Key Performance Attributes Research Articles

Sustainable Alternatives to Petroleum-Derived Excipients in Pharmaceutical Oil-in-Water Creams.

Recently, vast efforts towards sustainability have been made in the pharmaceutical industry. In conventional oil-in-water (O/W) cream formulations, various petroleum-based excipients, namely mineral oil and petrolatum, are commonly used. Natural or synthetic excipients, derived from vegetable sources, were explored as alternatives to petroleum-based excipients in prototype topical creams, with 1% (w/w) lidocaine. A conventional cream comprised of petroleum-derived excipients was compared to creams containing sustainable excipients in terms of key quality and performance attributes, physicochemical properties, and formulation performance. The petrolatum-based control formulation had the highest viscosity of 248.0 Pa·s, a melting point of 42.7°C, a low separation index at 25°C of 0.031, and an IVRT flux of 52.9 µg/cm2/h. Formulation SUS-4 was the least viscous formulation at 86.9 Pa·s, hadthe lowest melting point of 33.6°C, the highest separation index of 0.120, and the highest IVRT flux of 139.4 µg/cm2/h. Alternatively, SUS-5 had a higher viscosity of 131.3 Pa·s, a melting point of 43.6°C, a low separation index of 0.046, and the lowest IVRT flux of 25.2 µg/cm2/h. The cumulative drug permeation after 12 h from SUS-4, SUS-5, and the control were 126.2 µg/cm2, 113.8 µg/cm2, and 108.1 µg/cm2, respectively. The composition of the oil-in-water creams had influence on physicochemical properties and drug release; however, skin permeation was not impacted. Sustainable natural or synthetic excipients in topical cream formulations were found to be suitable alternatives to petroleum-based excipients with comparable key quality attributes and performance attributes and should be considered during formulation development.

Efficiency of single pharmaceutical surfactants to mimic intestinal biorelevant media solubilization and dissolution of etravirine: Comparison of intrinsic and film dissolution models

We understand that quality control dissolution media may best anticipate in vivo product performance by mimicking in vivo media, but preferably involve at most a single pharmaceutical surfactant for routine laboratory use. The objective here was to estimate the concentrations of six pharmaceutical surfactants to mimic etravirine solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate, as well as dissolution rate from a film model, in each Fed State Simulated Intestinal Fluid Version 2 (FeSSIF-V2) and Fasted State Simulated Intestinal Fluid Version 2 (FaSSIF-V2). Solubility studies and colloid sizing measurements were conducted. Results indicate that all six surfactants were more efficient than FeSSIF-V2 or FaSSIF-V2 at solubilizing drug, and also exhibited higher micelle diffusivities than FeSSIF-V2 and FaSSIF-V2 mixed-micelles. The rank-order potency (on mM basis) of the six pharmaceutical surfactants to mimic etravirine solubility in each FeSSIF-V2 and FaSSIF-V2 was: polysorbate 80 (PS80) > polysorbate 20 (PS20) > polyoxyethylene(23) lauryl ether (POE23) > POE10 > hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HEX) > sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This rank-order potency was almost the same to mimic drug dissolution rate into each FeSSIF-V2 and FaSSIF-V2, except POE10 > POE23. For the most potent surfactant, PS80, 0.461 mM and 0.140 mM PS80 was estimated to mimic etravirine's solubility and dissolution rate into FeSSIF-V2, respectively, using the intrinsic dissolution model. The low PS80 concentration to mimic dissolution rate reflects the relatively high diffusivity of PS80 micelles, compared to FeSSIF-V2 mixed-micelle diffusivity, which was the case for all six pharmaceutical surfactants. Results are also presented in terms of a film dissolution model for surfactant-mediated dissolution, where dissolution enhancement was less than that in the intrinsic dissolution model, and the film model required lower surfactant concentration than in intrinsic dissolution model to mimic FeSSIF-V2-enhanced dissolution. Findings have promised to identify single pharmaceutical surfactant concentrations that mimic key performance attributes of biorelevant media.

