Working Conditions Research Articles

Unveiling Key Interface Characteristics of Ni/Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Solid Oxide Cell Electrodes in H2O Electroreduction Using Operando X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Nickel/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) composites are the most commonly used fuel electrodes for solid oxide cells. While microstructural changes of Ni/YSZ during operational conditions have been thoroughly investigated, there is limited knowledge regarding Ni/YSZ surface chemistry under working conditions. In this study, we examine the interaction between Ni/YSZ electrodes and water vapor under open circuit and polarization conditions, utilizing near ambient pressure soft and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Miniature cells with conventional porous Ni/YSZ composite cermet cathodes were modified to facilitate the direct spectroscopic observation of the functional electrode's areas close to the interface with the YSZ electrolyte. The results highlight dynamic changes in the oxidation state and composition of Ni/YSZ under H2 and H2O atmospheres. We also quantify the accumulation of impurities on the electrode surface. Through adjustments in the pretreatment of the cell, the correlation between the nickel surface oxidation state and the cell's electrochemical performance during H2O electroreduction is established. It is unequivocally shown that nickel surface oxidation in H2O electrolysis favors NiO over Ni(OH)x, providing critical insights into the mechanism of Ni-phase redistribution within the electrode during long-term operation. Depth-dependent photoemission measurements, combined with theoretical quantitative simulations, reveal that NiO and Ni phases are uniformly mixed on the surface during H2O electrolysis. This differs from the conventional expectation of a NiO-shell/Ni-core configuration in gas phase oxidation. These findings provide crucial insights into the surface chemistry of Ni/YSZ electrodes under conditions relevant to H2O electrolysis, elucidating their impact on the electrochemical performance of the cell.

Employee readiness for change: examining the combined effects of individual and organizational demands in public school reform

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify how work-specific characteristics at both the individual and organizational level influence professional civil servants’ readiness for change during the implementation of reforms in public administration. We examine the influence of work characteristics at the individual and organizational levels, such as reform-related strains, organizational climate, and organizational professionalism, on the employees’ response to change. In addition, we also consider the interaction between these specific work characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis article employs a quantitative multi-level analysis to examine the influence of individual and collective predictors of employees' readiness for change. For our analysis, we used data from the evaluation of a school reform in Switzerland aimed at aligning teachers' working conditions with those of other administrative employees. The survey conducted for the evaluation includes responses from 2,162 teachers.FindingsOur study expands the understanding in public management research of work characteristics that either promote or reduce employees’ readiness for change in the public sector. Our findings suggest that the organizational level, in our case the school level, influences the individual’s response to change. Furthermore, the role of organizational professionalism in terms of a reform-related transformation of the identities, structures, and practices of the actors concerned is highlighted as a potential stressor and catalyst that reinforces the negative correlation between reform-related stress and willingness to change.Practical implicationsThis paper offers insights into how public managers can effectively overcome challenges in the implementation process of public school reforms. This also includes the awareness among change agents that positively associated changes at the organizational level may have negative consequences at the individual level, due to the fact that they affect professional understanding, for example, which may cause the affected actors to respond with resistance.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the small number of multi-level research studies on the responses to change in public administration and answers the call for research to investigate the hurdles that may arise when implementing change. Further, the paper contributes to the literature on the impact of new public management (NPM) on the identity of professional civil servants.

The moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between occupational stress and mental health issues among nurses

Occupational stress is a complex concept resulting from interaction among personnel, work environment, and cultural contexts. It can cause mental health issues, including clinical mental disorders, as well as emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and feeling sad. As a vulnerable group, healthcare professionals, especially nurses, experience a high rate of occupational stress. Therefore, we aimed to study the relationship between occupational stress, mental health problems, and self-efficacy among the nursing population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 nurses selected through a two-stage sampling process from tertiary hospitals in Qazvin, Iran, between July and September 2022. Study variables included occupational stress measured by the persian version of the health and safety executive management standards revised indicator tool (MS-RIT), the general health questionnaire containing 28 questions measuring psychological distress in four primary areas of somatic and anxiety symptoms, sleep disorders, social dysfunction, and depression [GHQ–28], and general self-efficacy [GSE–10]. The mentioned variables and some of the nurses’ demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, and work experience, were analyzed using moderated multiple regression, descriptive statistics, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant association between self-efficacy and occupational stress (r = 0.62, P = 0.000) and self-efficacy and mental health (r = 0.67, P = 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that occupational stress accounted for 42% of the variation in mental health (R2 = 0.42, P < 0.01). The results also showed that self-efficacy moderates the relationship between occupational stress and mental health, with a significant effect (P < 0.01). The elevated prevalence of occupational stress and the concerning state of mental health among nurses highlight the need for the implementation of intervention programs, including stress prevention strategies at the workplace through organizing better working shifts, as well as increasing nurses’ self-efficacy and their effective participation in work-related tasks aiming to enhance working conditions for nurses.

Increasing Productivity Through Strengthening Achievement Motivation and Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health Management

Increasing Productivity Through Strengthening Achievement Motivation and Effectiveness of Occupational Safety and Health Management

Factors Related to the Recurrence of Sickness Absence Due to Common Mental Health Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Employees who experience sickness absence (SA) due to common mental disorders (CMD) are at increased risk of recurrent sickness absence (RSA). This systematic literature review examines the factors at different levels in the work and non-work context that increase or decrease the likelihood of RSA due to CMD. The resulting knowledge enables more accurate identification of employees at risk of RSA. We conducted a search in June 2023 using the following databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (Cinahl), Embase and Business Source Ultimate (BSU). Inclusion criteria were as follows: (self-)employees, CMD, related factors, RSA. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The Individual, Group, Leader, Organisation and Overarching/social context (IGLOO) model were used to cluster the found factors and these factors were graded by evidence grading. Nineteen quantitative and one qualitative studies of mainly high and some moderate quality were included in this review. A total of 78 factors were found. These factors were grouped according to the IGLOO levels and merged in 17 key factors. After evidence grading, we found that mainly low socioeconomic status (SES) and the type of previous SA (short-term SA and SA due to CMD) are predictors of an increased risk of RSA. Having a low SES and previous experience of SA (short term, or due to CMD) are factors that predict the chance of RSA, implying the need for prolonged support from occupational health professionals after the employee has returned to work.

Adaptations of the work environment facilitating the professional activity of seniors

Analysis of demographic trends indicates that there is an increasing proportion of people who can be described as elderly. In Poland, the population aged >60 years is expected to increase to 10.8 million in 2030 and to 13.7 million in 2050, i.e., around 40% of total population. In line with the general trend, the issue of the aging of the professionally active population is becoming more relevant. The average age of the world's working population is steadily increasing. In the European Union, workers aged 55-64 years accounted for 50% of the total workforce in 2013, and already 59% in 2018. In Poland, in 2018, people aged 55-64 years accounted for 49% of the employed population. The low percentage of people working at this age is due, among other things, to employers' attitudes towards employing older people, perceiving them as employees who are more difficult to manage and have health problems. Moreover, working conditions of seniors are not adapted to their age capabilities. It is necessary to reduce the burden of physical work, especially in awkward positions, carrying loads, monotonous work and piecework. It is important to create work organization in which it is possible to refer to the experience of older people, who should have freedom of action, without time pressure and the need to perform many tasks at the same time. The ever-increasing social dependence on information technology tools creates new problems for seniors. Taking into account age-related difficulties in acquiring new knowledge, it is important to provide them with simplified tools that are easier to use. The scope of necessary actions to enable the aging population to work is very wide, ranging from legislative, technological and organizational changes, ending with education addressed both to people responsible for employee safety (including occupational health services) and to current and potential employees. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

Occupational health staff's involvement contributes to supervisor's perceived organizational support in Japanese workforce: a prospective cohort study.

