Human Systems Engineering and Design III

Table of Contents

1. Systems Design and Human Diversity

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Future Trends in Education for a More Sustainable Human Systems Design: The CREATION Project

      Ana Margarida Ferreira, Stefania Savva, Nicos Souleles

      Abstract

      Europe faces various challenges towards sustainable development. The influx of refugees, youth and gender unemployment, frequent global health threats, spiraling conflict, cultural intolerance, socially marginalized groups, and others are some of the diverse and large-scale social challenges that cannot be ignored. Such reality requires innovative and sustainable responses to address them and puts the economy, the design education sectors and, cultural and creative industries in the spotlight. This paper will reflect upon these ideas and present the CREATION PROJECT, the ReACt Model and the newly created Consortium of seven European organizations that joined to address these issues. It envisages to develop an entrepreneurial skills framework for adult education for the creative and cultural sectors across Europe. The main focus is on bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship and promoting cultural dialogue. The project will promote the learning of entrepreneurial skills enabling the underrepresented groups to succeed in cultural and arts entrepreneurship. It aspires also contribute to their socioeconomic and cultural sustainability and wellbeing.

   3. Technology in Favor of Disability: Prevalence Study in Ecuador

      Hugo Arias-Flores, Pamela Acosta-Rodas, Janio Jadán-Guerrero, Carlos Ramos-Galarza

      Abstract

      People with disabilities and special needs are very important part of the society, their needs have not been covered over time. Globalization and technological development helped identify the importance of various groups with disabilities. In Ecuador, this identification allows this social group to be visible and particularly people with visual disabilities, who represent approximately 11% of the population with disabilities. The objective of this research is to identify Ecuador’s cities that maintain a higher prevalence of people with disabilities. To comply with the study, a descriptive analysis was conducted from public information about people registered by the authorized government control body. Obtaining this information makes it possible to establish a baseline of attention with real data, which allows getting a greater focus on the development of this social group and the attention they should receive.

   4. Community Management Model of Water Resources. Case Study: Urban Planning of the Vinces Canton, Ecuador

      Arturo Cadena, Felipe Espinoza, Gabriela Vega, Jesús Hechavarría

      Abstract

      This article deals with community management applied to water resources, from the urban planning and public-community model to mitigate the effects of water mismanagement in Vinces canton. The objective is to propose a community management model of water resources to mitigate the negative effects of the current management system in the Vinces canton through the use of public-community models and guidelines of the 2030 Agenda. A descriptive methodology of model studies is used management system with its success models and objective six of the 2030 Agenda. Using the qualitative method, the current conditions of Vinces’ water management are analyzed using surveys and interviews with public actors and focus groups. It is concluded that the model acts according to the needs of a satisfactory water management for the users of Vinces canton.

   5. Ecological Waste Planning. Case Study: Comprehensive Waste Management Plan at the Simón Bolívar Air Base, Guayaquil, Ecuador

      Santiago Tisalema, Jesús Hechavarría, Gabriela Vega, Marcial Calero

      Abstract

      The objective of this work is to propose a comprehensive waste management plan at the Simón Bolívar air base under ecological criteria. An exploratory research methodology is used through the review of scientific articles, the adequate management of waste considering ecological corridors as a reference to improve the criticism of these guidelines and establish a comprehensive ecological environmental management. In the research carried out, the conditions of the existing and endemic vegetation are analyzed, and new proposals are made. The workshops carried out were developed with focus groups using the participatory method to propose the intelligent waste system. It is concluded that the application of intelligent systems in waste management obtains economic and environmental benefits and that the designs of ecological corridors improve the urban image of the Simón Bolívar air base.

2. Safety Engineering and Systems Complexity

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Investigating the Measurement of Resilience Engineering for Improving Organisational Safety

      Manikam Pillay, Ishanka Weerasekara, Udara C. R. Ranawalage, Emmanuel B. Boateng

      Abstract

      This project investigates the measurement of resilience engineering. A growing body of peer-reviewed studies continues to be published on resilience engineering, demonstrates its recognition and importance to safety across a range of industrial contexts. However, little attention has focused on developing an understanding of how it has been conceptualized and measured. This is a significant gap which can limit its operationalization, benchmarking and evaluation n for research and practice. This paper presents an integrative review project currently underway which seeks to address this gap. After completing a systematic search and selection strategy seventeen articles were selected for analysis. Initial findings suggest fifteen survey instruments have been used in these studies.

