Life Cycle Evaluation Research Articles

Evaluation in Life Cycle of Information Technology (ELICIT) framework: Supporting the innovation life cycle from business case assessment to summative evaluation

ObjectiveOur objective was to develop an evaluation framework for electronic health record (EHR)-integrated innovations to support evaluation activities at each of four information technology (IT) life cycle phases: planning, development, implementation, and operation. MethodsThe evaluation framework was developed based on a review of existing evaluation frameworks from health informatics and other domains (human factors engineering, software engineering, and social sciences); expert consensus; and real-world testing in multiple EHR-integrated innovation studies. ResultsThe resulting Evaluation in Life Cycle of IT (ELICIT) framework covers four IT life cycle phases and three measure levels (society, user, and IT). The ELICIT framework recommends 12 evaluation steps: (1) business case assessment; (2) stakeholder requirements gathering; (3) technical requirements gathering; (4) technical acceptability assessment; (5) user acceptability assessment; (6) social acceptability assessment; (7) social implementation assessment; (8) initial user satisfaction assessment; (9) technical implementation assessment; (10) technical portability assessment; (11) long-term user satisfaction assessment; and (12) social outcomes assessment. DiscussionEffective evaluation requires a shared understanding and collaboration across disciplines throughout the entire IT life cycle. In contrast with previous evaluation frameworks, the ELICIT framework focuses on all phases of the IT life cycle across the society, user, and IT levels. Institutions seeking to establish evaluation programs for EHR-integrated innovations could use our framework to create such shared understanding and justify the need to invest in evaluation. ConclusionAs health care undergoes a digital transformation, it will be critical for EHR-integrated innovations to be systematically evaluated. The ELICIT framework can facilitate these evaluations.

RC structures life-cycle probabilistic evaluation method considering mesoscopic material uncertainty with chloride ingress

Due to the attack of harmful environmental substances, the reinforcements in concrete can be corroded. The corrosion of reinforcements induces the concrete crack and the reduction in structural capacity. The complex durability deterioration at the material scale is commonly oversimplified in the structural analysis, and the influence of reinforcement corrosion distribution can hardly be evaluated in traditional methods. Benefitted from the accurate material model and efficient solution technologies, a structural life-cycle probabilistic evaluation method is proposed based on the material uncertainty influence. The computational framework consists of three steps. First, the simulation of chloride ingress in structural cross-section considering mesoscopic variation; second, the finite element analysis of structural response with modifying reinforcement corrosion states; third, the structural life-cycle performances are evaluated probabilistically with the trained Artificial Neural Network model. Focussed on the life-cycle hysteretic performance of the reinforced concrete column, the whole procedure is operated for illustration, and the time-dependent decreasing structural performance are investigated. Compared with widely used macroscopic methods, the model precision can be refined over 90%. By discussion effects of different measures to improve structural performance are studied, including increasing concrete strength and concrete cover. The results show that the thicker concrete cover can postpone the initial deterioration and significantly increase structural life-cycle performance probabilistically, and with the same designed action effect, the structural service life can be extended over 85% to reach same reliability.

A Smartphone App to Increase Immunizations in the Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Population: Development and Initial Usability Study

BackgroundVaccine-preventable infections result in significant morbidity, mortality, and costs in pediatric transplant recipients. However, at the time of transplant, less than 20% of children are up-to-date for age-appropriate immunizations that could prevent these diseases. Smartphone apps have the potential to increase immunization rates through their ability to provide vaccine education, send vaccine reminders, and facilitate communication between parents and a multidisciplinary medical group.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the development of a smartphone app, Immunize PediatricTransplant, to promote pretransplant immunization and to report on app functionality and usability when applied to the target population.MethodsWe used a mixed methods study design guided by the Mobile Health Agile Development and Evaluation Lifecycle. We first completed a formative research including semistructured interviews with transplant stakeholders (12 primary care physicians, 40 parents or guardians of transplant recipients, 11 transplant nurse coordinators, and 19 transplant subspecialists) to explore the acceptability of an immunization app to be used in the pretransplant period. Based on these findings, CANImmunize Inc developed the Immunize PediatricTransplant app. We next held 2 focus group discussions with 5-6 transplant stakeholders/group (n=11; 5 parents of transplant recipients, 2 primary care physicians, 2 transplant nurse coordinators, and 2 transplant subspecialists) to receive feedback on the app. After the app modifications were made, alpha testing was conducted on the functional prototype. We then implemented beta testing with 12 stakeholders (6 parents of transplant recipients, 2 primary care doctors, 2 transplant nurse coordinators, and 2 transplant subspecialists) to refine the app through an iterative process. Finally, the stakeholders completed the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) to assess the functionality and quality of the app.ResultsA new Android- and Apple-compatible app, Immunize PediatricTransplant, was developed to improve immunization delivery in the pretransplant period. The app contains information about vaccine use in the pretransplant period, houses a complete immunization record for each child, includes a communication tool for parents and care providers, and sends automated reminders to parents and care providers when immunizations are due. During usability testing, the stakeholders were able to enter a mock vaccine record containing 16 vaccines in an average of 8.1 minutes (SD 1.8) with 87% accuracy. The stakeholders rated engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality of the app as 4.2/5, 4.5/5, 4.6/5, and 4.8/5, respectively. All participants reported that they would recommend this app to families and care teams with a child awaiting solid organ transplant.ConclusionsThrough a systematic, user-centered, agile, iterative approach, the Immunize PediatricTransplant app was developed to improve immunization delivery in the pretransplant period. The app tested well with end users. Further testing and agile development among patients awaiting transplant are needed to understand real-world acceptability and effectiveness in improving immunization rates in children awaiting transplant.

