do more with less. The results of this study demonstrate innovative design approaches for designers.

ASA's Corporate Partners Highlight Diverse Practice Management Solutions at ASA® ADVANCE 2023: The Anesthesiology Business Event

Article| January 2023 ASA's Corporate Partners Highlight Diverse Practice Management Solutions at ASA® ADVANCE 2023: The Anesthesiology Business Event Lilian Kanai, MD, MBA, FASA, FACHE Lilian Kanai, MD, MBA, FASA, FACHE Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor January 2023, Vol. 87, 37. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000911828.07163.68 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Lilian Kanai; ASA's Corporate Partners Highlight Diverse Practice Management Solutions at ASA® ADVANCE 2023: The Anesthesiology Business Event. ASA Monitor 2023; 87:37 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000911828.07163.68 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: practice management Once again, ASA is bringing thought leaders and practice management experts together to shine a bright light on the business challenges our specialty faces and the universe of solutions clinicians can employ to tackle them at ASA ADVANCE 2023: The Anesthesiology Business Event in Orlando from January 27-29. And because it takes a village, our corporate partners will be there, too, ensuring the Exhibit Hall is loaded with new ideas, innovative solutions, and problem-solving tools and tactics. “We always look forward to meeting with anesthesiologists in the Exhibit Hall. ASA ADVANCE: The Anesthesiology Business Event is the place to learn about challenges the specialty is facing and to share the latest data and information from our work on those same challenges,” said Chad Turner, Chief Growth Officer with Ventra Health. A can't-miss destination, this year's Exhibit Hall will be bursting with timely and relevant information. Corporate partners not only provide... You do not currently have access to this content.

Picking the Proper Technological Tool for Problem-Solving in Arbitration

Picking the Proper Technological Tool for Problem-Solving in Arbitration

Blockchain, sustainability and clean energy transition

The digital economy's neo-industrialization self-accelerates resource consumption and wide automatization inevitably envisage a technological leap. The article contributes conceptually and empirically to a systemic vision of blockchain to sort out climate change challenges and clean energy transition and simultaneously increase the productivity and efficiency of good practices. This vision covers the popularization of ecological initiatives, waste reduction, organization of sustainable investments, control over responsibilities on both fighting and forecasting climate change and clean energy transition. By embracing the notion of blockchain as a problem-solving tool for climate change and clean energy transition, the paper draws and investigates the experiences of the 36 digitally developed and 25 digitally developing economies. It also examines the effectiveness of alternative practices in Industry 4.0. The paper's findings represent a systematic vision of implementing blockchain initiatives to solve climate change and clean energy transition. An energy-efficient model with a blockchain opens up massive opportunities for ecological monitoring, supports energy transition and ameliorates economic sustainability. Since the blockchain potential is not fully unlocked, a model expanding the use of blockchain in education to train green personnel and in science to support climate innovations is proposed.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE ENERGY SYSTEMS OF UKRAINE AND THE ORGANIZATION OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING IN ENERGY COMPANIES IN CONDITIONS OF RISK

An essential prerequisite for the development of Ukraine is a rationally formed energy system that covers the electricity demand of society and assures the smooth functioning of the national economy. The study presents the characteristics of different types of power plants in Ukraine, such as thermal, hydraulic, nuclear, geothermal, and tidal. Furthermore, the share of Ukraine’s contribution to the energy supply of other countries is indicated. Today, the United Energy System of Ukraine is one of Europe’s most significant energy com- plexes with seven regional electric power systems (REES), including Dnipro, Western, Crimean, Southern, Southwestern, Northern, and Central. The research presents the structure of electricity consumption by consumer groups in Ukraine. It indicates the extent of the destruction of Ukraine’s energy capacities by Russia’s invasion. The issue of developing electricity production from alternative energy sources in Ukraine is discussed. Permanent risks and the threat of destruction of energy system objects encourage managers of economic entities to carefully search for quick and accurate problem-solving tools for avoiding critical situations. The accounting system, in particular, management accounting, provides the in- formational component that satisfies the timeliness of providing boards with recommendations on making managerial decisions. The study highlights and describes the stages of implementation of management accounting in energy supply companies in Ukraine. The effectiveness of management accounting in this aspect is emphasized.

Competition-level code generation with AlphaCode

Programming is a powerful and ubiquitous problem-solving tool. Systems that can assist programmers or even generate programs themselves could make programming more productive and accessible. Recent transformer-based neural network models show impressive code generation abilities yet still perform poorly on more complex tasks requiring problem-solving skills, such as competitive programming problems. Here, we introduce AlphaCode, a system for code generation that achieved an average ranking in the top 54.3% in simulated evaluations on recent programming competitions on the Codeforces platform. AlphaCode solves problems by generating millions of diverse programs using specially trained transformer-based networks and then filtering and clustering those programs to a maximum of just 10 submissions. This result marks the first time an artificial intelligence system has performed competitively in programming competitions.