Industrial Technology

This paper presents an engineering basis for defining transport vibration and shock acceptance criteria for precision cargo using ASTM D4169 and related standards. It clarifies that ASTM D4169 is a performance-testing framework, not a direct source of universal vibration or shock limits. Vibration qualification should instead refer to ASTM D4728 and ISO 13355, while drop and handling shock may be assessed through ASTM D5276 and project-specific risk evaluation. The paper recommends that acceptance limits be based on manufacturer fragility data, measured transport conditions, shipment mode, restraint method, and post-transport inspection to establish a defensible safety envelope for each cargo shipment.

This paper investigates perception of students' entrepreneurship skill development programme in federal college of Education (Technical) Omoku. A descriptive survey research design was employed for the population consists of students and lecturers of federal college of education (technical) Omoku. A total of one hundred and twenty 120) students and lecturers constituted the sample for the study, the instrument used for data collection were analyzed using the simple mean (x) statistical method. From the findings the following emanated, that entrepreneurship is very important in all sped of life. Based on the study, conclusions were also drawn and recommendation.

DCT based JPEG is an accepted standard for lossy Photographic Expert Group (JPEG) [3,4] is a standard block compression of still image. DHT is a real valued transform whose transform based lossy compression technique. The JPEG forward and inverse transforms are same except for an inclusion of a scale factor in the inverse transform. In this paper DCT is sCm essentially employs the Discrete Cosine Transform replaced by DHT to reduce the computational complexity of (DCT) representation of the image. In this paper we propose a JPEG. Quantization is mainly responsible for the amount loss in new approach to the JPEG compression and reconstruction the image quality in the process of lossy compression. scheme using a real valued Discrete Hartley Transform (DHT) Quantisation of the DHT transformed coefficients is quite [5,6] maintaining the other frames of JPEG unchanged. In difricult. A new quantization method is proposed in the present o investigation that facilitates speeding up the coding and decoding otEr wod tem n schemefl thensam e aprochv of the procedure while preserving image quality. The image quality of JPEG but employs a different transform. The objective iS to the reconstructed image are very good which is verified through obtain better reconstructed image from the modified JPEG extensive simulation. In this paper with the proposed method scheme. We have compared the performance of both the DCT there is no need of a dequatizer at the decoder side. This would and the DHT based versions of the JPEG through computer enable reduction of hardware and would make the simulation. The comparison has been made in terms of the implementation much simpler.

This paper reviews the historical, technological, and environmental evolution of nickel smelting in Sudbury, Ontario with emphasis on Inco's Copper Cliff operations and the author's direct involvement in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) abatement initiatives. Early smelting practices-dominated by heap roasting-created severe local environmental degradation and hazardous working conditions. Over the twentieth century, consolidation of ore bodies, metallurgical expertise and capital under the International Nickel Company (Inco) enabled significant advances in process metallurgy, including oxygen flash smelting and improved copper-nickel separation. Moreover, the enterprise created innovative and useful products like Inconel R enabling growth and market dominance. By 1970, Sudbury operations emitted nearly two million tonnes of SO₂ annually, prompting widespread public and regulatory pressure. In response, Inco launched a multi-stage SO₂ abatement program that included construction of a 350 m super-stack, pyrrhotite rejection by flotation, modernization of furnace and converter systems, and development of a novel copper converting technology. Retrofitting Peirce-Smith converters with oxygen lances and porous nitrogen-stirring plugs proved critical, enabling improved control, reduced fugitive emissions, and safer workplace conditions. Commissioning of the reconfigured smelter in 1991 reduced annual emissions from 685 kt to 235 kt. Subsequent measures-including roaster gas capture and the discontinuation of copper smelting-further reduced emissions to under 50 kt per year. The narrative emphasizes a continuous interplay between technological progress, regulatory oversight, and public advocacy in achieving sustainable industrial operations. It calls for vigilance and proactive efforts to sustain these achievements against potential economic pressures that might reverse environmental and workplace safety gains. Ultimately, the paper functions as both a historical record and a forward-looking reminder of the responsibilities incumbent on industry, regulators, and society alike.

This study focused on the development and evaluation of the Dual-Purpose Human Head Lamp Clock, a multifunctional device designed to integrate lighting and timekeeping into a single unit. In response to modern challenges such as limited space, clutter, and inefficiency in using separate household devices, the study aimed to provide an innovative and practical solution that enhances both usability and aesthetic appeal. The research employed a descriptive-evaluative design involving fifty (50) respondents from Cebu Technological University and nearby communities. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and analyzed using percentage and weighted mean. The findings revealed that the device performed efficiently in terms of lighting, providing sufficient brightness while maintaining energy efficiency through LED technology. The timekeeping function was accurate and reliable, meeting user expectations. Furthermore, respondents rated the product highly in terms of convenience, usability, and aesthetic value. The integration of both functions significantly reduced clutter and improved space organization. The study concludes that multifunctional product design is an effective approach to enhancing user experience and addressing everyday household challenges. The product also demonstrates strong potential for further development and commercialization.

