Integration Readiness Research Articles

Evaluating Microgrid Investments: Introducing the MPIR Index for Economic and Environmental Synergy

In view of the increasing environmental challenges and the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, the optimization of microgrid systems with regard to economic efficiency and environmental compatibility is becoming ever more important. This paper presents the Microgrid Performance and Investment Rating (MPIR) index, a novel assessment framework developed to link economic and environmental objectives within microgrid configurations. The MPIR index evaluates microgrid configurations based on five critical dimensions: financial viability, sustainability, regional renewable integration readiness, energy demand, and community engagement, facilitating comprehensive and balanced decision making. The current cases focus on the area of Greece; however, the model can have a wider application. Developed using a two-target optimization model, this index integrates various energy sources—including photovoltaics, micro-wind turbines, and different types of batteries—with advanced energy management strategies to assess and improve microgrid performance. This paper presents case studies in which the MPIR index is applied to different microgrid scenarios. It demonstrates its effectiveness in identifying optimal configurations that reduce the carbon footprint while maximizing economic returns. The MPIR index provides a quantifiable, scalable tool for stakeholders, not only advancing the field of microgrid optimization, but also aligning with global sustainability goals and promoting the transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

From COBIT to ISO 42001: Evaluating cybersecurity frameworks for opportunities, risks, and regulatory compliance in commercializing large language models

This study investigated the integration readiness of four predominant cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) frameworks – NIST CSF 2.0, COBIT 2019, ISO 27001:2022, and the latest ISO 42001:2023 – for the opportunities, risks, and regulatory compliance when adopting Large Language Models (LLMs), using qualitative content analysis and expert validation. Our analysis, with both LLMs and human experts in the loop, uncovered potential for LLM integration together with inadequacies in LLM risk oversight of those frameworks. Comparative gap analysis has highlighted that the new ISO 42001:2023, specifically designed for Artificial Intelligence (AI) management systems, provided most comprehensive facilitation for LLM opportunities, whereas COBIT 2019 aligned most closely with the European Union AI Act. Nonetheless, our findings suggested that all evaluated frameworks would benefit from enhancements to more effectively and more comprehensively address the multifaceted risks associated with LLMs, indicating a critical and time-sensitive need for their continuous evolution. We propose integrating human-expert-in-the-loop validation processes as crucial for enhancing cybersecurity frameworks to support secure and compliant LLM integration, and discuss implications for the continuous evolution of cybersecurity GRC frameworks to support the secure integration of LLMs.

Theoretical design of a space bioprocessing system to produce recombinant proteins

Space-based biomanufacturing has the potential to improve the sustainability of deep space exploration. To advance biomanufacturing, bioprocessing systems need to be developed for space applications. Here, commercial technologies were assessed to design space bioprocessing systems to supply a liquid amine carbon dioxide scrubber with active carbonic anhydrase produced recombinantly. Design workflows encompassed biomass dewatering of 1 L Escherichia coli cultures through to recombinant protein purification. Non-crew time equivalent system mass (ESM) analyses had limited utility for selecting specific technologies. Instead, bioprocessing system designs focused on minimizing complexity and enabling system versatility. Three designs that differed in biomass dewatering and protein purification approaches had nearly equivalent ESM of 357–522 kg eq. Values from the system complexity metric (SCM), technology readiness level (TRL), integration readiness level (IRL), and degree of crew assistance metric identified a simpler, less costly, and easier to operate design for automated biomass dewatering, cell lysis, and protein affinity purification.