Enhancing employees' perceived organizational support (POS) is crucial for organization, and one effective approach is enhancing supervisors' POS. However, there is limited research focusing specifically on enhancing supervisors' POS. We aimed to investigate the influence of occupational health staff's involvement for supervisors on their POS. A prospective cohort study was conducted using an online survey targeting supervisors in various industries across Japan. We assessed supervisors' POS using an effective 8-items of the Japanese version of the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. Data on the involvement of occupational health staff in providing occupational health staff's involvement in providing supervisors with training on workplace health management and guidance on addressing specific subordinates with health concerns were collected. The association between these involvement and POS was assessed through multiple regression analyses. The study involved 541 supervisors with occupational health staff at their workplace in the final analysis. Training from occupational health staff was significantly associated with an increase in POS at follow-up after adjustment for potential confounders, including demographic variables and POS at baseline. Similarly, guidance from occupational health staff was also significantly associated with an increase POS. This effect was particularly notable in small workplaces. Our study indicates that occupational health staff's involvement in supporting supervisors can contribute to enhancing supervisors' POS, especially in small workplaces. These findings suggest that by developing structured systems and establishing specific roles for occupational health staff, organizations may effectively enhance supervisors' POS.

Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function: a cross-sectional study of middle-aged and older adults in Germany

BackgroundLimited lung function represents a serious health impairment. However, studies investigating social inequalities in limited lung function are rare. Thus, the current study investigates which socioeconomic groups are the most affected by overall limited lung function and severely limited lung function.MethodsData from the population-based German Aging Survey were used (N = 4472), with participants being 40 + years old. Lung function was assessed by the peak flow test. Education, income, and occupational prestige were used as socioeconomic indicators.ResultsWe found that overall limited lung function was highly prevalent across the whole sample, with about 33% (Women: 35%; Men: 30%) having overall limited lung function and 8% (Women: 7%; Men: 8%) having severely limited lung function. Socioeconomic differences in limited lung function emerged for all three indicators, education, income, and occupational prestige, in both men and women in single effect analyses. These differences persisted for occupational prestige and income when controlling for all indicators simultaneously.ConclusionsThus, overall and severely limited lung function are highly prevalent health conditions. Men and women with a low occupational position and those with low income are the most affected. Socioeconomic indicators cannot be used interchangeably when studying health inequalities in lung functioning. Occupational hazards and physical working conditions are likely to constitute major risks of health inequalities in limited lung functioning and should be investigated as such by future studies.

Open-plan office employees’ perceived mental and social well-being

Purpose Over the past century, office designers have adapted to changing work conditions across various industries by creating workspaces that cater to the needs of modern workers. As a result, a range of office layouts have been developed, from traditional private offices to open-plan setups. The choice of layout can significantly impact communication, social interaction and overall performance. This study aims to explore the social and mental well-being of employees working in open-plan offices in the public sector in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, focusing on five governmental departments. Using purposive sampling, employees working in open-plan offices were identified. A structured online interview form with open-ended questions was distributed to all selected employees between May and September 2021, resulting in 54 responses. Thematic content analysis using ATLAS.ti was used to analyze the data. Findings The findings suggest that while open-plan offices can enhance teamwork, communication, accessibility and inclusivity, their design can negatively affect employees’ perceptions of social and mental health in the workplace. Specifically, open-plan designs are perceived to compromise privacy, shorten attention spans, lower productivity and increase stress levels. Interestingly, absenteeism was not reported by employees in this study, which contradicts previous research and requires further investigation. Practical implications These findings can be valuable for human resource managers, facilities managers and office space designers. Originality/value This research contributes to the ongoing conversation surrounding the impact of open-plan offices on the mental and social well-being of employees in the public sector within the South African context. The contribution of this paper thus lies in the South-African context and the public sector angle plus a more in-depth insight on well-being through an extensive set of 54 interviews.

