Volume Work Research Articles

Sugarcane juice improves energy production in the anaerobic co-digestion with flotation sludge from broiler slaughter

The largest hubs of chicken meat production in Brazil are concentrated in the South region, more specifically in the west of Paraná State. Among the residues from poultry supply chain, flotation sludge (FS), wich is produced during the slaughter, stands out for the amount and technical complexity of treatment and stabilization. This research aimed to study the anaerobic co-digestion process of FS from broiler slaughter and increasing volumetric amounts of sugarcane juice (SCJ) aiming to complement the substrate with a labile and soluble carbon source to balance the C: N ratio and improve the biogas and methane production. A semi-continuous test was carried out in 60-L work volume tubular reactors at constant mesophilic temperature, a hydraulic retention time of 25 days, and a daily feeding (2.4 L total) containing 4.5 % total solids (TS) from FS for all treatments. The treatments had no inhibition or interference in biogas and methane productions despite the high concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen (≈950–1300 mg L−1) and free ammonia (≈ 165–215 mg L−1). No inhibitory phenomenon related to acidification of the reaction medium was observed although the high values of volatile acidity (≈6–6.95 g L−1) consumed the alkalinity of treatments 4 and 6 % SCJ and significantly influenced their pH values. The treatment with 2 % SCJ showed the highest production values (0.094 m3/day), methane productivity (0.94 m3 N CH4 / m3reactor day), and yield (0.58 m3 N CH4 / kg VSadd) compared to the others, and its composition in nutrients corresponded to the largest areas grown with Saccharum officinarum L., considering the produced biofertilizer (11.46 ha – 80 kg N ha−1). Therefore, the co-digestion under study is a technically viable alternative for FS stabilization, besides promoting energy and agronomic recovery.

Healthcare Personnel Mental Health During COVID-19: Lessons from Employee Occupational Health

Background: Employee occupational health (EOH) in healthcare settings during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenged with the near-impossible task of keeping healthcare personnel (HCP) safe and healthy in the face of real risks. In addition to physical risks, HCP mental health has been negatively impacted by COVID-19; this brought significant role demands on Employee Occupational Health (EOH) providers. Approach: To understand EOH perspectives on COVID-19 mental health impacts on HCP as well as role needs to address these impacts, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 43 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) EOH providers from 29 VHA sites throughout the US between July 2020 and May 2021. Results: 1) EOH found themselves needing to support HCP mental health concerns including home-related anxiety, fear, and family concern; work-related health concerns impacting mental health; COVID-19 bereavement; 2) New EOH roles included facilitating employee assistance and wellness programs, and enacting crisis management protocols, for instance for acute HCP suicidal ideation; 3) EOH mental health concerns revolved around burnout, work volume, and assuming responsibility for the health and welfare of HCP employees. Implications: A best practice for preparedness is to enhance interdisciplinary efforts between EOH and other departments (e.g for access to chaplain for bereavement support).

Research Support Model for Improving the Effectiveness of Medical Study Data Collection

Abstract The paper describes the research support model for improving the effectiveness of the medical research data collection process and data quality. Every research project involves a data collection phase, during which different organisation, legal and technology factors are involved, including various procedures (questionnaire design, annotation, database design, data entry, data validation, discrepancy management, medical coding and data mining). The key task of clinical data management is to obtain high-quality data, which can be achieved by minimising data input errors and timely identifying missing data. This process is often time-consuming and takes up a significant part of the research project budget in both veterinary and human medicine. The aim of this study is to elaborate the research support model for the creation of a data collection automation software tool, which will allow one to ensure better data quality, shorten the time for data collection and minimise human work volume and respective human resource expenses, making research projects more effective in terms of their timing and budget. Research work included analysis of the current situation, its shortcomings, typical research project budget distribution and existing automated electronic data collection tools (EDC). Research was carried out in partnership with the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia.

