bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Complex Product Data Using Incremental Semantic Validation
Authors: Ilyin Denis  , Morozov Sergey  , Semenov Vitaly  , Tarlapan Oleg
Published: February 2025

Management of semantically complex product data is one of the challenging problems tightly connected with emerging concurrent engineering environments and next generation product data management systems (PDM). Although ACID principles (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability) are widely recognized and recommended for any information system, it is hard to guarantee the consistency of the product data. Such data are usually driven by formal models in EXPRESS language being part of the STEP standard (ISO 10303). To be consistent and unambiguously interpretable by computer programs the data must satisfy syntactic and semantic rules defined by the standards. Available PDM systems are rather limited in maintaining the data consistency. Complete semantic validation requires extremely high costs, often exceeding the processing time of individual transactions. Periodic validation or validation on user demand is possible, but at a high risk of losing data that become useless in case of rule violation. In the paper an effective incremental method for semantic validation of product data is presented. It is guaranteed that the final data revision is consistent if only the original revision was consistent and the spot rules were not violated. Static analysis of the model specifications is applied and a dependency graph is formed. The dependency graph enables to identify the spot rules and the data that should be inspected against the rules. Computational experiments prove the effectiveness of the method in conformity to complex large-scale product data managed under an innovative platform PDMhub.
Key Inefficiencies and Improvement Opportunities in the Textile Sector: A Case Study
Authors: Vieira Alexandra  , Nunes Eusébio  , Sousa Sérgio
Published: February 2025

The textile sector in Portugal has a relevant economic and social importance. In this sector, dyeing and finishing are a significant part of the value chain of a textile product and the majority of companies are SMEs, lacking specialized human resources. Most of these companies have human and technological resources necessary for a smooth operation, however, they may lack management resources that allow efficient performance of the dyeing/finishing processes. The objective of this work is to highlight the organizational inefficiencies of a SME in a dyeing and finishing textile company, in Portugal, identifying their wastes, and improvement opportunities, highlighting the barriers and obstacles to the adoption of quality management and lean manufacturing principles. This paper presents the diagnosis of the performance of an SME in the textile sector, in Portugal. Through a case study, identifies key inefficiencies and wastes, documents the dyeing and finishing process, and detects problems using Quality and Lean tools. These inefficiencies can be translated by productivity losses or an increase of operational costs making the company less competitive. To overcome these problems and to improve production process performance, improvement suggestions were developed.
An Investigation into Additive Manufacturing (AM) Materials Subjected to Shear Failure
Authors: Benham Robert  , Rehman Fayyaz
Published: February 2025

Whilst Additive Manufacturing (AM) has evolved to offer a wider choice of materials, there is little in literature regarding the detailed mechanical properties of these materials. This research focuses on one of the stronger materials, a clear UV curable photopolymer resin used in a material jetting machine. The authors would like to extend their research work, which has looked at tensile properties, to investigate the behaviour of rigid additive manufacturing materials in terms of their shear strength and behaviour. Destructive testing will be based on small plate assemblies, held together by AM nuts and bolts. A tensile testing machine provides the required force that will act in a shear line across the bolts. The paper will review the distribution, levels of variance and consistency of results. The study will look at single bolts and multiple bolt arrangements. A review of the validity of different theories of failure will be applied to the results, including a comparison to results obtained by the finite element analysis technique. This paper aims to add valuable findings to observe AM parts being used in a fabricated assembly, rather than testing materials purely in specimen form for laboratory test data.
A Predictive Analysis Data-Based for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Remadna Ahmed  , Benatia Amin  , Louis Anne  , Gout Christian
Published: February 2025

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is considered as an essential technology for the new industrial revolution, the use of such technology helps reducing considerably the prototyping cost and complexity. Adding to its recent appearing, the powerful advances of this technology allowed introducing several new tracks, like the completely AM However, the AM suffers from several issues (printing quality, robustness, efficiency, etc.), thus delaying its large-scale adoption in industry. One of the most considered issues in AM is production reliability. We present a data-based predictive analysis approach for detecting printing failure in AM (3D printer). The proposed approach is based on sound analysis to predict the printing conditions. The goal is to predict the last state of object in press (conforming objects or not) based on previously extracted features from collected sounds.
Requirements for Designing and Controlling Autonomous Collaborative Robots System – An Industrial Case
Authors: Hanna Atieh  , Götvall Per-Lage  , Ekström Mikael  , Bengtsson Kristofer
Published: February 2025

