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Standard manual wheelchairs (MWCs) are inefficient and pushrim propulsion may cause progressive damage and pain to the user's arms. We describe a wheel for a MWC with a novel propulsion mechanism. The wheel has two modes of operation called "Standard" mode and "Run" mode. In Run mode, the wheelchair is propelled forward by pushing a compliant handle forward and then pulling it back, both strokes contributing to forward propulsion. We report the propulsive force and preliminary testing on a rough outdoor circuit by three able-bodied participants. In Run mode, the peak applied force is reduced to 30% and the maximum force gradient is reduced to 10% of that for standard pushrim propulsion, for the same work output. The travel time for the 1.06 km outdoor circuit is about 60% of that for a brisk walk and about 40% of that for pushrim propulsion. At a propulsion speed of 1 m/s, the cardiovascular effort in Run mode is 56% of that for pushrim propulsion. Automatic hill-hold in Run mode improves safety when ascending slopes. The mechanism has three gears so that it can be used by people with widely varying strength and fitness. Folding the handle away converts the operation to Standard mode with the conventional pushrim propulsion, supplemented by three gears. Despite the increased weight, width and friction, the bimodal geared wheels facilitate wheelchair travel on challenging paths. This may bring significant improvement to the quality of life of MWC users. The novel bimodal geared propulsion may benefit users with impaired upper extremity function. The push–pull propulsion on handles is less strenuous than pushrim propulsion and may reduce repetitive strain injuries. Run mode has significantly reduced peak force and force gradient compared with standard pushrim propulsion, for equal work. The bimodal geared propulsion facilitates outdoor travel, providing exercise that may benefit the user's strength and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Periodontal instrumentation with dental curettes is associated with discomfort, fatigue, and musculoskeletal diseases. The goal of this study was to compare comfort, fatigue, and muscle work using three different curettes. (2) Methods: Eight hygienists each scaled three typodonts using the three different curettes. Curette A was a prototype with a novel adaptive design, Curette B had a conventional stainless-steel design, and Curette C featured a conventional silicon-covered handle. Time-based work in four muscles, comfort, fatigue, tactile feedback, grip and blade position, and pinch and grasp strength were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using a General Linear Model (GLIM) and Tukey's post hoc test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. (3) Results: Comfort, correct grasp, fingertip placement, and blade-to-tooth adaptation were significantly better with Curette A (p < 0.05). While pinch and grasp strength were significantly reduced post-instrumentation for Curettes B and C (p < 0.05), they remained unchanged for Curette A. Curette A required significantly less total muscle work and work in individual muscles, resulting in significantly less post-instrumentation fatigue than for Curettes B and C, but similar levels of tactile feedback (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The ergonomic performance of a prototype adaptive periodontal curette was significantly better than that of two conventional instruments with rigid handle designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, which is associated with the rotation of the phase structure, gives rise to numerous novel physical phenomena inlight–matter interactions. However, the direct generation of scalar OAM lasers with power‐handling capability and controllable states at the source remains challenging owing to mode degeneracy, handedness selection, and nonlinear thermal effects, which can even lead to topological charge splitting. This paper proposes a novel approach that allows spatial mode‐conversion‐controlled laser oscillation in a high‐gain OAM laser cavity with an integrated spiral‐face output coupler (SFOC). By adapting position‐dependent resonant modes, scalar optical vortices with a record power level (>60 W), high purity (>90%), and controllable OAM states (ħ or −8ħ) are demonstrated. Further, the dynamic process of OAM generation and evolution in the cavity is revealed. The concept presented herein opens a new route for the generation of OAM laser sources toward high power levels and holds promise for advancing classical and quantum optics, particularly in the area of light–matter interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the significance of simulation-based analysis in understanding the effectiveness of material handling strategies. By utilizing simulation models, businesses can optimize production processes, streamline flows, and enhance overall logistics efficiency. In today's competitive market landscape, the significance of product manipulation cannot be overstated. It directly influences consumer perception and plays a pivotal role in gaining a competitive advantage. Simulation-based analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for optimizing production processes and enhancing logistics efficiency. Robotics sorting and loading offer increased accuracy, speed, and efficiency over manual