Interoperability Requirements Research Articles

AI Concepts for System of Systems Dynamic Interoperability.

Interoperability is a central problem in digitization and System of Systems (SoS) engineering, which concerns the capacity of systems to exchange information and cooperate. The task to dynamically establish interoperability between heterogeneous cyber-physical systems (CPSs) at run-time is a challenging problem. Different aspects of the interoperability problem have been studied in fields such as SoS, neural translation, and agent-based systems, but there are no unifying solutions beyond domain-specific standardization efforts. The problem is complicated by the uncertain and variable relations between physical processes and human-centric symbols, which result from, e.g., latent physical degrees of freedom, maintenance, re-configurations, and software updates. Therefore, we surveyed the literature for concepts and methods needed to automatically establish SoSs with purposeful CPS communication, focusing on machine learning and connecting approaches that are not integrated in the present literature. Here, we summarize recent developments relevant to the dynamic interoperability problem, such as representation learning for ontology alignment and inference on heterogeneous linked data; neural networks for transcoding of text and code; concept learning-based reasoning; and emergent communication. We find that there has been a recent interest in deep learning approaches to establishing communication under different assumptions about the environment, language, and nature of the communicating entities. Furthermore, we present examples of architectures and discuss open problems associated with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions in relation to SoS interoperability requirements. Although these developments open new avenues for research, there are still no examples that bridge the concepts necessary to establish dynamic interoperability in complex SoSs, and realistic testbeds are needed.

Dynamic open innovation to determine technology-based interoperability requirement for electric motorcycle swappable battery

Electric motorcycle swappable batteries (EMSB) require interoperability standards so that swappable batteries (SB) can be exchanged and operated between brands to minimize investment costs. The stages in standards development have similar characteristics to the open innovation process, namely the involvement of external interested parties: manufacturers, regulators, customers, suppliers, experts, and researchers. For that, in the standards development process, all stakeholders must collaborate to leverage knowledge, expertise, resources, and innovative ideas. This article, therefore, aims to determine the essential parameters that need to be established in interoperability requirements and develop an economic model to estimate the financial impact. The model framework in this research integrated the Framework for Analysis, Comparison, and Testing of Standards (FACTS) and The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Methodology using the dynamic open innovation approach. The sample was 20 respondents representing stakeholders. This research used a semi-open questionnaire developed from the E-Mobility Systems Architecture (EMSA) model on three-layer interoperability (components, communications, and information) and economics benefit standard methodology. This research recommends SB dimensions, SB voltage, connector types, safety, and component compatibility requirements (BMS, sensors, controllers) to be regulated at the component layer. Meanwhile, further consensus is still needed at the communication and information layer. The economic model developed has been successfully applied using hypothetical data.

Integration of Industry Foundation Classes and Ontology: Data, Applications, Modes, Challenges, and Opportunities

Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs), as the most recognized data schema for Building Information Modeling (BIM), are increasingly combined with ontology to facilitate data interoperability across the whole lifecycle in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management (AEC/FM). This paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of 122 papers from the perspective of data, model, and application to summarize the modes of IFC and ontology integration (IFCOI). This paper first analyzes the data and models of the integration from IFC data formats and ontology development models to the IfcOWL data model. Next, the application status is summed up from objective and phase dimensions, and four frequent applications with maturity are identified. Based on the aforementioned multi-dimensional analysis, three integration modes are summarized, taking into account various data interoperability requirements. Accordingly, ontology behaves as the representation of domain knowledge, an enrichment tool for IFC model semantics, and a linkage between IFC data and other heterogeneous data. Finally, this paper points out the challenges and opportunities for IFCOI in the data, domain ontology, and integration process and proposes a building lifecycle management model based on IFCOI.

Service exchange requirements of a defence force portfolio

The Australian Department of Defence is developing a capability portfolio which involves interoperability between disparate portfolio elements, via the concerted contribution from multiple stakeholders. In order for project staff and stakeholders to obtain a better understanding of interoperability requirements, this work applied an established framework which records intended service exchanges and provides a mechanism to analyse the service exchanges required to generate capability. To test and refine the framework prior to its Department-wide adoption, a case-study was commissioned. This work draws from the study’s outcomes, focusing on the utility of the framework as a means of capturing and understanding dependencies between elements to support portfolio-wide decision-making.

Reviewing Challenges in Specifying Interoperability Requirement in Procurement of Health Information Systems.

