Work Efficiency Research Articles

Thermodynamic analysis of a novel gas separator based on molecular exchange flow

An energy analysis model and several evaluation indexes are established for a novel gas separator employing molecular exchange flow as working principle. The influences of several important factors on energy consumption and thermal efficiency are investigated. As temperature difference increases, both energy consumption and thermal efficiency rise linearly. As Knudsen number increases, total work decreases while minimum separation work and thermal efficiency initially increase and subsequently decrease. When inlet velocity increases, total work increases but minimum separation work and thermal efficiency go down. Furthermore, both energy consumption and thermal efficiency initially rise and then decline with an increasing mole fraction of the lighter molecular weight component. The results indicate that energy consumption and separation performance should be taken into consideration when selecting temperature differences. In addition, it is preferable to choose the Knudsen number corresponding to optimal separation performance and the intermediate value for component mole fraction. Moreover, it had better employ a lower inlet velocity as long as the separation requirements are satisfied. This study presents a method to optimize the performance of the novel separator based on molecular exchange flow from the perspective of energy conversion and utilization.

Prompt Engineering for Nurse Educators.

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT into nursing education marks a transformative advance in personalized learning and interactive engagement. Variability in faculty's experience with AI outputs highlights the need for well-crafted prompts that align with educational objectives, maximize learning outcomes, and ensure contextual relevance. Effective prompting is a key to eliciting accurate, relevant responses from AI, fostering a dynamic learning environment that bolsters student comprehension of complex topics. This article examines the critical role of prompt engineering in optimizing AI-generated content's effectiveness within academic settings. With a detailed guide and strategies specifically designed for nursing education, the article prepares faculty to proficiently use generative AI. By mastering prompt engineering, educators can leverage AI tools as powerful aids, potentially significantly enhancing teaching effectiveness, work efficiency, and student learning outcomes.

The future of pharmacy work: How pharmacists are adapting to and preparing for technology infusion

BackgroundThe pharmacy sector is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, presenting challenges and opportunities for pharmacists. However, limited literature exists on the future of pharmacy work, especially concerning technology adoption. ObjectiveThis exploratory study investigates pharmacists' perspectives on the impact of technologies on the profession - including career security, role evolution, adjustments to changes - and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on technology implementation and the broader future of work in pharmacy. MethodA cross-sectional survey design was used, targeting all registered pharmacists in New Zealand. A questionnaire, adapted from Future of Work literature, was piloted and distributed to 3037 pharmacists. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-step hierarchical analysis, and content and thematic analysis. Ethics approval was obtained. Results177 responses met the inclusion criteria, yielding a 5.82% response rate. Respondent demographics included a lower proportion of community pharmacists and individuals of Asian ethnicity, but a higher proportion of males and hospital pharmacists compared to the national workforce. Most respondents were aged between 30 and 59 years, representing all District Health Board locations.Qualitative analysis identified two themes: 1) Factors affecting technology adoption across macro, meso and micro levels, including COVID-19's impact on work efficiency, regulatory gaps, fragmented IT and organizational infrastructures, patient safety, and attitudes at workforce and individual levels; 2) Career impacts, highlighting role expansion, job replacement fears, and the need for adaptation and upskilling. Quantitative findings indicate that early technology adopters are more prepared to learn new skills and plan their careers. Technology impact positively correlates with career planning, while job loss concerns negatively affect skill development readiness. ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of early technological adoption for readiness to acquire new skills and career planning in pharmacy. Embracing technological change, supported by regulatory and policy frameworks, is crucial for advancing the profession.

Automatic dressing change and monitoring infusion speed control system

Intravenous drip is a common form of treatment, but the wrong rate of injection or dose of medication can have serious consequences for patients. Monitoring devices can detect the speed of drug infusion and drug response in real time, helping medical care personnels adjust treatment regimens in a timely manner and reduce the risk of human error. At present, some rooms in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) require a sterile environment. In view of the above situation, this paper proposes a new device, which adds the function of automatic dressing change to the intravenous injection monitoring device, and synchronizes the obtained data to the user interface in real time by using the Internet of Things (IoT), so as to reduce the frequency of medical staff entering and leaving the ICU, realize remote monitoring of the intravenous injection process and data related to automatic dressing change, and improve the treatment effect of patients and the work efficiency of medical staff.

