bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developments and Challenges in Design for Sustainability of Electronics
Authors: Balkenende A.R.  , Bakker C.A.
Published: February 2025

Sustainability of electronic products until recently mainly focused on improving the energy efficiency. Recently, resource efficiency has become of growing importance. Due to the use of relatively small amounts of many valuable and scarce materials, often intimately mixed, the design of electronic products deserves specific attention. From a materials perspective measures are needed to improve on recyclability. In addition to the use of recyclable materials, the ability to break connections between materials that are not compatible in recycling processes is crucial. Environmentally and economically more interesting than recovery of materials is the reuse of components or products. To enable multiple product lifecycles, product design should also explicitly address maintenance, upgradeability, modularity and disassembly. Design guidelines will be presented and challenges with respect to impact assessment and business model development will be discussed.
An Approach to Assess Uncertainties in Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Yadekar Yaser  , Shehab Essam  , Mehnen Jorn
Published: February 2025

As new technologies and advanced networks play an increasing important role in manufacturing, many enterprises are suffering from unknown and unpredictable situations, termed “uncertainties”. The aim of this paper is to provide an approach to evaluate the importance of uncertainties in Cloud Manufacturing. The Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) was used in this research to assess uncertainties that exist in Cloud Manufacturing. Additionally, a Microsoft Excel assessment tool has been developed to help decision makers identify uncertainties and determine the weight of uncertainty in Cloud Manufacturing.
A Study on Marine Logistics System for Emergency Disaster Control
Authors: Wang Heng  , Tanaka Kenji
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes marine logistics system for emergency disaster control. We optimize marine logistics by determination of the assignment of ships to transportation routes. To determine this assignment, we come down to assignment problem, and solve by using linear programming. By using this model, we can calculate necessary conditions to supply demand on relief supplies of evacuees. We use this model to evaluate marine logistics of Tonankai Earthquake, and conclude that we need to use 24 ships and 240,000 tons of relief supplies in time of Tonankai Earthquake.
A Guideline for Adapted System Dynamics Modeling of Rework Cycles in Engineering Design Processes
Authors: Schmidt Elisabeth  , Kasperek Daniel  , Maurer Maik
Published: February 2025

A substantial variety of rework cycle system dynamics (SD) models that are capable of simulating the influence of rework on project parameters exists in the literature. Although all of them use the rework cycle concept, these models vary in their structure and quantification as they are adapted to capture specific process features. The difficulty of grasping the variety of diverse rework cycles and the variability in modeling goals are obstacles for modelers in finding the right model. The aim of this article is to provide a guideline that will help developers create adapted rework cycles for engineering design processes. Through literature research of different rework cycle SD models, specific elements are classified in a guideline. With the knowledge of a variety of rework cycles SD models and their capabilities, recommendations for developers can be made on how to build a model that captures the necessary requirements for their research focus.
A Methodology for Mechatronic Products Design Applied to the Development of a Instrument for Soil Compaction Measurement
Authors: Merino Peres Mauricio  , Castelo Branco Iana G.  , dos Santos Andréa Cristina
Published: February 2025

Checking the compression state is a fundamental part considering the development and growth of planting productivity. The most practical method to achieve the goal is to determine the penetration resistance by means of using an impact penetrometer. The measure held is considered indirect, because the data obtained during measurement are taken to an equation in order to determine the degree of compression. This can cause uncertainty, also can turns up to be inaccurate when considering the data obtained. The most significant advances presented are bibliographic referents contribution to future research. Which highlight that the development already performed do not reach full form the needs present in the penetrometer. Despite the great diversity of goals and methodologies employed, a necessity and common motivation in these studies, it is the determination of compaction degree, and the contribution from these information to decision-making. Thus, the measurement of soil compaction becomes a long process. In this way, we can affirm that we must develop a compression-measuring instrument based on the principle of penetrometer, conducting a series of activities that allow the generation of the technical specifications of a Mechatronic Product. The activities that will rise to the project specifications are: to identify customer needs, analyses the needs relating to the new product; identification of product quality metrics; analyze manufacture and competing products; define product specifications. The QFD “House of quality” is suggested in order to assist product specifications definition. In this context, there are criteria to be adopted in decision-making process. However, the project success is reflected in the technical specifications. With this article we aim to fill the gaps relied on the knowledge that only experience at the time of developing a mechatronic product design. The article aims to clarify and detail the project specifications that are used as source of information and which allows to make a success in the development of a new instrument for measuring the compression of soil. The main contribution of this article is the model, method and techniques presentation for the development of technical specifications to Mechatronic product design applied to a measuring instrument of soil compaction.
Process Knowledge Model For Facilitating Industrial Components' Manufacturing
Authors: Sun Jingyu  , Hiekata Kazuo  , Yamato Hiroyuki  , Maret Pierre  , Muhlenbach Fabrice
Published: February 2025