Green accounting is a contemporary issue in financial accounting. This paper focuses to identify the current trends in green accounting. It also emphasizes on the people's perception regarding green accounting. It was found that most of the respondents felt there is a need of moving towards green accounting and that all the enterprises should start adopting green accounting. It has been observed that India has taken a step forward towards quantifying green accounting. So this might help us to eliminate the problem of non-quantification of green accounting. It is corporate social responsibility for all the enterprises to adopt green accounting. Biggest challenge of environmental accounting and reporting is that it lacks economic value. There is no benchmark or standard method for calculating the value of environmental products. Exclusive accounting standard for environmental accounting is not mentioned. Exempting certain industries it is not a legal obligation to report environmental accounting. No company or industry data is available which would indicate the number of companies reporting environmental accounting. So it becomes a challenge for all of us.

As Industrial Technology (IT) educators, we are tasked with the responsibility of providing our students with the education and training that will best prepare them to become an employer’s leading asset. To meet this challenge, National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) IT programs are mandated to assemble an Industrial Advisory Council (IAC) to solicit the council’s input for curriculum changes that will meet the continuously changing demands and expectations of our graduates’ employers. One of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s IAC members, Chuck Kuhn, has expressed a sense of urgency to make the Industrial Dimensional Metrology course a requirement within the IT curriculum. According to Kuhn (personal communications, May 2, 2002), “10 percent of the Technology and Engineering applicants he interviews do not know how to read a micrometer or caliper, and about 80 percent do not have any concept of what Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing is.” Similar concerns were expressed by an audience of IT professionals attending a NAIT conference presentation by DeRuntz & Liu (2001) on the perceived need for developing a dimensional metrology course and lab within IT programs.

L'interrogation des bases de connaissances telles que les ontologies est une exigence centrale du web sémantique. De plus en plus on est forcé à reconnaître l'importance de fournir un accès simple à ces dépôts de connaissances. Cependant les outils existants qui permettent aux utilisateurs d'interroger et de raisonner sur les ontologies utilisent un langage de requête avec une syntaxe complexe et difficile à maîtriser par les experts du domaine. Dans cet article, nous proposons une nouvelle approche pour la conversion des requêtes en langage naturel vers nRQL (new Racerpro Query Language) qui est le langage des requêtes du moteur d'inférence RACER, utilisant les restrictions sémantiques imposées par l'ontologie. La génération des requêtes nRQL s'appuie sur un algorithme basé sur les relations sémantiques entres tous les termes de la requête. La requête ainsi générée est alors envoyée au raisonneur pour l'interrogation de la base de connaissances.

Perkembangan teknologi digital telah mengubah cara manusia mengakses informasi dan berinteraksi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Namun, kemudahan tersebut juga menimbulkan berbagai tantangan, seperti penyebaran hoaks, rendahnya kemampuan berpikir kritis, pelanggaran etika, dan ancaman terhadap keamanan data pribadi. Oleh karena itu, literasi digital menjadi kompetensi penting bagi setiap individu. Artikel ini membahas konsep literasi digital serta peran berpikir kritis dan etika dalam penggunaan media digital dengan mengacu pada pemikiran Feri Sulianta (2025). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa literasi digital berperan penting dalam membentuk individu yang kritis, bijak, dan bertanggung jawab di era digital. Kata kunci: literasi digital, berpikir kritis, etika digital, hoaks ABSTRACK The development of digital technology has transformed the way people access information and interact in daily life. However, this advancement also brings challenges such as misinformation, limited critical thinking, ethical issues, and data security risks. Therefore, digital literacy is an essential competency in the digital era. This article discusses the concept of digital literacy and the role of critical thinking and ethics in digital media use, referring to the perspective of Feri Sulianta (2025). The findings indicate that digital literacy plays a key role in shaping critical, responsible, and informed digital citizens.

The objectives of this study were to identify relationships among firefighter experience and the decisionmaking processes, by determining if experienced firefighters singularly review alternatives, review less alternatives, or make more expedient decisions than novice firefighters. Research results, utilizing the highest resolution computerized virtual reality (VR) system in the world, do not support the empirical evidence suggesting that experienced firefighters review and act upon their first alternative and that experienced firefighters review less information in less time.

The objectives of this study were to identify relationships among firefighter experience and the decision-making processes, by determining if experienced firefighters singularly review alternatives, review less alternatives, or make more expedient decisions than novice firefighters. Research results, utilizing the highest resolution computerized virtual reality (VR) system in the world, do not support the empirical evidence suggesting that experienced firefighters review and act upon their first alternative and that experienced firefighters review less information in less time.