The application of greedy algorithm in the course selection and scheduling system of college students

On December 19, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Education's press conference once again emphasized the continued expansion of undergraduate professional degree enrollment. Nowadays, under the influence of the expanding enrollment scale of colleges and universities, the reasonable allocation of limited educational resources has become the primary task of educators, and college students' course choice and course arrangement will directly determine their school life quality. However, the number of students is large, so the research topic of this paper is to use greedy algorithms to design a more efficient course selection and scheduling system. The course selection and scheduling system based on the greedy algorithm can save the resources required by manual scheduling to the maximum extent and directly improve the work efficiency of educators. The system designed and practiced in this paper is effective to a certain extent, and the effective use of the algorithm can avoid many problems in course selection and course arrangement.

Assessment of the Level of Digitalization of Polish Enterprises in the Context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Due to the dynamic development of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the operation of enterprises, and the increasing demands of customers, more and more companies have taken and continue to take action to increase the level of digitalization. The implementation of innovative solutions contributes to the sustainability development of enterprises in various areas (economic, environmental, and social), streamlining processes and increasing effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of work. Such activities also contribute to the effective use of new opportunities by companies and strengthen their competitiveness and market position. The use of digital technologies increases the capacity of companies to innovate and grow, which brings significant benefits in terms of efficiency and competitiveness. The authors attempted to analyze and assess the level of digital transformation in enterprises in Poland. This study aimed to review the current state of digitization of companies, which made it possible to diagnose the level of digital maturity of Polish enterprises and to identify areas that will determine the activities of companies to quickly increase their competitiveness or improve internal processes. Qualitative and comparable methods were used in the analysis. The results show that the degree of digitization of Polish enterprises is increasing, and, in particular, was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half of the companies analyzed declared that they are increasing their budget for digitalization. The presented study has cognitive value regarding the assessment of the level of digitization of Polish enterprises. Both managers and decision-makers can benefit from the results of the study because decision-making regarding the development of SMEs is crucial to the effectiveness of the industrial strategy.

Labor welfare policy, practices, and deficiencies with the ILO: evidence from the garment industry of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Labor welfare, aligned with the standards set by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and effectively practiced, plays a vital role in ensuring the optimal functioning and protection of the labor force within an industry. The garment supply chain is a significant contributor to the national economy in Bangladesh. However, labor welfare in this sector falls short of expectations due to inadequate access to facilities and benefits such as transportation, recreation, housing, and education. As such, it is of interest to see whether the labor welfare policies in Bangladesh’s garment factories align with ILO guidelines, how these policies impact workers’ overall well-being, and the extent to which the garment industry adheres to the prescribed labor welfare standards in the country. Using a mixed-method research design, the study reveals that nine welfare factors significantly correlate with worker well-being. Nevertheless, the study underscores the disparity between current labor welfare policies under labor law and those recommended by the ILO, revealing substandard labor welfare provisions and practices. The study’s outcomes can guide policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders in enhancing labor welfare practices, ultimately aiming to improve worker well-being and work efficiency.

Innovative BIM technology application in the construction management of highway

Within the global architecture, engineering, and construction industry, the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has significantly expanded. However, given the unique characteristics of road infrastructure, the application of BIM technology is still being explored. This article focuses on the Yuanchen Expressway, exploring innovative applications of BIM technology in comprehensive construction management. The project employs advanced technologies, including BIM, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Internet of Things (IoT), to precisely identify critical nodes and breakthroughs. Supported by a detailed BIM model and a multi-level, diversified digital management platform, the project effectively addresses construction challenges in multiple tunnels, bridges, and complex interchanges, achieving intelligent construction innovation throughout the Yuanchen Expressway with BIM technology. By guiding construction through BIM models, utilizing a BIM+GIS-based management cloud platform system, and employing VR safety briefings, the project effectively reduces the difficulty of communication and coordination in project management, shortens the project measurement cycle, improves on-site work efficiency, and ensures comprehensive control and safety management. This article provides an exemplary case for the application of full-line construction management using BIM technology in the highway sector both in China and globally, offering new perspectives and strategies for highway construction management.