Multi-scale pore network modelling to evaluate connectivity in ceramic composites

Complex morphologies, such as open or connected feature networks, are present in a wide variety of materials. Characteristics of these networks can impact key performance attributes of the materials themselves, affecting transport properties such as thermal conductivity. Therefore, it is critical to analyze the microstructure of these materials to gain a better understanding of the fundamental characteristics of the morphology. This study utilized pore network modeling as a method to extract morphological information on the solid network formed by boron nitride ceramic flakes in a polymeric resin matrix and uses the characteristics of the model to analyze the connectivity of the flakes. In this work, Micro-CT and FIB/SEM tomography were used in tandem to provide complimentary analyses of the microstructure and nanostructure, respectively, of the flake network to understand how this may contribute to transport properties of the material. Rather than a pore network model (PNM), the flake network model (FNM) was extracted from the tomographic datasets and the coordination number distribution was determined for the flakes detected in each. Micro-CT analysis showed that the flakes had formed a cage-like network around the exterior of the sample with limited connectivity in the interior, likely due to flake agglomeration at the outer surface of the material. A comparison of the full and interior-only Micro-CT FNMs indicated lower connectivity in the interior. This was confirmed by flow rate models generated from the network analysis for the flake contact points. The FNM extracted from the FIB/SEM tomography dataset exhibited similar connectivity compared to the interior-only FNM, indicating that the connectivity of the material was consistent when measured at the micron scale and at the nanometer scale.

Multiphysics Modelling of Powder Coating of U-Profiles: Towards Simulation-based Optimization of Key-Performance Attributes by Variation of Powder-Parameters

Multiphysics simulation software has been developed to predict the key performance attributes of industrial powder coating applications based on applied process-parameter settings. The software is a Eulerian-Lagrangian finite-volume Multiphysics solver based on OpenFOAM, capable of modelling mass transfer effects between powder-coating pistols and electrically grounded metallic substrates. It considers various factors such as fluid dynamics of process airflow, coating-particle dynamics, particle-substrate interactions, and particle charging mechanisms within the corona. The software is fully compatible with Massive Simultaneous Cloud Computing technology, allowing hundreds of simulated coating scenarios to be computed simultaneously. Experimental validation efforts have been conducted, indicating a high degree of practical relevance of the technology.  The current simulation study aims to demonstrate the potential of the simulation software for adjusting coating lines and optimizing powder coating of U-profiles. Specifically, the study focuses on optimizing the key-performance-attributes of the powder coating application with respect to varying material parameters of the applied powder, namely mean particle diameter, standard deviation of Gaussian particle size distribution, and powder particle density. The software predicts and visualizes coating patterns, coating efficiencies, and the batch-based standard deviation of coating thickness on a U-shaped metallic substrate, resulting in concrete and optimized powder settings. The presented results and the applied software are highly relevant for powder material suppliers.&nbsp

On-chip monitoring of toxic gases: capture and label-free SERS detection with plasmonic mesoporous sorbents.

The detection of the spread of toxic gas molecules in the air at low concentration in the field requires a robust miniaturized system combined with an analytical technique that is portable and able to detect and identify the molecules, as is the case with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). This work aims to address capability gaps faced by first responders in real-time detection, identification and monitoring of neurotoxic gases by developing robust, reliable and reusable SERS microfluidic chips. Thus, the key performance attributes of a portable SERS detection system that must be addressed in detail are its limit of detection, response time and reusability. To this purpose, we integrate a 3D plasmonic architecture based on closely packed mesoporous silica (MCM48) nanospheres decorated with Au nanoparticle arrays, denoted as MCM48@Au, into a Si microfluidic chip designed and used for preconcentration and label-free detection of gases at a trace concentration level. The SERS performance of the plasmonic platform is thoroughly analyzed using DMMP as a model neurotoxic simulant over a 1 cm2 SERS active area and over a range of concentrations from 100 ppbV to 2.5 ppmV. The preconcentration-based SERS signal amplification by the mesoporous silica moieties is evaluated against dense silica counterparts, denoted as Stöber@Au. To assess the potential for applications in the field, the microfluidic SERS chip has been interrogated with a portable Raman spectrometer, evaluated with temporal and spatial resolution and subjected to several gas detection/regeneration cycles. The reusable SERS chip shows exceptional performance for the label-free monitoring of 2.5 ppmV gaseous DMMP.