processes. Their implementation boost productivity, cuts costs, and enhances working conditions. In today's competitive market, effective product handling shapes consumer perception and competitiveness. VR simulation-based analysis optimizes manufacturing, logistics, and robotics, driving efficiency. Through advanced VR simulation models, businesses streamline operations, adapt to market dynamics, and embrace automation, enhancing competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of multimodal sentiment analysis is to extract and integrate feature information from text, image, and audio data accurately, in order to identify the emotional state of the speaker. While multimodal fusion schemes have made some progress in this research field, previous studies still lack adequate approaches for handling inter-modal information consistency and the fusion of different categorical features within a single modality. This study aims to effectively extract sentiment coherence information among video, audio, and text and consequently proposes a multimodal sentiment analysis method named joint chain interactive attention (VAE-JCIA, Video Audio Essay–Joint Chain Interactive Attention). In this approach, a 3D CNN is employed for extracting facial features from video, a Conformer is employed for extracting audio features, and a Funnel-Transformer is employed for extracting text features. Furthermore, the joint attention mechanism is utilized to identify key regions where sentiment information remains consistent across video, audio, and text. This process acquires reinforcing features that encapsulate information regarding consistency among the other two modalities. Inter-modal feature interactions are addressed through chained interactive attention, and multimodal feature fusion is employed to efficiently perform emotion classification. The method is experimentally validated on the CMU-MOSEI dataset and the IEMOCAP dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances the performance of the multimodal sentiment analysis model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, renewable energy has seen widespread application. However, due to its intermittent nature, there is a need to develop energy management systems for its scheduling and control. This paper introduces a multi-stage constraint-handling multi-objective optimization method tailored for resilient microgrid energy management. The microgrid encompasses diesel generators, energy storage systems, renewable energy sources, and various load types. The intelligent management of generators, batteries, switchable loads, and controllable loads ensures a reliable power supply for the critical loads. Beyond operational costs, our model also considers grid dependency as a key objective, making it particularly suited for energy management in extreme environments such as islands, border regions, and military bases. Managing complex controls of generators, batteries, switchable loads, and controllable loads presents challenging constraints that the management strategy must meet. To tackle this challenge, we propose an multi-objective optimization algorithm with multi-stage constraint-handling strategy to handle the high-dimensional complex constraints of the resilient energy management problem. Our proposed approach demonstrates superior performance compared to nine leading constrained multi-objective optimization algorithms across various test scenarios. Furthermore, the benefits of our method become increasingly evident as the complexity of the problem increases. Compared to the classical NSGA-II, the proposed NSGA-II-MC method achieved a 49.7% improvement in the Hypervolume metric on large-scale problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, it was aimed to determine the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the sinks, faucets, and door handles of the toilets actively used by boys and girls in nine faculties located on Yozgat Bozok University Erdoğan Akdağ campus. 54 swab samples were taken from the sinks, faucets, and door handles of toilets, which have the largest share of the main sources of bacteria transmission, between April and June 2019. Each swab sample brought to the laboratory via a cold chain was inoculated separately on 5% sheep blood agar, EMB agar and Mac Conkey agar. In 34 (62.96%) of the swab samples taken, a total of 49 pathogenic bacteria were detected, growing singly or in multiples. Of the 49 bacteria detected, 15 were (30.6%) Escherichia coli, 12 were (24.5%) Staphylococcus aureus, nine were (18.3%) Klebsiella spp., six were (12.3%) Pseudomonas spp., five were (10.2%) Proteus spp. and two were (4.1%) Enterococcus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling requires a delicate handling technique. It is also important that ophthalmologists can use the ILM forceps handle of their preference. This study objectively and subjectively evaluated the handling of the novel Finesse Reflex Handle (Reflex) in comparison with that of a conventional handle. The force required to close the forceps tips, evaluated using a digital force gauge, was significantly lesser for Reflex than for the conventional handle (3.14 ± 0.09 N vs. 3.84 ± 0.06 N, P < 0.001). Twenty-one ophthalmologists with various levels of experience answered a questionnaire after using both handles, and the total questionnaire score for Reflex was higher than that for the conventional