The aim of the experiment was to find out the effects of sweet basil leaf powder on the sensory and nutritional qualities of beef and frankfurter sausages. The experiment involved the use of basil leaves powder at 4, 6 and 8g/kg meat in place of adobo®, a commercially formulated spice in both beef and frankfurter sausages. Sensory attributes such as colour, aroma, flavour intensity, flavour liking and texture were evaluated. The addition of basil leaves powder resulted in a significant (P<0.001) effect on the colour of both beef and frankfurter sausages. The control and 4g of the test materials in beef and frankfurter sausages had acceptable sensory attributes as compared to the higher levels (6 and 8g/kg). Sweet basil leaf powder did not have any adverse effect on the sensory characteristics of the products. There was significant difference (P<0.05) among treatment means in terms of fat content of the frankfurter sausages. However, the moisture and crude protein content of bo...

Avant tout, je remercie Allah tout puissant de m'avoir donné la force et la volonté pour achever ce travail. Il m'est particulièrement agréable d'exprimer ma gratitude envers les personnes qui m'ont apporté leur soutien et qui m'ont aidée de près ou de loin à effectuer ce travail, tout d'abord mes plus sincères remerciements sont adressés à mon directeur de thèse, Monsieur CHIKH Mohammed Amine qui m'a guidée tout au long de la réalisation de cette thèse. A monsieur Ladjel BELLATRECHE, professeur à l'ENSMA / LISI -Université de Poitiers pour ses conseils et ses encouragements. Mes sincères remerciements aux membres du jury qui nous ont honorés d'accepter de juger ce travail. Je remercie : Madame Didi Fedoua, professeur à l'université de Tlemcen, qui m'a fait l'honneur d'avoir accepté de présider ce travail. Monsieur Bouamrane Karim, professeur à l'université d'Oran 1, monsieur Yagoubi Belabbas, professeur à l'université d'Oran et monsieur Benslimane Sidi Mohammed, professeur à l'université de Sidi Belabbas d'avoir accepté d'examiner ce travail. Enfin, mes plus vifs remerciements à tous les membres du laboratoire de Génie Biomédical. v Résumé Actuellement les systèmes d'intégration sont de plus en plus basés sur la notion d'ontologie. Ainsi, plusieurs applications offrent un accès à leurs sources de données à travers les services web. Les services web sont la nouvelle vague des applications web. Ce sont des applications modulaires, auto-contenues et auto-descriptives qui peuvent être publiées, localisées et invoquées depuis le web. Les ontologies sont utilisées dans plusieurs applications telles que l'annotation de documents, la gestion de catalogues de composants industriels, l'intégration de données, etc… ceci a donné naissance à la notion de données sémantiques. Dans ce travail, une architecture pour l'intégration de données est proposée. Cette architecture est basée essentiellement sur les ontologies et les services web, où les services web jouent le rôle d'adaptateurs dans une architecture médiateur-adaptateur. Nous proposons un méta-modèle de service web qui sera connecté au méta-modèle de l'ontologie, ensuite nous proposons d'enregistrer les descriptions de services web dans une base de données sémantique. Ceci permet la découverte, la composition et l'intégration automatique des services. Nous montrons ainsi l'architecture de médiation proposée et enfin son implémentation dans le domaine médical.

Conducting thorough clinical and epidemiological research on Lassa fever is crucial for developing viable treatments in endemic regions. However, these activities are occasionally hindered by significant challenges in recruiting participants, particularly in rural, high-burden regions. This study assesses the many challenges encountered in recruiting participants for Lassa fever research in Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, an area historically endemic to the disease in Sierra Leone. A qualitative case study methodology was utilized to gather data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members, local leaders, former researchers, and potential participants.

Received: 19 April 2019 Abstract Accepted: 30 October 2019 Current fast development requires continuous improvement of employees’ skills and knowledge. Therefore, companies are looking for the best way for improving the employees’ qualifications and understanding of new concepts and tools which have to be implemented in manufacturing areas. One method employs gamification for this purpose. The aim of this paper is to present how gamification can increase the acquisition of knowledge concerning lean manufacturing concept implementation. Gamification is an active learning approach for people who will understand the subject easier by ‘feeling’ and ‘touching’ personally the analysed problems. The research utilized a questionnaire which assessed the game participants’ engagement level. The assessment focused specifically on the participants’ motivation, cognitive processing and social aspects. The participants were also examined before and after the game in order to assess the increase o...

Lassa fever (LF) presents a persistent public health burden in West Africa, with Sierra Leone's Kenema District being a recognized epicenter. However, fine-scale, community-level understandings of the factors driving transmission risk within such high-endemicity zones remain critical for effective intervention. This community-based case study assessed the population at risk of LF in Largo Town, Nongowa Chiefdom, Kenema District. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and environmental observations. Quantitative data captured demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), while qualitative insights explored perceived risks, socio-cultural norms, and local narratives surrounding the disease. The findings reveal a population with high general awareness of LF but persistent gaps in precise knowledge of transmission routes, particularly regarding rodent reservoir contact and person-to-person spread. Risky practices, including rodent hunting and consumption, unsafe food storage, and delayed healthcare-seeking, were commonly reported and shaped by socio-economic constraints and cultural beliefs. Environmental assessment confirmed widespread conditions conducive to the proliferation of the rodent vector, Mastomys natalensis, in and around human dwellings. The study identifies a confluence of behavioral, environmental, and structural factors-including poverty, limited alternative protein sources, and housing infrastructure-that collectively heighten exposure risk. This research concludes that within a high-endemicity zone, hyper-local risk is heterogeneous and deeply embedded in the community's socio-ecological context. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond generic awareness campaigns to develop targeted, community-co-designed interventions that address the specific practices, perceptions, and vulnerabilities identified. The findings advocate for an integrated One