Health service providers' views on barriers and drivers to childhood vaccination of FDMN/Rohingya refugees: a qualitative study in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

BackgroundDespite established vaccination programs, vaccine-preventable diseases persist among about 900,000 Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN)/Rohingya refugees in the world's largest refugee settlement in Bangladesh. Health service providers (HSPs) play a key role in the delivery of childhood vaccination programs. This study explored their views on individual and context barriers and drivers to childhood vaccination in this setting.MethodsInformed by the theoretical framework of the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model for behavior change, this qualitative study collected data through eight focus group discussions (FGDs) with community health workers (CHWs) and vaccinators in selected camps with high or low vaccination coverage rates, and through 11 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with key informants working in strategic, management, and administrative roles.FindingsBarriers and drivers were evident across all COM factors for HSPs and caregivers. Among HSPs, knowledge around vaccination acted both as a barrier and driver, while communication skills and confidence in vaccination served as drivers. Caregivers' lack of awareness of vaccination, concerns and mistrust were described as main barriers. Context barriers included information system deficiencies, family dynamics, HSPs' working conditions, and vaccination site accessibility. Context drivers included effective communication, mobilization, and incentives. Differences between high and low coverage camps in Cox's Bazar included variations in HSPs' knowledge, communication strategies, incentive use, and stakeholder collaboration.DiscussionFor better vaccination coverage in the camps, context-related changes regarding collaboration, health workforce and the use of incentives seem necessary. Caregivers' mistrust toward vaccination needs to be considered under the social and historical background of the Rohingya community, and further addressed with targeted communication and campaigning.

Experimental and Numerical Study of Newly Assembled Lightweight Radiant Floor Heating System

In this study, the heating capacity of a new prefabricated assembled hot water radiant modular heating system made from a recycled waste building masonry structure is investigated through experimental and numerical simulation methods. The heating capacity of the system in different working conditions (a water supply temperature of 48 °C, 51 °C, 56 °C, and 61 °C; a flow rate of 0.49 m3/h, 0.35 m3/h, and 0.21 m3/h) is analyzed and verified. A three-dimensional steady-state heat transfer numerical model of the floor heat transfer of the module is established, and the accuracy of the model is verified through the measured results to investigate the heating capacity of this system under different water supply temperatures, flow rates and coil spacings. The results show that the new prefabricated hot water radiant module heating system has a 0.9 °C higher air temperature and 2.1 °C higher average floor surface temperature than the traditional wet floor radiant heating system under the same experimental conditions, and the response time is 44% shorter. The water supply temperature can significantly change the heating capacity of the system, while the water supply flow rate has little effect on the system. The established three-dimensional steady-state numerical model can be in good agreement with the measured results. This study can provide an experimental and theoretical basis for the design and application of such systems.

The paradoxes of U.S. graduate assistantships in education: navigating competing tensions and the impact of stress on graduate wellbeing

Purpose Graduate students employed in graduate teaching and research assistantship positions have a unique experience of the institution because of their status as student-employees. Graduate assistants (GAs) face specific challenges around their well-being as they navigate various relationships and environments throughout their educational trajectory. The purpose of this study is to examine the specific workplace challenges GAs experience and their overall effect on GA wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach This research study examines graduate assistant responses from 12 US research universities to the Faculty Survey of student Engagement for Graduate student Instructors survey. This study’s analysis examined the open-ended responses (n = 493) at the end of the survey that asked participants for additional comments regarding their departmental and/or institutional experiences. Three waves of coding were implemented by the authors to identify common themes and areas of concern on GA working conditions. Findings The findings led to the creation of a concept map on GA working conditions that include three main components: contextual factors, stress and well-being and competing tensions. Within each component are subthemes related to social identity, funding, campus climate, time and priority concerns and assistantship structure and support. The map demonstrates the enmeshed connection across areas. Practical implications Findings suggest institutional investments through programming, system-level changes and interpersonal support to improve GA working conditions and their well-being. Originality/value Research on GA experiences with working conditions and well-being in a US context is limited. This study is valuable because many graduate students who occupy graduate assistantships are asking for increased pay and benefits at their institution. Graduate assistantship labor organizing is occurring alongside institutions’ focus on improving health outcomes for graduate students.