Automation and Robotics have been described as two of the enabling technologies for the Industry 4.0 paradigm, especially the use of autonomous and collaborative robot systems that can work together with humans and other machines. In manual assembly for example, these so-called co-bot systems (that also includes autonomous transportation and specialized machines) can improve the automation level, product quality, as well as human working conditions. However, in order to fully benefit from co-bot systems, many challenges need to be addressed before it can be introduced in complex industries e.g. the truck industry. This paper presents a number of challenges and requirements identified during an industrial use case, where autonomous co-bot systems have been introduced into an existing manual assembly station. These requirements are related to safe and intuitive interactions, smart tools, the need to manage variability as well as the need for highly flexible communication and control. During the use case, a number of initial solutions was developed where the implemented control architecture was based on the framework Robot Operation System (ROS) and Sequence Planner (SP).
Towards an Evaluation Framework of Safety, Trust, and Operator Experience in Different Demonstrators of Human-Robot Collaboration
Authors: Lindblom Jessica  , Wang Wei
Published: February 2025

Advancements in human-robot collaboration (HRC) are regarded as major aspects of the future Industry 4.0. HRC entails humans that cooperatively work with fenceless robots in dynamic, changing, and unpredictable settings where they should assist and learn from each other. Because of the prevailing orientation towards human factors, HRC runs the risk of not considering the modern understandings of user experience (UX). It has been acknowledged that the safety aspect is a necessary but not sufficient condition for achieving acceptance of and trust towards the robot companion. Hence UX aspects are also needed in HRC. This paper addresses several perspectives on human-centered evaluation in HRC, and presents the envisioned evaluation framework of HRC, which focuses on safety, trust and operators' experience when interacting closely with different collaborative robots. The final outcome from this work should, in the long run, function as a roadmap for successful implementation of HRC in industry.
Classification of Collaboration Levels for Human-Robot Cooperation in Manufacturing
Authors: Kolbeinsson Ari  , Lagerstedt Erik  , Lindblom Jessica
Published: February 2025

Industry 4.0 aims to support the factory of the future, which involves increased amounts of information systems and new ways of using automation. One new usage is collaboration between human and industrial robot in manufacturing, with both partners sharing work on a single task. Supporting human-robot collaboration (HRC) requires understanding the requirements of HRC as well as the differences to existing approaches where the goal is more automation, such as in the case of self-driving cars. We propose a framework that we call levels of collaboration to support this, and posit that this framework supports a mental model conducive to the design of lines incorporating HRC.
Measurement Uncertainties in Calibrating a Robotic Vision System
Authors: Khan Mohammad Farhan  , Guan Xiao Yin  , Matuszewski Bogdan  , Hall Geoff  , Ceglarek Darek  , Shark Lik-Kwan
Published: February 2025

Rapid in-process 3D measurement of physically large components with complex shapes presents a challenging problem in modern industrial manufacturing. Although various robotic vision systems have been explored to provide the solution required for flexible and reconfigurable in-process 3D measurement, there is a key issue in its adoption due to the level of measurement accuracy that is achievable. Since this issue is directly linked to system calibration, it requires a rigorous error sensitivity analysis to ensure reliable and robust control of manufacturing processes. This forms the basis for the investigation reported in this paper. In particular, the paper focuses on practical and inherent measurement uncertainties in calibration of a robotic vision system. Starting from a brief review of popular approaches which have been proposed for hand-eye calibration between the robot and the camera, possible sources of uncertainties are identified and discussed. Based on a series of computer simulations carried out, the paper shows the impact of uncertainties on the results of hand-eye calibration for a robotic vision system, and provides the testing methodology as well as the statistical information required for selection of an appropriate calibration approach to achieve in-process 3D measurement with a higher confidence level.
On Transferring Crafting Intentions from Humans to Robots: A Message to Manufacturers of the (Near) Future
Authors: Montebelli Alberto  , Lindblom Jessica
Published: February 2025

Our present work aligns three results from previous robotics research in simultaneous kinesthetic teaching of spatial and force/torque requirements for “in-contact” tasks, to highlight the endeavor towards the creation of safe, flexible, cost effective, confidential, natural programming interfaces, a crucial tool for the manufacturing domain of the future. The tasks that we here consider overarch different dimensions of complexity, from writing with a marker on a white slate to using a wood plane. Eventually, incrementally assisted kinesthetic teaching (IAKT) allows human experts to refine their demonstrations under modulated robotic assistance, thus converging, by a limit process constituted of a sequence of sub-perfect individual demonstrations, towards the “ideal” crafting intention, i.e. the humanly unreachable, perfect execution of the task. In the closing discussion, we demonstrate how this approach can find space in contemporary industrial and SMSE manufacturing, in order to aim for improved production quality and performance.
Mobile Augmented Reality Collaborative Real-Time Annotation Tool for Smart Ubiquitous Objects
Authors: He Fan  , Ong S.K.  , Nee A.Y.C.
Published: February 2025