Increasing production of corn masa for tortillas, chips, and related snack foods is resulting in large quantities of organic residuals requiring environmentally sound management. These byproduct streams appear suitable for use as livestock feed material, thus eliminating landfilling costs. Possibilities for developing livestock feed include direct shipping to livestock feeding facilities, blending prior to shipping, extrusion processing, pellet mill processing, and dehydration. To assess the viability of these options for reprocessing masa byproducts as livestock feed materials, an economic model was developed and applied to each of these alternatives. Through a series of simulation runs with this model, it was determined that direct shipping was by far the most inexpensive means of recycling masa processing residuals (10 Á/57 $/Mg). Other alternatives examined in increasing order of costs included blending prior to shipping, extrusion, pellet mill processing (3 Á/15, 5 Á/18, and 4 Á/18 times greater than direct shipping, respectively), while dehydration was clearly cost-prohibitive (33 Á/81 times greater). Bagged feed was slightly more expensive to produce than bulk feed (1.1 times greater), and reprocessing costs increased as delivery distance increased, due to increased labor, equipment, and fuel costs, but decreased as byproduct generation rate increased, due to the development of the economies of scale. Alternately, based on a tipping fee of 50 $/Mg, the total estimated cost to landfill ranged from 65 to 112 $/Mg. Based on this cost analysis, direct shipping and

Designers are accustomed to solving problems that are provided to them; in fact, common practice in engineering is topresent the problem with carefully delineated and detailed constraints required for a promising solution. As a consequence,engineers focus on creating feasible solutions rather than exploring novel perspectives on the presented problems.However, the Engineer of 2020 needs to respond with innovations for multiple and dynamic user needs, diverse users andcultures, and rapidly changing technologies. These complex demands require engineering students to learn that problemsare not ‘‘fixed’’ as presented, and to build the habit of exploring alternative perspectives on the stated problem. Creativeinnovations in problem understanding may lead directly to more innovative solutions. While previous research hasdocumented the ‘‘co-evolution’’ of problem and solution during the design process, the present work aims to understandhow designers intentionally explore variants of probl...

Design problems are often presented as structured briefs with detailed constraints and requirements, suggesting a fixed definition. However, past studies have identified the importance of exploring design problems for creative design outcomes. Previous protocol studies of designers has shown that problems can “co-evolve” with the development of solutions during the design process. But to date, little evidence has been provided abouthowdesigners systematically explore presented problems to create better solutions. In this study, we conducted a qualitative analysis of 252 design problems collected from publically available sources, including award-winning product designs and open-source design competitions. This database offers an independent sample of presented problems, designers’ alternative problem descriptions, and innovative solutions. We report the results of this large-scale qualitative analysis aimed at characterizing changes to problems during the design process. Inductive c...

An ultrasonic generator was used in the Soxhlet extractor. To evaluate the process, the solvent flow was examined. The influence of the flow time in the Soxhlet on the process was analyzed. The formula for the residence time of streaming particles in the apparatus is given. A standardized volume curve V was formed. The time required for the solvent to remain in the apparatus is important during the extraction process. The description of the structure of flows of mass metabolic processes also means that it allows you to determine the movement and distribution of substances in these flows. Therefore, we wrote a hydrodynamic model of flows in the Soxhlet in the form of equations that represent the change in time in the apparatus. Ways to accelerate the extraction process are considered. The advantages of each method have been explored. Ultrasonic acceleration was selected from the investigated method. The parameters of the generator for generating ultrasound are considered. A compatibl...

Conducting thorough clinical and epidemiological research on Lassa fever is crucial for developing viable treatments in endemic regions. However, these activities are occasionally hindered by significant challenges in recruiting participants, particularly in rural, high-burden regions. This study assesses the many challenges encountered in recruiting participants for Lassa fever research in Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, an area historically endemic to the disease in Sierra Leone. A qualitative case study methodology was utilized to gather data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members, local leaders, former researchers, and potential participants.

Conducting thorough clinical and epidemiological research on Lassa fever is crucial for developing viable treatments in endemic regions. However, these activities are occasionally hindered by significant challenges in recruiting participants, particularly in rural, high-burden regions. This study assesses the many challenges encountered in recruiting participants for Lassa fever research in Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, an area historically endemic to the disease in Sierra Leone. A qualitative case study methodology was utilized to gather data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members, local leaders, former researchers, and potential participants.