Responsible leadership and workplace safety: do safety culture and safety motivation matter?

PurposeWe sought to examine the effect of responsible leadership on employee safety in the workplace both directly and indirectly through mediation effects of safety motivation and safety culture in the oil and gas industry in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachWe employed a quantitative approach (survey) to collect data from 226 pump attendants of the fuel stations in the Accra Metropolis. This study used PLS-SEM to test the research hypotheses in the study.FindingsOur findings show that leaders’ responsible behaviours had a positive and significant impact on both their employees’ wellbeing and safety as well as their motivation to adhere to safety standards and also imbibe a sense of safety culture in the workplace. Furthermore, the inclusion of safety motivation and safety culture as mediating variables reveal that leaders’ ability to achieve a robust workplace safety through responsible leadership was partially contingent on these organisational factors.Practical implicationsWe highlight that leaders should continuously improve their responsible leadership behaviours and also the management of oil and gas companies should encourage managers to focus on day-to-day interactions with employees on safety-related matters (e.g. effectively inspiring and motivating employees to adhere to safety standards and procedures and applying sanctions when necessary).Originality/valueThis study answers the recent calls for a contingency perspective on the relationship between leadership styles and organisational/employee level outcomes by providing empirical support for our conceptual model which identifies safety motivation and safety culture as important organisational factors by which responsible leaders can positively influence workplace safety.

Self-Care in Nursing Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the nursing staff, who were at the forefront of patient care and their families. Exposed to the virus due to strenuous work schedules and other factors, their health was at risk. However, they took proactive self-care actions to counteract these factors, promote self-health, and prevent the onset of diseases caused by stressors from the pandemic. These actions, identified in the literature published between 2020-2023, have significantly impacted their individual and collective health. Objective: To identify the self-care strategies implemented by nursing professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyze them in the light of Giddens’ theoretical proposal. Materials and methods: An integrative literature review under a descriptive scope was conducted between June and September 2023 in the following databases: Pubmed, Scielo, Science Direct, Lilacs, and Google Scholar; also, PRISMA recommendations were taken into account for the organization of the search. Results: 40 articles, published between 2020 and 2023 and representing for different methodological designs, were included in the review. The self-care implemented by nurses during the pandemic was assessed in the light of Giddens’ theoretical proposal under two types of actions: intentional, which account for physical, mental, and emotional health care activities, and deliberate, which focus on care at a social level. Conclusions: The identified self-care actions were oriented toward the promotion of individual and collective health of workers, the reduction of employee turnover, the recognition of stress, and the strengthening of resilience, which can also be implemented nowadays.

Evaluation of Health Risks in the Blood Serum of People Working in the Welding Industry as a Result of Exposure to Heavy Metals in Diyala Governorate / Iraq