Procurement of health information systems (HIS) is a complex and critical task that requires early identification of interoperability requirements. However, specifying adequate requirements is often associated with several challenges. We examined relevant peer-reviewed literature and public documents (policy documents, annual reports, and newspapers) to summarize existing challenges in specifying interoperability requirement during procurement of HISs. In this study, 32 public documents and 2343 peer-reviewed articles were found using Google search engine, Springer, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Collected data were analyzed using a thematic coding schema. Our result shows that challenges related to describing the needs properly, conflicting needs and knowledge gaps are shared between most articles. Further research in the direction of developing a model that can bridge knowledge gaps, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and help to avoid fuzzy requirements is needed.

Key interoperability Factors for patient portals and Electronic health Records: A scoping review

AimTo identify the key requirements and challenges to interoperability between patient portals and electronic health records (EHRs). IntroductionPatient portals provide patients with access to their health information directly from EHRs within hospitals, primary care centres and general practices (GPs). Patient portals offer many benefits to patients including improved communication with healthcare providers and care coordination. However, many challenges exist with the integration and automatic and secure sharing of information between EHRs and patient portals. It is critical that countries learn from international experiences to successfully develop interoperable national patient portals. MethodsA scoping review methodology was undertaken. A search strategy using index terms and keywords was applied across four key databases, an additional grey literature search was also run. The identified studies were screened by two reviewers to determine eligibility against defined inclusion criteria. Data were abstracted from the eligible studies and reviewed to identify the key requirements and challenges to interoperability of patient portals with EHRs. ResultsAfter screening 3,462 studies, 34 were included across 11 countries. Of the 29 unique patient portals studied, few offered patients access to their entire healthcare record across multiple sites and a number of different functionalities were available. Key interoperability requirements and challenges identified were: Data Sharing Incentives & Supports; Heterogenous Organisations & Information Systems; Data Storage & Management; Available Information & Functionalities; Data Formats & Standards; Identification of Individuals; User Access, Control & Consent; and Security & Privacy. ConclusionSeamless exchange of health information across patient portals and EHRs required organisational and individual factors, as well as technical considerations. Interorganisational collaboration and engagement of key stakeholders to determine standards and guidelines for consent and sharing of information, as well as technical standards and security measures were recommended.

Development of Interoperability Principles for Disaster and Emergency Management System of Türkiye

Due to their complex nature, disasters and emergencies require a data-intensive management system in which many actors from different sectors participate and simultaneous processes are managed. Due to this complexity, there are problems in managing and sharing process services and geographic data effectively. The key to solving these problems is the introduction of a complete interoperability model. In this context, interoperability models based on existing international standards are analyzed in this study. FEI and EIF models are taken as basis in terms of disaster and emergency management interoperability requirements. Accordingly, the interoperability reference model was created in legal, organizational, semantic and technical frameworks to meet the interoperability levels. This general framework model has been evaluated in the service and data layers that need to be fully defined in disaster and emergency management phases, and a basic model including interoperability solutions for the service and data model has been created.

Retracted: Interoperability Requirements for Blockchain-Enabled Electronic Health Records in Healthcare: A Systematic Review and Open Research Challenges

Retracted: Interoperability Requirements for Blockchain-Enabled Electronic Health Records in Healthcare: A Systematic Review and Open Research Challenges

Interoperability of heterogeneous Systems of Systems: from requirements to a reference architecture

Interoperability stands as a critical hurdle in developing and overseeing distributed and collaborative systems. Thus, it becomes imperative to gain a deep comprehension of the primary obstacles hindering interoperability and the essential criteria that systems must satisfy to achieve it. In light of this objective, in the initial phase of this research, we conducted a survey questionnaire involving stakeholders and practitioners engaged in distributed and collaborative systems. This effort resulted in the identification of eight essential interoperability requirements, along with their corresponding challenges. Then, the second part of our study encompassed a critical review of the literature to assess the effectiveness of prevailing conceptual approaches and associated technologies in addressing the identified requirements. This analysis led to the identification of a set of components that promise to deliver the desired interoperability by addressing the requirements identified earlier. These elements subsequently form the foundation for the third part of our study, a reference architecture for interoperability-fostering frameworks that is proposed in this paper. The results of our research can significantly impact the software engineering of interoperable systems by introducing their fundamental requirements and the best practices to address them, but also by identifying the key elements of a framework facilitating interoperability in Systems of Systems.