This paper proposed a process knowledge model for facilitating complicated industrial components' manufacturing by suggesting a combination of the manufacturing action elements under a given situation. The proposed knowledge model is built regarding the generalized manufacturing process as a sequence of the situations under which the experienced workers made their decisions and the actions which the workers took. Each situation and action can be broken down into a set of element situations and element actions. Based on the interviews with expert workers and the recorded manufacturing data, the pairs of situation element and action element are extracted, scored and stored in the knowledge model. The most efficient action suggested by the knowledge model is a combination of the action elements which are fuzzily inferred to be the most effective ones for the given situation. In this model, the effectiveness of each situation and action element pair is evaluated and scored based on the subsequent manufacturing steps and manufacturing milestones from the recorded data. The proposed knowledge model was proved to be effective when being applied to a series of 3D manufacturing data obtained in the shipyard.
Proposal for Intelligent Model Product Definition to Meeting the RoHS Directive
Authors: dos Santos José Altair Ribeiro  , Borsato Milton
Published: February 2025

With increasing environmental awareness in society, manufacturing companies began to realize that they could benefit from the integration of environmental considerations into their products and processes. Although the electrical and electronics industries have developed uniquely fast in the world market, their products have typically been a major cause of the continuing deterioration of the environment and depletion of natural resources. Regulatory directives such as Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) have been created for preventing the misuse of hazardous materials in product specifications, so companies have been compelled to assess relevant information on material use at the right moment and depth at certain stages of a product's lifecycle. The present paper proposes the application of semantic models for helping companies meet the requirements established by the RoHS Directive. A model, created in the form of ontology, establishes semantic relationships between stages of the product lifecycle, product structure and business objects. Business processes modeled in the form of activity and information flows are linked to RoHS requirements, which can be viewed through the generation of reports in the Essentials Project open source framework. The resulting semantic model is therefore useful for converting environment-related needs to design requirements through a product development process that addresses the RoHS directive. A consumer electronics product has been selected for demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed solution.
Towards a Green and Sustainable Software
Authors: Acar Hayri  , Alptekin Gülfem I.  , Gelas Jean-Patrick  , Ghodous Parisa
Published: February 2025

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are responsible around 2% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions [1]. On the other hand, the use of mobile devices (smartphone, tablet, etc.) is continually increasing. Due to the accessibility of the Internet and the cloud computing, users will use more and more software applications which will cause even an increasing effect on gas emission. Thus, an important research question is “how can we reduce or limit the energy consumption related to ICT and, in particular, related to software?” For a long time, proposed solutions focused only on the hardware design, however in recent years the software aspects have also become important. Our first objective is to compare the studies in the research area of energy efficient/green software. Relying on this survey, we will propose a methodology to measure the energy consumed by software at runtime.
Enhancing Robustness of Design Process in Individual Type of Production
Authors: Varl Mitja  , Tavčar Jože  , Duhovnik Jože
Published: February 2025

The robust engineering and many related engineering applications are seeking for design of products and processes insensitive to changes in the work environment as well as to variation of the components. At the individual type of production the basic function of the product and the main design solutions are generally known, but a unique product is assumed to have its own details that require the respective individual design approach and have a direct impact on both, the design process as well as on a later production process. Such an industrial environment is very specific, therefore robust construction process plays a key role in the final value of the product. The robust process has built-in mechanisms to detect potential errors on time, to eliminate them and to initiate all the necessary measures to ensure the same error does not occur again. Implementation methodology of these mechanisms is essential, as it should provide cost-effective and useful engineering solutions. The sample company is engaged in the development and production of large power transformers. Based on a systematic analysis of current development and design process we propose a multi-level, systematic approach for a complete renewal of system information and working methodology, where reorganization of activities are anticipated to result in an increase of overall effectiveness. The paper presents the key preliminary findings and deals with answers of how to analytically manage individual segments of design process in order to achieve optimal conditions for individualized construction process. At the end the instructions for the implementation of improvements as well as recommendations for further activities are given. The final aim of the research is to implement the identified solutions in a real-world industrial environment, to obtain their approval and finally to establish a generalized model of support processes for individual production.
A Service-oriented Architecture for Ambient-assisted Living
Authors: Peruzzini Margherita  , Germani Michele
Published: February 2025