The physical world is being transformed by Industry 4.0 initiatives to digitize data, process, and interface. Knowledge sharing in these highly dynamic manufacturing environments, such as smart factories or smart warehouses, is crucial to help train new employees and reduce costly down-times. In this paper, the authors propose MARCRAT, a Mobile Augmented Reality based Collaborative Real-time Annotation tool, which enables on-site personnel to annotate information directly onto any smart ubiquitous devices. The user-created content is contextually relevant and will be stored and synced to other MARCRAT installed devices in real-time. A web-based editor has also been developed to help non-experts transfer device model files into augmented reality experience.
Improving Efficiency in Food Manufacturing Operations and Systems
Authors: Haider Julfikar  , Petty David  , Tebboune Sofiane  , Kennedy Ian
Published: February 2025

This paper summarises the lessons learnt from a study of continuous improvement and information system implementation in a ready-meal food manufacturing company. The objectives of the study were to increase flexibility and capacity within the manufacturing operation by reducing wastage and improving efficiency, and by implementing a more robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to enable further growth by improving transaction processing efficiency, customer service, standards and regulatory compliance, traceability, product cost, production and materials planning and performance analysis. The study started with a systematic review of existing activities and practices in the organisation and identified the factors causing waste and inefficiency in manufacturing operations and analysed these to generate potential solutions in the form of worksheets and areas of good practice. In addition, the options for different commercially available ERP packages were assessed to enable an informed choice to be made for implementation in order to realise operational improvement.
Effects of Rotational Speed on Powder Melting Process in Uni-Axial Rotomoulding
Authors: Adams Jonathan  , Jin Yan  , Barnes David  , Butterfield Joseph
Published: February 2025

Motion control of rotational moulding is an area which has not been extensively investigated beyond the current trial and error approach. Different motion control schemes will lead to varied powder flow regimes which exhibit different levels of mixing and temperature uniformity. Rotational moulding is hampered by long cycle times. Choosing the ideal rotational speed should allow the optimum use of the inputted heat energy to cause all of the powder bed to become ‘tacky’ and adhere to the mould wall in the shortest time period. This paper investigates the hypothesis that the optimum rotational speed should be chosen by considering the flow regime of the powder bed at the bottom of the mould, in order to reduce manufacturing time and energy consumption. Experiments were completed to validate this approach using a cylindrical mould under uni-axial rotation. Results show that the ideal rotational speed is found when the powder is flowing in a rolling regime and suggests that further cycle time savings could be achieved by varying the speed during the heating cycle. The effect of rotational speed on part quality (wall thickness uniformity) was also investigated.
Karakuri IoT – The Concept and the Result of Pre-Study
Authors: Yamamoto Yuji  , Sandström Kristian  , Munoz Alvaro Aranda
Published: February 2025

Although scholars and practitioners are actively discussing the potential benefits of introducing Internet of Thing (IoT) in production, IoT is still as an expensive solution in terms of investment and high technological threshold. Manufacturing companies seek a simpler and lower-cost approach to adopting IoT technologies in production, allowing companies to take advantage of the knowledge and innovation capabilities of people close to shop floor operations. This paper introduces the concept of “Karakuri IoT” – simple and low-cost IoT-aided improvements driven by the people close to shop floor operations. A pre-study is conducted to examine the feasibility of the concept. This paper presents the results of the pre-study.
On Transforming into the Data-Driven Decision-Making Era – Current State of Practice in Manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Gudfinnsson Kristens  , Strand Mattias
Published: February 2025

