Emerging Technologies for Electric Power Generation Personnel Training
Considering that the trend in the workers’ training is the personalization and the use of technologies for self-learning; this article examines the role of emerging technologies and methodologies in the future of training of electric energy production human resources of Comisión Federal de Electricidad. We analyze the problem of complexity as an ingredient inherent in the activities of operation and maintenance of equipment for electricity generation.
A Talent Management Model for Innovation and Competitiveness in Complex Domains: A Case Study in the Latin American Energy Sector
Companies require highly qualified electricians because they have to be competitive in a globalized world and a changing environment. Additionally, they have to face the generational change, since knowledgeable personnel is in the retirement process, and new human resources have to be trained to get the required competencies: knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Talent management is concerned with employee recruitment, development, and administration, and suggests the integration of learning as a fundament for talent management strategies. We have developed a training model, which provides online and personalized instruction within the talent management framework based on three axes: knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The training model aims to complement traditional training with computer-based training. An important aspect of the model is an intelligent training system. This intelligent system adapts the instruction relying on a trainee model, which represents the state of the trainee. The trainee model includes knowledge, skills, attitudes, affect, and learning styles, and it is built as the trainee interacts with the training system. Emotions are recognized using facial expressions and training situation. An animated agent who uses the trainee model to show emotions and empathy presents the instruction. Here, we present the training model, and we discuss the current results in the implantation of the training model.
Wood Microbiology: Decay and Its Prevention
Introductory text on the principles of decay and discoloration processes in wood, with emphasis on the major fungal damages which may develop during the growth, storage, and use of wood. The characteristics, detection, effects, and control of microbial attacks are stressed. Provides a synthesis of the current literature on wood microbiology, a rapidly expanding field of study. (Abstractor's note: This is an important resource for conservation researchers studying the decay of wood in art and architecture.) The following is a list of chapter headings: 1) Introduction to wood microbiology; 2) Wood deterioration agents; 3) Characteristics and classification of fungi and bacteria; 4) Factors affecting the growth and survival of fungi in wood (fungal ecology); 5) Fungal metabolism in relation to wood decay; 6) The decay setting: some structural, chemical, and moisture features of wood in relation to decay development; 7) General features, recognition, and anatomical aspects of wood decay; 8) Chemical changes in wood caused by decay fungi; 9) Ultrastructural features of wood decay; 10) Changes caused by decay fungi in the strength and physical properties of wood; 11) Colonization and microbial interactions in wood decay; 12) Decays originating in the stems of living trees; 13) Biodeterioration of stored wood and its control; 14) Wood stains and discolorations; 15) Decay problems associated with some major uses of wood products; 16) Detection of internal decay; 17) Paint mildew and related degradative problems; 18) Natural decay resistance (wood durability); 19) Chemical protection of wood (wood preservation); and 20) Some trends in wood microbiology research and a new emphasis (biotechnology). -- AATA