Integration of Energy Oriented Manufacturing Simulation into the Life Cycle Evaluation of Lightweight Body Parts

Recent years introduced process and material innovations in the design and manufacturing of lightweight body parts for larger scale manufacturing. However, lightweight materials and new manufacturing technologies often carry a higher environmental burden in earlier life cycle stages. The prospective life cycle evaluation of lightweight body parts remains to this day a challenging task. Yet, a functioning evaluation approach in early design stages is the prerequisite for integrating assessment results in engineering processes and thus allowing for a life cycle oriented decision making. The current paper aims to contribute to the goal of a prospective life cycle evaluation of fiber-reinforced lightweight body parts by improving models that enable to predict energy and material flows in the manufacturing stage. To this end, a modeling and simulation approach has been developed that integrates bottom-up process models into a process chain model. The approach is exemplarily applied on a case study of a door concept. In particular, the energy intensity of compression molding of glass fiber and carbon fiber sheet molding compounds has been analyzed and compared over the life cycle with a steel reference part.

Sebekia sp. (Eupentastomida, Sebekidae) in Pygocentrus piraya (Actinopterygii: Serrasalmidae) from marginal lagoons of the middle São Francisco River basin, Brazil.

Pygocentrus piraya is an endemic species of the São Francisco River basin. In this study, 342 carnivorous fish were examined, nymphs specimens of Sebekia sp. and its ecological indexes are recorded only in piranhas, of the total of 53 collected from three marginal lagoons of the middle São Francisco River basin: 17 specimens from Curral de Varas lagoon; 15 from Maris lagoon, both of state of Minas Gerais; and 21 specimens from Mocambo lagoon, state of Bahia. The prevalence (P) and mean abundance (MA) of Sebekia sp. nymphs in intermediate hosts were as follows: in Curral de Varas lagoon, P = 11.8%, MA = 0.18; in Maris lagoon, P = 46.6%, MA = 0.47; and in Mocambo lagoon, P = 14.3%, MA = 1.05. Despite the lower number of fish examined from Maris lagoon, this lagoon had the highest number of piranhas (seven) parasitized by Sebekia sp. Pentastomids have zoonotic importance and evaluation of the indirect life cycle of sebekids in lagoons is necessary for defining the intermediate and final hosts involved. This record is novel and stems from collection of piranhas in the marginal lagoons of the São Francisco River, in the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia, Brazil.

Study of hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles based on the whole life cycle evaluation method

In order to better achieve the goal of low carbon emissions from vehicles, a whole life cycle assessment of hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles has been conducted in recent years. Based on the study of hydrogen use around the world, we studied the emission and economic performance of hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles from the beginning of hydrogen production to the end of use (Well-to-Wheel, WTW) based on the whole life cycle evaluation method. The results show that the overall environmental impact of hydrogen production by steam reforming of natural gas is the smallest, and that the rational use of "abandoned electricity" for hydrogen production from electrolytic water in the western part of China significantly reduces the overall environmental impact and the cost of hydrogen production. In the use phase, the emissions are less, which not only can meet the National 6 emission standard, but also can reach higher emission standard after adding exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). From the whole life cycle point of view, hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine has a very good development prospect.