handle (35.0 ± 3.7 vs. 30.0 ± 6.9, P = 0.01). Furthermore, the duration of experience as an ophthalmologist was negatively correlated with the vertical motion, assessed by video analysis, for the conventional handle (P = 0.02, r = − 0.50) but not for Reflex (P = 0.26). In conclusion, objective and subjective analyses revealed that compared with the conventional handle, the novel Reflex handle had more favourable handling characteristics. Most ophthalmologists preferred the handling of Reflex. Reflex may compensate for a lack of surgical experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of public opinion is key to understanding citizens' attitudes towards environmental policies. However, large polls and surveys generate complex datasets from which it is not always easy to draw conclusions. In addition, tailor-made solutions for analysing public opinion face the challenge of handling too many layers of information, which can easily lead to an overwhelming user experience and impair decision-making. Service design methodologies can support the design of ad hoc visualisation tools focused on user needs. We present Op-e-nion, a case study of a visualisation tool for the analysis of public opinion regarding environmental issues, aimed at administrations and public institutions. The involvement of experts from different fields allowed for the identification of the main metrics necessary to target the least engaged socio-demographic groups as well as the barriers that limited their environmental actions. Experts also highlighted useful aspects of the design process and the final prototype to help them define more effective campaigns and policies to address social challenges and promote citizen action. An innovative step was introduced in the methodology by involving non-state actors in the evaluation of the tool, ensuring problem detection and enhancing the sustainability of the final product. Important aspects for the visualisation of multi-categorical data included simplifying the interaction with the tool while prioritising relevant information, and using highly customizable visualisations to answer specific user requirements and changing needs (i.e. analytical vs. managerial tasks). Improved visualisations of public opinion data will, in turn, better support the development of policies shaped by citizens' concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manual counting and packaging processes often involve repetitive, error-prone tasks. Specifically, packaging wooden handles, utilized in gardening tools and cutlery, typically relies on labor-intensive methods with dimensions varying in diameter, length and mass. These variations complicate packaging, requiring precise counting and diverse handling solutions. This article introduces an automated counting structure tailored for a wide array of wooden handles manufactured by a company in northern Portugal. Employing standardized mechanical design methodologies, we delineate crucial stages encompassing the design, development, implementation and testing of this specialized counting equipment. The machine has been partially integrated into the management system of the company, taking into account future global integration according to the Industry 4.0 concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the notion of a FAIR Digital Object (FDO) record, which consists of key-value pairs as attributes that are precisely defined in a Data Type Registry and selected in a profile, we show three examples of FDOs from different viewpoints how FDO records can be implemented as Handle PID records. As references to the attribute definitions, the keys determine the value space of the attribute. In the first two examples, the profiles enable human-readable keys and legacy digital objects to be integrated into FDO records. How legacy metadata from IANA media types that can be transformed into structured metadata of appropriate attribute definitions that then can be applied in profiles and FDO records, is described in the third example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, robotic automation has expanded in numerous industrial sectors; however, manufacturing operations involving the manipulation of non-rigid products are mostly preserved manual. The dynamic distortion of flexible objects underlines limitations in robot cognition and dexterity. Inspired by the gaps in composites industry automation, this paper presents a novel multifunctional robot end-effector for the robotic automation of composites layup. Aiming a holistic confrontation of layup challenges, the proposed end-effector incorporates tools for (a) the manipulation of sheet materials, like composite fabrics of variable dimensions; (b) the grasping of core materials, like foam blocks; (c) the handling of peripheral tools; (d) the exertion of fitting forces; and (e) the application of resin in diverse mold geometry cavities. The meticulous design of the end-effector's configuration allows for consistent and collision-free tool usage with no excess robot tool changes, granting even higher productivity and efficiency. The enhancement in robot dexterity and proficiency for layup operations is validated within an automotive case, where semi-automation is intended for the improvement in overall workstation's efficiency, quality, ergonomics, and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, FIB-SEM tomography has become