   3. An Operational Model for Developing Process Operator Students’ Safety Competence in on-the-Job Learning

      Susanna Mattila, Noora Nenonen, Sari Tappura, Sanna Nenonen

      Abstract

      In the safety-critical process industry, safety competence is emphasized. It is essential to ensure that process operator students adopt good safety competence during their studies. Due to Finnish vocational education and training (VET) reform, on-the-job learning has increased, inducing a need for new methods. In this study, an operational model for developing process operator students’ safety competence in on-the-job learning was constructed and evaluated. The model was compiled in cooperation with six process industry companies, five VET organizations, and eight expert organizations. The main data collection methods were interviews and workshops. The model consists of eight phases and provides instructions, tools, and good practices for implementing on-the-job learning. Companies and VET organizations considered the model useful and identified several purposes of use for the model.

   4. Measuring the Outcomes of Safety Training

      Sari Tappura, Aki Jääskeläinen

      Abstract

      Safety training has been identified as one of the most important safety management practices. Previous research has suggested several models for evaluating the effectiveness of safety training. Evaluation is crucial to implement evidence-based training interventions. However, the outcomes of safety training are difficult to demonstrate. Studies better specifying and measuring the outcomes of training are needed. The aim of this study was to design and test a model for evaluating the outcomes of safety training. The model addressed 1) safety knowledge, 2) safety attitudes, beliefs and motivation, 3) safety behavior and 4) safety performance. A survey (n = 25) was used to measure the employees’ perceptions after the safety training. Based on the results, some improvements in safety knowledge, attitudes, behavior and safety performance can be found. The model was found as suitable for its purpose. The results can be utilized in identifying factors related to the effectiveness of safety training.

   5. Remote Inspection

      Lee T. Ostrom, Cheryl A. Wilhelmsen

      Abstract

      Inspection of complex mechanical systems can be costly and require expert inspectors to perform the work. These systems include bridges, power plants, aircraft, and even factories. In many cases, these systems are in remote places globally and are difficult for qualified inspectors to visit. Inspections can be done remotely using sophisticated cameras, set up to take three-dimensional images. We showed that LIDAR and a three-dimensional, immersive environment could be used successfully for these types of inspections. However, there are human factors issues and risks associated with remote inspections. This brief paper discusses aircraft damage, inspection techniques, and the benefits, human factors issues, and risks of remote inspection.

   6. Characterising Futuring Strategies for Biodiverse Speculative Design and Systems Design

      Craig Jeffcott, Ana Margarida Ferreira

      Abstract

      In this paper, it is proposed that new tools and techniques for speculative design practice are needed to guarantee the biodiversity of global systems, and that they can be based in the non-normative strategies of futuring that exist within culturally diverse and ecologically-engaged communities. Furthermore, these tools and techniques can be used to build an ecology-centred practice of speculative design for community action. Taking a research through design approach that draws on critical theories of ecosophy, queer ecology and queer futures, the presented research, as a part of an ongoing doctoral work, aims to characterise the futuring strategies of such communities through participant and desk-based qualitative research. Preliminary reflections are that the communitarian and ecological future-making strategies described in theory are present in material and imaginative practices. Such strategies are multi-faceted and richly contextual and resonate across theoretical, practical and speculative domains. Moreover, these approaches possess common and recurring aspects of care-taking, non-linear temporality, relationality, storytelling, and playfulness.