Current research lacks details on how SMMEs are able to capitalize on how their IT-solutions supports data-driven decision-making. Such details are important for being able to support further development of SMMEs and assuring their sustainability and competitive edge. Prosperous SMMEs are vital due to their economical and societal importance. To alleviate the lack of details, this paper presents the results of four case studies towards SMMEs partly aimed at investigating their current state of data-driven decision-making. The findings reveal that IT-solutions in some areas are either underdeveloped or unexplored. Instead, the SMMEs tend to focus on traditional manufacturing techniques, continuous improvements in the manufacturing process, and manual support routines and thereby neglects opportunities offered in relation to e.g. incident management, product quality monitoring, and the usage of KPIs not directly linked to manufacturing.
Multi-Criteria Inventory Classification Based on Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) Technique
Authors: Rauf Mudassar  , Guan Zailin  , Sarfraz Shoaib  , Mumtaz Jabir  , Almaiman Sulaiman  , Shehab Essam  , Jahanzaib Mirza
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of an organizational supply chain system depends upon several factors. One of the major factors is inventory management. Efficient inventory management can generate more profit. To have an efficient control of a huge amount of inventory items, the traditional approach is to classify the inventory into different groups. Inventory classification using ABC analysis is one of the most widely employed techniques in organizations. However, ABC analysis is based on only single measurement. It has been recognized that other criteria are also important in inventory classification. In this work, A Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique-based approach is proposed for Multi-Criteria Inventory Classification (MCIC). To cope with multiple criteria, use of TOPSIS, a MCDM technique, is proposed for the MCIC. The methodology is illustrated using a case example from literature. Comparisons of the proposed approach with some previous methods are illustrated based on a classical MCIC problem.
Ontology and Rule-Based Reasoning for Intelligent Predictive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhong Zhe  , Saeidlou Salman  , Saadat Mozafar  , Abukar Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Over the past decade, the rapid growth of big data has led manufacturing intelligence to become one of the most popular topics in the area of advanced manufacturing. Although some of the current internet and computer network technologies enable collaborative enterprises to share manufacturing knowledge, they were unsuccessful in maximizing the potential predictive decision-making ability of using their historical data. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the development of an intelligent predictive model, in order to predict the conformity of production orders. A manufacturing ontology was built, based on the historical data of a real industrial case study. The framework of the knowledge-based predictive model was drawn by a classification tree, which includes solutions to the predictive questions. The elements of the decision tree were transformed into SWRL rules to be input to Pellet reasoner, so that the intelligent machines can automatically infer knowledge from the ontology.
Towards an Industrial Testbed for Holistic Virtual Production Development
Authors: Aslam Tehseen  , Syberfeldt Anna  , Ng Amos  , Pehrsson Leif  , Urenda-Moris Mathias
Published: February 2025

Virtual production development is adopted by many companies in the production industry and digital models and virtual tools are utilized for strategic, tactical and operational decisions in almost every stage of the value chain. This paper suggest a testbed concept that aims the production industry to adopt a virtual production development process with integrated tool chains that enables holistic optimizations, all the way from the overall supply chain performance down to individual equipment/devices. The testbed, which is fully virtual, provides a mean for development and testing of integrated digital models and virtual tools, including both technical and methodological aspects.
Numerical Analysis of Pressure Matching Performance in Combustion Gas Tunnel Cabin
Authors: Tian Ning  , Cheng Kai  , Liu Jiaqi  , Zou Yanghui  , Zhang Lisong
Published: February 2025

The combustion gas tunnel is one of the main equipment used in the ground-test of the thermal protection system of supersonic aircraft. The assessment of the thermal protection system requires high uniformity of the flow field in the test system. The degree of matching between the pressure in the test cabin and the outlet pressure of the nozzle is a key factor affecting the uniformity of the flow field. The combustion reaction equations and CFD-FASTRAN are used to simulate the thermal environment of the gas tunnel. The gas component derived from the combustion reaction can provide a mixed gas model for numerical simulation. The shock wave characteristics of gas jet on the surface of a hemispherical-nose and cone body model are analyzed. The effects of different cabin pressures on the thermal environment of the model were analyzed. A new method for matching cabin and jet pressures is proposed.
Design of Redistributed Manufacturing System Networks: Simulation and Modelling Techniques
Authors: Haddad Yousef  , Salonitis Konstantinos
Published: February 2025

The rapid emergence of new technologies accompanied with continuous market changes, among other factors, are paving the path towards the emergence of a new production paradigm known as Redistributed Manufacturing. RdM entails the shift from centralized mass production systems towards decentralized geographically dispersed smaller manufacturing facilities, empowered by new information and communication technologies and characterized by personalization and active consumer role. The aim of this paper is to survey and analyse the extant literature that addresses the design of RdM networks in order to identify different models, tools and approaches proposed to design RdM networks. As the adoption of an RdM paradigm is appealing and promising, it is important to bring together and analyse previous studies in RdM networks design, as well as to borrow theories from other well-established areas and incorporate them into the RdM network design field. The paper begins with an overview on the RdM paradigm; its benefits, challenges and opportunities. A survey of the state of the art on RdM networks design, and challenges and shortcomings with the identified approaches are presented. Finally the paper concludes with a summary section and future research directions.
AHP Model for Evaluating the Strategic Drivers of Quality Management Performance in Manufacturing Organisations
Authors: Saad Sameh M.  , Khamkham Mohamed
Published: February 2025