an extremely important technique for the three-dimensional reconstruction of microscopic structures with nanometric resolution. This paper describes in detail the steps required to perform this analysis, from the experimental setup to the data analysis and final reconstruction. To demonstrate the versatility of the technique, a comprehensive list of applications is also summarized, ranging from batteries to shale rocks and even some types of soft materials. Moreover, the continuous technological development, such as the introduction of the latest models of plasma and cryo-FIB, can open the way towards the analysis with this technique of a large class of soft materials, while the introduction of new machine learning and deep learning systems will not only improve the resolution and the quality of the final data, but also expand the degree of automation and efficiency in the dataset handling. These future developments, combined with a technique that is already reliable and widely used in various fields of research, are certain to become a routine tool in electron microscopy and material characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning analytics (LA) has gained increasing attention for its potential to improve different educational aspects (e.g., students' performance and teaching practice). The existing literature identified some factors that are associated with the adoption of LA in higher education, such as stakeholder engagement and transparency in data use. The broad literature on information systems also emphasizes the importance of trust as a critical predictor of technology adoption. However, the extent to which trust plays a role in the adoption of LA in higher education has not been examined in detail in previous research. To fill this literature gap, we conducted a mixed method (survey and interviews) study aimed to explore how much teaching staff trust LA stakeholders (e.g., higher education institutions or third-parties) and LA technology, as well as the trust factors that could hinder or enable adoption of LA. The findings show that the teaching staff had a high level of trust in the competence of higher education institutions and the usefulness of LA; however, the teaching staff had a low level of trust in third parties that are involved in LA (e.g., external technology vendors) in terms of handling privacy and ethics-related issues. They also had a low level of trust in data accuracy due to issues such as outdated data and lack of data governance. The findings have strategic implications for institutional leaders and third parties in the adoption of LA by providing recommendations to increase trust, such as, improving data accuracy, developing policies for data sharing and ownership, enhancing the consent-seeking process, and establishing data governance guidelines. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature on the adoption of LA in HEIs by integrating trust factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This work analyzes the impact of subjective factors on users' immersive experience, while using glove‐based handling devices as input system. A user‐study has been conducted on a Virtual Training framework, evaluating usability and mental effort perceived with such devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory Animals Technologist degree (Técnico Universitario en Gestión Integral de Bioterios) was created in 1989. It is offered jointly by the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at the University of Buenos Aires. The complete programme is organized into 15 courses, including basic and applied sciences, along with specific courses (Técnicas de Bioterio I to V) with a solid practice content that students must achieve. An additional challenge occurs when practices consist of animal handling and procedures, which can be stressful for students and animals. Since traditional evaluation methods may not be the best way to determine the acquisition of knowledge and practical performance, an evaluation rubric is proposed to assess the practices carried out by students. The aspects and criteria to be examined were previously known of by students and teachers. The evaluation levels include: 'Daily report and record-keeping', 'Food and water supply', 'Cleaning and disinfection of areas, Standardized Operational Procedures and routines fulfilment', 'Personnel and supplies circulation', 'Use of personal protection equipment and physical care', 'Fulfilment of tasks in established times', 'Animals procedures and organization of needed materials', 'Animal care' and 'Teamwork camaraderie and organization'. The proposed tool was implemented with good results to achieve the academic objectives while augmenting the confidence for practical expertise, minimizing doubts and uncertainties related to traditional evaluation methods, and providing students with an environment that favours knowledge acquisition and practical skills, establishing standard criteria among the teaching staff, and reducing and refining the use of animals for educational purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since almost the onset of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW), the community has been concerned with how expertise sharing can be supported in different settings. Here, the complex handling of machines based on experience and knowledge is increasingly becoming a challenge. In