Efisiensi Penggunaan Material Blok Beton terhadap Batu Belah pada Pekerjaan Fondasi Dangkal

Shallow foundation work with rubble stone material has several weaknesses, such as surface and shape irregularity and scarcity in a certain location. These weaknesses can be avoided through the use of concrete block material as a positive contribution for this research. This article provides the efficiency in the use of concrete blocks instead of rubble stones in shallow foundation work, by highlighting work productivity and total cost of work for both materials. Data is collected on a wall fence foundation work which implemented both materials successfully in Grogolan, Umbulmartani, Ngemplak, Sleman Yogyakarta Province. This research has revealed that the average productivity on concrete blocks and rubble stones is 0.799 m3/h and 0.590 m3/h respectively, in which there is a time efficiency that concrete block construction is 35,44% faster than that of rubble stone. Total cost of concrete block will be more expensive than rubble stone if the work volume is small, nevertheless it reaches a break-even-point at work volume of 11 m3, meaning that a cost efficiency of concrete block construction occurs if the work volume is more than 11 m3. Moreover, the implementation of concrete block has 4 intangible benefits i.e. saving space usage, minimum waste, ease of work, and more precise product.

Support vector machine regression to predict gas diffusion coefficient of biochar-amended soil

Measurement of gas diffusion coefficient (Dp) of biochar-amended soil (BAS) under varying conditions is essential for assessing the adsorption capacity and water/gas diffusion in compacted BAS. However, there is no established equation of Dp available on this topic. Also, the factors influencing gas diffusion in BAS have not been properly studied and remain unclear. Various machine learning models were employed in this paper to learn and predict the Dp of BAS based on experimental data. Six factors (i.e., degree of compaction (DOC), biochar content (BC), soil air content (SAC), gravimetric water content (GWC), degree of saturation (DS), and porosity) are considered for testing the prediction models. The epsilon radial basis function support vector regression model showed better accuracy and predictive performance (R=0.9925) than other models and was further improved by applying the feature selection technique using the multiple linear regression and tree-based models (R=0.9937). The results reveal that SAC, DS, and porosity are the main predictor variables. The SAC proved to be the most influential predictor variable based on the estimated p-value. Furthermore, the optimal Dp was established for the various DOC and BC, which could be useful in designing engineered landfill covers. The accurate model prediction and relative importance of the predictor variables could significantly minimize the experimental work volume required to determine Dp, thereby saving time and cost.

A sensor-to-pattern calibration framework for multi-modal industrial collaborative cells

Collaborative robotic industrial cells are workspaces where robots collaborate with human operators. In this context, safety is paramount, and for that a complete perception of the space where the collaborative robot is inserted is necessary. To ensure this, collaborative cells are equipped with a large set of sensors of multiple modalities, covering the entire work volume. However, the fusion of information from all these sensors requires an accurate extrinsic calibration. The calibration of such complex systems is challenging, due to the number of sensors and modalities, and also due to the small overlapping fields of view between the sensors, which are positioned to capture different viewpoints of the cell. This paper proposes a sensor to pattern methodology that can calibrate a complex system such as a collaborative cell in a single optimization procedure. Our methodology can tackle RGB and Depth cameras, as well as LiDARs. Results show that our methodology is able to accurately calibrate a collaborative cell containing three RGB cameras, a depth camera and three 3D LiDARs.

Design and Analysis of Component of Hydraulic Gripper

Abstract: The objective of this study is to design a hydraulic arm with a gripper that can be used for the purpose of material handling in various fields and be economical, flexible and easy to operate. Grippers are devices used with pick-and-place robotic systems to pick up or place an object on an assembly line, conveyor system, or other automated system. Hydraulic grippers are most often used in conjunction with a piece of equipment that only has a hydraulic power source for actuators. The main objectives of the project are: To select a suitable configuration of links for the equipment. To design and analyze the links based on load considerations. Make the system mobile so that work volume can be increased. Reduce power consumption. Index Terms: Hydraulic Gripper, Conveyor System, Automated System, Actuators.

Innovations in Fatality Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Innovations in Fatality Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) using nanostructured γ-alumina in a packed bed adsorber: Simulation using gPROMS.