A framework to assess the sustainability of additive manufacturing for spare parts

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising technology for the optimization of the spare parts supply chain. A complete evaluation of whether it is advantageous to switch to this technology for spare parts management should include a comprehensive assessment of its sustainability in addition to its techno-economic viability. General analyses of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of AM have been conducted, but assessments of the sustainability effects of AM in the spare parts field is limited to specific industries. Thus, based on the literature, we designed a framework that can support a life cycle evaluation of the emerging application of AM technology. It represents a methodological approach that covers all the stages of the spare parts life cycle and the three dimensions of sustainability. It has been designed to support both researchers and practitioners who are considering AM for the manufacturing of spare parts.

Observations and Expectations on Recent Developments of Data Lakes

The concept of data lake was proposed more than a decade ago. Although progress has been made in data lake research and applications, there are also numerous issues and challenges need to be addressed. In this paper, we survey some recent developments, provide our observations, as well as our expectations on future research and practice in this area. We start with a discussion on general terminology in data lakes, then review various aspects of data lakes, including an examination on metadata and related issues, information granularities involved in data lakes, unique features such as mixed lazy and eager approach in data lake lifecycle, relationship between data lakes and data mining, interplay between data lakes and data warehousing techniques, as well as some notable developments related to applications of data lakes. We present our observations while we examine these aspects, and wrap up this paper by expressing our hope of developing a unified framework for data lake lifecycle evaluation.

Depletion dependency of molten salt reactor dynamics

Fast dynamic simulations of full reactor systems at reduced fidelity are essential for prototyping and improving these complex machines. This paper presents a publicly available nodal dynamic model of the Molten Salt Demonstration Reactor (MSDR) implemented in MATLAB Simulink. The presented model is an iteration of a previously-published MSDR nodal dynamic model; capabilities introduced into this version include dynamic decay heat production and removal along with a novel depletion accounting module that affords full life cycle simulations. Factorization of the transient progression time and a depletion time is a key feature of this method. The model is intended to be used as a first-order engineering estimation model and a demonstration for method full life cycle evaluation of such molten salt reactor systems. Several normal and off-normal transients are evaluated along the full life cycle and discussed. Parameter sensitivity methodology is extended to depletion dependency and demonstrated on two example sensitivity studies.

A Systematic Literature Review for the Recycling and Reuse of Wasted Clothing

With the growing frequency and quantity of clothing purchases, the elimination rate of waste clothing is increasing. Many researchers have contributed to the topic of the recycling and reuse of waste clothing, and therefore many related literature reviews are emerging. The current reviews only focus on waste textile recycling and waste-clothing life-cycle evaluation. The topic of waste-clothing recycling itself is ignored. In this article, we propose a systematic review of the recycling and reuse of wasted clothes. Firstly, we summarize the existing methods of waste-clothing collection and recycling and the related recycling technology, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. The involved literatures are journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers selected from Google Scholar and Web of Science. Citespace software, as a literature visualization tool is used for the analysis. Based on this review, the low efficiency of waste-clothes recycling can be attributed to poor organization from a management aspect. From a consumer perspective, because of the differences in understanding among consumers about waste-clothing recycling, the existing clothing-recycling system cannot be fully utilized. The results of this review provide reference for further research on waste-clothing recycling, and make suggestions for the relevant governmental/industrial development strategies.

Validation of materials-informed digital twin: Mapping residual strains in HSLA steel weldment using high energy X-rays

The shipbuilding industry has placed an emphasis on establishing digital twin prototypes to advance computational lifecycle analysis capabilities. However, material processing data is not currently included in simulations for structural performance, which could lead to inaccuracies. Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) techniques yield a path to solving this problem through linking digital information across multiple length scales in order to minimize the time and cost of physical testing needed for validation. This paper details the initial work of a larger materials-informed digital twin effort seeking to validate the need for fabrication inclusion in lifecycle analysis. First, the selection and fabrication of the “sister sample” specimens used for physical validation from a single plate of HSLA-100 steel. Second, the finite-element analysis (FEA)-based welding simulations of the reinforced dog-bone weldment. Third, comparison of predicted strain data from FEA simulations to two-dimensional (2D) strain maps using energy dispersive diffraction (EDD) techniques at the Cornell High-Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). The results showed high correlation between the measured EDD data and the FEA predictions, particularly for the high strain (>0.0015) fields of first principle strain vectors measured parallel to each welding pass. This computational validation is the first step towards validating the materials-informed digital twin method for increasing accuracy of structural analysis and fatigue lifecycle evaluation.