Political instability in most of Africa is an age-old problem, especially in the period immediately following the decades of rapid attainment of independence. Without any prejudice to external factors in this dilemma, the behaviors of some African leaders are often significant contributors to this problem. With the advent of democracy in Africa, one would have thought that the continent would soar above its instability problems and focus on more pragmaticideologies and practices with the most significant potential for promotingits much-desired socioeconomic development. However, Africa continues to experience political instability at levels militating against socioeconomic growth and development, even with the varying democratic dispensations within the continent.

The study investigated the impact of poverty on accessing quality healthcare system by women in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone highlighting their challenges and recommendations based on the findings of the study. A mixed research method of both descriptive qualitative and quantitative approach were used. The findings revealed that the prevalence of poverty in Sierra Leone is growing, resulting in widening health inequalities. Furthermore, the findings indicated that poverty among women has affected the social determinants of health on multiple levels, compromising economic stability, education, social and community contact, lifestyle and healthcare access, and the physical environment. The study further showed that women and girls are affected by poverty and many have little or no saying in the decisions which affect their lives. They often get less food, receive less education, and are affected by poor sanitation. Many have little or no money on their own which makes them dependent on others. This power imbalance also means they are often subject to sexual and physical violence, impacting on both their physical and mental health, and their overall wellbeing. The study concluded that Sierra Leone government, NGOs and other funding agencies should collaborate to supply enough medical equipment and drugs for women under the free healthcare system, and the distributions of expired drugs should be discouraged. This will ultimately increase the confidence of women in accessing quality healthcare service in Bo city.

Conducting thorough clinical and epidemiological research on Lassa fever is crucial for developing viable treatments in endemic regions. However, these activities are occasionally hindered by significant challenges in recruiting participants, particularly in rural, high-burden regions. This study assesses the many challenges encountered in recruiting participants for Lassa fever research in Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, an area historically endemic to the disease in Sierra Leone. A qualitative case study methodology was utilized to gather data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members, local leaders, former researchers, and potential participants.

The study investigated the impact of clique activities on the socioeconomic well-being of residents in Bo City, highlighting the significant atrocities committed by the cliques and making recommendations based on its findings. This research used a combination of quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study targeted 130 respondents. Key among those targeted were youths, police personnel, parents, clique group leaders, ghetto owners, the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police, staff of the Ministry of Social Welfare, and traders. For this study, primary and secondary data sources were explored, and the data was analyzed using simple statistical techniques such as frequency counts, percentages, and measures of central tendency. The finding revealed that security personnel should continue to train and sensitize key actors and community members to detect and address early crime signals. Findings from the study also revealed that a vast majority, 91%, of the targeted population believe cliques contribute little or nothing to the development of their communities. Furthermore, it was revealed that clique activities in the community lead to social exclusion. Youths whose actions have been labelled as delinquent are often considered unfit for purpose and, therefore, excluded from community functions. Such exclusions reduce young people's ability to develop selfconfidence. The study concluded that the government should provide scholarships for school-going youths and effective free education so that people experiencing poverty can send their children to school. This will ultimately decrease clique activities and increase the socioeconomic well-being of residents in Bo.

This research investigated the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in governance and nationallevel policy processes in Bo City, Sierra Leone. The study highlighted the significance of CSOs in promoting democratic governance, fostering civic participation, and influencing public policy development at both local and national levels. Bo City, as a hub for civic engagement in Sierra Leone, provides a critical case for understanding how CSOs interact with government institutions, advocate for citizens' rights, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies. A randomized sampling technique was employed to select a representative sample of every stratum contributing to national development in Bo City the sample size was determined.By using appropriate statistical data to ensure the adequate representation of multi-sectorial stakeholders.

Real time speech to text" can be defined as accurate conversion of words that represents uttered word instantly after speaking. Speech-to-text-conversion is a useful tool for integrating people with hearing impairments in oral communication settings, e. g. counseling interviews or conferences. However, the transfer of speech into written language in real time requires special techniques as it must be very fast and correct to be understandable. Our aim is to develop software that enhances the user's way of speech through correctness of pronunciation following the English phonetics. This software allows one to learn, judge and recognize their potential in English language. It also facilitates an extra add-on feature which nourishes the user's communication skills by an option of text to speech conversion also. The paper introduces and discusses different techniques for speech to text conversion and its process that described in complement with the options that are already in use. This paper presents a method to design a Text to Speech con version module by the use of Matlab. This method is simple to implement and involves much lesser use of memory spaces.

Condition based maintenance is now routinely applied to rotating machinery, with data transmitted wirelessly and reviewed automatically, to give a prognostic or remaining life estimate. The challenge is implementing integrated NDE/SHM strategies for structural assessment. However, advances in computer and communications technology, the internet of things and management of big data are starting to offer the digital infrastructure which can be combined with new sensor systems to enable SHM/prognostics to be applied to structural materials. Some challenges and opportunities which assess and demonstrate how NDE and SHM can potentially be revolutionized in the age of Industry 4.0 are outlined.