General Background: The welding industry is associated with significant health risks due to occupational exposure to heavy metals. Specific Background: Workers in this industry are particularly vulnerable to toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, iron, and zinc, which can lead to severe health issues. Knowledge Gap: There is limited data on the specific health risks and heavy metal concentrations in welders' blood serum in Diyala Governorate, Iraq. Aims: This study aims to identify the primary health risks associated with welding-related heavy metal exposure and to explore strategies to mitigate these risks. Methods: The study was conducted in several industrial areas in Diyala Governorate, where blood samples were collected from 40 welders and 40 control participants (employees and students from Diyala University). An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to measure heavy metal concentrations in blood serum. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in heavy metal levels between welders and the control group (P Value &lt; 0.05), indicating higher exposure among welders. However, no significant differences were found within welder subgroups based on age, smoking status, and duration of exposure. Novelty: This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of heavy metal exposure among welders in Diyala Governorate, highlighting the urgent need for improved protective measures. Implications: The findings underscore the necessity for environmental and health authorities to implement rapid interventions to protect welders from heavy metal toxicity. Current protective measures are inadequate, as evidenced by elevated levels of lead, cadmium, nickel, and zinc in welders' blood serum. Enhanced protective practices and stricter regulations are critical to reducing these occupational health risks. Highlights: 1. Higher levels of heavy metals found in welders' blood compared to controls.2. No significant differences among welder subgroups by age, smoking, exposure duration.3. Urgent need for better protective measures and interventions in welding industry. Keywords: Welding industry, heavy metals, occupational exposure, health risks, Diyala Governorate

Let’s talk about work: pilot study of an education program on discussing work participation with cancer patients for general practitioners in training

BackgroundCancer patients report that they lack support from healthcare providers when it comes to returning to or maintaining employment. In the education of general practitioners (GPs) in the Netherlands, there is little attention given to discussing work participation with patients. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a newly developed education program for GPs in training that focuses on discussing work participation with cancer patients.MethodsTwo groups of in total twenty-one GPs in training participated in the education program. GPs were educated about the importance of discussing work participation with patients, work-related problems cancer patients can experience, and advice they can give to support cancer patients regarding work issues. In this pilot study using a mixed-method design, participants evaluated the program in two self-developed questionnaires and in a focus group discussion.ResultsSeventeen participating GPs (81%) indicated that the education program was suitable for implementation in the education curriculum. Eleven participants (52%) reported that they had never discussed work participation with cancer patients before. Directly after the education program, eighteen participants (86%) reported that they planned to discuss work participation more often with their patients. Four months after the program, 67% indicated they had applied their new knowledge and skills in practice by discussing work participation and by referring cancer patients to occupational health professionals or online resources. According to the GPs in training, integrating the topic of work participation into other education for GPs in training and focusing on a broader group of patients could improve the impact of the education program.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this pilot study, the newly developed education program increased the awareness of GPs in training on the importance of discussing work participation with cancer patients. Future studies should focus on whether cancer patients experience more support from their GPs for maintaining and returning to employment after their GP has participated in the training program.

Overflow Identification and Early Warning of Managed Pressure Drilling Based on Series Fusion Data-Driven Model

Overflow is one of the complicated working conditions that often occur in the drilling process. If it is not discovered and controlled in time, it will cause gas invasion, kick, and blowout, which will bring inestimable accidents and hazards. Therefore, overflow identification and early warning has become a hot spot and a difficult problem in drilling engineering. In the face of the limitations and lag of traditional overflow identification methods, the poor application effect, and the weak mechanisms of existing models and methods, a method of series fusion of feature data obtained from physical models as well as sliding window and random forest machine learning algorithm models is proposed. The overflow identification and early warning model of managed pressure drilling based on a series fusion data-driven model is established. The research results show that the series fusion data-driven model in this paper is superior to the overflow identification effect of other feature data and algorithm models, and the overflow recognition accuracy on the test samples reaches more than 99%. In addition, when the overflow is identified, the overflow warning is performed through the pop-up window and feature information output. The research content provides guidance for the identification of drilling overflow and the method of model fusion.

Gender Gaps in Housework Activities in Europe before and after COVID-19

Abstract We use data from the European working condition survey to describe the frequency of housework activities by men and women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries. We find that, although women continue to spend more time than men in housework activities, men increase housework activities after the pandemic and the gender gaps narrow. The result is driven by countries initially characterized by larger gender gaps in housework activities.