전과정평가 전문가 양성을 위한 교육과정에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study is to develop a systematic training program for nurturing experts in response to the increasing demand for life cycle assessment (LCA). In this study, in order to design a training model for nurturing life cycle evaluation experts, a current status survey was conducted on domestic and overseas LCA and LCI DB training courses, and problems and improvement measures were derived in the domestic curriculum. So the training curriculum was presented by dividing it into a beginner's education for future LCA implementation and an expert course for building LCI DB.

Cloud-Based Business Process Security Risk Management: A Systematic Review, Taxonomy, and Future Directions

Despite the attractive benefits of cloud-based business processes, security issues, cloud attacks, and privacy are some of the challenges that prevent many organizations from using this technology. This review seeks to know the level of integration of security risk management process at each phase of the Business Process Life Cycle (BPLC) for securing cloud-based business processes; usage of an existing risk analysis technique as the basis of risk assessment model, usage of security risk standard, and the classification of cloud security risks in a cloud-based business process. In light of these objectives, this study presented an exhaustive review of the current state-of-the-art methodology for managing cloud-based business process security risk. Eleven electronic databases (ACM, IEEE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer, Wiley, Taylor and Francis, IEEE cloud computing Conference, ICSE conference, COMPSAC conference, ICCSA conference, Computer Standards and Interfaces Journal) were used for the selected publications. A total of 1243 articles were found. After using the selection criteria, 93 articles were selected, while 17 articles were found eligible for in-depth evaluation. For the results of the business process lifecycle evaluation, 17% of the approaches integrated security risk management into one of the phases of the business process, while others did not. For the influence of the results of the domain assessment of risk management, three key indicators (domain applicability, use of existing risk management techniques, and integration of risk standards) were used to substantiate our findings. The evaluation result of domain applicability showed that 53% of the approaches had been testing run in real-time, thereby making these works reusable. The result of the usage of existing risk analysis showed that 52.9% of the authors implemented their work using existing risk analysis techniques while 29.4% of the authors partially integrated security risk standards into their work. Based on these findings and results, security risk management, the usage of existing security risk management techniques, and security risk standards should be integrated with business process phases to protect against security issues in cloud services.

Electric Buses in Malaysia: Policies, Innovations, Technologies and Life Cycle Evaluations

A large-scale adoption of electric buses (EBs) is a promising solution to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. In the upcoming decades, the development of EB technologies will be initiated worldwide, including in Malaysia. Government policies to support EB deployments have been widely established. Therefore, Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy has stated a roadmap of policies to promote a national groundwork accordingly. Following the elaboration of Malaysia’s goals for EBs deployments by 2014 and 2020, there are crucial associated topics for EBs implementation, including EB innovations and technologies adoption. This study presents a deep discussion about the groundwork of EB innovations that have been initiated in Malaysia to meet the roadmap targets. This paper also comprehensively reviews the technical specifications of EB innovation technologies, including Electric Bus Innovation Malaysia, Malaysia Automotive Institute, and Go Auto prototypes. In addition, this study outlines the EB technologies that have been launched in three states in Malaysia, known as Putrajaya, Melaka, and Sarawak. Furthermore, a generic framework for life cycle assessments of EB is presented, focusing on the economic and environmental impacts. This framework provides the necessary groundwork for further studies on charging infrastructure requirements.

Research on the Technical Path of Concrete Building to Net Zero Carbon Pre-fabricated Pre-finished Volumetric Modularization

Global demand for livelihood buildings is still strong, and construction in the traditional way will continue to increase CO2 emissions. The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a shortage of construction personnel sent overseas, and the transformation of the construction industry to a mechanized, prefabricated and digital construction model will alleviate these problems. The paper will develop a low-cost, industrialized, integrated precast and decoration concrete volumetric modular integrated net zero carbon emission building technology mode based on the whole building life cycle evaluation method. This building module product has various functions of zero carbon building at the beginning of the design, and it constitutes zero carbon building after on-site assembly. This technical system has higher production efficiency and better process quality than cast-in-place concrete buildings, and reduces construction time, cost, waste, on-site safety risks, noise and dust. It is the best choice of concrete building to pre-fabricated pre-finished volumetric construction technology transformation, is the construction industry to help "Two carbon" climate goal to achieve one of the green technology path.