Ambient-Assisted Living (AAL) is currently an important research and development area, mainly due to the rapidly aging society, the increasing cost of health care, and the growing importance that individuals place on living independently. The general goal of AAL solutions is to apply ambient-assisted intelligence to enable people with specific demands (e.g. handicapped or elderly) to live in their preferred environment longer by tools (i.e. smart objects, mobile and wearable sensors, intelligent devices) being sensitive and responsive to the presence of people and their actions. The research describes the design and development of a novel service-oriented system architecture where different smart objects and sensors are combined to offer ambient-assisted living intelligence to older people. The design stage is driven by a user-centred approach to define an interoperable architecture and human-oriented principles to create usable products and well-accepted services. Such architecture has been realized in the context of an Italian research project funded by the Marche Region and promoted by INRCA (National Institute on Health and Science of Aging) in the framework of smart home for active ageing and ambient assisted living. The result is an interoperable and flexible platform that allows creating user-centred services for independent living.
Leveraging 3D CAD Data in Product Life Cycle: Exchange – Visualization – Collaboration
Authors: Pfouga Alain  , Stjepandić Josip
Published: February 2025

With their practical introduction by the 1970's, virtual product data have emerged to a major technical source of intelligence in manufacturing. Modern organization have since then developed and continuously improved strategies, methods and tools to feed the individual needs of business domains, multidisciplinary teams and supply chain to master the growing complexity of virtual product data and manufacturing processes. Three principal activities are associated to the repurposing of virtual product data. These are Exchange, Visualization and Communication of the manufacturing intelligence from its virtual product representation perspective. One development approach alongside PLM, which declares the 3D CAD model as the record of authority and the source for which all other documentation flows is Model-Based-Design (MBD). By emphasizing digital CAD file use for collaboration at the beginning of development, it is the ground for a fully integrated and collaborative environment founded on a 3D model based definition detailed, documented and shared across the enterprise to enable rapid, seamless, and affordable deployment of products from concept to disposal. Since the practical introduction of virtual product data by the 1970's, several CAD interoperability and visualization formats have indeed been developed to support the aforementioned strategies. Most of them, however, have not yet provided the expected outcome mainly due to their lack of versatility and primary focus on only selected business need. This paper analyses methods and tools used in virtual product development to leverage 3D CAD data across the entire life cycle. It presents a set of versatile concepts for mastering exchange, aware and unaware visualization and collaboration from single technical packages fit purposely for different domains and disciplines.
The Research of Music and Emotion Interaction with a Case Study of Intelligent Music Selection System
Authors: Ko Li-Wei  , Chuang Kai-Hsiang  , Chiu Ming-Chuan
Published: February 2025

Music plays an important role in human history. Since music could influence the emotion and performance of people, it has been widely applied to enhance the efficiency of some particular tasks, such as sports or medical applications. For example, a jogger can run longer distance with a proper music. However, people usually select the music according to some personal preference. In this manner, it might not be able to reach the anticipative goal of task. Moreover, manually music selection is a time-consuming activity. Therefore, to select the proper music from a huge amount of music database became a major issue. The aim of this study is to establish an intelligent music selection system. A method based on Music Information Retrieval (MIR) technique which can query and retrieve certain types of music was developed. This system was realized by application software. This system is not confined to appropriate music selection by tracing the user's heart rate variability. More importantly, it could keep users in a positive emotional state. This study expects to provide effective music patterns, contributing to the therapeutic music creation and the applications in the relevant field of music therapy.
Advances in Parameterized CAD Feature Translation
Authors: Bondar Sergej  , Shammaa Abdul  , Stjepandić Josip  , Tashiro Ken
Published: February 2025

This paper describes the challenges, solution approaches and recent achievements to provide the translation of parameterized feature-based models between different CAD systems, in terms of the design history of the models concerned. Such procedural models have the advantage of being easy to edit following an exchange, by contrast with the boundary representation (B-Rep) models that can be exchanged using current STEP methodology or similar proprietary solutions, which prove to be difficult or impossible to edit and reuse in the receiving system. Such enhanced CAD translation is necessary in many process chains e.g. engineering collaboration. The use of the described solution has already been demonstrated in the translation of realistic procedural shape models of mechanical parts, and the paper includes a brief description of five industrial application cases conducted in several industries.
Kinematic Model of Project Scheduling with Resource Constrained under Uncertainties
Authors: Garbi Giuliani Paulineli  , Loureiro Geilson  , Trabasso Luís Gonzaga  , Chagas Milton de Freitas
Published: February 2025