our study, we investigated expertise sharing in a medium-sized manufacturing company in an effort to support the fostering of hardware-based expertise sharing by using augmented reality (AR) to 'retrofit' machines. We, therefore, conducted a preliminary empirical study to understand how expertise is shared in practice and what current support is available. Based on the findings, we derived design challenges and implications for the design of AR systems in manufacturing settings. The main challenges, we found, had to do with existing socio-technical infrastructure and the contextual nature of expertise. We implemented a HoloLens application called RetrofittAR that supports learning on the production machine during actual use. We evaluated the system during the company's actual production process. The results show which data types are necessary to support expertise sharing and how our design supports the retrofitting of old machines. We contribute to the current state of research in two ways. First, we present the knowledge-intensive practice of operating older production machines through novel AR interfaces. Second, we outline how retrofitting measures with new visualisation technologies can support knowledge-intensive production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of algorithmic differentiation (AD) tools focuses mostly on handling floating point types in the target language. Taping optimizations in these tools mostly focus on specific operations like matrix vector products. Aggregated types like std::complex are usually handled by specifying the AD type as a template argument. This approach provides exact results, but prevents the use of expression templates. If AD tools are extended and specialized such that aggregated types can be added to the expression framework, then this will result in reduced memory utilization and improve the timing for applications where aggregated types such as complex number or matrix vector operations are used. Such an integration requires a reformulation of the stored data per expression and a rework of the tape evaluation process. We will demonstrate the overheads on a synthetic benchmark and show the improvement when aggregated types are handled properly by the expression framework of the AD tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote robotic systems are employed in the CERN accelerator complex to perform different tasks, such as the safe handling of cables and their connectors. Without dedicated control, these kinds of actions are difficult and require the operators' intervention, which is subjected to dangerous external agents. In this paper, two novel modules of the CERNTAURO framework are presented to provide a safe and usable solution for managing optical fibres and their connectors. The first module is used to detect touch and slippage, while the second one is used to regulate the grasping force and contrast slippage. The force reference was obtained with a combination of object recognition and a look-up table method. The proposed strategy was validated with tests in the CERN laboratory, and the preliminary experimental results demonstrated statistically significant increases in time-based efficiency and in the overall relative efficiency of the tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the dimensions of the cup handle that are more comfortable for the user. The manufacture of cup handles generally does not involve dimensions with special standards but instead follows the shape of the cup itself. A unique design is not enough for a better user experience. Comfort must be considered using anthropometric dimensions and biomechanical strength. It is known the hand grip position has greater biomechanical strength than the lateral pinch grip position and can be used as a reference for determining the right dimensions for designing ergonomic cup handles. To achieve a hand grip position, it is necessary to change the shape of the cup handle with anthropometric measurements, it is known that the cup handle, which can fit the user's four fingers, has a dimension of 73.70 mm. However, the characteristics of the clay will make the ceramic experience shrinkage in dimensions. A dimensional tolerance of 21% is given so that anthropometric measurements can be achieved so that the handle dimension that can be proposed is 89.17 mm. It is hoped that the dimensional changes in the cup handle will be a consideration for future studies and designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of Mordot Arnona is located c. 750 m northeast of Ramat Raḥel, on the eastern outskirts of the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem. Recent salvage excavations at the site showed that in the late eighth and the first half of the seventh century BCE, Mordot Arnona held great significance in the physical and political landscape of the area south of Jerusalem, serving as an administrative center, as evidenced by its monumental structures and the dozens of stamped jar handles. In this paper we present for the first time a rare corpus of 17 jar handles bearing 'private' stamp impressions, one of the largest exposed in excavations in the region of Judah, alongside 124 lmlk stamped jar handles and 33 handles incised with concentric circles. Furthermore, we discuss their role, function and significance in Judah's administration system on the eve of Sennacherib's campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a Knidian stamped amphora handle uncovered at the rural settlement of el-Khirba, Shoham in Israel which is reportedly part of the pottery assemblage of Stratum III, dated between the third and first centuries Before Common Era. Topics covered include the key features of the rectangular aniconic stamp, the group of Knidian amphora stamps similar to the Shoham handle and the date of the two- and three-letter stamp varieties.