The variety of quality management methods in recent years have overstrained the quality managers to select the effective quality management methods for their organisations. However, the integration quality management approach has become an effective methodology for manufacturing and service organisations. The purpose of this research is to develop an Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) model for evaluating the key drivers of integrating quality management performance. It aims to identify and prioritise the strategic drivers that are required to attain an integrated quality management performance for manufacturing organisations. The paper reviews the existing literature of quality management methods and identifies the key drivers of integrating quality management performances. Therefore, a hierarchical model is developed with a set of strategic drivers and Critical Success Factors (CSFs). A questionnaire survey is designed for a pair-wise comparison and to collect opinions from practitioners, academics and experts in the manufacturing field. The relative importance of the main criteria and sub-criteria are evaluated using the AHP model. Subsequently, the model validated and confirmed the obtained results. The results clearly demonstrated that the strategic planning driver is the most vital constituent of the operating and implementation drivers, with the integrated quality management performance, leadership support and organisational structure as the most critical quality factors for successful implementing of the strategic drivers and attaining the integrated quality management performance.
Evaluating the Impact of Changes on a Global Supply Chain Using an Iterative Approach in a Proof-of-Concept Model
Authors: Lidberg Simon  , Aslam Tehseen  , Pehrsson Leif  , Ng Amos H.C.
Published: February 2025

Analyzing networks of supply-chains, where each chain is comprised of several actors with different purposes and performance measures, is a difficult task. There exists a large potential in optimizing supply-chains for many companies and therefore the supply-chain optimization problem is of great interest to study. To be able to optimize the supply-chain on a global scale, fast models are needed to reduce computational time. Previous research has been made into the aggregation of factories, but the technique has not been tested against supply-chain problems. When evaluating the configuration of factories and their inter-transportation on a global scale, new insights can be gained about which parameters are important and how the aggregation fits to a supply-chain problem. The paper presents an interactive proof-of-concept model enabling testing of supply chain concepts by users and decision makers.
Implementation of TPM in a Process Industry: A Case Study from Pakistan
Authors: Shehzad Adeel  , Zahoor Sadaf  , Sarfraz Shoaib  , Shehab Essam
Published: February 2025

Quality of any manufactured product is closely associated with to maintenance of manufacturing systems of any organization. To achieve a world class manufacturing system, two new manufacturing paradigm Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Total Quality Management (TQM) have emerged over the period along with other widely used concepts. In this paper, a case study related to implementation of Total Productive Maintenance is shared for a packaging material manufacturing organization. TPM Concept is implemented in the business flexible unit equipped with various flexographic printing machines. Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is used as the key performance measure of success of TPM implementation. The losses associated with equipment effectiveness are identified and all the pillars of TPM are implemented in a phased manner eliminating the losses and thus improving the utilization of flexographic printing machines.
Sustainability Through Lean Manufacturing: Assessing the Current Situation in the Saudi Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Abualfaraa Wadhah Ahmed  , Salonitis Konstantinos  , Al-Ashaab Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Lean manufacturing is focused on eliminating waste. This philosophy can have significant impact on improving the environmental performance of manufacturing organizations as well. Lean principles and tools could be used to enable more sustainable practices in the manufacturing companies. The main aim of this paper is to analyse how this can be achieved and also assess the current state of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) manufacturing companies. The awareness and maturity of lean and green principles combination is captured through the use of closed questionnaires. Based on a comprehensive literature review and the questionnaire responses, the drivers and barriers for such integration in the KSA manufacturing sector are discussed. Overall, this paper helps in identifying the link between green and lean principles from a practical point of view, and provides the basis of a conceptual framework that will allow the integration of green objectives into lean implementation programmes.
A Gaussian Mixture Model for Automated Corrosion Detection in Remanufacturing
Authors: Gibbons Tom  , Pierce Gareth  , Worden Keith  , Antoniadou Ifigeneia
Published: February 2025

Remanufacturing of high-value engineering structures is set to become an important aspect of the future manufacturing industry. However, this depends on the ability to accurately, and rapidly inspect used components for damage, such as corrosion. Visual inspection in both manufacturing and remanufacturing is often performed manually, which is a time-consuming, subjective process. This paper looks at the application of machine learning to the automation of visual inspection for remanufacturing. A Gaussian mixture model is trained on a novel set of image features, specifically designed for the task of corrosion detection in used parts. The probabilistic model is used to segment images of automotive engine components into corroded and non-corroded areas. It is possible that the uncertainty in this segmentation may be used to automate further inspection.
Investigation on High Speed Machining of Titanium Grade 2 Under MQL Conditions
Authors: Mathonsi Thabo  , Laubscher Rudolph  , Gupta Kapil
Published: February 2025