Projects represent the principal means of materialization of products. The inherent complexity of product projects is treated through the techniques and approaches project management. Throughout products life cycle the techniques and approaches project management are mainly involved in the planning, programming and control of project activities conducted in context of resource constrained under uncertainties. In addition of scenarios the complexity of the projects, there are some classes of products, typical of industries of the defense, aerospace, telecommunication, software, and biomedicine, which are problematic for current methods of resource constrained project planning and scheduling under uncertainty. The existing methods fail because they suffer from one or more of the following limitations: focused mainly on the basic RCPSP (Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem) model; dealing with only one source of uncertainty, mostly in duration of activities; and do not model uncertainties.
6.3. Multibody Dynamics Techniques for Real-Time Parameter Estimation
Authors: Sandu Corina  , Kolansky Jeremy  , Botha Theunis  , Els Schalk
Published: February 2025

In this study we employed a real-time estimation method for ground vehicle parameters based on a generalized polynomial chaos (gPC) approach applied to an extended Kalman filter (EKF) technique. The vehicle models considered were a load transfer model (LTM) and a modified load transfer model (MLTM). The data used for performing the parameter estimation was collected on a Land Rover Defender 110. Two sets of data were collected: one on a rural road and one on an urban road. The mass of the vehicle, as well as the lateral and longitudinal location of the center of gravity (CG), was estimated. The reason for developing the MLTM was that it has a significantly reduced need for prior knowledge about the CG location. The LTM requires that sensors be placed at the CG of the vehicle. Obviously, if that is already known, then this whole scheme is unnecessary. The MLTM is designed to remove that requirement through the ability to estimate the CG accelerations through the accelerometers placed at the four corners of the vehicle. The models and methods presented are validated against real data and parameters values with high accuracy. The computational cost is reasonable, and the estimator runs faster than real-time.
6.4. The Use of Multibody Systems in Vehicle Modelling Simulation
Authors: Blundell Mike  , Boulos Alfred
Published: February 2025

This Section looks at the use of industry standard multibody systems software for the modelling and simulation of vehicle dynamics. The MSC.ADAMS software is discussed as an example to demonstrate the principle modelling features used with a multibody systems approach. The modelling of rigid and flexible bodies is covered and attention is also given to the modelling of tracked vehicles, typical of those that are deployed to operate in severe environments. The modelling of tires is introduced but a more comprehensive treatment of this subject is provided in Chapter 9.
9.2. Tire Force and Moment Characteristics
Authors: Blundell Mike
Published: February 2025

This Section introduces the forces and moments that are generated in the tire contact patch with an emphasis on their representation in a vehicle handling model. Fundamental definitions such as slip ratio and relaxation length are provided. Example plots are shown to illustrate typical tire force and moment characteristics.
3.2. Modeling of Agile Stochastic Terrain Friction/Resistance Properties in Correletion with Terrian Geometry
Authors: Vantsevich Vladimir V.  , Gray Jeremy P.
Published: February 2025

Researchers proposed and have used various approaches and functions for stochastic modeling of terrain. Usually, terrain topography profiles are modeled using the Monte Carlo method or other random processes. Such research methods are important for modeling dynamic normal reaction of tires and thus their influence on vehicle mobility, traction, ride and other operational properties. However, there is lack of methods on stochastic modeling of peak friction coefficient (also known as gripping coefficient) and rolling resistance coefficient. A new method for stochastic modeling of these two coefficients is considered in this section of the book. The method layouts a basis for agile/real-time terrain mobility, dynamics and mission fulfillment estimation of manned and unmanned ground vehicles.
Big Data Research at DKRZ – Climate Model Data Production Workflow
Authors: Lautenschlager Michael  , Adamidis Panagiotis  , Kuhn Michael
Published: February 2025

The paper starts with a classification of climate modeling in Big Data and presents research activities in DKRZ's two basic climate modeling workflows, the climate model development and the climate model data production. Research emphasis in climate model development is on code optimization for efficient use of modern and future multi-core high performance computing architectures. Complementary research is related to increase of I/O bandwidth between compute nodes and hard discs as well as efficient use of storage resources. Research emphasis in climate model data production is on optimization of the end-to-end workflow in its different stages starting from climate model calculations over generation and storage of climate data products and ending in long-term archiving, interdisciplinary data utilization research data publication for integration of citable data entities in scientific literature articles.
Towards a Comprehensive Set of Big Data Benchmarks
Authors: Fox Geoffrey C.  , Jha Shantenu  , Qiu Judy  , Ekanayake Saliya  , Luckow Andre
Published: February 2025

