Workplace Simulation Research Articles

Joining forces: Combining police and external expertise for cold case reviews

Cold case reviews within police and law enforcement agencies are challenging, not the least owing to the amount of time required to carefully review documentation, forensic exhibit holdings and various other casefile information. Most federal and state agencies are time poor, meaning there are very few dedicated cold case teams fortunate enough to have an abundance of police and expert staff resources. Universities and education organisations, however, have large troves of various expertise, alongside expansive human resources, by way of their academic and student body. In certain circumstances, the academic expertise and course offerings of a university may be well suited to assisting law enforcement in reviewing cold cases.There is growing desire for university courses to generate job ready graduates. In the field of law enforcement and policing this is difficult, as safety and the security of sensitive material and evidence is paramount. Educators strive to create workplace simulations, and with the correct mix of academic expertise, course offerings and industry linkages, the emerging opportunity for real cold case collaboration is possible. One such example is the Cold Case Review @ Murdoch (CCR) initiative. Since 2020, CCR has worked with the Lower Saxony Police Academy in Germany to develop the novel International Cold Case Analysis Project (ICCAP), now incorporating over 25 member institutions, to assist in solving real cases from both Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) and federal police jurisdictions. One case, known as “The North Sea Man” has shown great success and demonstrates the power of joining forces between law enforcement and external agencies to help advance cold cases.

The concept of an intelligent mobile application with elements of augmented reality and PLM software for value stream mapping

AbstractGrowing demands for variability, reducing losses and increasing production efficiency bring difficult tasks for business management. In order to cope with increasingly demanding tasks, a good knowledge of effective management methods is required, as well as orientation in a wide range of application programs. One of the approaches dealing with reducing losses and streamlining selected processes is the introduction of the Lean philosophy. This philosophy is firmly embedded in the concept of Industry 4.0 and its principles are proving to be highly effective. In the presented contribution, we will focus on the possibilities of reducing losses by implementing selected Lean principles in conjunction with selected program resources and elements of mixed reality. The goal is to create an intelligent mobile application that, based on a simulation model, would enable an in-depth analysis of selected processes from the aspect of material value stream mapping analysis. The model created in this way could serve as a relevant basis for top management in the search for solutions to optimize processes. In the article, we evaluate selected Lean methods, create a workplace simulation model using the PLM simulation tool Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, and the obtained data are presented in an intelligent mobile application based on augmented reality. After the online update, the created application conveys all required relevant information to managers and simplifies their decision-making process.

Training and Preparing Gen Z for Labor Market

This paper aims to present an approach, from many others, regarding the generational aspect of today’s activities. Better said, the training in higher education, as a first workplace simulation and, then, background for the workplaces in different economic and social activities is essential in this enterprize. We are focused on Gen Z, the generation that comes strongly from behind and will influence our lives and activities (they already done it). It is a Generation digitally native, with abilities and skills from early days, aspect that give it a superiority in understanding and using efficiently the new digital technologies. Using information from companies operating with HR problem, like KPMG, Deloitte, doubled with my own experience, based on the discussions with students and graduates from Gen Z, we tried as it was possible, to capture features and possibilities of adaptation and integration of Gen Z in study and work communities. The findings show that the features have to be known and, punctually on each and every community, management tactics to be used.

Virtual Reality at Workplace for Autistic Employees: Preliminary Results of Physiological-Based Well-Being Experience