In this work, convective-dispersive and pore volume and surface diffusion models have been used to analyze Pb(II) adsorption from an aqueous solution over a nanostructured γ-alumina adsorbent in a packed bed adsorber. The models encompassing partial differential equation and a linear algebraic equation coupled with isotherm have been simulated in gPROMS using the backward finite difference approach. The predicted breakthrough curves of Pb(II) adsorption concerning flow rate, initial metal concentration, and bed height were matched with the experimental data. The accuracy of model predictions was analyzed through statistical measures such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error, and chi-squared value. The simulation results also predicted the axial dispersion, distribution coefficient, mass transfer coefficient, pore volume, and surface diffusion coefficient, which are, otherwise, difficult to measure experimentally and, in turn, have been used to assess the mass transfer characteristics of continuous Pb(II) adsorption. Additionally, the values of breakthrough time, exhaustion time, adsorption column capacity, and mass transfer zone were determined as a function of flow rate, bed height, and initial metal concentration. Surface and pore volume diffusions (10-11-10-10 m2/s) apparently controlled the continuous adsorption process, with surface diffusion being dominant. The transport parameters evaluated in the current study could be beneficial for the large-scale Pb(II)/nanostructured γ-alumina adsorption system. As evident from the successful simulation, the developed gPROMS program can also be applied to other adsorbate/adsorbent systems with a slight modification concerning the operating parameters.

Hemodynamic Response and Periprocedural Right Ventricular Function During a Lateral Thoracotomy versus Median Sternotomy Surgical Approach to Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device - A Pilot Study

<h3>Purpose</h3> While continuous-flow LVADs improve survival in patients with advanced heart failure, right ventricular dysfunction continues to be a significant clinical challenge. Lateral thoracotomy implantation of LVADs has been postulated to reduce right ventricular failure, and the need for RVAD support, but recently published reports are conflicting. However, data regarding the impact of implantation technique on perioperative right ventricular hemodynamics are lacking. <h3>Methods</h3> Twenty-one patients were randomized to receive LVAD implantation via median sternotomy (MS) or lateral thoracotomy (LT). All implants were performed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and patients were weaned from CPB per institutional practice. In addition to standard perioperative hemodynamic monitoring, we placed a conductance catheter into the right ventricle to monitor the pressure-volume relationship in the perioperative period. <h3>Results</h3> Mean pulmonary artery pressures declined for both patient groups, while right atrial pressure increased from baseline to post-operative day 1 (POD1) in the MS group but decreased in the LT group. Among MS patients, metrics of contractility (stroke work and pressure volume area) decreased in the immediate perioperative period but returned to baseline by POD1. In the LT group, metrics of contractility were similar or increased from baseline on POD1. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In this pilot analysis, thoracotomy implantation of LVADs was associated with improved right ventricular function in the perioperative period. The more favorable hemodynamics in the LT group provide insight into the physiological mechanism by which right ventricular dysfunction is reduced in other clinical reports.

531 Telehealth, associated changes in EHR use patterns, and implications for physician burnout in the ambulatory care setting

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of this study is to examine the associated changes in the EHR use patterns after the widespread implementation of telehealth in the ambulatory care setting after the COVID pandemic. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The study sample will be all attending ambulatory care physicians at UCSF Health. Signal measures captured by Epic Systems are markers of EHR use pattern that characterize EHR use at the individual provider level in terms of time spent performing certain activities, time spent at particular times of the day, and the number of EHR tools being used. We will use the Single Interrupted Time Series framework to analyze the changes in Signal measures that occur after the widespread implementation of telehealth with pre-telehealth time period defined as Jan 2018 – Feb 2020 and post-telehealth time period defined as March 2020 – present. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The outcomes of this study will reveal how the increased use of telehealth following the COVID pandemic has changed the way providers utilize various functions within EHR (e.g. time in EHR at particular time of day, documentation, medication and non-medication orders, chart review, etc). These results can, in turn, inform us potential impacts of increased telehealth use on physician burnout given that a number of markers of EHR use pattern (i.e. Signal measures) in previous studies have been associated with burnout. In addition, a stratified version of Interrupted Time Series by specialty and clinical work volume may inform us how different subgroups of providers exhibit varying EHR use patterns in response to the increased use of telehealth. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The use of telehealth will likely remain a strong presence in health care delivery in the post-COVID era. This study can serve as a baseline study on the influence of telehealth on EHR use. Future studies may focus on potential targeted interventions to best support the usage of telehealth.