This paper reviews the Ogre classification of Big Data application with 50 facets divided into four groups or views. These four correspond to Problem Architecture, Execution mode, Data source and style, and the Processing model used. We then look at multiple existing or proposed benchmark suites and analyze their coverage of the different facets suggesting a process to obtain a complete set. We illustrate this by looking at parallel data analytics benchmarked on multicore clusters.
Cori: A Pre-Exascale Supercomputer for Big Data and HPC Applications
Authors: Wright Nicholas J.  , Dosanjh Sudip S.  , Andrews Allison K.  , Antypas Katerina B.  , Draney Brent  , Canon R. Shane  , Cholia Shreyas  , Daley Christopher S.  , Fagnan Kirsten M.  , Gerber Richard A.  , Gerhardt Lisa  , Pezzaglia Larry  , Prabhat  , Schafer Karen H.  , Srinivasan Jay
Published: February 2025

Extreme data science is becoming increasingly important at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC). Many petabytes of data are transferred from experimental facilities to NERSC each year. Applications of importance include high-energy physics, materials science, genomics and climate modeling, with an increasing emphasis on large-scale simulations and data analysis. In response to the emerging data-intensive workloads of its users, NERSC made a number of critical design choices to enhance the usability of its pre-exascale supercomputer, Cori, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2016. These data enhancements include a data partition, a layer of NVRAM for accelerating I/O, user defined images and a customizable gateway for accelerating connections to remote experimental facilities.
Lone Actors: Challenges and Opportunities for Countering Violent Extremism
Authors: Spaaij Ramón
Published: February 2025

This paper explores some of the key challenges and opportunities concerning the prevention and control of lone actor terrorism. It is argued that lone actors do not operate in a social vacuum and that the interaction points between lone actors and their social environments can render lone actors both visible and vulnerable. This is explored through a particular focus on lone actors' use of, and engagement with, social media and the internet, which presents both challenges to and opportunities for the prevention and interdiction of lone actor terrorism.
Lone Actors – Ethical and Legal Considerations
Authors: Florescu Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

Lone actor adds a new dimension to the global security landscape, not only that of the safety point of view, but most of all the ethical and legal perspectives. As a glocalized phenomenon, it needs global framework with local action. How can security strategies be developed in a climate of continuous dilemmas, with no legal regimes to address the related and emerging threats, lack of international consensus, and arguments that only trigger counterarguments? What is the balance between surveillance for security and civil liberties? How can S&T evolve safely, without hindering innovation? As the forces shaping national and international security become more complex, so do the options the military should consider. Sometimes, defense and moral approaches provide very different answers. The military approach might not always be the appropriate one to security challenges. We need more dynamic political systems to face the present and emerging security challenges, including the lone actor phenomenon. [Note: in this article, there are several terms used for lone actor, based on the relevant slight differences.]
Center for Radicalization Prevention: A Model of Government Response to “Lone-Wolf” Terrorist Assaults
Authors: Chasdi Richard J.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this paper is to provide an outline for a multidimensional and integrative “Radicalization Prevention Center” primarily for “second generation” Americans that would be funded by the U.S. Federal government and administered through state, municipal, and county governments insofar as smaller units of governance have integral knowledge about the “lay of the land” and corresponding demographics that serve to improve effectiveness and efficiency issues.
The Rise of Al-Qaida in North Africa: AQIM and its Role in the Region
Authors: Gazdık Gyula
Published: February 2025

The group currently known as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has a colorful history dating back to the independence of Algeria. The Maghreb geographically includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The Maghreb region, which is at the meeting point of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, is one of the key energy suppliers of Europe and America. Owing to their geopolitical position the role of these countries is very significant from the point of view of the Western Mediterranean security. AQIM emerged from the harsh legacy of Algeria's civil war of the 1990s and government forces' eventual containment of the radical Islamist insurgency. Starting out as the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) in resistance to cancellation of elections, it later became the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC) that merged in al-Qaeda in 2006. Although AQIM has had some success, it has not able to transform itself into a regional organization because of internal conflicts. Although it could be a major terrorist force at least problems in the organization may prevent it from expanding into the regional force that it desires to be.
The Legal Framework of Military Operations against Terrorism in North Africa
Authors: White Larry D.
Published: February 2025

The legal environment for counterterrorist operations can be complex because there are two possible scenarios for application – wartime and peacetime. Normally counterterrorist operations are conducted under peacetime rules with prosecution under national criminal laws conforming to standards set with international human rights. However, in some cases international humanitarian law, or the law of armed conflict will apply, which is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Knowing which rules will apply is very important. Although there is no comprehensive antiterrorism treaty yet, there are a number of terrorism treaties that do apply and should have been enacted into national criminal law. Counterterrorist forces are working as the agents of sovereign nations that use them to protect that sovereignty and the lives of the people in accordance with international law. At all times, maximum consideration for human rights, consistent with the mission, should be displayed by counterterrorist forces.
Problems of State Efficiency and Terrorism in North Africa
Authors: Bordas Maria
Published: February 2025