Methods to increase the efficiency of logistics processes

The purchasing process is considered one of the important functional areas in logistics, aimed at managing the movement of material flows in the enterprise. Each enterprise plans purchases, as well as their implementation, but they are not always given enough attention, which leads to both the irrational use of materials and increased costs for the purchase of raw materials. Therefore, systematic analysis of supply procedures and monitoring of this type of activity is desirable. Approaches to assessing the performance of enterprise procurement aimed at reducing costs and ensuring financial stability are relevant. To increase the efficiency of supply chain work, it is recommended to use research methodology: with a well-organized procurement process, we can talk about increasing the profitability and profitability of the company. Among the methods used to organize supply, the principles of ensuring continuity of supply are considered, which indicate the need to study this issue. The authors come to the conclusion that using the example of company “A”, methods are analyzed that make it possible to regulate the supply of goods, depending on the calculation of demand.

Analisis SWOT sebagai Strategi dalam Peningkatan Kinerja Pegawai Pemerintahan

This research aims to formulate strategies that must be implemented for performance development by analyzing the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through analysis on the Government. This research is qualitative descriptive research with a SWOT analysis method that aims to improve the performance of Government employees. Data collection is carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. Based on the results and discussions that have been carried out previously, the author concludes that: the strategy used to improve employee performance is the SO (Strengths–Opportunities) strategy, actions that can be taken in the strengths strategy by increasing competence, extensive work experience and high competence. Meanwhile, the opportunities strategy is with the development of new technology that can improve work efficiency and reduce costs, the availability of quality human resources that can strengthen the work team.

Psychological Effects of a Living Wall System on Office Occupants: A Comparative Study Based on Physiological Responses

A Living wall system (LWS) is a biophilic design element that has been introduced into indoor environments in recent years. Previous studies have demonstrated that the LWS improves indoor visual comfort and air quality. However, studies on its psychological effects on occupants are still scarce. In this paper, the psychological effects were investigated by recording and analyzing the parameters of occupants’ physiological responses including an electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV). A cross-over experiment was conducted among 43 participants under three different desk work environments based on various materials involving an LWS, a fake LWS, and a bare white wall. The results conclude that LWSs effectively reduce the accumulation speed of negative psychological states caused by desk work to about 1/3, compared with a regular office environment without an LWS. However, occupants tend to be less excited and focused after resting in the LWS environment. Therefore, it is recommended to place LWSs in the rest area rather than close to the desk area in an office building, considering the balance between mental health and work efficiency.

Wearable Ultrasound Imaging Device for Dynamic Dual-Direction Shear Wave Elastography of Shoulder Muscle.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, thus requiring intricate coordination of adjacent muscles. Patients suffered from rotator cuff muscle injuries have several typical symptoms including shoulder pain and difficulty raising the arm, thus reducing work efficiency and compromising the quality of life. Ultrasound has been used widely for shoulder soft tissue imaging as well as ultrasound elastography was introduced in shoulder examination for the dilemma of treating degenerative rotator cuff tears. However, most of the ultrasound examination was performed under a static condition. Providing dynamic information from shoulder muscle is important in clinical applications because the pains sometimes come from various positions of the shoulder during moving. In this study, a customized wearable T-shaped ultrasound transducer (128 + 128 elements) was proposed for shoulder dual-direction shear wave elastography (DDSWE), which provides the SWE for both longitudinal (SW along the muscle fiber) and transverse (SW cross the muscle fiber) directions dynamically. An optical tracking system was synchronized with an ultrasound imaging system to capture shoulder movements in 3-D space with their corresponding ultrasound images. The performance of DDSWE and the accuracy of optical tracking were verified by phantom experiments. Human studies were carried out by volunteers as they are moving their arms. The experimental results show that the bias and precision for the proposed DDSWE in elastic phantom were about 6% and 1.2% for both directions, respectively. A high accuracy of optical tracking was observed using a 3-D motor stage experimental setup. Human experiments show that the shear wave velocities (SWVs) were increased with the angles of shoulder abduction, and the average transverse and longitudinal SWVs were increased from 2.24 to 3.35 m/s and 2.95 to 5.95 m/s with abduction angle from 0° to 60°, respectively, which they are anisotropic-dependent. All the experimental results indicate that the proposed wearable ultrasound DDSWE can quantify the mechanical properties of shoulder muscles dynamically, thereby helping surgeons and physical therapists determine whether the intensity of rehabilitation shoulder be tuned down or escalated in the future.