PENGARUH KOMPOSISI ALAT BERAT PEKERJAAN TANAH TERHADAP BIAYA ALAT OPTIMUM

The normalization and widening work volume of the Kali X is huge, it needs heavy equipment for its implementation. The type of usable heavy equipment varies, whilst the greater the capacity of the used equipmen, the more expensive the cost. Therefore, research is needed to observe the effect of heavy equipment composition on its optimal cost. The data needed are plan drawings, RKS, volume of work, equipment rental prices and wages, schedules and S curves. We determine the optimal tool costs using simplex method with the LINDO application and analyse the effect using linear regression analysis with SPSS. The obtained results of the effect analysis show that the composition of heavy equipment (expressed by total tool productivity) contributes a very strong and significant influence to the optimal cost of heavy equipment with R2 = 0.967 in clearing excavation work, R2 = 0.908 in ordinary excavation work, and R2 = 0.985 on embankment work. This shows that the composition of heavy equipment with lower productivity means the cost of using the tool is getting cheaper, so the results of optimizing the cost of using the tool are focused on the composition of tools with the lowerst productivity. Keywords: Excavation work, embankment work, combination of heavy equipment, optimal cost

A novel intrapericardial pulsatile device for individualized, biventricular circulatory support without direct blood contact

ObjectiveDue to severely limited donor heart availability, durable mechanical circulatory support remains the only treatment option for many patients with end-stage heart failure. However, treatment complexity persists due to its univentricular support modality and continuous contact with blood. We investigated the function and safety of reBEAT (AdjuCor GmbH), a novel, minimal invasive mechanical circulatory support device that completely avoids blood contact and provides pulsatile, biventricular support. MethodsFor each animal tested, an accurately sized cardiac implant was manufactured from computed tomography scan analyses. The implant consists of a cardiac sleeve with three inflatable cushions, 6 epicardial electrodes and driveline connecting to an electro-pneumatic, extracorporeal portable driver. Continuous epicardial electrocardiogram signal analysis allows for systolic and diastolic synchronization of biventricular mechanical support. In 7 pigs (weight, 50-80 kg), data were analyzed acutely (under beta-blockade, n = 5) and in a 30-day long-term survival model (n = 2). Acquisition of intracardiac pressures and aortic and pulmonary flow data were used to determine left ventricle and right ventricle stroke work and stroke volume, respectively. ResultsEach implant was successfully positioned around the ventricles. Automatic algorithm electrocardiogram signal annotations resulted in precise, real-time mechanical support synchronization with each cardiac cycle. Consequently, progressive improvements in cardiac hemodynamic parameters in acute animals were achieved. Long-term survival demonstrated safe device integration, and clear and stable electrocardiogram signal detection over time. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates biventricular cardiac support with reBEAT. Various demonstrated features are essential for realistic translation into the clinical setting, including safe implantation, anatomical fit, safe device–tissue integration, and real-time electrocardiogram synchronized mechanical support, result in effective device function and long-term safety.

A new experimental and theoretical approach for viscosity Iranian heavy crude oils based on tuning friction theory and friction volume theory parameters

In this research work, Friction Theory and Free Volume Theory are applied to live oil characterized based on SARA TEST for viscosity modeling and make a new model in combination with two equation of state (PR and PC-SAFT). Parameters for pseudo-components are obtained by tuning the viscosity at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 10, 20, and 40 ℃. A new fitting approach is suggested where the number of fitting parameters is 17 and 12 for FT and FVT model, respectively. These parameters are tuned using the Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization and make eight new models. The results show that PC-SAFT provides viscosity predictions for all models with less deviation from experimental viscosity. The FT and FVT models have less error for oils with API > 40 and API < 40, respectively. The PC-SAFT + PSO improves the accuracy in viscosity modeling for both FT and FVT models. PSO can play a significant role even more than PC-SAFT.