Emotional health problems in the workplace often hinder the integration and retention of autistic employees (AE), a challenge identified in many sectors. Recent literature highlights the consequences of these problems, such as burnout leading to reduced productivity and resignation. Previous research supports the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) for training a variety of specific skills (e.g. riding a bus or plane travel), as well as more complex social skills, such as emotion recognition and functional communication. In addition, existing studies on using physiological self-monitoring in AE training offer a promising approach to promoting improved emotional health. The present paper reports on implementing a VR system that simulates workplace training and integration and enables real-time monitoring of three physiological signals, in five post-secondary autistic students. Using an Oculus Quest 2 and non-clinical grade sensors, the researchers delivered the VR intervention over three days to each participant. At the end of these interventions, the researchers measured the perceived satisfaction of these integrated systems, based on several technological criteria, on a 5-point scale. The integrated system received an overall rating of 4, suggesting its likelihood of acceptance and use. A preliminary analysis of a participant’s physiological responses to this VR intervention is also presented. This preliminary report suggests the efficacy of a VR workplace simulation and physiological self-monitoring in promoting emotional well-being and basic task training for post-secondary AE. The researchers’ observations and the proposal of a theoretical framework to enhance real-time emotional communication based on physiological markers for AE are also discussed.

Excretion kinetics of 1,3-dichlorobenzene and its urinary metabolites after controlled airborne exposure in human volunteers

The solvent 1,3-dichlorobenzene (1,3-DCB) is formed during thermal decomposition of the initiator 2,4-dichlorobenzoylperoxide in the production of silicone rubber with potential exposure of production workers as shown in previous works. Despite a threshold limit value (MAK value) of 2 ppm in air, there are currently no data about the corresponding internal exposure that would allow for the derivation of a biological limit value. In the present study, we have investigated the absorption of 1,3-DCB and urinary kinetics of its metabolites in 10 human volunteers after controlled inhalative exposure. Due to the strong odour of 1,3-DCB, a subjective evaluation of odour nuisance was also performed. Ten male human volunteers (23–36 yrs.) were exposed 6 h/day to a concentration of 0.7 ppm and 1.5 ppm in the Aachen workplace simulation laboratory (AWSL) with one week between each experiment. In order to investigate potential dermal absorption, the volunteers were exposed to 1.5 ppm wearing a suitable filter mask that prevented inhalative exposure in a third exposure. 1,3-DCB in blood was measured after 3 and 6 h exposure and the urinary metabolites 3,5-dichlorocatechol (3,5-DCC), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 3,5-dichlorophenol (3,5-DCP) were measured over 24 h after exposure via LC/MS/MS. There were clear dose–response relations for all investigated parameters. The maximum excretion of the metabolites was reached at the end of exposure and corresponded to 5.2 ± 0.7 mg/g crea, 1.5 ± 0.35 mg/g crea and 0.07 ± 0.011 mg/g crea at 0.7 ppm and to 12.0 ± 3 mg/g crea, 3.5 ± 1.1 mg/g crea and 0.17 ± 0.05 mg/g crea at 1.5 ppm for 3,5-DCC, 2,4-DCP and 3,5-DCP, respectively. The use of filter masks decreased the internal exposure for about 85–90%, indicating substantial dermal absorption. Odour perception did not show a dose–response, probably due to fast olfactory adaption. The human study presented here provides an excellent basis for deriving a biological limit value for 1,3-DCB.

Operator State in a Workplace Simulation Modulates Eye-Blink Related EEG Activity.

Evaluating and understanding the cognitive demands of natural activities has been difficult using neurocognitive approaches like mobile EEG. While task-unrelated stimuli are commonly added to a workplace simulation to estimate event-related cognitive processes, using eyeblink activity poses an alternative as it is inherent to human behavior. This study aimed to investigate the eye blink event-related EEG activity of fourteen subjects while working in a power-plant operator simulation - actively operating (active condition) or observing (passive condition) a real-world steam engine. The changes in event-related potentials, event-related spectral perturbations, and functional connectivity under both conditions were analyzed. Our results indicated several cognitive changes in relation to task manipulation. Posterior N1 and P3 amplitudes revealed alterations associated with task complexity, with increased N1 and P3 amplitudes for the active condition, indicating greater cognitive effort than the passive condition. Increased frontal theta power and suppressed parietal alpha power were observed during the active condition reflecting high cognitive engagement. Additionally, higher theta connectivity was seen in fronto-parieto-centro-temporo-occipital regions as task demands increased, showing increased communication between brain regions. All of these results suggest using eye blink-related EEG activity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of neuro-cognitive processing while working in realistic environments.