How ready are nursing colleges to be integrated into higher education? A scoping review of influential factors

Background and aim: The integration of college-based nursing education into higher education has gained significant momentum worldwide. However, in countries where integration has not happened some nursing colleges continue to encounter challenges in their readiness for this process. The study aimed to identify and map the breadth of evidence available on the factors that influence the readiness of nursing colleges to transition into higher education.Methods: Databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Health Source Nursing Academic Edition, SCOPUS, Google scholar, and Educational Resources Information Centre were used. The review focused on literature published only in English from 1996 to 2021. Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework was used.Results: The search identified 1,408 publications; 23 of these met the inclusion criteria and were selected for full-text review. The following themes emerged: regulations and policies, recognition of nursing education, nurse educator roles, and financial considerations.Conclusions: The review’s findings revealed a need for clear policy frameworks to guide higher education integration and regulatory processes for nursing colleges. Becoming part of higher education improves nursing’s academic status, however, integration may give rise to challenges associated with the lack of educator involvement in policy development and integration plans, and unchanged funding arrangements. The repositioning of nursing colleges should take cognisance of lessons from other countries regarding integration readiness to ensure that change happens with minimal disruption and disharmony.

Assessing the Readiness to Provide Integrated Management of Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes in Kenya: Results from a National Survey.

Integrated chronic disease management is the desired core function of a responsive healthcare system. However, many challenges surround its implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study assessed the readiness of healthcare facilities to provide integrated management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes in Kenya. We used data from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of 258 public and private health facilities conducted in Kenya between 2019 and 2020. Data were collected using a standardised facility assessment questionnaire and observation checklists modified from the World Health Organization Package of Essential Non-communicable Diseases. The primary outcome was the readiness to provide integrated care for CVDs and diabetes-defined as the mean availability of tracer items comprising trained staff and clinical guidelines, diagnostic equipment, essential medicines, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. A cut-off threshold of ≥70% was used to classify facilities as 'ready'. Gardner-Altman plots and modified Poisson regression were used to examine the facility characteristics associated with care integration readiness. Of the surveyed facilities, only a quarter (24.1%) were ready to provide integrated care for CVDs and type 2 diabetes. Care integration readiness was lower in public versus private facilities [aPR = 0.6; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9], and primary healthcare facilities were less likely to be ready compared to hospitals [aPR = 0.2; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.4]. Facilities located in Central Kenya [aPR = 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9], and the Rift Valley region [aPR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.9], were less likely to be ready compared to the capital Nairobi. There are gaps in the readiness of healthcare facilities particularly primary healthcare facilities in Kenya to provide integrated care services for CVDs and diabetes. Our findings inform the review of current supply-side interventions for integrated management of CVDs and type 2 diabetes, especially in lower-level public health facilities in Kenya.

Research on Data Governance for Maximizing Enterprise Efficiency

In an era where organizations are increasingly relying on data to perform their business, the ability of different companies to manage and analyze data will have a significant impact on their efficiency. In this paper, we develop a model to measure the current level of maturity of ICM's data and analytics (D&A) systems and optimize it to maximize the potential of its data assets. Based on the three critical components of personnel, technology, and process, we take ICM requirements as the starting point. After comprehensively considering the current situation of the industry and enterprise needs, an indicator system is built to measure the D&A system. Then, it is used AHP-CRITIC subjective and objective comprehensive empowerment, which determines the weight of each index accordingly. It is carried out the evaluation and analysis of the maturity of the D&A system and finally concluded that the maturity of the system is 0.879, and technology is the key influencing factor. Then this paper uses the System Readiness Level Index from a technical point of view, which includes the Technology Readiness Level index to measure the technological maturity and the integration readiness of the technology integration index, which can comprehensively optimize technical indicators. To maximize the potential of digital assets, we built the SRLmax model under resource-related constraints, equipped with a business process performance management (BPM) indicator system that comprehensively considered people and process components. Finally, we passed the SRLmax-BPM model to the D&A system. After comprehensive optimization, the optimized score is 25.16% higher than the original model.