Does seasonal variation in orthopaedic trauma volume correlate with adverse hospital events and burnout?

IntroductionAssessing workload and mitigating burnout risk should be a constant goal within training programs. By using work relative value unit (wRVU) data in a non-elective orthopaedic trauma practice, we investigated seasonal variation in workload on an orthopaedic trauma service at a level I trauma centre. We also investigated whether there was a correlation in seasonal preventable adverse patient safety events (PSEs) and resident Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores. Materials and methodsData on wRVUs were collected over an 8-year period for a single orthopaedic trauma surgeon with a non-elective practice. Monthly wRVU totals were tabulated over this 8-year period and compared with total hospital orthopaedic surgical trauma volume. The total number of wRVUs and surgical cases analysed were 80,955 and 9,928 respectively. A total of 1,560 PSEs and four years of resident ESS scores were analysed. Data on seasonal variations was evaluated for significance utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis test. WRVUs were then compared to total case volume, PSEs, and resident ESS scores using Spearman's correlation coefficients. ResultsWe found that wRVUs significantly differed by month (P-value < 0.001) and season (P-value < 0.001) with the highest volume occurring in the summer months. Seasonal variation in wRVUs demonstrated a positive linear correlation with total surgical volume (P-value <0.001) and resident reported ESS scores (P-value = 0.001). PSEs were highest in the summer (P = 0.026), but were not correlated with our findings of seasonal variations in orthopaedic volume (P-value = 0.741). ConclusionWRVUs of our single surgeon's orthopaedic trauma practice had a seasonal variation with significantly higher volume during the summer. These findings were representative of seasonal variations in total hospital orthopaedic trauma volume and also demonstrated correlation with objective resident sleepiness scores. PSEs were more frequent in the summer but not correlated with seasonal variation in volume. Burnout poses a risk to patient safety and has been shown to be correlated with increased work volume. These topics are important and applicable to various specialties involved in the care of patients with orthopaedic trauma injuries.

On the determination of the volume fraction of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in binary Ni-rich NiTi shape memory alloys

Abstract The size distributions and volume fractions of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in Ni-rich Ni –Ti shape memory alloys affect their mechanical and functional properties. In the present work precipitate sizes and volume fractions were measured after various thermo-mechanical treatments using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in combination with quantitative metallography. TEM tilting experiments revealed that the Ni4Ti3 particles have a disk-like shape with a disk diameter D and a disk thickness t. These two parameters together with the number density of particles per unit volume were determined after stress-free and stress-assisted aging at 400, 500 and 530 °C. Volume fraction results are presented after different thermo-mechanical treatments and our quantitative metallographic procedure is documented.

The impact of COVID-19 in breast cancer diagnosis: a casuistic from our center

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant pressures on healthcare system resources and treatment decisions at the provider and patient level. Regarding breast imaging, several articles demonstrated sizable decreases in imaging volumes, particularly in mammography examinations, due to lockdown recommendations by governments, concerns of patients for the potential virus exposure at hospitals and delaying non-mandatory screening examinations in most facilities. So, how did the COVID-19 affect our center? Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study, comparing the group of patients admitted in our hospital with breast cancer diagnosis, older than 18 years, between march and december 2019, with the same group of patients admitted between march and december of 2020.We analyzed the data regarding time periods between the first appointment and the different imaging tests. Results: 212 patients were included in our study, 122 from 2019 and 90 from 2020, and 135 patients excluded.The time between the first appointment and the biopsy increased 27.6 days from 2019 to 2020. Conversely, there was a reduction of the time between the biopsy and the anatomopathological result (13.3 days).As for the different imaging tests, we reported an increase from the first appointment to axillary ultrasound, MRI, and bone scintigraphy, in 11.9, 20.2 and 25.2 days, respectively. Conclusions: As we would expect, we observed a delayed response from the imageology department during the pandemic period. This was probably due to a redistribution of human and technical resources, which resulted in less availability for elective exams.On the other hand, the anatomopathological response was faster during this period, perhaps associated with a decrease in work volume, directly related to a reduction in elective surgeries and benign pathologies.The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the healthcare system resources, as we can confirm with this study. However, the true impact is yet to be seen, with delays in screening and diagnosis, which will probably result in thousands of excess cancer deaths over the next several years.