Home office versus ergonomic workstation - is the ergonomic risk increased when working at the dining table? An inertial motion capture based pilot study

BackgroundIn order to reduce the risk of infection with Sars-Cov-2, work practices have been shifted to the home office in many industries. The first surveys concerning this shift indicate an increase in musculoskeletal complaints of many employees. The aim of this study was to compare the ergonomic risk in the upper extremities and trunk of working in a home office with that of working in an ergonomically optimized workplace.MethodsFor this purpose, 20 subjects (13w/7m) aged 18–31 years each performed a 20-minute workplace simulation (10 min writing a text, 10 min editing a questionnaire) in the following set up: on a dining table with dining chair and laptop (home office) and on an ergonomically adjusted workstation (ergonomically optimized workplace). The subjects were investigated using a combined application of a motion capture kinematic analysis and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) in order to identify differences in the ergonomic risk.ResultsSignificantly reduced risk values for both shoulders (left: p < 0.001; right: p = 0.02) were found for the ergonomically optimized workstations. In contrast, the left wrist (p = 0.025) showed a significantly reduced ergonomic risk value for the home office workstation.ConclusionThis study is the first study to compare the ergonomic risk between an ergonomically optimized workplace and a home office workstation. The results indicate minor differences in the upper extremities in favor of the ergonomically optimized workstation. Since work-related musculoskeletal complaints of the upper extremities are common among office workers, the use of an ergonomically optimized workstation for home use is recommended based on the results.

Augmenting Employability Skills by Integrating English as Communicative Language with Special Reference to COVID-19 by Using ANOVA

As a matter of fact the English language is considered as the language of global commerce. The role and outcomes of English language provision in English-medium higher education institutions in the Indian fronts and remained central to any discussion on graduate profile and the employability of graduates in the global marketplace. This present study entails its direction toward the learning process of English language after the completion of graduation and post-graduation in the crucial times of COVID-19, where the most of the educational and training institutes were running in online mode. Many of the job aspirants use to learn English from the private English learning centers, who are having different methodologies for teaching the language, but presently this scenario has changed to online mode of training. Using a mixed methods approach, data was gathered through telephone interviews, student workplace simulations, and employer focus groups. Findings of the study focus on the increase in employability skills during pandemic period, channeled through English as a second or additional language, becoming confident, gaining knowledgeable, etc.

Factors Affecting Implementation of Simulation-Based Education After Faculty Training in a Low-Resource Setting.

Simulation instructor training is a recognized key component of health care simulation implementation, including in low-resource settings. PediSTARS India (Pediatric Simulation Training and Research Society) has developed and delivered several instructor training courses and more recently a 3-level faculty development program. However, there is variability in adoption of simulation at workplaces. The goal of this study was to identify factors that influence translation of instructor training into workplace simulation. At the conclusion of their faculty development program, participants of the 2018 PediSTARS simulation instructor workshop were invited to participate in a qualitative study with an online questionnaire followed by a semistructured interview. The 3 key questions explored the "enablers," "barriers," and "changes needed" at workplaces for simulation-based training. The responses were analyzed and classified into broad themes. Of the 76 participants of the workshop, 11 were interviewed. The enablers were classified under 3 themes; "management support," "trained team" and "smart sourcing." Barriers were "lack of infrastructure," "lack of time," and "lack of simulation culture." The proposed changes were to "raise awareness," "strengthen systems," and "curricular integration." This study demonstrates the importance of institutional leadership support for simulation-based training and also that new instructors should focus on training teams in the workplace and mapping simulation activities to existing curricula. These results have wide applicability to a variety of health care settings and instructor training programs. Collaboration between organizations for further research about the impact of simulation-based training on patient safety and outcomes is also required.