Systems of Systems (SoS) meta‐architecture evaluation utilizing the SoS Explorer for cyber‐physical smart solar roadways

Systems of Systems (SoS) meta‐architecture evaluation utilizing the SoS Explorer for cyber‐physical smart solar roadways

Near isothermal compressed air energy storage system in residential and commercial buildings: Techno-economic analysis

Electrical energy storage systems offer a wide range of options to efficiently manage our power supply infrastructure. Energy and environmental security via renewable resources and energy storage devices will also play a critical role in addressing the supply-demand challenges. A novel energy efficient storage system based on near isothermal compressed air energy storage concept, named as Ground-Level Integrated Diverse Energy Storage (GLIDES) is analyzed for integration with residential and commercial buildings. The influence of different configurational aspects on key performance and cost attributes is presented in this study. GLIDES modules in the range of 0.5 kWh–15 kWh configurations were considered for residential buildings whereas 25 kW h–500 kW h modules were considered for commercial buildings. Detailed cost and performance analysis of the GLIDES module proved them to be an effective resource in lowering the peak energy demand and corresponding utility bills.

User-centric analytic approach to evaluate the performance of sports facilities: A study of swimming pools

While the performance of sports facilities such as swimming pools is crucial to the health, safety and enjoyment of pool users, little research has been conducted to explore how to analytically evaluate the holistic performance of such facilities from the users' perspective. Even an evaluation framework portraying the key performance attributes of swimming pools is yet to be available. Recognising this research gap, this study aims to adopt a user-centric approach to evaluate the performance of swimming pools and a multi-stage study was initiated. After a thorough literature review, a performance attribute hierarchy for swimming pools was established through a focus group study and then two surveys, covering four swimming pools and 103 pool users interviewed, were conducted in Hong Kong. Analysing the responses using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method illustrates that the building services (i.e. utilitarian) aspect of swimming pools is more important than the architectural counterpart, and survey participants cared more about the performance attributes inside water than those outside. This study's novelty lies in that it adopted the user-centric approach, which can differentiate between the relative importance of different swimming pool components and prioritize resources for their maintenance and management. The evaluation framework as well as the findings of the study provides facilities managers with important benchmark criteria for optimising the performance of these sports facilities. In the long run, this study contributes to enabling the project stakeholders to conduct evidence-based decision making over the life cycle of sport facilities development and management.

Experimental study on the mechanical behaviour of eccentric compression short column strengthened by ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete

Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) has been widely adopted in the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams and slabs due to its excellent mechanical properties and durability. Although many studies have been conducted on the mechanical behaviours of RC structures reinforced by UHPFRC, the mechanical behaviours of UHPFRC-reinforced RC structures in a combined force state of bending and axial compression remain unknown. In this study, an eccentric compression short RC column, which was strengthened by a UHPFRC layer on the tension/compression side, was studied based on experiments and numerical simulations. Some key performance attributes of the short columns including load carrying capacity, stiffness, ductility, strain, cracking, and lateral deflection were investigated. In addition, finite element (FE) models were established to determine the influence of the reinforcement parameters including the reinforcement ratio and the thickness of the UHPFRC layer as well as the reinforcement location. The results showed that the UHPFRC layer could significantly increase the load carrying capacity and the stiffness while reducing the ductility of the short RC columns. In addition, the UHPFRC layer could delay the formation of cracks and control their development. The results also showed that the RC columns bonded well with the UHPFRC layers. No bond failure but partial bond slip occurred at the interface. Furthermore, the unreinforced UHPFRC layer could still effectively promote the load carrying capacity of the short RC columns, either reinforced on the tension or compression side. The improvement rate obviously increased with increasing thickness of the unreinforced UHPFRC layer.