Problems of simulation of the pantographcatenary contact line interaction in terms of interoperability

The paper presents the application of the pantograph-overhead contact line interaction simulation, which is carried out to assess the fulfillment of the essential interoperability requirements for the interoperability component, which is the overhead contact line. According to the paper's authors, carrying out model validation according to the EN 50318:2002 standard indicated in the technical specification for interoperability does not exhaust the question of the correctness of the method used. This fact is also confirmed in the literature discussed in the paper. To substantiate the above thesis, a numerical simulation was carried out in MATLAB/Simulink using a two-mass model of the pantograph and overhead contact line. As a result of the sensitivity analysis of the influence of the input data on the simulation results, conclusions were formulated to confirm the thesis in question.

Moving from ISAD(G) to a CIDOC CRM-based Linked Data Model in the Portuguese Archives

Archives are facing numerous challenges. On the one hand, archival assets are evolving to encompass digitized documents and increasing quantities of born-digital information in diverse formats. On the other hand, the audience is changing along with how it wishes to access archival material. Moreover, the interoperability requirements of cultural heritage repositories are growing. In this context, the Portuguese Archives started an ambitious program aiming to evolve its data model, migrate existing records, and build a new archival management system appropriate to both archival tasks and public access. The overall goal is to have a fine-grained and flexible description, more machine-actionable than the current one. This work describes ArchOnto, a linked open data model for archives, and rules for its automatic population from existing records. ArchOnto adopts a semantic web approach and encompasses the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model and additional ontologies, envisioning interoperability with datasets curated by multiple communities of practice. Existing ISAD(G)-conforming descriptions are being migrated to the new model using the direct mappings provided here. We used a sample of 25 records associated with different description levels to validate the completeness and conformity of ArchOnto to existing data. This work is in progress and is original in several respects: (1) it is one of the first approaches to use CIDOC CRM in the context of archives, identifying problems and questions that emerged during the process and pinpointing possible solutions; (2) it addresses the balance in the model between the migration of existing records and the construction of new ones by archive professionals; and (3) it adopts an open world view on linking archival data to global information sources.

The European Health Data Space: An expanded right to data portability?

The European Commission recently released its proposal for a Regulation giving rise to a European Health Data Space (EHDS), as the first domain-specific common European data space under the European Union's data strategy. The proposed EHDS aims to improve access to and control by individuals of their personal electronic health data in primary use and increase data availability for secondary use purposes. This article is primarily concerned with the ambition to enhance the right of natural persons to data portability and promote interoperability in the health sector. This article seeks to delineate to what extent they represent a new and expanded right alongside the right to data portability provided in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In comparing this new expanded right to the original right outlined in Article 20 of the GDPR, the authors argue that Article 3(8) of the EHDS proposal represents an important expansion with the potential to allow individuals more possibility to control and mobilise their electronic health data, especially those elements located within Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This will also be facilitated by the strengthened interoperability requirements foreseen by the EHDS proposal. However, this paper also identifies several limitations and inconsistencies in the new data portability right which could potentially hinder its functioning. This notably includes the proposal's failure to take into account the need for data portability for secondary use purposes, and the unclear relationship of Article 3(8) of the proposal with Article 9 of the GDPR. It is recommended that these points should be considered carefully in future versions of the EHDS proposal.

Integrating multiple industry 4.0 approaches and tools in an interoperable platform for manufacturing SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to optimize their production processes and products due to limited resources and lack of expertise in technological solutions. To address this issue, this research work presents a multi-purpose platform that can be used by SMEs as easy-to use support tool to run what-if analyses to optimize their products and production processes design. The platform fulfills the requirements of interoperability, accessibility, and usability and is built upon a layered infrastructure, consisting of specific modules within its Decision-Making Layer, Data Exchange Layer, and User Management Layer. The platform integrates several software, including Plant Simulation, Autodesk Inventor Nastran, and Autodesk Inventor Nesting, to simulate production processes, to run finite element analysis, and to optimize raw material utilization. The interoperability and data exchange are ensured through the adoption of FIWARE, an open-source framework for IoT platforms, which enables the harmonized representation of data formats and semantics among different applications and software within the platform. The User Management Layer allows SMEs to easily interact with the platform, making it an easy-to-use tool even for those with limited IT competencies. A case study conducted by an SME in the furniture sector demonstrated the platform's effectiveness in achieving optimal design and production of a new bookcase, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved profitability. The modular structure of the platform enables potential future integration of additional modules, such as quality control, supply chain management, etc., further enhancing its capabilities and potential benefits for SMEs. The proposed multi-purpose platform represents a valuable tool for SMEs to optimize their production processes and products and to overcome the limitations due to their limited resources and expertise in technological solutions.