Titanium and its alloys have been widely used in the automotive, biomedical and aerospace industries due to their good strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. They are considered as difficult-to-machine materials i.e. Titanium and its alloys possess poor machinability. The experimental work reported in the present paper attempts to enhance the machinability of Titanium Grade 2 (a good candidate for bio-implants) under the influence of minimum quantity lubrication at high speed conditions. In this work full factorial technique has been adopted to design and conduct the machining experiments (27 Nos). The paper details the experimentation, optimization, and effect of machining parameters on surface roughness and tool wear during MQL assisted high speed machining of Titanium Grade 2. Investigation reveals significant effect of machining parameters under MQL environment on surface roughness and tool wear. Machining at optimum combination of parameters resulted in precision finish with average roughness value 0.67 μm and maximum tool flank wear value 0.210 mm. The outcomes of this investigation identify MQL as a sustainable substitute of conventional wet cooling for enhanced machinability of Titanium Grade 2 at high speed conditions.
Developing a New Approach to Cyber Diplomacy: Addressing Malign Information Maneuvers in Cyberspace
Authors: Goolsby Rebecca
Published: February 2025

The paper provides a short history of social cyber-attack, trolling, bots, and other forms of malign information maneuvers in cyberspace. It discusses the problem of calming social hysteria in cyber-space and the social psychological obstacles to counter-messaging against virulent disinformation campaigns. It provides a brief overview of the history of trolling, the problem of commercialization of disinformation, and indicates areas of needed research to counter crowd manipulation and social hysteria propagation. This paper explains how the way forward in managing influence operations effectively through the promotion of research to assist in the development of new techniques in cyber diplomacy. These techniques are needed to mitigate the effects of trolling and crowd manipulation and develop greater community resilience to social hysteria promotion.
National Security Implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Authors: Wells II Linton
Published: February 2025

Dr. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, postulates that we are in a Fourth Industrial Revolution that will be characterized by “a fusion of technologies…blurring lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres” [1]. These commercial developments will impose social stresses, increase pressures for migration, and affect military areas such as command, control, communications, computing (C4), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). It will also lead to proliferation of “small, smart, and cheap” weapons that can increase the cost of expeditionary operations. While most of these developments are outside government control, they must nevertheless be understood by national security decision-makers and incorporated into planning. The paper explores opportunities and risks for Southeast Europe (SEE).
Unholy Alliance. Transnational Organized Crime Groups and Religious Radicals in Albania
Authors: Dafa Alban
Published: February 2025

Albania has recently embarked on a comprehensive reform of its judicial system. The corruption within the judiciary has empowerment transnational organized criminal groups (TOCGs) through impunity and by serving as a protection asset to the organized criminal networks in conjunction with corrupt segments of the political establishment and law enforcement agencies. The following scenario explores the potential for cooperation between organized criminal groups and religious radicals in Albania. I argue that if the reform of the judiciary will be effective, it will inevitably provoke a defensive reaction from TOCGs. As more Albanian foreign fighters return from Syria, and the Albanian government fails in its counter-radicalization efforts, an alliance between TOCGs and religious radicals would have a reasonably pragmatic basis.
General Overview of the Asymmetric Threats in the Balkans
Authors: Štrbac Katarina
Published: February 2025

The common characteristics of states in the region are: inadequate efficiency among state institutions; insufficient economic stability; high percentage of unemployment, with particularly worrying unemployment rates among young people; low quality of citizens' lives; significant levels of organised crime; problems with corruption at all levels of government; symbiosis of large businesses and political stakeholders; and unresolved problems from the past. Interdependence and complexity of the aforementioned security challenges overwhelms the ability of single countries of the region to manage them effectively. Therefore, the need for the acceptance of a so called regional approach which minimizes or removes threats through cooperation and joint action, becomes even more necessary. By continuing these trends, the Balkans region will join the community of developed democratic states, whose relations are dominated by trust, good neighbourhood policy and cooperation. Looking globally, the European and regional security environment mostly depends on capabilities to positively direct political and security processes in this area. It seems that in spite of all efforts made so far, Balkan countries have to do much more in the field of protection from asymmetric threats than they do today.
Co-Designing an Electronic Health Record Derived Digital Dashboard to Support Fair-AI Applications in Mental Health
Authors: Szkudlarek Patrycja , Kassam Iman , Kloiber Stefan , Maslej Marta , Hill Sean , Sikstrom Laura
Published: February 2025

Guided by interviews with end-users and in collaboration with lived-experience advisors, the Fairness Dashboard is being co-designed to promote the standardized and responsible utilization of sociodemographic data in statistical and machine learning models. This initiative aims to mitigate the potential for harm and to advance the equitable and compassionate interpretation of knowledge derived from Artificial Intelligence.
The Emergent Role of Digital Navigators: Case Examples
Authors: Pape Charlotte , Kassam Iman , Shin Hwayeon Danielle , Kemp Jessica , D’Arcey Jessica , Kidd Sean , Strudwick Gillian
Published: February 2025