SoS Explorer Application with Fuzzy-Genetic Algorithms to Assess an Enterprise Architecture – A Healthcare Case Study

Kevin Dooley (1997), defined Complex Adaptive System (CAS) as a group of semi-autonomous agents who interact in interdependent ways to produce system-wide patterns, such that those patterns then influence behavior of the agents. A healthcare system is considered as a Complex Adaptive System of system (SoS) with agents composed of strategies, people, process, and technology. Healthcare systems are fragmented with independent systems and information. The enterprise architecture (EA) aims to address these fragmentations by creating boundaries around the business strategy and key performance attributes that drive integration across multiple systems of processes, people, and technology. This paper uses a SoS Explorer to select an optimal architecture that provide the necessary capabilities to meet key performance attributes (KPAs) in a dynamic, complex healthcare business environment. The SoS Explorer produced an optimal meta-architecture where all but two systems (disease and facility processes) participated with many of the systems having at least four interfaces. The healthcare meta-architecture produced in this study is not a solution to address the challenges of the healthcare enterprise architecture but provides insight on the areas – systems, capabilities, characteristics, and interfaces – to pay attention to where agility is an important attribute and not to be severely compromised.

Functional gas sensing nanomaterials: A panoramic view

The alarming rise of indoor pollution and the need to combat the associated negative effects have promoted increasing attention in modernizing the chemical sensing technologies by newly designed materials with rich and tunable functionalities at atomic or molecular levels. With the appealing physical, chemical, optical, and electronic properties for various potential applications, the state-of-art gas-sensing nanomaterials and their future perspectives are well-documented and summarized in this paper. Specifically, the key performance attributes are addressed in detail such as the sensitivity, selectivity, reversibility, operating temperature, response time, and detection limit. As such, this review provides both critical insights in exploring and understanding various gas sensing nanomaterials and points out limitations and opportunities for further developments, such as morphology control, doping and surface alteration, atomic-scale characterization, and applications in different fields. Finally, the challenges and outlooks are discussed on the basis of the current developments.

Battery-free, skin-interfaced microfluidic/electronic systems for simultaneous electrochemical, colorimetric, and volumetric analysis of sweat.

Wearable sweat sensors rely either on electronics for electrochemical detection or on colorimetry for visual readout. Non-ideal form factors represent disadvantages of the former, while semiquantitative operation and narrow scope of measurable biomarkers characterize the latter. Here, we introduce a battery-free, wireless electronic sensing platform inspired by biofuel cells that integrates chronometric microfluidic platforms with embedded colorimetric assays. The resulting sensors combine advantages of electronic and microfluidic functionality in a platform that is significantly lighter, cheaper, and smaller than alternatives. A demonstration device simultaneously monitors sweat rate/loss, pH, lactate, glucose, and chloride. Systematic studies of the electronics, microfluidics, and integration schemes establish the key design considerations and performance attributes. Two-day human trials that compare concentrations of glucose and lactate in sweat and blood suggest a potential basis for noninvasive, semi-quantitative tracking of physiological status.

Simulation-based Assessment to Reliably Identify Key Resident Performance Attributes.

Obtaining reliable and valid information on resident performance is critical to patient safety and training program improvement. The goals were to characterize important anesthesia resident performance gaps that are not typically evaluated, and to further validate scores from a multiscenario simulation-based assessment. Seven high-fidelity scenarios reflecting core anesthesiology skills were administered to 51 first-year residents (CA-1s) and 16 third-year residents (CA-3s) from three residency programs. Twenty trained attending anesthesiologists rated resident performances using a seven-point behaviorally anchored rating scale for five domains: (1) formulate a clear plan, (2) modify the plan under changing conditions, (3) communicate effectively, (4) identify performance improvement opportunities, and (5) recognize limits. A second rater assessed 10% of encounters. Scores and variances for each domain, each scenario, and the total were compared. Low domain ratings (1, 2) were examined in detail. Interrater agreement was 0.76; reliability of the seven-scenario assessment was r = 0.70. CA-3s had a significantly higher average total score (4.9 ± 1.1 vs. 4.6 ± 1.1, P = 0.01, effect size = 0.33). CA-3s significantly outscored CA-1s for five of seven scenarios and domains 1, 2, and 3. CA-1s had a significantly higher proportion of worrisome ratings than CA-3s (chi-square = 24.1, P < 0.01, effect size = 1.50). Ninety-eight percent of residents rated the simulations more educational than an average day in the operating room. Sensitivity of the assessment to CA-1 versus CA-3 performance differences for most scenarios and domains supports validity. No differences, by experience level, were detected for two domains associated with reflective practice. Smaller score variances for CA-3s likely reflect a training effect; however, worrisome performance scores for both CA-1s and CA-3s suggest room for improvement.