Nowadays, cultural heritage is more than ever linked to the present. It links us to our cultural past through the conscious act of preserving and bequeathing to future generations, turning society into its custodian. The appreciation of cultural heritage happens not only because of its communicative power, but also because of its economic power, through sustainable development and the promotion of creative industries. This paper presents SILKNOW, an EU-H2002 funded project and its application to cultural heritage, as well as to creative industries and design innovation. To this end, it presents the use of image recognition tools applied to cultural heritage, through the interoperability of data in the open-access registers of silk museums and its presentation, analysis and creative process carried out by the design students of EASD Valencia as a case study, in the branches of jewellery and fashion project, inspired by the heritage of silk.

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the correlation of limb torsion and distal asymmetry (LTDA) with respect to zoometric, productive and reproductive variables in Holstein cows. Methods: A total of 120 cows diagnosed with LTDA in a previous experiment (60 positive and 60 negative) with one or more lactations were randomly selected for measurement. The height at withers (cm), neck length (cm) and head length (cm) of all cows were measured. Records were obtained for the year of the study regarding lactation order, days in milk, mean of milk production in 24 h (kg), number of inseminations per conception, days open and body condition (scale 1-5). The association between LTDA and zoometric measures along with productive and reproductive variables was evaluated by multiple logistic regression. Result: A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between the zoometric variable's height at withers and neck length, while no association was found between LTDA and head length (p>0.05). The study revealed no effect of LTDA on productive variables (p = 0.38), however an effect of LTDA on reproductive variables was significant (p = 0.01), primarily on body condition. However, the findings indicate that body condition exerts an influence on the occurrence of LTDA in Holstein cows stabled under intensive systems in other words LTDA can impact certain variables, particularly reproductive ones.

Warfighters perform a variety of civilian duties, such as construction. For example, in Iraq, from 2004-2011, the US Army carried out over 5,000 construction projects. Training warfighters on heavy construction equipment is a time-consuming task that contrasts with shrinking military budgets. Simulation-based training offers improved training for fewer resources. Simulators can decrease time to task proficiency by up to 90%. Identifying the pertinent features needed for a construction equipment trainer is challenging. For example, a critical skill is identifying different soil types. Lifting too much soil can damage equipment while not taking enough can cause significant delays. An experimental study investigated the effectiveness of a virtual excavator trainer with particular attention to the use of a high-fidelity soil simulation and its effect on learning. The experiments included two soil types: clay (hard to handle, high mechanical integrity) and sand (easy to handle, reduced mechanical integrity). Participants used the Dynamic Environments (DE) Testbed with the Construction Equipment Virtual Trainer (CEVT) for the experiments. Randomly assigned participants worked with clay, sand, or both materials as well as using the CEVT or watching video for their training tasks. Participants attended three separate training sessions and completed decision tasks to assess their level of knowledge in identifying different soils and operating a virtual excavator correctly. Results showed that while the high-fidelity simulation did not dramatically improve learning, use of the simulation-based trainer did allow participants to estimate better the time required to conduct tasks based on different terrain types. The authors recommend: (1) designing training scenarios that limit the effect of contamination by prior experience, (2) improved simulator controls, (3) enhanced simulator graphic fidelity, and (4) an increased number of participants provide results with the desired consistency in improving training quality.

This dissertation comprises a body of research facilitating decision-making and complex system development with quantitative set-based design (SBD). SBD is concurrent product development methodology, which develops and analyzes many design alternatives for longer time periods enabling design maturation and uncertainty reduction. SBD improves design space exploration, facilitating the identification of resilient and affordable systems. The literature contains numerous qualitative descriptions and quantitative methodologies describing limited aspects of the SBD process. However, there exist no methodologies enabling the quantitative management of SBD programs throughout the entire product development cycle. This research addresses this knowledge gap by developing the process framework and supporting methodologies guiding product development from initial system concepts to a final design solution. This research provides several new research contributions. First, we provide a comprehens...

Fig. 1. Perspective views of the small (left) and large (right) VEs. Also shown are the two teleporting interfaces: partially concordant teleporting (left) and discordant teleporting (right). Both images show the location of the yellow post while standing at the location of the green post when traveling a large path. Abstract-Virtual reality systems typically allow users to physically walk and turn, but virtual environments (VEs) often exceed the available walking space. Teleporting has become a common user interface, whereby the user aims a laser pointer to indicate the desired location, and sometimes orientation, in the VE before being transported without self-motion cues. This study evaluated the influence of rotational self-motion cues on spatial updating performance when teleporting, and whether the importance of rotational cues varies across movement scale and environment scale. Participants performed a triangle completion task by teleporting along two outbound path legs before pointing to the unmarked path origin. Rotational self-motion reduced overall errors across all levels of movement scale and environment scale, though it also introduced a slight bias toward under-rotation. The importance of rotational self-motion was exaggerated when navigating large triangles and when the surrounding environment was large. Navigating a large triangle within a small VE brought participants closer to surrounding landmarks and boundaries, which led to greater reliance on piloting (landmark-based navigation) and therefore reduced-but did not eliminate-the impact of rotational self-motion cues. These results indicate that rotational self-motion cues are important when teleporting, and that navigation can be improved by enabling piloting.