Background: The present study presents a knowledge-based DSS framework for supporting the decision-maker and handling control decisions related to supply chains. Methods: Two binary variables were adopted for denoting at which time point a given task i starts and finishes. The scheduling issues are represented through the ontological model and appropriately interpreted using the Java environment. Regarding primary data, digital form of administration using google form platform took precedence over physical administration. Results: The findings might not be exact replication of the findings from previous studies that are limited to the influence of information and material flow on the performance of supply chain as there are concerns of what factors constitute information and material flow that need to be identified and considered. However, with the finding of associating factors of information and material flow may need to consider this in managing the flow and the supply chain. Associating factors such as information quality, information visibility, material cost, fund shortage and so on, play a role in information and material flow and the decisions made in an organization. Conclusions: Factors associating with information and material flow need to be considered in decision making as well, as the cost in any of the elements affects the flow and this would impede supply chain performance of the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fixed-pitch, variable-RPM quadcopters of increasing size are simulated in hover. Three aircraft sizes are considered, with rotor diameters of 4, 6, and 8 ft (1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 m) and gross weights of 300, 680, and 1200 lb (136, 308, and 544 kg) respectively. Control design is performed for each aircraft using CONDUIT R, first using standard ADS-33E-PRF handling qualities specifications. Froude scaling is then applied to the specifications in order to design more comparable, aggressive controllers for the two smaller aircraft. Piloted commands and gust inputs are simulated in the time domain in order to estimate the necessary motor current margins needed for adequate maneuverability local to hover. Of the maneuvers considered, a yaw rate step requires the highest current margin for the smallest aircraft, while the longitudinal velocity step requires the highest current margin for the others, regardless of the Froude scaling of the handling qualities metrics. Using the maximum current values from these simulations, the motor weight fraction is 8.3-10.6% for the 300-lb vehicle, 11.6-13.0% for the 680-lb vehicle, and 15.8% for the 1200 lb. Motor weight requirements can be reduced on the larger two aircraft by flying with the pitch and roll axes exclusively in the attitude command, attitude hold mode, rather than translational rate command. In this case, step commands in yaw rate are limiting for the 680-lb vehicle (10.7-11.8% motor weight fraction) and heave commands are limiting for the 1200-lb vehicle (13.6% motor weight fraction). Estimated motor weight requirements are also reduced by decreasing the rotor inertia and introducing additional filtering into the aircraft commands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The findings of this study have lightened the focal research areas in maintenance planning and scheduling. These also served as effective guidelines for future studies in this area. This research, therefore, contributes in fulfilling the gap by carrying out an SLR of contemporary research studies in the area of models for maintenance planning and scheduling. At present, SLR rooted in BA has not been carried focusing on a survey over models for maintenance planning and scheduling. SLR uses advanced scientific methodologies from BA tools to unveil thematic structures. Design/methodology/approach: We have systematically reviewed over 1,021 peer-reviewed journal articles. Advanced contemporary tools from Bibliometric Analysis (BA) are used to perform a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). First, exploratory analysis is presented, highlighting the influential authors, sources and region amongst other key indices. Second, the large bibliographical data is visualized using co-citation network analyses, and research clusters (themes) are identified. The co-citation network is extended into a dynamic co-citation network and unveils the evolution of the research clusters. Last, cluster-based content analysis and historiographical analysis is carried out to predict the prospect of future research studies. Findings: BA tools first outlined an exploratory analysis that noted influential authors, production countries, top-cited papers and frequent keywords. Later, the bibliometric data of over 1,021 documents is visualized using co-citation network analyses. Later, a dynamic co-citation analysis identified the evolution of research clusters over time. A historiographical direct