Assess: anomaly sensitive state estimation with streaming systems

Information and communication technology (ICT) is an increasing part of modern power systems, which are, therefore, recognised as cyber-physical energy system (CPESs). The increase of ICT affects the situational awareness in CPESs, which is traditionally solely based on information about the power system but not about the ICT system. However, CPESs are facing various challenges regarding the integrity, correctness, and availability of process data due to the interconnection with ICT. Examples are stealthy false data injection attack (FDIAs). This paper pursues a holistic approach to describe the quality of process data, which brings together aspects like integrity, correctness, and availability in multivariate trust values. The arising research question this paper deals with is, how multivariate trust in physical measurements in a CPES can be modelled, estimated, and integrated into situational awareness. A proposed framework implements a context-sensitive and multivariate trust model as well as a trust sensitive state estimation. While these two artefacts are already published, the focus of this paper is on the implementation of the framework and the fulfilment of the requirements for timeliness, interoperability, flexibility, and scalability. It is evaluated in three different scenarios with CIGRE and IEEE benchmark grids.

Towards a universal patient-centric health record sharing platform

ObjectivesThis paper provides a practical approach to evaluate health record sharing platforms in terms of their ability to deliver interoperable healthcare of quality at a systems level. We use our previously published interoperability evaluation framework to evaluate our proposed System-level Record Sharing (SLRS) platform against four other common categories of health record sharing platforms in Canada, the United States, and Norway. MethodsIn this paper, we compare the SLRS platform architecture that we previously developed against 4 health record sharing platform categories. We conducted this comparative evaluation of 5 categories of healthcare platforms: SLRS, Commercial-Multi (CM), Commercial-Independent (CI), Governmental-Multi (GM), and Governmental-Independent (GI) using our proposed evaluation framework that is built upon quadruple aim, triple aim and Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) health platform evaluation frameworks. ResultsSLRS and platforms managed by government organizations that provide a technology-independent or compatible platform were the most effective in terms of satisfying data interoperability, providing meaningful and effective information exchange, being compliant with health privacy regulations across a range of contexts, and having many of the costs paid for at a central level. All platforms struggled with context and process interoperability requirements, as well as providing evidence-based information across an entire health system. ConclusionTo optimize health management, both clinicians and patients need sharing of personal health information (PHI) across applications. Our findings indicate that commercial platforms in this study need to improve their governance structure and employ a consistent ontology that can be adopted by all EHR applications across a health system. Our proposed SLRS platform can support the sharing of health data across multiple health care organizations at a system-level, allowing clinicians to access patient health data to inform treatment and care decisions. Public interest abstractHealthcare organizations face barriers when exchanging information across their boundaries. Many obstacles are caused by varying technical requirements of the EHR applications they have, and their contextual regulations. Most healthcare organizations have a portal in which the patients can view their care history. However, the breadth of the information provided limits to the number of healthcare providers subscribed to that specific platform. Viewing the full history across the entire health system, requires maintaining multiple accounts.In this paper we refer to a new framework for sharing health information and its prototyped platform (SLRS) that we have previously developed in our lab. In this paper we report on how we evaluated the SLRS platform against four prominent practices of Health Information Exchange. We used our interoperability evaluation framework that was developed based on well-acknowledged criteria from literature and practice. We found areas of improvement for existing health information platforms so they can share their records across an entire health system.

Optimising ePrescribing in hospitals through the interoperability of systems and processes: a qualitative study in the UK, US, Norway and the Netherlands