Dampening affect via expectations: The case of ambivalence.

People often form attitudes based on a mixture of positive and negative information. This can result in mixed evaluative reactions that are associated with feeling conflicted and undecided (i.e., felt ambivalence). In the present research, we examined whether expectations of receiving mixed information could dampen felt ambivalence compared to situations where the mixed information was instead unexpected. In six experiments, expectancies of receiving mixed information-either explicitly provided or implied via patterns of behavior-led people to feel less ambivalent about a target person who had engaged in mixed social behaviors. Expectations of mixed information reduced felt ambivalence to receipt of such information in comparison to having no explicit expectancies (Studies 1-3, 5-6), negative expectancies (Study 2), positive expectancies (Study 3), and compared with expectancies formed merely on the basis of behavioral patterns (Study 4). The extent to which people felt that their expectancies of mixed information regarding the target were confirmed (vs. disconfirmed) significantly accounted for the reductions in felt ambivalence. Finally, lower felt ambivalence via manipulated expectations accounted for reduced decision time in a workplace simulation about recommending promotion or termination of an employee (Study 6). Overall, these findings bridge the extensive literatures in attitudes, social judgment, and expectations, showing that expecting mixed information can lead to reductions in felt ambivalence that have consequences for behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Parameterized Design Optimization Framework for Worker-Friendly Workplaces in Modular Construction

Addressing ergonomic risk factors in modular construction is critical to enhancing the productivity of production lines and reducing the societal cost burden for worker recovery. Ergonomics-driven workplace design is thus essential to not only proactively reducing risks through design changes but also accommodating medical restrictions for workers returning to work after an injury or illness. However, efforts to realize this two-fold approach are confounded by the lack of a sound approach to identifying the root causes of ergonomic posture risks among various workplace design parameters or an optimal workplace design for multiple tasks. To address this limitation, this paper proposes a parameterized workplace design optimization framework that consists of four core components: workplace design initiation, interactive worker–workplace simulation, development of predictive surrogate models, and workplace optimization. The framework is demonstrated through a case study designing a drywall preparation workplace in a real modular construction plant. The results show that the framework enables the design of the optimal workplace (i.e., the one with minimal ergonomic risk) and provides a guide for devising practical action plans for safety improvement.

Core competencies for the global workplace: A cross-cultural and skill-based simulation project in accounting

ABSTRACT This paper examines a multi-faceted workplace simulation project as a curriculum design strategy to address the expanding core competencies that constrained accounting programmes must incorporate. The problem-based learning simulation incorporates technical content with communication and cross-cultural skills competencies. Using Q methodology, this study reveals how students perceived their engagement in the simulation project. The results indicate strong agreement amongst students regarding the effectiveness of the simulation project procedures and the usefulness of its outcomes. However, a clear disparity was evident in terms of students’ perspectives on the level of acquiring the cross-cultural and team competencies that the simulation project sought to instil. Suggestions for future implementations are explored.

Applying vocational education and training pedagogy in business English courses for China's English major undergraduates

PurposeIn light of university business English pedagogical innovation, this study reports an empirical study with 66 English major participants.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses online survey and participant observation to investigate their practice-oriented motivation and needs, the perceptions of using vocational education and training pedagogy in business English teaching and the learning outcomes in a Chinese university context.FindingsThe study found participants with motivations to learn business and trade knowledge, develop practice-oriented abilities and the preferences of learning flexibly and autonomously. For the perceptions of using vocational education and training pedagogy, simulations of meetings and negotiations were recommended and the job-based competency development model was useful. Workplace simulation was also particularly suggested to bridge the gap between classroom and workplace. For learning outcomes, writing practices and workplace simulation were considered particularly useful. The learning gains were found in international trade correspondence writing. While the intention of continuing learning business English correspondence writing was identified, more opportunities should be created for more practice-oriented activities, such as internship or corporate visit.Originality/valueInformed by vocational education and training theory, the study has important pedagogical, theoretical and policy implications for business English teaching in both China and worldwide contexts.