Data Analysis Integration Computer Imported Learning: A Microsoft Excel Case with StatisticsData Analysis Integration Computer Imported Learning: A Microsoft Excel Case with Statistics

The use of ICT in teaching and studying mathematics helps students to develop mathematics. The practice's application, therefore, depends on different considerations, amongst which: teachers' expectations of their ICT teaching skills, instructor attitudes towards teachers in mathematics, teacher attitudes towards ICT contributions to student mathematics awareness. The research was undertaken to assess ICT integration readiness in the classroom in the Paracelis district for mathematics teachers at secondary schools. The thesis used a questionnaire with comments on any of the above variables. This questionnaire was forwarded to 15 mathematics teachers at Paracelis District secondary schools. It shows that ICT teachers' intervention in mathematics has an average limit of 4.06. It also ensures that mathematics teachers are confident and willing to use ICT in mathematics and mathematics instruction. The research results indicated that the controls and the sample groups were substantially different and verified. It shows that the research group was higher than the test group. The use of Microsoft Excel in integrating machine data in the resolution of statistics positively affects the student's performance. The integration of ICT into teaching, therefore, has an advantageous effect on the progress of students.

ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ХАКАТОН-ЕКОСИСТЕМИ ДЛЯ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ ІНТЕГРАЦІЇ МОЛОДІ В УМОВАХ СТРУКТУРНО-СОЦІАЛЬНИХ ЗМІН

This article tackles a wide range of issues related to social and professional adaptation of youth in the context of structural and social transformations. It is observed that currently, the employment and occupation challenges remain are among the most critical objectives to be attained and need to be resolved as soon as possible. It is argued that the objective reality of modern social relations is the constantly changing labor market environment; moreover, the current situation in the employment sector significantly complicates the situation for young people. In particular, it is emphasized that the labor market puts young professionals in the system of fierce competition with professionals who already have work experience. Ultimately, transformations in various fields – social, economic and political system of fierce competition – have caused a decline in the social value of labor for many young people that has resulted in moral degradation and triggered social pessimism – a disbelief that they will be ever able to get an interesting job that is paid fairly which translates into polarization between effort and wages, which in fact often differ. A survey of graduates conducted in the frameworks of the University Hackathon Ecosystem has revealed the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of future professionals and their ability to integrate into the social environment. Processing of research outcomes using the tools of mathematical statistics to obtain values with estimated availability and reliability has demonstrated the validity of the developed favourable organizational and pedagogical environment in the university. In this context, consistent implementation of this organisational and pedagogical paradigm ensures the highest effectiveness of adaptation to professional activities based on education values as well as social integration readiness. The proposed model of promoting professional partnership-based adaptation of students between the university and social institutions and organizations characterizes the pre-working period of educational and professional adaptation. It is assumed that enhancing the students’ adaptation to professional career will help would be professionals find confidence in their abilities and become competitive in the labor market, reinforcing new values of professional self-development and professional development, and facilitate further integration into society. It is argued that the use of traditional labor socialization methods is not always sufficient to attain relevant professional maturity which is associated with different character and motivation to professional activity. The findings verify that some young people are engaged in non-professional activities, some work in the profession but do not seek to develop their professional skills, there are also cases of discrimination against young people by the older generation which refer to professional growth opportunities. An experiment based on the University Hackathon Ecosystem provides argument that the professional socialization of individuals assumes a certain time period to enter the professional environment, gain professional experience, master the standards and values of the professional community, as well as the process of accumulation and active implementation of personal professional experience.

Prospective hydrogen-based microgrid systems for optimal leverage via metaheuristic approaches

The paper proposes a hybrid microgrid (HMG) system with solar modules and wind turbines as primary energy sources and a diesel engine as backup. Meanwhile, the hydrogen energy storage system (HySS) is utilized as energy storage. Firstly, by reducing the levelized cost of energy (COE), this study presents the optimal size and configuration of various renewable and distributed energy resources in HMG systems. Secondly, two novel modified hybridized particle swarm optimization (PSO) and ant colony optimization (ACO) are developed, namely, ACO initialized PSO and ACO updated PSO. The optimal simulation results using PSO and ACO metaheuristic technique either individually or hybridized are compared in terms of primarily minimizing the levelized COE and achieving short execution time. Thirdly, to verify the geographical-independency of the integration of HySS for producing onsite green hydrogen locally, the estimation performance is examined for three different locations in Egypt, Mozambique and Denmark respectively using hourly meteorological and load data in 2019. Sensitivity and effectiveness analysis are carried out to highlight the major parameters that impact HySS incorporation. Finally, the system readiness level together with the different hydrogen, economy barriers constraints, limitations and risks are investigated based on the technology readiness level and the integration readiness level indices. The simulation results demonstrate the superiority of the ACO updated PSO optimization algorithm towards minimizing the levelized COE in the different regions. In the developing countries, the salvage market supports HySS integration. At system readiness levels range between 0.65 and 0.94, versatile HySS integration is verified.