   7. Investigating the Measurement of High Reliability Organisations for Health Care Safety

      Manikam Pillay, Andrew Enya, Emmanuel B. Boateng

      Abstract

      This project investigates the measurement of high reliability organisations for improving health care safety. A growing body of peer-reviewed studies continues to be published on high reliability organisations, demonstrates its recognition and importance for improving safety across high risk contexts such as health care. However, little attention has focused on developing an understanding of how it has conceptualized, and factors that have been used in its measurement. This is a significant gap which can limit its operationalization for research and practice. This paper presents a systematic review project currently underway which seeks to address this gap. After completing a systematic search and selection strategy twenty-one articles were selected for analysis. Results indicate fourteen survey instruments have been used in these studies. Seventeen different definitions of HRO were identified. Nine studies used surveys for data collection. Both independent and outcomes variables were reported, these can be used to inform an initial theoretical framework and a survey instrument.

   8. Investigating Resilience Engineering Through Safe Work Method Statements in Residential Construction

      Manikam Pillay, Michael Tuck

      Abstract

      This paper reports on an investigation of resilience engineering as a construction safety strategy through safe work method statements. Safe work method statements are a regulated strategy for controlling health and safety risks in Australia. However, there is little research published on safe work method statements, so the specific role they play in construction are unknown. Previous studies have suggested similar approaches, such as safety rules and/procedures were not followed to the latter but adapted to suit the local context of work and environment, creating gaps between the two. Such gaps are also important in Resilience engineering, a new paradigm for safety management. While RE is attention in construction safety, the specific links between safe work method statements and resilience engineering have not been investigated, so it is not clear whether safe work method statements enhance or hinder resilience engineering. This study seeks to address this through a case study in a residential construction project.

   9. Characterizing High-Speed Serial Transceivers for a Multi-processor Parallel Architecture

      Mireya Zapata, Bernardo Vallejo-Mancero, Liliana Topon-Visarrea

      Abstract

      Emulation of large scale neural networks is a growing research field that tries to understand how the brain works. Different approaches based on hardware and software have been developed for this purpose. However, in this paper, we focus on dedicated parallel hardware implemented with FPGA. In this context, brain connectivity is one of the biggest challenges to overcome for neuromorphic circuits. To establish an efficient communication link in multi-FPGA architectures, high-speed serial transceivers GTX are an excellent alternative. Through hardware tests with Kintex 7 and Zynq ZC706 platforms, we compare eye pattern, and BER results, in order to obtain the optimal line rate to establish communication between both boards. The maximum transmission speed achieved without signal degradation was 5 Gpbs.

   10. Ergonomics of Firefighting Protective Clothing: A Short Review on Fit and Sizing Issues

       Anna S. P. Moraes, Miguel A. F. Carvalho, Rachel S. Boldt, Fernando B. N. Ferreira, Fernando M. Duarte, Susan P. Ashdown, Linsey Griffin

       Abstract

       Firefighting is considered one of the most challenging professions. Personal protective equipment plays a crucial role in protecting firefighters against numerous occupational hazards. Despite the advances in materials technology, current firefighting personal protective clothing is considered heavy, bulk, stiff, and thick. Many studies evaluated firefighters’ perceptions of current equipment. Fit and sizing are frequently reported as issues in firefighting protective clothing. This paper provides a literature review with the objective of offering a better understanding of how fit and sizing of firefighting protective clothing have been addressed by researchers. A review of the main issues faced by firefighters as well as a synthesis of suggestions for improved design and better purchasing as reported in the literature are provided.

   11. Strategic Priorities for Socio-economic Development of Ukraine in Comparison with the Republic of Poland

       Olena Pavlova, Kostiantyn Pavlov, Oksana Novosad, Inna Irtyshcheva, Nazariy Popadynets, Iryna Hryhoruk, Nataliia Gelich, Alla Suriak, Oksana Makara, Olha Zhuk, Yevheniya Boiko, Iryna Kramarenko

       Abstract

       The article deals with the general social and economic features of the formation of the state of Ukraine comparing with similar indicators characterizing the Republic of Poland. The indicators of the dynamics of a gross domestic product; generalized indicators of economic efficiency; and the geographical structure of indicators of foreign trade relations of Ukraine and Poland have been analyzed. Studying the issues of intensification of Ukrainian-Polish cooperation, as well as the study of different socio-economic indicators of these countries in all dimensions, is one of the most pressing scientific problems from establishing effective mechanisms for bringing Ukraine closer to the European Union, as well as forming the appropriate basis and tools for mutual relations.