citation analysis also unveils potential research directions. We have clearly observed that there are two main streams of maintenance planning and scheduling applications. The first has focused on joint maintenance and operations on machines. The second focused on integrated production and maintenance models in an echelon setting for unrealizable production facilities. Originality/value: There are many literature review-based research studies that have contributed to maintenance scheduling research surveys. However, most studies have adopted traditional approaches, which often fall short in handling large bibliometric data and therefore suffer from selection biases from the authors. As a result, in this area, the existing reviews could be non-comprehensive. This study bridges the research gap by conducting an SLR of maintenance models, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been carried out before this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthos was one of the most important cities of Lycia, in Southwestern Anatolia. In the north-east of the Ancient City of Xanthos, to the west of the Lycian Building along the western wall of this building, the soundings taken in a south-north direction revealed in the initial strata that these areas were used as workshops during the Byzantine Period. When the work continued in the south-north direction, an "annex place", built adjacent to the west wall of the Lycian Building, was identified in 2013. From the soundings made in the area many pottery sherds belonging to the Hellenistic Period were unearthed from the filling layer during the 2013 excavation season. Among these finds, twenty-three stamped amphora handles are noteworthy. The amphora handles document the origin of the amphorae that reached Xanthos and its surroundings, and the commercial activities of the city and the Lycia Region during the Hellenistic Period. Eighteen of these stamped amphora handles are of Rhodian and five of Knidian origin. The Rhodian amphora stamps recovered from the site are generally dated to between the 3rd century B.C. and the 1st century A.D., while the Knidian amphora stamps are dated to between the 2nd and 1st century B.C. Through this study, the role of Xanthos in the distribution maps of commercial amphorae of the island/islands and Western Anatolian cities that traded with the cities in the Lycian Region during the Hellenistic Period is, to some extent, established. The information on the fabricans and the eponyms which dated them, who were active in the ancient cities of Rhodos and Knidos, with which the city of Xanthos was in commercial contact, are presented here for the first time, although it is a small group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) architecture for All Electric Ships (AES) has the potential to provide superior features compared to traditional 60-HZ AC distribution systems in terms of power density, power quality, and system stability. The MVDC system introduces extensive use of power electronics equipment into the shipboard power system (SPS) design that brings complexity to the system design. These power electronics equipment connect the power sources and load centers to the MVDC bus and play a major role in handling system faults. This paper focuses on developing a framework to determine the volume and failure rate of a Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) for early stage ship design. Two different methodologies (Taguchi method and a genetic algorithm) were used to determine the best design from a robust set of design options. Once the design parameters have been identified, the Taguchi method forms orthogonal array to explore and evaluate designs. At the end of the design cycle, it identifies the best parameters from a large set of design parameters to achieve lower volume and failure rate. These parameters are used as input to the optimization process. This helps to narrow out the number of inputs for optimization algorithm. The Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) has been integrated with converter design tool to minimize the volume and failure rate of MMC. The results show that the optimization algorithm coupled with Taguchi Method provides the lowest volume and failure rate for MMC. One of the goals of early-stage ship design is to develop preliminary design and evaluation of trade space to narrow it down. This paper is expected to aid early-stage ship design of power electronics converter design for MVDC systems in SPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the e-records guidance tools for record sharing at the Tanzania Public Service College in Tanzania. A credible methodology is presented, followed by a discussion about the phenomena underpinning the study. The study engaged a quantitative research design to collect, process and analyse data. The quantitative research design was used to collect basic descriptive statistical data on demographic characteristics, awareness of e-records guidance tools, usefulness of e-records guidance tools in sharing records and the factors affecting the application of e-records guidance tools in sharing e-records. The findings established that the majority (>50%) of the respondents were well informed of e-records guidance tools and agreed on the fact that guidance tools' user-friendliness, trace procedures and user awareness positively affected access to and use of