This paper investigates the potential of the Semantic Web technologies to support a semantic-based Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) standards architecture. We give detailed information of the support that these technologies and the underlying Description Logics (DL) formalism provide for the integration task. Our main aim is to assess the potential impact of these emerging technologies on industrial interoperability efforts. In addition to that effect, we plan to use this advanced EAI standards architecture as an experimental framework in which the Semantic Web technologies are evaluated on realistic enterprise integration problems. We illustrate novel capabilities beyond the existing syntactic integration approaches when managing multiple enterprise ontologies derived from a common ontology.

The transition to clean electric cooking offers the most sustainable and environmentally friendly pathway for rural Sub-Saharan Africa, where most households still rely on traditional cooking methods and polluting fuels. However, recent electrification in these regions has primarily come from power-constrained solar photovoltaic systems, which cannot support conventional e-cookers. This creates an urgent need for specialised e-cookers operable under such limitations. This study investigates the operating conditions of such e-cookers, the optimal placement of a single external temperature sensor on them, and the implementation of temperature control functionality. Experiments using the water boiling test on a typical household aluminium pot (24 cm diameter, 10 cm height) equipped with six external and three internal thermocouples were used to examine the effects of lid use, insulation, water volume, and power input. Additional tests determined sensor placement under varying water levels and insulation thicknesses, followed by validation of temperature control using a proportional–integral controller. Results show that simple interventions such as using a lid and insulation significantly improve heating efficiency under power-limited conditions. Lower power levels (150–200 W) consumed similar energy to 250 W but required slightly longer heating times to reach steady sub-boiling temperatures, making them more compatible with slow cooking systems. A 4 cm height was identified as the optimal external thermocouple position, enabling precise temperature control within ±1 °C of the set point. These findings highlight key design strategies including consistent lid use, pot insulation, and external sensing for developing low-cost, energy-efficient smart e-cookers suited to power-limited photovoltaic systems.

Technology, to be sustainable, has to be mare sober, cleaner, and generally more economical, but also more “socially responsible”. However, if the notion of “environment” is integrated into the development of technologies, the notion of durability is still far from being evoked.Bearing this in mind, the Ademe, the CEA, Ecobilan EDF and the IUT of Saint-Denis have to decided to develop the Masit method: “Multicriteria Analysis for Sustainable Industrial Technologies”.Masit has devised an exhaustive “checklist” following six stages: The identification of the process/product couples, the identification of the flow, the definition of the scope of the study, the definition of the system of measurement, the analysis of the process/ product couples and the application. The project as a whole is analysed taking into account seven different points which constitute quite a global approach to sustainable development: the reglementation, the functional, the technical and industrialisation, the ...

This article examines the historical trajectory of the closed-top electric furnace (CTEF), an industrial technology designed to revolutionize metallurgical smelting in Soviet industrial manufacturing. By tracing the CTEF’s evolution from initial proposal through experimental trials to its ultimate resolution through Japanese technology importation, this study illuminates the inherent contradictions within the Soviet system and situates metallurgical innovation within the broader political context of de-Stalinization. The CTEF project emerged during a critical period when Soviet technological priorities were being redefined, offering an illuminating case study of post-Stalinist scientific enterprise. Through analysis of primary source materials, this work reveals how Georgian scientists strategically navigated the institutional landscape of the era, leveraging Soviet policy frameworks while pursuing professional advancement and cultural aspirations. These scientists legitimized their work not only through economic justifications—particularly the potential for waste gas utilization in the chemical industry— but also by deliberately connecting their innovations to Georgia’s ancient metallurgical heritage. The technological solutions they developed exemplified the socialist approach to science while reflecting systemic contradictions that highlighted the persistent gap between ambitious political directives and practical realities. By focusing on this single industrial innovation, the article provides nuanced insights into the complex negotiations between regional scientific communities, industrial priorities, and central state power within the Soviet Union’s pursuit of technological progress and national development.

Industrial Revolution that has the potential to be applied to different sectors and address issues related to sustainability. However, research on Blockchain has tended to focus on its technical characteristics, with no studies analyzing its positive and negative impact on sustainability. This article presents an analysis of how this technology can help to achieve each one of the different Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with a series of case examples that can serve as a model; as well as an identification of the negative impacts that the Blockchain has for sustainability. The findings of this study are useful for engineers, since they identify the technological aspects of BC that need to be improved; for company managers, since they can appreciate the positive impact that this new technology could have on sustainability if it is applied correctly; and for politicians, to whom it poses a series of challenges and the need to carry out regulatory reforms.