Recent years have been marked by technological growth in the healthcare sectors without the necessary support to guide users towards effective digital tool utilization. To address this challenge, the Digital Navigator role was established. This paper will provide a brief overview of the role and describe the key ways in which it lays a foundation for the success of digital health interventions.
A Guide for Implementing an A.I-Driven Initiative in Rural Northern Ontario
Authors: Ezeani Obinna Emmanuel , Onwuekwe Ezinne V.C.
Published: February 2025

Diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) often requires specialized expertise in interpreting x-rays and radiographic images, resources that are mostly limited in rural settings. This paper explores the development of an electronic health record (EHR) system and an AI-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) to aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in rural Northern Ontario. It assesses potential challenges with implementing these digital health technologies and provides mitigating strategies.
Enablers of Patient Access to Healthcare Data: International Comparisons
Authors: Walimohamed Fahreen , Keshavjee Karim
Published: February 2025

Patient access to health records is increasingly recognized as a fundamental right to empower individuals and improve healthcare continuity. A comprehensive assessment tool was developed to evaluate dimensions of jurisdictional capacity, the extent of patient access, and international comparisons. We identified 10 key requirements for facilitating patient access to their health records. This study presents a framework for evaluating and enhancing patient access, though there remains a need to include patient experiences for a fuller picture in future research.
Innovating Pediatric Trauma Care with Digital Tools
Authors: Merritt Neil H. , Johnston Stephanie , Mes Andrew
Published: February 2025

Pediatric trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with the transition from hospital to home posing significant challenges for families. SafeJourney, a digital companion, addresses these gaps by empowering families and coordinating care during the critical post-discharge period. Developed with input from diverse stakeholders, SafeJourney integrates digital tools such as a virtual companion, care dashboards, symptom tracking, educational resources, and telehealth integration. This innovative tool demonstrates the potential to transform post-discharge care by reducing emergency department visits and readmissions while enhancing family confidence and healthcare outcomes.
Mobilizing Innovation: An Environmental Scan of Global Digital Health Centres
Authors: Pape Charlotte , Gugathasan Archana , Chopra Abhishek , Kundurthi Sridevi , Kassam Iman , Shin Hwayeon Danielle , Strudwick Gillian
Published: February 2025

Successful expansion and integration of digital health technologies requires the support of organized bodies to mobilize research and accelerate spread and scalability. This Laptop Talk will present the findings of an environmental scan outlining international organizations active in the digital health innovation space.
Developing an Evidence-Based Evaluation Framework for mHealth Applications
Authors: Yu Sabrina , Aiello Paul , Maluvelil Aby Mathews , Ehoneah Obed , Shah Vishva , Numor Samuel
Published: February 2025

The rapid growth of mobile health (mHealth) applications underscores the pressing need for robust evaluation platforms that ensure quality, efficacy, and stakeholder alignment. This paper introduces a quantitative, evidence-based framework that addresses these gaps through dynamic attribute weighting and multi-criteria decision analysis. The platform integrates methodologies such as CRITIC-TOPSIS and AI-driven attribute prioritization, validated through systematic reviews and expert analyses. Preliminary evaluations demonstrate potential for generating actionable insights tailored to diverse mHealth applications and stakeholder needs. Future work includes detailed literature reviews, platform development and real-life use case deployment to refine its applicability and impact.
Charting New Paths – Building Digital Tools for COPD and Beyond
Authors: Gnanapragasam Valentina
Published: February 2025

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) costs Ontario’s healthcare system $1.5 billion annually. Primary care practitioners (PCPs) often struggle to integrate clinical guidelines into their workflows. This paper examines the potential of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) embedded in electronic medical records (EMRs) to address this challenge. Barriers to adoption, facilitators, and technical solutions like SMART on FHIR are discussed to promote future CDSS use and interoperability.
Measuring the Distances to Asteroids from One Observatory in One Night with Upcoming All-Sky Telescopes
Authors: Fernandes Maryann Benny , Scolnic Daniel , Peterson Erik , Zhai Chengxing , Linder Tyler , Acevedo Maria , Reichart Daniel
Published: February 2025