How does the student with a disability show behavior whether the student job coach gives feedback on his self-description at the workplace simulation of a café?

How does the student with a disability show behavior whether the student job coach gives feedback on his self-description at the workplace simulation of a café?

No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) for Systemic Inflammation by Copper and Zinc in Welding Fumes.

: Copper and zinc containing welding fumes are able to induce systemic inflammation in healthy subjects. In this study the no observed effect levels (NOEL) for welding fumes containing either copper or zinc were assessed.Fifteen healthy male volunteers participated in an exposure. Each subject was exposed to two different concentrations of both, copper and zinc containing welding fumes. Exposure was performed in the Aachen Workplace Simulation Lab.The NOEL was found at metal concentrations between 0.2 and 0.3 mg/m for copper and between 0.8 and 1.2 mg/m for zinc.The NOEL identified in this study was about a factor of 10 higher than the German workplace threshold limit values (TLV). However, TLV in other countries was in the same range or even higher than the NOEL indicating a considerable risk for workers.

Wind Turbines Optimal Operation at Time Variable Wind Speeds

The wind turbine’s operation is affected by the wind speed variations, which cannot be followed by the wind turbine due to the large moment of the power plant’s inertia. The method proposed in this paper belongs to the wind turbine power curves (WTPC) approach, which expresses the power curve of the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) by a set of mathematical equations. The WTPC research papers published before now have not taken into consideration the total power plant inertia at time-variable wind speeds, when the wind turbine’s optimal operation is very difficult to be reached, and its efficiency is thus threatened. The study is based on a wind turbine having a large moment of total inertia, and demonstrates, through extensive simulation results, that the optimal values of the PMSG’s power can be determined based on the kinetic motion equation. This PMSG’s optimal power represents an ideal time-varying curve, and the wind turbine should be controlled so as to closely follow it. For this purpose, proportional integral (PI) and proportional integral derivative (PID) type-based control methods were implemented and analyzed, so that the PMSG’s power oscillations could be reduced, and the PMSG’s angular speed value made comparable to the optimal one, meaning that the wind turbine operates within the optimal operation area, and is efficient. The simulations are actually the numerical solutions obtained by using the Scientific Workplace simulation environment, and they are based on the wind speed measurements collected from a wind farm located in Dobrogea, Romania.

Creativity through self-directed learning: three distinct dimensions of teacher support

ABSTRACT Self-directed learning and creativity are critical workplace competences that are important to foster in formal educational settings. Previous studies have identified a relationship between self-directed learning and creativity, but the specific nature of this relationship is unclear. The purpose of the present theoretical paper is to examine through a literature review the possibility that creative learning outcomes can be supported through a self-directed learning process. The importance of considering self-directed learning in the context of adult learning – as a pragmatic learning process – is outlined. A conclusion is drawn that (1) creative learning outcomes are potentially supported through self-directed learning, and (2) in the process, teachers can provide support to learners in three distinct different ways. A variety of pragmatic educational activities that may enable self-directed learning and creative learning outcomes are discussed, including experiential learning; workplace simulations; and problem-, case-, and (e-) portfolio-based learning. In these activities, teacher support seems advantageous for many learners. The three distinct dimensions of teacher support identified in the present paper are important to consider in further empirical studies on self-directed learning.