Design and Development of Hydraulic Gripper for picking and placing the Materials

Abstract: The objective of this study is to design a hydraulic arm with a gripper that can be used for the purpose of material handling in various fields and be economical, flexible and easy to operate. Grippers are devices used with pick-and-place robotic systems to pick up or place an object on an assembly line, conveyor system, or other automated system. Hydraulic grippers are most often used in conjunction with a piece of equipment that only has a hydraulic power source for actuators. The main objectives of the project are: To select a suitable configuration of links for the equipment. To design and analyze the links based on load considerations. Make the system mobile so that work volume can be increased. Reduce power consumption. Index Terms: Hydraulic gripper, conveyor system, automated system, actuators, economical, flexible, easy to operate.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RIGID PAVEMENT PLANNING USING BINA MARGA 2017 AND AASHTO 1993 METHODS

This study was conducted to determine what factors influence the differences in the results of the Bina Marga 2017 method and the AASHTO 1993 method and determine which planning results are more efficient to be applied to Letjen S. Parman Street. The research method used is a comparative method, using the existing data and the latest data from surveys. As a result of analyzing a rigid road plan with a planned age of 40 years, the Bina Marga 2017 method obtained a concrete slab with a thickness of 305 mm, and the AASHTO 1993 method obtained a concrete slab with a thickness of 280 mm. Further differences in results can be seen in the level of traffic load during the service life, the diameter of the dowels, the spacing of the tie bars, and the minimum design height of the subgrade embankment. The differences in the results of these plans are caused by two main factors, namely the factor of using the cumulative traffic growth value (R) in the Bina Marga 2017 method and the direct use of the subgrade CBR value in the AASHTO 1993 method. Based on the data that has been obtained, it is concluded that the 1993 AASHTO method provides more efficient results to be applied with considerations in terms of smaller plate dimensions and fewer connections and reinforcement requirements. Which when calculating the work cost, the AASHTO 1993 methods results give a smaller number of work volumes, so it has the possibility to provide a more economical work cost than the Bina Marga 2017 methods results.

Prevalence of Burnout Among Cardiothoracic Radiologists: Stress Factors, Career Satisfaction, and Modality-specific Imaging Volumes.

We investigated the impact of modality-specific volumes and other potential stressors on burnout and career-choice satisfaction. An anonymous survey of 36 questions was sent by email to all 875 faculty members of the STR. These included 11 multiple-choice questions, 23 Likert questions, and 2 free-text questions. The Maslach Burnout Index was used to assess the prevalence of the 3 components of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low professional accomplishment), and we assessed variations among the potential sources of stress with respect to the respondent sex, career stage, and practice setting. Respondents were asked to estimate daily work volume as if interpreting only chest radiographs (CXRs) or only chest/cardiac computed tomography (CT). Statistical analysis was performed using Excel (Microsoft), open-source statistical computing package pandas and SciPy for Python, and Jupyter Notebook, an open-source interactive computing platform. Although financial concerns (49.3%), lack of input into decisions (48.6%), and inadequate staffing (45.2%) were additional stressors, the major sources were work-life balance (67.4%) and workload (66.8%), which were more frequently cited by women than men (78.9% vs. 60.8%, P=0.001). Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were related to higher CXR volumes. Although 83.2% were satisfied being a diagnostic radiologist, 18.8% had thought of leaving medicine. More than half of all radiologists interpreted ≥150 CXRs daily (51.1% vs. 53.6%); more in private practice read ≥200 CXRs (23.2% vs. 14.7%). Of the academic radiologists, 80.2% interpreted 21 to 49 CTs; twice as many in private practice read ≥50 CTs (25.5% vs. 12.7%). The contributing factors to cardiothoracic radiologist burnout vary by sex, career stage, and practice setting. Several stressors, especially work-life balance, were associated with higher burnout prevalence. Most respondents expressed career-choice satisfaction. Defining threshold work volumes associated with higher rates of burnout is an important first step in defining burnout prevention guardrails.