Flow Field Analysis on Critical Feedback Information for UAV Autonomous High Speed Descent in Power Line Scenario

Abstract To improve the UAV efficiency in power line inspection, it must autonomously and rapidly descend to a specific height to complete the charging or landing task. This task requires the UAV to contain a stable control loop to face the specific airflow during autonomous and rapid descent: the vortex ring problem, and this specific airflow will reduce the UAV controllability. To implement the UAV autonomous high-speed descent, a control method must provide feedback information on the affected airflow and output a stable rotational speed. Hence, this paper designs a UAV autonomous high-speed descent control loop and proposes a variable rotor speed method to solve the feedback information in the control loop. This method reveals the relationship between the air movement caused by the rotor rotation and the controllability of the UAV high-speed descent. Therefore, with this method, the UAV control loop can obtain stable feedback on the air movement and achieve autonomous high-speed descent. To solve the UAV feedback information, we built the model to calculate the rotor speed in the autonomous high-speed descent UAV control loop and verified it by the CFD. The verification results showed that the model could reflect the actual fly condition. The proposed method solves the problem of UAV autonomous high-speed descent feedback information, improving the work efficiency of UAVs in power line inspection operations.

Boosting Work Efficiency with AI: The Impact of Cutting-Edge Technologies on Task Performance

Boosting Work Efficiency with AI: The Impact of Cutting-Edge Technologies on Task Performance

Clinical Applications of Myocardial Work in Echocardiography: A Comprehensive Review.

Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) has recently garnered attention as a reliable and objective method for evaluating LV systolic function. One of the key advantages of GLS is its ability to detect subtle abnormalities even when the ejection fraction (EF) appears to be preserved. However, it is important to note that GLS, much like LVEF, is significantly influenced by load conditions. In recent years, researchers and clinicians have been exploring noninvasive myocardial work (MW) quantification as an innovative tool for assessing myocardial function. This method integrates measurements of strain and LV pressure, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the heart's performance. Notably, MW offers an advantage over GLS and LVEF because it provides a load-independent assessment of myocardial performance. The implementation of commercial echocardiographic software that facilitates the noninvasive calculation of MW has significantly broadened the scope of its application. This advanced technology is now being utilized in multiple clinical settings, including ischemic heart disease, valvular diseases, cardiomyopathies, cardio-oncology, and hypertension. One of the fundamental aspects of MW is its correlation with myocardial oxygen consumption, which allows for the assessment of work efficiency. Understanding this relationship is crucial for diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the noninvasive assessment of myocardial by echocardiography, from basic principles and methodology to current clinical applications.

Assessment of cardiopulmonary capacity in deconditioned athletes because of knee injury.

An athlete's career inevitably goes through periods of forced physical exercise interruption like a knee injury. Advanced echocardiographic methods and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are essential in evaluating athletes in the period elapsing after the injury. However, the feasibility of a maximal pre-surgery CPET and the capacity of resting advanced echocardiographic techniques to predict cardiorespiratory capacity still need to be clarified. We evaluated 28 non-professional athletes aged 18-52, involved in prevalently aerobic or alternate aerobic/anaerobic sports activities, affected by a knee pathology with indications for surgical treatment. The evaluation was performed at rest by trans-thoracic echocardiography, including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW) assessment, and during exercise by CPET. The percent-predicted peak oxygen consumption (peak VO<inf>2</inf>%) was 82.8±13.7%, the mean respiratory exchange ratio was 1.16±0.08, and the mean ventilation/carbon dioxide (V<inf>E</inf>/VCO<inf>2</inf>) slope was 24.23±3.36. Peak VO<inf>2</inf>% negatively correlated with GLS (r=-0.518, P=0.003) and global wasted work (GWW) (r =-0.441, P=0.015) and positively correlated with global work efficiency (GWE) (r=0.455, P=0.012). Finally, we found that the V<inf>E</inf>/VCO<inf>2</inf> slope during exercise was negatively correlated with GWE (r=-0.585, P=0.001) and positively correlated with GWW (r=0.499, P=0.005). A maximal CPET can be obtained in deconditioned athletes because of a knee injury, allowing a comprehensive functional pre-surgery evaluation. In these patients, peak VO<inf>2</inf> is reduced due to decreased physical activity after injury; however, a lower cardiopulmonary efficiency may be a concause of the injury itself. In addition, we demonstrated that the MW indexes obtained at rest could predict exercise capacity and ventilatory efficiency as evaluated by CPET.