This article examines how the state inefficiency in North Africa has led to an increase of terrorism in these countries. The reasons for the terrorism in these countries are fairly complex, and cannot be explained by just one attribute, like Islamic fundamentalism, but are closely related to state efficiency issues. This article will analyze the aspects of state inefficiency that are typical as the reasons for terrorism in North Africa, examining the countries one by one. That is, there are general phenomena which are closely related to the terrorism, but there are special features in these countries, too, which cannot be described by general tendencies. Finally, the article will conclude with strategies for developing the efficiency of the state which could serve as a tool for counterterrorism in North African countries. The main point of the study is that terrorism cannot be defeated by the military itself, but by a complex development of the state functions which are capable of eliminating the roots of terrorism.
ICT-enabled Tailored Diet Solutions for Health Promotion Self-Management
Authors: Lai Tsai-Ya  , Chen Sui-Pi  , Jiang Yue-Min  , Lee Ho-Hsin
Published: February 2025

Geriatric health care has become a pressing task, and the first confronting issue is dietary problem inseparable from life as the risks of various illnesses grow progressively with aging evidently. Three solutions, including 1) tailored healthy diet coaching system, 2) multi-purposes meal planning support system, and 3) central kitchen automatic dietary inspection system, have been introduced in this chapter. They were designed and developed to build an ICT-enabled food service ecosystem to cover the whole spectrum of dietary needs for care of elderly people and individuals with chronic illnesses. The outcomes of the pilot study of the tailored healthy diet coaching system showed that early nutrition intervention could be easily conducted by using the developed system. The multi-purposes meal planning support system not only saved manpower by providing the automatic planning to decrease complexity of the process; it also enhanced the efficiency of process by two-phase design to save the operation time. For the central kitchen automatic dietary inspection system, the experimental results showed the inspection accuracy had reached around 89%. Moreover, the efficiency had reached 1.2 second, and the quantity accuracy was as high as 90%. By saving inspection time, the proposed system has been concluded to increase the capacity of meal supply by over 50%. These outcomes indicated that this ICT-enabled food service ecosystem may assist the health slef-management of both senior citizens and people with chronic illnesses that required nutrition attention.
Smart Dosing: A mobile application for tracking the medication tray-filling and dispensation processes in hospital wards
Authors: Khan N.A.  , Díaz Rodríguez N.  , Danielsson-Ojala R.  , Pirinen H.  , Kauhanen L.  , Salanterä S.  , Majors J.  , Björklund S.  , Rautanen K.  , Salakoski T.  , Tuominen I.  , Porres I.  , Lilius J.
Published: February 2025

Traditionally in hospitals the task of dispensing medications to patients can be strenuous for the hospital staff, as many variables have to be considered, such as searching for a particular medicine in shelves, finding alternative active components and possible interactions, verifying the amount or dosage of the medicine, keeping in mind the intake timings and other meticulous details. In addition to that, the dispensation process is the combination of many manual and computerized steps which do not function together. In this work, we have gone a step forward towards automating the whole process by combining information from different sources and providing it on a single centralized rich internet application. The application Smart Dosing helps nurses in performing the filling and dispensing of the medicine tray more efficiently. The application allows nurses to keep history of the medication distributed and dispensed to patients, as well as it makes the whole process smoother by improving the patient safety. A survey was conducted among nurses to validate the application prototype usability.
Experiences of stroke patients, family and caregivers of in-patient care environments – an exploratory study
Authors: Daemen Elke  , van Loenen Evert  , Cuppen Roel
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to thoroughly understand neurology patients, family and caregivers experiences of in-patient care environments and to investigate the aspects of the healing process that can be supported by the environment. Our goal is to identify the role the environment plays during the process of being treated for and recovering from a stroke. Detailed stroke patients descriptions of experiences during hospitalization will help researchers, medical professionals and architects in adjusting the environment according to their specific needs. A set of research methods was used to capture the experience, expanding the role of researcher from just observer to a participatory approach whereby caregivers become co-creators of the research data [1,2].These methods included: shadowing, observation and interviewing, allowing nurses to describe their experiences and to obtain a voice in decision making. We built insights from healing environment literature combined with own field studies. Specific environmental needs identified include: dosing stimulus load, having social support, having access to single patient rooms, balancing clinical and personal environments, having a clear structure of the day, undisturbed sleeping and the need for information.
mHealth: Challenges and impact on new forms of healthcare
Authors: Meister Sven  , Deiters Wolfgang  , Becker Stefan  , Simson Udo
Published: February 2025