Upcoming telescopes like the Vera Rubin Observatory (VRO) and the Argus Array will image large fractions of the sky multiple times per night yielding numerous Near Earth Object (NEO) discoveries. When asteroids are measured with short observation time windows, the dominant uncertainty in orbit construction is due to distance uncertainty to the NEO. One approach to recover distances is from topocentric parallax, which is a technique that leverages the rotation of the Earth, causing a small but detectable sinusoidal additive signal to the Right Ascension (RA) of the NEO following a period of 1 day. In this paper, we further develop and evaluate this technique to recover distances in as quickly as a single night. We first test the technique on synthetic data of 19 different asteroids ranging from \(\sim 0.05\text{AU}\) to \(\sim 2.4\text{AU}\). We modify previous algorithms and quantify the limitations of the method, recovering distances with uncertainties as low as the \(\sim 1.3\%\) level for more nearby objects (\(\lesssim\) 0.3 AU) assuming typical astrometric uncertainties. We then acquire our own observations of two asteroids within a single night with \(\sim 0.1^{\prime\prime}\) uncertainties on RA, and we find we are able to recover distances to the \(3\%\) level. We forecast likely scenarios with the VRO and the Argus Array with varying levels of astrometric precision and expected pointings per night. Our analysis indicates that distances to NEOs on the scale of \(\sim 0.5\) AU can be constrained to below the percent level within a single night, depending on spacing of observations from one observatory. In a follow-up paper, we will compare these constraints with synchronous and asynchronous observations from two separate observatories to measure parallax even more efficiently, an exciting and likely possibility over the upcoming decade.
Building Proficiency in Generative AI: Key Competencies for Success
Authors: Grimberg Einat , Mason Claire
Published: February 2025

The rapid adoption of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) underscores its ease of use, yet research on GenAI proficiency and competencies is limited. This study uses semi-structured interviews with twenty-five expert GenAI users from various sectors to explore GenAI proficiency. The study aims to answer three questions: What differentiates proficient GenAI use? What competencies support proficient use? What benefits does proficient GenAI use provide? Three aspects of GenAI proficiency emerged: effective prompting, informed and responsible choices, and diverse, complex use. The following competencies were seen to support proficient use of GenAI: GenAI literacy, domain expertise, communication skills, metacognition, curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, diligence, and IT skills. The outcomes of proficient use of GenAI were improved productivity, higher quality output, and greater originality. This framework, grounded in real-world experience, underscores the importance of human skills, knowledge, and mindsets for proficient use of GenAI tools.
Identifikasi Peran dan Strategi Pengembangan Kelembagaan Pertanian Paguyuban Arum Gula diKecamatan Bungbulang
Authors: Hakim Lukmanul , Febrianti Tintin
Published: February 2025

The weak institutional capacity is due to the participation of members and the lack of understanding of the institutional role in the countryside. This research aims to identify the existence, role and development strategy in the institution of the Arum Gula Association. This research was carried out using a descriptive quantitative method using primary data obtained through interviews with palm farmers and secondary data obtained from related agencies such as the Agriculture Office, the Plantation Office, the Central, Statistics Agency (BPS) and previous journals. The Arum Gula Association is a farmer institution that aims to increase the independence and empowerment of palm sugar farmers. With a bottom-up leadership system, the Arum Gula Association has succeeded in strengthening the participation of its members in social, economic and environmental aspects. The role of the Association includes the provision of capital tools, market guarantees, and training that improve the social, economic, and productivity of farmers.
The change in the macrostructural state of chernozem typical for various technologies of winter wheat cultivation
Authors: Dubovik E. V. , Dubovik D. V.
Published: February 2025

Relevance. Scientific research on the study of changes in the macrostructural state of typical chernozem was carried out in a field stationary experiment on the influence of agrotechnologies of crop cultivation based on various methods of basic tillage in the Federal State Budgetary Budgetary Institution “Kursky FANTS”.

Methods. For to study the structural and aggregate composition of the soil, samples were taken, in 3-fold repetition in layers of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, which was determined by the different depth of processing of typical chernozem. In each variant of the experiment, 3 sites with a radius of 5 m were selected along the diagonal of the plot, and within these limits, soil samples of undisturbed composition with a size of 25 × 25 × 10 cm were excavated. The determination of the structural and aggregate composition was carried out using the method of N.I. Savvinov — dry and wet sieving1.

Results. As a result of the macrostructural analysis of typical chernozem, it was found that a common pattern for all winter wheat cultivation technologies was the growth of the weighted average diameter of air-dry aggregates (Ds) and the weighted average diameter of particles into which aggregates (having a diameter of D+) disintegrate when moistened (D-) with the depth of the studied layer. An increase in the weighted average diameter of aggregates that collapse during humidification (D+) and the index of instability of the structure to external influences (Rws), as well as a decrease in the weighted average diameter of waterproof aggregates (Dm) and conditionally «stable» aggregates (Ss) in a layer of 10-20 cm with technologies based on minimizing tillage indicates the formation of structural units with high density and low porosity. When cultivating winter wheat using traditional technology, the lowest Ds, Dm, Ss and the highest Rws are noted.