BackgroundInvestment in the implementation of hospital ePrescribing systems has been a priority in many economically-developed countries in order to modernise the delivery of healthcare. However, maximum gains in the safety, quality and efficiency of care are unlikely to be fully realised unless ePrescribing systems are further optimised in a local context. Typical barriers to optimal use are often encountered in relation to a lack of systemic capacity and preparedness to meet various levels of interoperability requirements, including at the data, systems and services levels. This lack of systemic interoperability may in turn limit the opportunities and benefits potentially arising from implementing novel digital heath systems.MethodsWe undertook n = 54 qualitative interviews with key stakeholders at nine digitally advanced hospital sites across the UK, US, Norway and the Netherlands. We included hospitals featuring ‘standalone, best of breed’ systems, which were interfaced locally, and multi-component and integrated electronic health record enterprise systems. We analysed the data inductively, looking at strategies and constraints for ePrescribing interoperability within and beyond hospital systems.ResultsOur thematic analysis identified 4 main drivers for increasing ePrescribing systems interoperability: (1) improving patient safety (2) improving integration & continuity of care (3) optimising care pathways and providing tailored decision support to meet local and contextualised care priorities and (4) to enable full patient care services interoperability in a variety of settings and contexts. These 4 interoperability dimensions were not always pursued equally at each implementation site, and these were often dependent on the specific national, policy, organisational or technical contexts of the ePrescribing implementations. Safety and efficiency objectives drove optimisation targeted at infrastructure and governance at all levels. Constraints to interoperability came from factors such as legacy systems, but barriers to interoperability of processes came from system capability, hospital policy and staff culture.ConclusionsAchieving interoperability is key in making ePrescribing systems both safe and useable. Data resources exist at macro, meso and micro levels, as do the governance interventions necessary to achieve system interoperability. Strategic objectives, most notably improved safety, often motivated hospitals to push for evolution across the entire data architecture of which they formed a part. However, hospitals negotiated this terrain with varying degrees of centralised coordination. Hospitals were heavily reliant on staff buy-in to ensure that systems interoperability was built upon to achieve effective data sharing and use. Positive outcomes were founded on a culture of agreement about the usefulness of access by stakeholders, including prescribers, policymakers, vendors and lab technicians, which was reflected in an alignment of governance goals with system design.

A Modified DDQ Track for Interoperable EV Dynamic Charging

The design and realization of dynamic EV charging systems face challenges such as large coupling variations and interoperability requirements. The study of the dynamic process using exhaustive simulation approaches is also time-consuming. This paper proposes a two-phase DDQ track topology focusing on improving interoperability and reducing power transfer fluctuations. A method to simplify the design process is also presented. By converting the dynamic procedure of a multi-coil system into a mathematical model of a single-coil to single-coil system, the method simplifies the evaluation of numerous designs into a calculation script associated with a much lower simulation count. Analysis and evaluations based on coupling profile, interoperability, and cost-effectiveness are carried out from both general and statistical points of view. A design that meets minimum misalignment requirements and has a stable coupling profile is selected for prototyping. The experiment at a 10-kW power level verifies the simulation and analysis.

Apple’s antitrust paradox

ABSTRACT This paper builds on Khan’s work on Amazon by transferring her normative framework to Apple. It explores the company’s anti-competitive business practices, main antitrust concerns, and the currently proposed reform measures from an innovative business ethics and law (i.e., ordoliberal) perspective. The paper argues that one of the key issues with Apple is the company’s closed ecosystem combined with its role as an internet gatekeeper. The E.U.’s Digital Markets Act, which aims to open Apple’s ecosystem – via data portability, interoperability, and multi-homing requirements – is a necessary step in the right direction. Yet, it is insufficient to prevent the lock-in effects of a ‘walled product garden’ and ensure complete device and platform neutrality. That is, additional steps must be taken to overcome Apple’s dual role as a platform operator and service provider and inhibit the company from engaging in anti-competitive business conduct.

Operational adaptation of ports with maritime autonomous surface ships

Preliminary research findings suggest that the successful integration of advanced autonomous technologies in cargo ships could provide safer shipping and provide economical benefits. However, the fact that ships can sail with the assistance of autonomous technologies is not sufficient evidence alone to comprehend the promises of autonomous systems for maritime transport operations. Simultaneously, the entire global maritime transport system must also adapt to the advanced autonomous technologies and act interoperable with ships. In this context, this study aims to examine the areas of interoperability requirements with ports for the effective and integrated operation of autonomous cargo ships. In accordance with the purpose of the study, the operational context in which ships and ports interact is determined, and their interoperability in an autonomous maritime transport scenario is analysed. The present study contains the application of a survey questionnaire reflecting the views of experts dealing with ship and port operations. The data collected by the survey questionnaire are analysed by applying multiple regression analysis methods, utilising the IBM SPSS program. This study is in a pioneer position to define the interoperability characteristics to improve port operations to work in harmony with autonomous ships. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute significantly to shaping the future of smart and autonomous freight transport and logistics.

Data portability and interoperability: An E.U.-U.S. comparison

Data portability (the ability to transfer data without affecting its content) and interoperability (the ability to integrate two or more datasets) significantly affect the use of data, with important implications for antitrust policy. Allowing for improved data portability can facilitate interoperability, which, in turn, will enable consumers to switch services, thereby substantially increasing competition. However, barriers to data portability and interoperability can increase market power and be a major source of social inefficiency. This paper lays out the pros and cons of a move towards requirements of data interoperability and portability and contrasts the move in the U.S. and in the EU.