Technologies enabling pervasive sensing and analysis within the healthcare sector are fast increasing. Especially the usage of mobile devices enables the development of new therapy concepts and business models to ensure patient centered treatment. Within this paper we'll give an overview of mHealth, its definition and challenges to ensure high quality treatment. Later on, a state of the art discussion about challenges will focus on medical apps as medical device and the pervasiveness of data sensing and analysis resulting in information overload. The paper will contribute by discussing the regulatory situation for medical devices regarding apps within the European Union and analogies to the United States. Furthermore we'll show perspectives to fulfill data processing along users demand. At last the paper will show case study results of the Obesity Companion, beHealthy, iHerz and the iNephro project gathered by scientist of the University Hospital Essen, Gelderland Clinic and Fraunhofer ISST.
Earthwork optimization system for sustainable highway construction
Authors: Gomes Correia António  , Parente Manuel  , Cortez Paulo
Published: February 2025

In highway construction, earthworks refer to the tasks of excavation, transportation, spreading and compaction of geomaterial (e.g. soil, rockfill and soil-rockfill mixture). Whereas relying heavily on machinery and repetitive processes, these tasks are highly susceptible to optimization. In this context Artificial Intelligent techniques, such as Data Mining and modern optimization can be applied for earthworks. A survey of these applications shows that they focus on the optimization of specific objectives and/or construction phases being possible to identify the capabilities and limitations of the analyzed techniques. Thus, according to the pinpointed drawbacks of these techniques, this paper describes a novel intelligent earthwork optimization system, capable of integrating DM, modern optimization and GIS technologies in order to optimize the earthwork processes throughout all phases of design and construction work. This integration system allows significant savings in time, cost and gas emissions contributing for a more sustainable construction.
Geotechnical modeling across the scales
Authors: Borja Ronaldo I.
Published: February 2025

Soils and rocks typically exhibit strongly nonlinear, inelastic load-deformation behavior. Their complex mechanical responses persist across the scales, from nanometer up to kilometer scale, and are generally linked to other multiphysical processes such as fluid flow, heat conduction, and chemical/biological transport. Capturing these complex multiphysical responses requires sound theoretical framework and robust computational algorithms.
Consequences of Seismic Soil Liquefaction and State-of-Practice Evaluation Methods
Authors: Dobry Ricardo
Published: February 2025

This paper has been adapted from an original presentation by the author to a national workshop in the U.S. (Dobry, 2014). After a discussion on the two successive stages of liquefaction triggering in the free field, associated with small cyclic strains, and post-triggering due to earthquake shaking, it is concluded that most liquefaction consequences of engineering significance involve high strains and hence are post-triggering phenomena. The liquefaction consequences are classified in four main categories: (i) flow slides and large deformations of embankments and slopes; (ii) free field deformations including lateral spreading; (iii) structural effects driven by the free field deformations; and (iv) structural damage that includes effects of gravitational and inertial structural forces. Each one of the four categories are discussed separately with focus on the current State-of-Practice of their evaluation and technical challenges.
Geomechanics in Shale Gas Development
Authors: Dusseault Maurice B.
Published: February 2025

Hydraulic fracturing in a stiff naturally fractured rock mass such as a shale gas reservoir or a geothermal site in an igneous rock involves a complex interaction between the stress and flow effects of the induced fracture process with a geometrically complex, strongly anisotropic, and undoubtedly heterogeneous medium. Deformation mechanisms include the opening of the primary hydraulic fracture, opening of near-by joints, and small-scale shearing of near-field and more distant joints that are not fully wedged open by the high hydraulic pressures. Aspects of initial state (joint system, stresses, mechanical properties…) are complex and must be better understood. The changes to the system during hydraulic fracturing include large scale stress and pressure changes, as well as irreversible and geometrically complex changes to the joint systems. Because of the different scales involved, large-scale modeling must involve some type of upscaling, but the best approach to this in different cases and for different processes remains obscure. The article attempts to give a physical portrait of the process to help guide model development, but also to help understand what happens in real cases. Some examples of simple 2-D modeling efforts in simulated jointed media are given to show how the physical understanding can, qualitatively, be supported and extended by careful analysis, albeit of a preliminary nature.
Hydraulic and mechanical behaviour of cement-bentonite mixtures containing HYPER clay: impact of sulfate attack
Authors: Di Emidio Gemmina  , Verastegui Flores R. Daniel  , Scipioni Claudia  , Fratalocchi Evelina  , Bezuijen Adam
Published: February 2025

