Modular Solution Research Articles

Development of an agile development method based on Kanban for distributed part-time teams and an introduction framework

In the context of Industry 4.0, the development of maintainable and scalable applications becomes a core activity to master for industrial companies. To offer convincing trainings, learning factories have to coordinate the development of IT and hardware solutions with training concepts. The development of maintainable, modular and stable IT solutions in coherence with the hardware is the basis for good trainings. Especially learning factories face the challenge to work with part-time staff that is unfamiliar with large IT and hardware projects, web technology or PLC programming and development methods. In this paper we present a model how to introduce agile methods step-by-step to teams that have to cope with the challenge of a new project paired with a new technology and development methodology without overloading the team. An adapted teaching concept to introduce these development methods has been developed. For each of the maturity levels, tools and processes are presented as well as criteria to indicate when the team is ready to pass to the next level. The paper also presents the results of an application of the model to the development team at the Learning Factory Global Production at wbk.

Holistic approach for teaching IT skills in a production environment

Increasing digitalization of manufacturing leads to new competence requirements for mechanical engineers. In recent years, learning factories have proven to be the ideal learning concept for acquiring skills. However, the teaching of IT skills is missing in the current training courses. Therefore, this paper will present a holistic approach in form of a learning factory module, starting from the conception and development right up to the operation of a Cyber-Physical-Systems (CPS) in the production environment. Within the training module, the participants will have to develop a Cyber-Physical-Production-System (CPPS) for an assembly line. The participants are trained how to select the hardware and software components for a modular, decentralized and transferable solution in four consecutive learning units. In each unit, the selected technologies will be combined to a web-technology-based prototype, which is then tested in the real world environment of the LPS-learning factory.

Mobile structures in terrestrial and aquatic environments and the use of alternative energy sources

The dynamic changes in modern civilization transforming into new socio-economic-technological phenomena discusses the meaning of traditional thinking about the durability of a building. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, a considerable number of small cubature objects have been created. These types of structures can be transferred into various urbanized and non-urbanized spaces by means of the external or internal drive. Stationing temporarily mobile structures in terrestrial and aquatic environments may be a unique material of urban space. This article focuses on the complexity of the phenomenon of the movement in architecture with particular emphasis on the aspect of innovative energy sources enabling autonomous functioning. The technological process of shaping mobile structures is often based on prefabricated modular solutions, which production cost and time of completion are maximally optimized. Due to the possibility of transfer, the best solution seems to be the use of autonomous installations, which creates spaces for innovative technological exploration. Nowadays, attempts to shape completely autonomous and off-grid facilities are the part of the area of prototype research.

Design and Integration of an Inexpensive Wearable Mechanotactile Feedback System for Myoelectric Prostheses.

The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the functionality of an inexpensive mechanotactile sensory feedback system for transhumeral myoelectric prostheses. We summarize the development of a tactile-integrated prosthesis, including 1) evaluation of sensors that were retrofit onto existing commercial terminal devices; 2) design of two custom mechanotactile tactors that were integrated into a socket without compromising suction suspension; 3) design of a modular controller which translated sensor input to tactor output, was wirelessly adjusted, and fit within a prosthetic forearm; and 4) evaluation of the system with a single transhumeral participant. Prosthesis functionality was demonstrated over three test sessions; the participant was able to identify tactor stimulation location and demonstrated a reduction in grasp force with the mechanotactile stimulation. This system offers an inexpensive and modular solution for integration of a mechanotactile sensory feedback system into a prosthetic socket without compromising the suction seal. These principles can be applied in future studies to investigate the direct impact of sensory feedback on tangible outcomes for prosthetic users, thereby reducing barriers to clinical translation.

Quality management and improvement for geothermal energy projects using the platform-based tool development technology − ZWERG

Operations in deep geothermal boreholes are a technical challenge due to harsh conditions such as high pressures, high temperatures, limited space and corrosive thermal water. Therefore the development of tools for inspection, investigation and maintenance for geothermal applications is a challenging and expensive task. In consequence the operations in most cases are limited to simple measurements of pressure (p), temperature (T) and diameter (caliper). Other restrictions are waving of real-time data transfer and a limitation of operation depths at above the open-hole.The approach of ZWERG uses know-how from other industrial sectors for a modular design of downhole tools based on a system platform. This way it allows creating reproducible and reusable solutions for the main technical challenges: housing, sealing, compact interior design, heat management and data processing. It is supposed to build the basis for more widespread and more complex applications in deep boreholes and to support an economic development of new tools.Reliable modular platform solutions for basic challenges support an enhanced quality management for geothermal systems which profits from suitable tools for measurement, inspection, sample recovery, maintenance and repair that can be used all the way from the surface to the open hole.