Toffler e sua esposa Heidi, em sua obra Guerra e antiguerra, afirmam que as civilizações atravessam ondas de desenvolvimento no seu modo de produção no transcurso da história. Os ciclos ou ondas levantados são o agrícola, industrial e o da informação. Também defendem que as guerras parecem seguir o mesmo raciocínio, o que é por eles demonstrado pelo sucesso estadunidense na Primeira Guerra do Golfo, onde o país coroou sua nova doutrina, a Batalha Ar-terra, após uma série de estudos e de uma verdadeira transformação originada na derrota no Vietnã . Os Estados Unidos da América, potência militar hegemônica, empregaram sua nova doutrina da Era da Informação no Golfo Pérsico contra o exército iraquiano que ainda baseava sua forma de guerrear na Era Industrial. O resultado foi acompanhado em todos os cantos do globo terrestre, já que os satélites enviavam as imagens da guerra às redes de televisão, que transmitiam ao vivo os bombardeios "cirúrgicos" executados na Operação Tempestade no Deserto . Posteriormente, tanto na Operação Iraqi Freedom, quanto na Operação Enduring Freedom, ambas no Iraque e Afeganistão, os estadunidenses tiveram mais uma vez que adaptar-se às novas demandas dos conflitos Estão relacionados, com frequência, ao crescimento populacional e ao controle de recursos naturais e são conjugados à proliferação de tecnologiasincluindo às relacionadas a armas e agentes de destruição em massa -, ao terrorismo transnacional, ao narcotráfico, à degradação ambiental e à migração massiva (BRASIL, 2014c, p. 2-3).

The goal of every economy is to have a stable exchange rate with the countries it trades with; therefore exchange rate is very vital to the economy of every country. Nigeria has adopted both fixed and fluctuating exchange rate regimes in order to achieve the goal of a realistic exchange rate but this has proven futile as the economy has continued to perform poorly over the years. This study is therefore aimed at examining the effect exchange rate management has on the output performance of both the agricultural sector and the manufacturing sector. Secondary data from 1981 – 2015 were analyzed using the Ordinary Least Square technique. The results showed that exchange rate has a positive and significant effect on only the agriculture sector. The study recommends amongst others that efforts should be made to increase the exportation of agricultural products in order to boost exchange rate.

Exploring Turkey’s first gold mine in Bergama, this chapter ethnographically traces one fundamental question: How can we theorize the relationship between global extractive expansion and risk politics shaping mining conflicts? As much as neoliberal policies and rising gold prices are significant factors underlying the third gold rush, these alone cannot fully explain its material conditions of the possibility. To address this question, I scrutinize the materialities of gold mining and more-than-human entanglements.

This study uses orange peel waste to create a biopolymer that can be used for different purposes. In order to achieve this, we evaluated various technologies for the production of the biopolymer, and tried to design the most environmentally friendly process possible. One of the reasons why this bioplastic should be manufactured is to participate in the replacement of common environmental hazardous plastic, which has been banned in many places. On the other hand, using orange peel as the main ingredient is an alternative and gives value to an organic waste that has limited use in circular economy solutions. In this research we present a methodology to create a bioplastic of orange peels. As a result, we obtained a biodegradable, flexible and resistant material to be used in the manufacture of containers, utensils, etc. In addition, it is a material that, given the raw materials used, is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Save), implying a non-toxic product that is safe for the ...

This mixed method study explored the Proficiency of mathematics education students' teachers at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi in dealing with tasks in algebra across four dimensions: Algebra domain knowledge, Algebra Didactic Knowledge and Algebra Instructional design and delivery. Two validated data tools were administered that combined both structured survey and reflective narratives from 28 respondents. Numerical evidence suggested high expertise in algebra design (M= 18.45, SD=2.37), Instructional delivery (M= 18.45, SD=2.76), and algebra domain knowledge (M= 18.45, SD=3.46). however proficiency in didactic knowledge was weaker (M=14.55,SD=4.01), exposing gaps in tackling misconceptions and utilizing multiple representations. The qualitative outcomes supported these results, suggesting that preservice teachers prioritized curricular alignment, students readiness, and real life applicability in their instructional design but grappled with scarce instructional aids, insufficient lesson time, and deficits in students foundational knowledge most notable in quadratic equation. Respondents elaborated good algebra tasks as those that promote critical thinking, deep reasoning and encourage connections between mathematical concepts and real world contexts beyond the classroom. The study inferred that preservice teachers demonstrated average algebra domain knowledge and algebra design knowledge, didactic knowledge development remain inadequate, It suggest embedding systematic reflection practices within teacher education programs to enhance diagnostic skills and adaptive tasks design. These understanding contribute to the ongoing discussion to enhanced mathematics teacher education in Nigeria.

This article analyzes the problem of filtering spam messages and addressing spam messages, Bayesian theorems based on artificial intelligence, LVQ algorithms (LVQ learning vector quantization) and a filtering scheme for systems based on neural networks. The direct construction of an effective neural network model of spam filtering using database recognition technology is considered. The parameters of access to the neural network how to include predefined statistical and non-statistical attributes of messages are given. The structure of neural network technology for classifying emails is also considered. The procedure for analyzing incoming data using the tool included in the analytical platform Deductor Studio 5.3 is described. as a result, a training kit is obtained that is suitable for use.