Research on Key Technology of Wind Turbine Drive Train Fault Diagnosis System Based on Digital Twin

Fault diagnosis of wind turbines has always been a challenging problem due to their complexity and harsh working conditions. Although data-mining-based fault diagnosis methods can accurately and efficiently diagnose potential faults, the visibility is extremely poor. In this paper, digital twin technology is introduced into the fault diagnosis of wind turbine drive train systems, and a wind turbine drive train fault diagnosis method based on digital twin technology is proposed, which monitors and simulates the actual operating condition in real-time by establishing a digital twin model of the wind turbine drive train. In addition, an improved variational modal decomposition combined with particle swarm optimization least squares support vector machine (IVMD-PSO-LSSVM) fault diagnosis method is proposed, which not only improves the accuracy of fault diagnosis but also effectively shortens the diagnosis time and strengthens the response speed of the system. Finally, a digital twin system for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of wind turbine drive trains is developed based on the Unity 3D platform. Experiments show that the proposed IVMD-PSO-LSSVM can accurately identify fault types with an accuracy rate of 99.1%, which is an improvement of 3.4% compared to before. The proposed digital twin model can be used for real-time monitoring of wind turbine vibration data and provide a more intuitive real-time simulation of the wind turbine’s operating status. This facilitates quick fault location and enables more accurate and efficient maintenance.

Social life cycle hotspot analysis of future hydrogen use in the EU

Abstract Purpose The widespread use of hydrogen in the EU aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions may involve complex value chains (e.g. importation from third countries) with potential effects (positive or negative) on the different sectors of society. Achieving sustainable hydrogen deployment must be motivated not only by environmental and economic aspects but also by social responsibility and the search for human well-being. Given this, and the scarcity of studies currently available on prospective social impacts of hydrogen production, the present purpose of this article is to unveil and assess the main social impacts linked to the future hydrogen value chains. Methods The methodological approach adopted in this article encompasses the following steps: (i) analysis of two potential value chains for hydrogen use in EU: an on-site option, where hydrogen is produced and used in the same European country, and an off-site option, where hydrogen is produced in a European country different from its usage involving more unit processes, in terms of storage and transport activities, and working time to deliver the same quantity of hydrogen. This framework will include (i) scenario analysis and a forward-looking perspective taking into account the critical raw materials employed across the entire value chain, (ii) identification of a list of relevant social impact categories and indicators through a systematic procedure, (iii) social hotspot analysis using Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) to assess the selected representative value chains, and (iv) conducting scenario analysis and subsequently interpreting of results. Results and discussion The off-site value chain shows a relatively worse social performance (6 to 72 times) than the on-site value chain across most selected indicators due to the more complex value chain. Although the identification of social hotspots depends on the specific social indicator under evaluation, the power source components (wind and solar PV) manufacturing processes and the relatively increased complexity of the off-site option highly conditioned the social performance of the hydrogen value chains in most of the indicators considered. A scenario analysis was carried out comparing both value chains with two additional locations for hydrogen production: Northern Africa and Western Asia. The findings indicate that the on-site value chain presents the lowest impact scores. For the off-site option, the production of hydrogen in a European country is the most preferable scenario in terms of the social indicators evaluated. Conclusions According to findings, producing hydrogen in a different location than where it is consumed increases the social impacts of its deployment. Measures at mid and long term should be considered for improving the social impact of hydrogen deployment in Europe. This includes increasing reuse and recycling, responsibly sourcing raw materials, and creating regulatory frameworks ensuring safe working conditions across global value chains. Furthermore, this article highlights the crucial role of the S-LCA methodology in evaluating social aspects as a support for targeted policy interventions, and the need to adapt this to the specific case study. At the same time, it acknowledges that other relevant social aspects that can influence the social sustainability of the hydrogen technology are not captured with this methodology (in particular social acceptance, affordability and energy security). Improvements in selecting indicators and refined geographical and temporal representations of the value chains to better represent hydrogen technologies and future size market are research gaps filled in the present scientific work.