Cemented clays are regularly employed as cut-off walls to isolate polluted soils or in ground improvement technologies. The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of a polymer-treated bentonite (HYPER clay) and its impact on hydraulic and mechanical properties of cement-bentonite (CB) mixtures in contact with sulfates. In this research, bender elements were installed in a hydraulic conductivity cell, to simultaneously monitor the small-strain shear modulus (G0) and the hydraulic conductivity (k) of cement-bentonite mixtures. Initially, during permeation with deionized water, an increase of G0with time was observed, due to cement hydration (hardening). Conversely, after prolonged permeation with sulfates, a decrease of G0and a gradual increase of k are expected due to degradation of the cemented material. Preliminary results show that k of mixtures containing untreated bentonite increases due to contact with sulfates; conversely, k of mixtures containing HYPER clay remains unaffected. The stiffness modulus G0was not significantly affected after a sulfate contact period of about 100 days in none of the cement-bentonite mixtures. More extensive monitoring is required for evaluating long-term mechanical degradation. These observations suggest that the use of polymer-treated bentonites could improve the resistance of cement-bentonite mixtures to sulfate attack maintaining a low hydraulic conductivity.
Deformation characteristics of grain-displacing GH-bearing sediments
Authors: Lee Joo Yong  , Lee Hyoung  , Ahn Taewoong  , Kim SeJoon
Published: February 2025

Gas hydrates are widespread, occurring in both permafrost sediments and deep marine sediments on the world's continental margins where the pressure and temperature conditions are within the gas hydrate equilibrium conditions. The large amounts of gas hydrate reserves suggest the potential of gas hydrates as an energy resource if economically viable production methods were developed. The proper characterization of the physical property and the behavior of gas hydrate-bearing sediments during gas production from gas hydrate deposits are crucial for the efficient and safe gas production from gas hydrate deposits. Pore-filling hydrate-bearing sands are of particular interest as energy resources, so the deformation characteristics of pore-filling hydrate-bearing sediments have extensively studied. However, the deformation characteristics in grain-displacing hydrate-bearing sediments have not been thoroughly explored so far. The deformation characteristics in grain-displacing hydrate-bearing sediments are explored in this study using the properties of natural gas hydrate-bearing sediments from the Ulleung Basin, East Sea, Korea. The one-dimensional consolidation tests on these sediments were performed and the soil index properties were measured after the tests. The parametric study on the behavior revealed that the magnitude of deformation during consolidation is mostly governed by the compression index of sediments, gas hydrate saturation, and morphology of hydrates.
A thermo-hydro-mechanical constitutive model for saturated frozen soils
Authors: Ghoreishian Amiri S.A.  , Kadivar M.  , Grimstad G.
Published: February 2025

In general, a saturated frozen soil sample, as a composite material, consists of soil grains, ice and unfrozen water. The mechanical behavior of this kind of geomaterial is strongly affected by the amount of ice that fills the pore spaces. On the other hand, the amount of ice in a frozen soil sample depends on temperature and applied mechanical stresses. This coupled behavior is the main characteristic by which frozen soils behave differently compared to unfrozen samples. In this paper, by dividing the total stress into fluid pressure and solid phase stress, in addition to considering the cryogenic suction as an independent stress-state variable, an elastoplastic constitutive model for saturated frozen soils is proposed. When all water is unfrozen, the model will become a conventional critical state model. The coupling effect of ice content on the mechanical behavior, as well as the coupling effect in the reverse direction are taken into account in the proposed framework. The effect of temperature on the mechanical behavior is also considered in the model. The proposed model is able to represent many fundamental features of frozen soils such as frost heave and strength weakening due to pressure melting. The typical predictions of the model for simulating the characteristic trends of the frozen soil behavior is described qualitatively. Model predictions are also compared with the available test results and reasonable agreement is achieved.
Behavior of a sand-polyacrilate mixture for seismic isolation
Authors: Flora A.  , Bilotta E.  , Lirer S.  , Lombardi D.  , Nappa V.
Published: February 2025

Seismic isolation with traditional grouting is hardly effective. Recent results have shown that if a soft grout is used and a continuous barrier having a very low dynamic impedance is created, seismic isolation can be very effective. However, a soft, continuous barrier can cause undesired settlements of existing structures. This paper shows that, considering the barrier made of a mixture of soil and grout made using a Super Absorbing Polymer (SAP), desired values of dynamic impedance can be reached without causing any damage to existing structures. The paper reports also the results of some laboratory tests on SAP-sand specimens at different percentages of SAP, difficult to carry out because of the enormous deformability of the mixture.