Opportunities for aluminum-based nanocomposites

High performance aluminum alloys are conventionally made by heat treating alloys containing a variety of alloying elements in solid solution. Key performance attributes are controlled at the microstructural level by tailoring sizes and morphology of nano-sized second phases. This enabled the successful development of aluminum alloys having properties optimized in strength, damage tolerance and corrosion resistance. However, this process is naturally limited by the solubility of alloying elements in the aluminum matrix. In real world products, significant effort is deployed to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the alloying elements both at the macro and micro scales. Despite these efforts, heat treatable alloys can exhibit chemical gradients at grain boundaries, resulting in sub-optimized properties. Additionally, due to the very nature of the strengthening mechanisms, the properties of heat-treatable alloys are decreasing when exposed to elevated temperatures. To step outside the boundaries given by the solubility of alloying elements in the aluminum matrix, the extrinsic addition of nano-sized particles to the aluminum matrix is being evaluated.

Rigid body dynamics modeling, experimental characterization, and performance analysis of a howitzer

Abstract A large caliber howitzer is a complex and cumbersome assembly. Understanding its dynamics and performance attributes' sensitivity to changes in its design parameters can be a very time-consuming and expensive exercise, as such an effort requires highly sophisticated test rigs and platforms. However, the need of such an understanding is crucially important for system designers, users, and evaluators. Some of the key performance attributes of such a system are its vertical jump, forward motion, recoil displacement, and force transmitted to ground through tires and trail after the gun has been fired. In this work, we have developed a rigid body dynamics model for a representative howitzer system, and used relatively simple experimental procedures to estimate its principal design parameters. Such procedures can help in obviating the need of expensive experimental rigs, especially in early stages of the design cycle. These parameters were subsequently incorporated into our simulation model, which was then used to predict gun performance. Finally, we conducted several sensitivity studies to understand the influence of changes in various design parameters on system performance. Their results provide useful insights in our understanding of the functioning of the overall system.

Genetic Algorithm Optimization of SoS Meta-Architecture Attributes for Fuzzy Rule Based Assessments

The analysis of an acknowledged systems of systems (SoS) meta-architecture requires a preliminary method for potential trade space exploration to ensure compliance to evolving capability requirements. It is important to assess the SoS meta-architecture concept to ensure that it satisfies all stakeholder needs and requirements in the early stages of development. There are numerous linguistic terms called key performance attributes (KPAs) that could be used to assess the different aspects of the architectures capabilities, however, too many KPAs could complicate the assessment. The initial population of suitable KPAs is reduced through non-derivative based optimization employed by a genetic algorithm (GA) that generates the ideal KPA candidates though optimal rank selection. A Mamdani-type rule based fuzzy inference system (MRBFIS) is then used to make a fuzzy assessment of the SoS meta-architecture concept using GA optimized and assessed KPAs as MRBFIS inputs. The MRBFIS is a beneficial addition to an architecture assessment because it enables a nonlinear output that allows a more dynamic and adjustable assessment. The integrated assessment method detailed in this paper utilizes the GA optimized KPAs and the MRBFIS to provide a valuable fuzzy assessment of SoS meta-architecture concepts to determine if the architecture is feasible and acceptable.