A cluster‐based framework for interface analysis in large‐scale aerospace systems

AbstractThis paper proposes a framework using a community maturity level metric to determine the integration readiness of interface elements in a particular network cluster. As a proof of concept this methodology is applied to an aircraft seating system to assess the readiness of complex interfaces before proceeding to full‐scale production and systems integration. A multi‐objective genetic algorithm, MOGA‐Net, is coupled with the Newman‐Girvan modularity metric as a clustering algorithm. This algorithm identifies system elements grouped by common interfaces, referred to as community clusters. The TRL and IRL values for these elements is then used to calculate an overall community maturity level. The achieved performance in these clusters is then compared to the target performance to determine overall maturity of the interfaces. This is compared to other system readiness metrics and interface readiness metrics as applied to the aircraft seating system and was found to be more consistent with subject matter expert evaluations during the critical design review. This gives a better representation of the true readiness of system interfaces before entering design reviews to reduce overall integration risks.

Technology Readiness Level as the Foundation of Human Readiness Level

Communication of the maturity of technology through the program/product life cycles helps enhance risk management from the beginning and support decision-making strategies for research, development, and allocation of resources. Currently, many organizations use the technology readiness level (TRL) as a simple metric to indicate the maturity of the technology. This article will discuss the TRL history, define the TRL levels, show how the TRL relates to the technology life cycle, and how the TRL framework contributes to the human readiness level (HRL) structure. Through the TRL advantages and disadvantages, this article will show how the TRL falls short in numerous areas of engineering, including the integration readiness of system/subsystem components and assessment of the readiness of the technology to operate within the human capabilities and limitations. Yet the article also shows how the TRL serves as the foundation for HRL.

KESIAPAN INTEGRASI LAYANAN TB-HIV PUSKESMAS DI KABUPATEN KULON PROGO

Background: Indonesia is one of the countries with a high burden of TB and HIV. In response, countries adopted collaborative TB-HIVguidelines which recommending integrated services including diagnostic screening and care for TB-HIV patients. In Kulon Progo, onlyhalf of the target achieved for HIV testing on TB patients and efforts to improve services under the existing health system resources.Therefore, it is very important to understand its capacity to provide integrated TB-HIV services.Objective: This study aimed to assess the readiness for integration of TB-HIV services at the Puskesmas for the health system in Kulon Progo District.Methods: The research used mixed methods explanatory sequential design. The unit of analysis was the Puskesmas. Crosssectional observations using a modified SARA questionnaire followed by in-depth interviews explored the barriers and opportunitiesfor integration of TB-HIV services at the Puskesmas were conducted.Results: Overall from 21 Puskesmas, 93.3% (95% CI; 92.7%-93.9) Puskesmas had readiness to provide basic health services, 63.8%(95% CI, 60.7–66.8) Puskesmas had TB service readiness, 80.9% (95% CI: 73.6–88.2) Puskesmas had readiness for HIV testing counseling services, only 1 Puskesmas (4.7%) had good readiness forboth services. Based on the domain assessment, only 40.4% of Puskesmas have trained staff in TB diagnosis and treatment and61.9% of Puskesmas have trained personnel and guidance on HIV testing counseling. Leadership involvement had a positive effecton strengthening integration readiness, while negative responses from access to knowledge and training weaken service integration readiness.Conclusion: Puskesmas had good readiness for general services and HIV counseling services. However, readiness for TB serviceswas suboptimal, only one puskesmas had readiness in the good category for both services. Leadership involvement coordinatesthe two services and directs management support to strengthen integration readiness. Trained staff and the availability of TB-HIV guidelines must be met to support the integration of TB-HIV services.