Towards sustainable additive manufacturing: The need for awareness of particle and vapor releases during polymer recycling, making filament, and fused filament fabrication 3-D printing

Fused filament fabrication three-dimensional (FFF 3-D) printing is thought to be environmentally sustainable; however, significant amounts of waste can be generated from this technology. One way to improve its sustainability is via distributed recycling of plastics in homes, schools, and libraries to create feedstock filament for printing. Risks from exposures incurred during recycling and reuse of plastics has not been incorporated into life cycle assessments. This study characterized contaminant releases from virgin (unextruded) and recycled plastics from filament production through FFF 3-D printing. Waste polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastics were recycled to create filament; virgin PLA, ABS, high and low density polyethylenes, high impact polystyrene, and polypropylene pellets were also extruded into filament. The release of particles and chemicals into school classrooms was evaluated using standard industrial hygiene methodologies. All tasks released particles that contained hazardous metals (e.g., manganese) and with size capable of depositing in the gas exchange region of the lung, i.e., granulation of waste PLA and ABS (667 to 714 nm) and filament making (608 to 711 nm) and FFF 3-D printing (616 to 731 nm) with waste and virgin plastics. All tasks released vapors, including respiratory irritants and potential carcinogens (benzene and formaldehyde), mucus membrane irritants (acetone, xylenes, ethylbenzene, and methyl methacrylate), and asthmagens (styrene, multiple carbonyl compounds). These data are useful for incorporating risks of exposure to hazardous contaminants in future life cycle evaluations to demonstrate the sustainability and circular economy potential of FFF 3-D printing in distributed spaces.

A topical network based analysis and visualization of global research trends on green building from 1990 to 2020

The explosive growth of green building (GB) research over the past few decades has posed great challenges for researchers to effectively grasp the holistic GB research status. This paper presents a text mining based method to identify the key research topics and trends from the existing abundant GB research publications. In total, 2421 articles are retrieved from the Web of Science core database. Subsequently, three mutually integrated text mining techniques, including the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) modeling, Word2vec, and community network analysis, are employed for knowledge discovery. Results show that the number of GB research topics increased from 1990 to 2020, while design optimization and energy efficient measures have always been the research hotspots. The identified research themes are further categorized into nine general research areas, including GB design, energy saving, GB rating system, life cycle evaluation, incentive and hindrances, post-occupancy evaluation, GB technologies, GB market, and management aspects of GB. Based on the revealed emerging research themes in recent ten years, three research directions are further proposed, such as green building market, employment of digital technologies, and safety risks in GB projects. This research provides an applicable quantitative method to efficiently identify the research topics from the extensive research publications and establishes a comprehensive knowledge framework of the GB research status at different stages.

A knowledge with ontology representation for product life cycle to support eco-design activities

PurposeThis study aims to develop a synthetic knowledge repository consisted of interrelated Web Ontology Language.Design/methodology/approachThe ontology composes the main framework to categorize data of product life cycle with eco-design mode (PLC-EDM) and automatically infer specialists’ knowledge for data confirmation, eventually assisting the utilizations and generation of strategies toward decision-makingFindings(i) utilization of a novel model with ontology mode for information reuse cross the different eco-design applications; (ii) generation of a sound platform toward life cycle evaluation; and (iii) implementation of the PLC-EDM model along the product generation process.Research limitations/implicationsIt cannot substitute an evaluation tool of life cycle. Certainly, this model does not predict the “target and range” and/or the depiction of the “utility module” that are basic activities in life cycle assessments as characterized through the international organization for standardization regulations.Practical implicationsAs portion of this framework, a prototype Web application is presented which is applied to produce, reuse and verify knowledge of product life cycle.Social implicationsBy counting upon the ontology, the information conducted by the utilization is certainly semantically represented to promote the data sharing among various participants and tools. Besides, the data can be verified against possible faults by inferring over the ontology. Hence, a feasible way to a popular topic in the domain of eco-design applications extension in the industry.Originality/valueThe goals are: to lean on rigid modeling principles; and to promote the interoperability and diffusion of the ontology toward particular utilization demands.

Evaluation of life cycle in the process of production and management of PVC waste by LCA method and prediction of toxicity (TEQ) effect of dioxins using Artificial Neural Network method and nonlinear regression

Today, using plastic tools and materials to meet executive and design needs is considered an integral part of industries such as the construction industry. Among these materials, PVC pipes in equipment and installations or UPVC windows could be mentioned.

Evaluation of water life cycle in production and implementation of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), Non-Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (NAAC), Cellular Light Weight Concrete (CLC) blocks and prioritization with multi-criteria decision systems: Case study of production units in Mashhad City, Iran

Due to the development of the construction industry and the rapid growth of the construction industry, the consequences of the boundless human interventions in nature and the environment gradually became apparent.