SoS Meta-architecture Assessment by Dual Application of Rule Based Fuzzy Inference Systems

In the early stages of system of systems (SoS) meta-architecture concept development, it is greatly beneficial to have a formal method of architecture assessment to ensure compliance to stakeholder needs and requirements. Key performance attributes (KPAs) and key functional attributes (KFAs) are linguistic terms that represent the non-functional and functional requirements of the architecture. KPAs and KFAs can be assessed and converted into numeric values that can be used as fuzzy inputs to Mamdani-type rule based fuzzy inference systems (MRBFIS) to make fuzzy assessments of SoS meta-architecture concepts. This paper details an application of an assessment model featuring the integration of two separate MRBFISs; each with five inputs, five membership functions (MFs), twenty five If-Then rules, and a single output that is determined by the fuzzy rule base. Each unique MRBFIS used in the assessment was developed using the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Designer application. The numeric outputs of each MRBFIS were then combined to provide an integrated KPA and KFA total architecture assessment score. The assessment model detailed in this paper provides a formal method of architecture assessment to be used in conjunction with trade space exploration, systems scoping, and the concept generation phase. This assessment model may help prevent costly project failures, system ambiguity late in development, unacceptable risks, cost overrun, and the inability to develop critical systems.

Application of Value Focused Thinking and Fuzzy Systems to Assess System Architecture

Abstract Since a majority of resources are obligated during the design phase of a system lifecycle, critical assessment of candidate functional and system architectures is vital to identify optimal architectures before proceeding to subsequent lifecycle phases. Common challenges associated with generation and evaluation of system functional architectures include search of the expansive design space and assessment of key performance attributes that are particularly “fuzzy” and qualitative in early architecture development. Several assessment approaches have been presented in the literature to address the assessment challenge to include Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Value-Focused Thinking (VFT), and fuzzy logic. In this research we combine the use of value functions and fuzzy assessment to assess a functional and system architecture. There are several benefits of a methodology that combines value-focused thinking and fuzzy assessment. A distinct advantage of the methodology presented is the explicit inclusion of the customer in the assessment process through validation of the TPM value functions Involving the customer in TPM value function development and validation ensures the customer has direct input regarding the TPMs and their associated value across the range of discourse The methodology presented is flexible enough to assess architectures early in the process when things are “fuzzy” as well as later when subsystem and component performance are well defined. The methodology can also be used to analyze and assess impacts of interface changes within the system architecture. . The methodology is domain independent and can be coupled with executable models linked to scenarios. The assessment methodology is applied to the architecture for a soldier knowledge acquisition system for which the key performance attributes are affordability, performance, flexibility, updateability, and availability.

Performance improvement of cold chain in an emerging economy

The supply chain of perishables, often referred to as a ‘Cold Chain’, can be considered to be a series of equipments and processes, used to protect perishables, starting from source until consumption. Cold chain data, which have so far been underutilised, could be used to better measure performance of the cold chain. The purpose of this article is to identify the key performance attributes (KPA) and key decision factors (KDF) to evaluate cold chain performance and then implement continuous improvement. An additional aim of this article is to propose a framework for cold chain performance evaluation and improvement using a novel consistent measurement scale (CMS). The identification of KPA and KDF, and the development of CMS are based on actual scenarios of the cold chain in one of the emerging economies, namely the Indian market. A twin-graph theory (TGT) based methodology has been developed for supporting the cold chain performance and improvement framework. The proposed framework, along with the sensitivity analysis, could facilitate decision makers to quantify the performance index as well as understand the complex relationships among relevant cold chain attributes.

The Banyan Tree Antenna Array

A new wideband, wide-scan array is introduced, called the Banyan Tree Antenna (BTA) array, that employs modular, low-profile, low-cost elements fed directly from standard unbalanced RF interfaces. The elements consist of vertically-integrated, flared metallic fins over a ground plane that are excited by a vertical two conductor unbalanced transmission line. The antenna resembles the bunny-ear or balanced antipodal Vivaldi antenna (BAVA) designs, but most importantly uses metallic shorting posts between the fins and the ground plane that suppress a mid-band catastrophic common-mode resonance that occurs in 2D arrays of balanced radiators fed with unbalanced feeds. This work introduces simple circuit models that describe key performance attributes of the BTA array, leading to unique physical insights and design guidelines. Simulations of infinite single- and dual-polarized BTA arrays have achieved approximately two octaves of bandwidth for VSWR <; 2.2 at broadside and VSWR <; 2.8 at scans out to θ = 45°, while maintaining better than 14 dB polarization purity at θ = 45° in the D-plane.