Performance optimization of lead-free potassium germanium halide based perovskite solar cells: A numerical study

Conventional lead-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have great potential as top contenders for commercial utilization due to their impressive performance. Nevertheless, the stability issues and undue toxicity have limited their widespread use. Consequently, lead-free germanium-based PSCs have materialized as potential substitutes due to their high working efficiency and exceptional sustainability. The current study has examined various configurations of non-toxic inorganic potassium germanium trichloride (KGeCl3) based PSC structure by using different Hole Transport Layers (HTL) and Electron Transport Layers (ETLs) respectively. This work proposes an efficient Ge-based PSC (structure; FTO/MoO3/KGeCl3/WS2/Au), which has been optimized theoretically using SCAPS-1D. The influence of the material parameters, such as the thickness of the absorber layer (nm), donor density (Nd), acceptor density (Na), absorber defect density(Nt), interface layer defect density (IL1& IL2), series resistance (Rs) and shunt resistance (Rsh), and working temperature (K), has been optimized. The open circuit voltage (Voc), current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of KGeCl3-based PSC have all been commendably optimized. The results indicated WS2 as the most effective ETL for KGeCl3 with MoO3 as an HTL, yielding notable cell performance with Voc of 0.88 V, Jsc of 41.45 mA/cm2, FF of 81.76 %, and PCE of 29.83 %. The outcomes of this simulation study suggest the utilization of KGeCl3 as the absorber layer, in conjunction with WS2 and MoO3 as advanced ETL and HTL layers, which pays the way for continued development and optimization of Ge-based PSCs for potential applications.

Penerapan Teknologi Digital Pada Administrasi Perkantoran

The application of digital technology in office administration has a significant impact on work efficiency and productivity. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of digital technology in office administration, identify the challenges faced, and the solutions that can be applied. The research method used is a qualitative approach with correlational analysis through literature review. The results of the study show that digital technology improves work efficiency, productivity, and the quality of office products. However, there are challenges in its application, such as the need for training and adaptation to new technology. The proposed solutions include improving the digital competence of employees and developing technology-based administration systems. This research is expected to provide insights for office practitioners in facing the digital era and improving the effectiveness of office administration.

Measurement of human peritoneal surface area using artificial intelligence software in abdominal computed tomography.

The calculation of the intraperitoneal organ surface area is important for understanding their anatomical structure and for conducting basic and clinical studies on diseases related to the peritoneum. To measure the intraperitoneal surface area in a living body by applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to the abdominal cavity using computed tomography and to prepare clinical indicators for application to the abdominal cavity. Computed tomography images of ten adult males and females with a healthy body mass index and ten adults diagnosed with colon cancer were analyzed to determine the peritoneal and intraperitoneal surface areas of the organs. The peritoneal surface was segmented and three-dimensionally modeled using AI medical imaging software. In addition to manual work, three-dimensional editing, filtering, and connectivity checks were performed to improve work efficiency and accuracy. The colon and small intestine surface areas were calculated using the mean length and diameter. The abdominal cavity surface area was defined as the sum of the intraperitoneal area and the surface areas of each organ. The mean peritoneal surface area of all participants was measured as 10,039 ± 241 cm2 (males 10,224 ± 171 cm2 and females 9,854 ± 134 cm2). Males had a 3.7% larger peritoneal surface area than females, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). The abdominal cavity surface area can be measured using AI techniques and is expected to be used as basic data for clinical applications.

The Impact of Ergonomic Technology on the Prevalence of Work-Related Low Back Pain Among Physical Therapists in the South West Bank

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impacts the health and productivity of physical therapists. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of work-related low back pain (WRLBP) among physical therapists in the South West Bank of Palestine, identify the associated risk factors, and develop effective prevention and control strategies. A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing online questionnaires to collect data from 77 physical therapists working in various healthcare settings. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used to analyze the data, revealing that 94.8% of participants experienced LBP, with factors such as gender, daily working hours, and prolonged bad posture being significantly associated with LBP. The impact of LBP on job performance and absenteeism was substantial, with many participants reporting reduced work efficiency and frequent absences. The findings underscore the need for targeted ergonomic interventions and posture education to mitigate the high prevalence of LBP among physical therapists.