Supporting disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge development and design thinking in an informal, pre‐engineering program: A Workplace Simulation Project

AbstractIn this paper, we examined students’ engagement in an implementation of a Workplace Simulation Project (WSP). The WSP was designed to actively engage students in learning disciplinary content by inviting engineers from industry to have a physical presence within the school building to collaborate with teachers and students to complete projects which simulate the tasks authentic to their work. We focus on the first year implementation of the program that partnered a high school in the rural Midwest with an engineering unit of a government organization. Using a multiple methods study design, we analyzed disciplinary and interdisciplinary pre and posts test along with students’ interviews to determine learning gains as well as students’ interpretations of creative and critical thinking as experienced in the project and their knowledge of the engineering design process. Effect sizes showed that students in the WSP group had notable gains over the control group participants. Additionally, students’ knowledge of core elements of the design process were identified in inductive analyses of the interviews. Findings from this study will provide usable knowledge about effective ways to support systems and design thinking and ways to support expert‐novice collaboration to ensure success.

Vigilante Innovation (VIX): case study on the development of student skills through a team-based design process and environment

BackgroundMany undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields lack experience in collaborative thinking, limiting their effectiveness as they enter careers in academic and industrial environments. The SyBBURE Searle Undergraduate Research Program has incorporated a team-based design component into its curriculum to fill this gap in training. This design framework, called Vigilante Innovation (VIX) to highlight its emphasis on self-initiation and action, has evolved into a multi-semester-long group undertaking that combines just-in-time training in entrepreneurship and project design with student-driven collaborations aimed at solving a real-world problem. We hypothesize that this framework provides a hands-on, realistic workplace simulation task through which students can develop an understanding of teamwork.ResultsUsing a case-study approach, we discuss the development of the VIX design framework since its inception in 2014 and assess the impact of the VIX framework on student learning and growth using a student survey from 2016 to 2017 and student interviews from 2018.ConclusionsA flexible approach, an annualized project timeline, a student-driven prototyping space, and self-selecting project areas emerged as key contributors to the successful implementation of the VIX design and to deepened student learning. The diversity of VIX teams, the self-reported success of student projects, and student interviews indicate that students who participate in VIX possess an in-depth understanding of team-based strategies. These findings support the VIX framework as an effective method of providing undergraduates in STEM fields with efficient and meaningful exposure to the team-based entrepreneurial skills that are vital in their future careers. Additional work is needed to determine if this approach has a long-term impact on student success in team-based environments. The website vigilanteinnovation.com houses a customizable, freely available version of the design guide for educators and innovators alike.

Reliable execution of a robust soft computing workplace found on multiple neuro-fuzzy inference systems coupled with multiple nonlinear equations for exhaustive perception of tractor-implement performance in plowing process

Tendency towards computer simulations linked to agricultural machinery has enormously increased in recent years. In this regard, the principal contribution of current research was to develop soft computing simulation workplaces for performance prognostication of tractor-implement system in plowing process. Two neuro-fuzzy strategies based on multiple adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (MANFIS) scenario and the MANFIS coupled with multiple nonlinear equations (MNE) scenario were executed in the workplace. Additionally, neural strategy based on artificial neural network (ANN) scenario was also fulfilled in the workplace. Operational variables of plowing depth (10–30 cm), forward speed (2–6 km/h), and tillage implement type (moldboard, disk, and chisel plow) were considered as the workplace inputs and ten performance parameters were taken as the workplace outputs. According to the obtained prognostication accuracy, simulation time, and user-friendly configuration of three scenarios (ANN, MANFIS, and MANFIS+MNE), the MANFIS+MNE was recognized as the prominent simulation scenario. According to the MANFIS+MNE workplace results, for each tillage implement, the compound effect of plowing depth and forward speed on some performance parameters (required draft force of implement, tractor rear wheel slip, fuel consumption per working hour, specific volumetric fuel consumption, tractor drawbar power, energy requirement for tillage implement, overall energy efficiency, and tractor tractive efficiency) was nonlinearly synergetic. However, it was nonlinearly antagonism in case of specific draft force and fuel consumption per tilled area. The MANFIS+MNE workplace simulation results provide opportunity for technical farmer associations involved in the decision-making of agricultural machinery management in order to gain exhaustive fundamental insights into the compound effect of plowing depth and forward speed on performance of tractor-implement systems in plowing process.