Using Systems Architecture Views to Assess Integration Readiness Levels

Systems integration is a central element of the complex systems development effort. The integration readiness levels (IRL) scale complements technology readiness levels (TRL) to assess the system development maturity, representing risk levels for integrating technologies in a system. The increasing complexity of systems, due to multiple interfaces and an information-centric architecture, demands new systemic approaches to analyze the architecture and communicate IRL assessments. Therefore, this article developed a methodology to apply IRL using architecture views through the design structure matrix and domain mapping matrix. A case study analyzed technology introduction impacts and different integration strategies for space systems from China–Brazil Earth Resources Satellite program at the system and system-of-systems levels. Through the design science method, results show the pragmatic evaluation and validation for the proposed method and for the IRL scale itself, by professionals of the case study projects. The research draws suggestions for holistic system analysis and managerial communication applications using the proposed method and suggests a rationale for IRL assessment of legacy systems.

Case studies in estimating subsea systems' readiness level

Systems readiness level (SRL) is a metric defined for assessing progress in the development of systems. The methodologies to estimate SRLs are built on the technology readiness level (TRL), originally developed by NASA to assess the readiness of new technologies for insertion into a system. TRL was later adopted by governmental institutions and many industries, including the American Petroleum Institute (API). The TRL of each component is mathematically combined with another metric, integration readiness level (IRL), to estimate the overall level of readiness of a system. An averaging procedure is then used to estimate the composite level of systems readiness. The present paper builds on the previous paper by Yasseri (2013) and presents case examples to demonstrate the estimation of SRL using two approaches. The objective of the present paper is to show how the TRL, IRL, and SRL are combined mathematically.<br/> The performance of the methodology is also demonstrated in a parametric study by pushing the states of readiness to their extremes, namely very low and very high readiness. The present paper compares and contrasts the two major system readiness levels estimation methods: one proposed by Sauser et al. (2006) for defence acquisition based on NASA's TRL scale, and another based on API's TRL scale. The differences and similarities are demonstrated using a case study.

Information items to improve Integration Readiness Levels evaluation

Abstract Systems integration is critical to the engineering of successful complex products and systems. The Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) scale assists in making decisions about the infusion of new technologies into complex systems. This scale presents challenges to represent the integration between technologies in a system. The Integration Readiness Levels (IRL) scale aims to address these challenges. A good practice for objective technology readiness assessments is to rely on evidence-based documentation. The TRL scale shows the evidence required for each level of the scale and the appropriate types of documents to collect this evidence, while the IRL scale proposes only the necessary evidence for each level. This research proposes a set of information items to document the required evidence for each level of the IRL scale. The results show the main stages of investigation and the successful tests of the proposal in a case study with spacecraft developed in the binational program China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS). This article contributes to the research in integration readiness assessments, aims to support professionals who carry out evidence-based evaluations and, consequently, may contribute to improving the accuracy of decision-making in the systems integration by using this scale.

Gotowość do akceptacji rówieśników z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną we wspólnej przestrzeni edukacyjnej

The article presents the results of the analysis of the readiness of peers without disabilities to accept peers with intellectual disabilities in a common learning space. A total of 401 students, attending post-secondary schools, participated in the study. The Integration Readiness Scale was used to collect the research results. It was found that the level of readiness of youths from post-primary schools to function in a shared learning space with peers with reduced intellectual performance can be considered as satisfactory. At the same time, there was a significant variation in the results obtained which depended on the demographic characteristics selected, previous contacts with a person with disabilities at school, and the type of interaction distance to which the consent applied. Unfortunately, as the potential distance decreased so did the readiness to integrate learning with peers experiencing a reduced intellectual performance. In addition, a clearly greater readiness for both direct and indirect interactions (at further distances) was characteristic of girls when compared to boys. Furthermore, it has also turned out that students who had direct contact with peers with intellectual disabilities in their school education are characterised by a lower readiness to integrate, when compared to youths who did not have such contacts. The research results justify the need to better prepare students without disabilities to work together with such peers in the school environment.