e-records guidance tools. However, the institutional developed procedures and regulations were applied to a high degree in the handling and sharing of e-records; although attention has to be critically recommended to the Tanzania National Archives on developing comprehensive e-records guidance tools to ensure effective e-records sharing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on our own research (Kersten and Lotze 2018, 2020; Lotze and Kersten in press, under review) as well as other work in this area (Bechar-Israeli 1995; Stommel 2007; Lindholm 2013; Aleksiejuk 2016a, 2016b), this article will discuss the pragmatics of (self-)naming practices online and how they contribute to identity construction and face-work (Bedijs, Held and Maaß 2014; Seargeant and Tagg 2014). Drawing on the data collected, both existing and analysed as part of a wider study of usernames across 14 languages (Schlobinski and Siever 2018a), the use and function of anthroponyms and other names in online contexts are explored. Furthermore, we endeavour to situate both onomastic and sociolinguistic research in the field of digitally-mediated interaction (DMI) and in the field of pragmatics in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article actualizes the problem of correct identification and distinguishing of osteological materials, used for manufacturing of different pieces of applied arts, including the handles of edged weapons. The author states these materials to be often described as just “horn”, though horns of different mammals were used. The most complex the problem is with the describing of the objects made of the horn of the rhinoceros. It causes not only mistakes in museum descriptions, but also more serious aftereffects, concerning the definition of insurance value of the objects transported and exhibited. The opposite problem appears when pieces made of other mammals’ horns are attributed as the ones manufactured of the horn of the rhinoceros, because of the similarity of horns with the transparent and stratose texture, peculiar to the rhinoceros one. The author provides the main discriminant marks for identification of pieces made of the horn of the rhinoceros and points to the features of this material.

This article studies the influence of the tensile speed when testing plastic products used to transport containers that may contain various liquids (drinking water, windshield fluid, cleaning agents, etc.). This case study was conducted on certain parts, generally called "handles", which are basically plastic items obtained largely from recycled technological waste resulting from the injection process of various packaging related to the food industry polyethylene caps and lids more precisely. During the handling and transport process, these parts are subjected to various static stresses, therefore, a minimum mechanical resistance is required. Fatigue stress has not been performed due to a limited number of duty cycles. To determine these quality characteristics, multiple measurements of tensile strength and elongations were performed at different traction speeds, measurements that have been validated on the market for several years. We have observed that testing speed over 500 mm/min is not necessary because the tensile strength values do not vary significantly. These results are very important in determining the constructive form of these products and the methods for validating quality indicators. Also, we have proposed to identify a method able to assess the mechanical performance of the product used in nonstandard conditions. The study can be used for a much wider range of similar applications in the plastics industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The situation caused by COVID-19 has shown several vulnerabilities in the attitudes and habits of modern society, inducing the need to adopt new behaviors that will directly impact daily activities. The quickly spreading virus contaminates the surfaces of handles and objects, and subsequent contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth is one of the main contagion factors. There is an urgent need to rethink how we interact with the most-touched surfaces, such as door handles in public places with a high flux of people. A revision was performed of the most-used door handles to develop a proposal that could be applied to already existing models, thus avoiding the need for their total replacement. Through interaction between engineering, design, and ergonomics, an auxiliary hands-free door opener device was developed, following iteration improvement from an initial static geometry and culminating in a dynamic system aiming to provide greater ergonomic comfort in its use. The development followed a methodology using 3D modelling supported by 3D printing of the various components to accurately understand their functioning. In addition, the finite element method supported the prediction of the structural behavior of the developed systems. The final models were produced through CNC machining and submitted to functional validation tests with volunteers. The developed HFDO demonstrated relevant differentiation from the existing models on the market: for its geometry and material, but mainly for its strong emphasis on the interaction between the object and the user, resulting from the dynamic component in its use/manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]