The level of generalized technology readiness of the Smart House automation systems

The article assesses the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) according to the developed TRL checklist. The TRL approach has been applied to analyzing the technology readiness level of a Russian start-up company producing systems of multisensory and multifunction devices for Smart House. The authors approbated the modified TRL methodology, which made it possible to evaluate the readiness of technologies’ integration among themselves and to get a generalized assessment of the readiness of the technologies’ system – Integration Readiness Levels (IRL). It has been proved that the System Readiness Level (SRL) of technology corresponds to the design concept stage. Taking into account indicators and means of quality assurance at the stages of design and initiation of such production is highly relevant.

Optimization models for financing innovations in green energy technologies

Commercialization of emerging green technologies is essential to improve the sustainability of industrial processes. However, there are risks inherent in funding the development of new technologies that act as a significant barrier to their commercialization. Mathematical models can provide much-needed decision support to allow optimal allocation of funds, while managing the implications of techno-economic risk. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale is a well-established figure of merit approach for quantifying the maturity of stand-alone technologies, while the more recently developed System Readiness Level (SRL) scale is applicable to technology networks with interdependent components. These technology maturity scales are intended mainly to be used for the passive assessment of a given state of technology, but may be incorporated within an optimization model to aid in innovation planning. In this work, two mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models are proposed to optimize strategies for funding innovation. The first model is a bi-objective MILP for optimizing the allocation of funds to a portfolio of independent innovation projects. The model is based on source-sink formulation and uses information on TRL and return on investment (ROI) to determine the best allocation of funds. The second model is a robust MILP that optimizes the allocation of limited project funds in order to maximize the SRL of a system of emerging technologies. This approach accounts for Integration Readiness Level (IRL) among mutually interdependent technologies. Both models are demonstrated with illustrative case studies on biorefinery technologies in order to demonstrate their capabilities.

Technological Advances in Lymphatic Surgery: Bringing to Light the Invisible.

Lymphatic surgery has become an integral and flourishing component of the field of plastic surgery. The diversity of ongoing technological innovations in perioperative imaging, including intraoperative dyes and cameras, allows plastic surgeons to work at the supermicrosurgical level. This study aims to highlight innovations that have shaped and will continue to revolutionize the perioperative management of the lymphatic surgery patient in the future. As additional advances emerge, we need a systematic and objective way to evaluate the efficacy and clinical integration readiness of such technologies. Undoubtedly, these technologies will help lymphatic surgery trend toward increasing objectivity, which will be critical for continued evolution and advancement.

A Quantitative Analysis of System Readiness Level Plus (SRL+): Development of Readiness Level Measurement

The research explains the development of Readiness Level measurement. The initial concept of Readiness Level is Technology Readiness Level (TRL). TRL is an important metric used by U.S. government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense and is designed to quantify the maturity of a new technology and to enable comparisons with alternatives. System technology assessment evolves with the presence of Integration Readiness Level (IRL) and System Readiness Level (SRL). A quantitative combination of levels of readiness can be made and open the potential for expanding the other sizes of readiness levels, such as the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL). A measurement tool to measure the development of readiness level by involving MRL is called System Readiness Level Plus (SRL+). This research focuses on quantitative analysis of SRL+ model. It consists of the mathematical properties method and readiness reversal method. Several steps can be conducted to design the SRL+ model. This model was developed from the System Readiness Level metric by Ross, combined with Incidence Matrix Approach by London. The first step is developing the function of the SRL+ model. The second step is conducting computation using a development model that is SRL+. The third step is carrying out validity of SRL+ model. The result indicates that SRL+ model can be mathematically proven.