Model Transformation Modularization as a Many-Objective Optimization Problem

Model transformation programs are iteratively refined, restructured, and evolved due to many reasons such as fixing bugs and adapting existing transformation rules to new metamodels version. Thus, modular design is a desirable property for model transformations as it can significantly improve their evolution, comprehensibility, maintainability, reusability, and thus, their overall quality. Although language support for modularization of model transformations is emerging, model transformations are created as monolithic artifacts containing a huge number of rules. To the best of our knowledge, the problem of automatically modularizing model transformation programs was not addressed before in the current literature. These programs written in transformation languages, such as ATL, are implemented as one main module including a huge number of rules. To tackle this problem and improve the quality and maintainability of model transformation programs, we propose an automated search-based approach to modularize model transformations based on higher-order transformations. Their application and execution is guided by our search framework which combines an in-place transformation engine and a search-based algorithm framework. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach by using ATL as concrete transformation language and NSGA-III as search algorithm to find a trade-off between different well-known conflicting design metrics for the fitness functions to evaluate the generated modularized solutions. To validate our approach, we apply it to a comprehensive dataset of model transformations. As the study shows, ATL transformations can be modularized automatically, efficiently, and effectively by our approach. We found that, on average, the majority of recommended modules, for all the ATL programs, by NSGA-III are considered correct with more than 84 percent of precision and 86 percent of recall when compared to manual solutions provided by active developers. The statistical analysis of our experiments over several runs shows that NSGA-III performed significantly better than multi-objective algorithms and random search. We were not able to compare with existing model transformations modularization approaches since our study is the first to address this problem. The software developers considered in our experiments confirm the relevance of the recommended modularization solutions for several maintenance activities based on different scenarios and interviews.

Os métabolique : O.71 – O.76

Microgrids offer a highly flexible, modular and scalable solution, which will facilitate the adoption of renewable sources at the point of power demand suggest Celine Mahieux and Alexandre Oudalov from ABB.

Primary Prevention of Asymptomatic Cardiovascular Disease Using Physiological Sensors Connected to an iOS App.

Cardiovascular disease is the first cause of death and disease and one of the leading causes of disability in developed countries. The prevalence of this disease is expected to increase in coming years although the death rate may be lower due to better treatment. To present the design and development of a technology solution for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic patients. The system aims to raise the population's awareness of the importance of adopting healthy heart habits by using self-feedback techniques. A series of sensors which makes it possible to detect cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic patients were used. These sensors enable evaluation of heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2 -oxygen saturation in blood- and body temperature. This work has developed a modular solution centred on four parts: iOS app, sensors, server and web. The CoreBluetooth library, which carries out Bluetooth 4.0 communication, was used for the connection between the app and the sensors. The data files are stored on the iPad and the server by using CoreData and SQL mechanisms. The system was validated with 20 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with established structural heart disease. Once the samples had been obtained, a comparison of all the significant data was run, in addition to a statistical analysis. The result of this calculation was a total of 32 cases of first level significance correlations (p<0.01), for example, the inverse relationship between the daily step count and high blood pressure (p=0.008) and 24s level cases (p<0.05) such as the significant correlation between risk and age (p=0.013). The system designed in this paper has made it possible to create an application capable of collecting data on cardiovascular risk factors through a sensor system that measures physiological variables and records physical activity and diet.

Schwarzian conditions for linear differential operators with selected differential Galois groups

We show that non-linear Schwarzian differential equations emerging from covariance symmetry conditions imposed on linear differential operators with hypergeometric function solutions can be generalized to arbitrary order linear differential operators with polynomial coefficients having selected differential Galois groups. For order three and order four linear differential operators we show that this pullback invariance up to conjugation eventually reduces to symmetric powers of an underlying order-two operator. We give, precisely, the conditions to have modular correspondences solutions for such Schwarzian differential equations, which was an open question in a previous paper. We analyze in detail a pullbacked hypergeometric example generalizing modular forms, that ushers a pullback invariance up to operator homomorphisms. We finally consider the more general problem of the equivalence of two different order-four linear differential Calabi–Yau operators up to pullbacks and conjugation, and clarify the cases where they have the same Yukawa couplings.

Leveraging the benefits of modularity in the provision of integrated solutions: A strategic learning perspective

The purpose of this study is to improve the current understanding of the ways a manufacturer can learn to leverage the benefits associated with modular solution designs in its transition to a solution provider. We find that a modular solution design acts as a key integration mechanism, allowing the provider to orchestrate actors in the supply network for simultaneous exploitation of resources related to the existing solution modules and exploration of new ones. Yet, to implement a modular solution design effectively, the provider needs to engage in strategic learning that improves its ability to explore customers' readiness to adopt new types of solutions, while it develops an ability to deploy the derivative solutions by utilizing the resources related to its core product business. Mastering the co-evolutionary processes of strategic learning that combine elements of explorative and exploitative learning facilitates a pursuit of the industrializer path to service-based growth. For managers, our findings demonstrate the ways a manufacturer may unlock the economies of scale in solution business by leveraging the benefits of a modular solution design.

A Novel Modular Design Approach to “Thermal Capacity on Demand” in a Rapid Deployment Building Solutions: Case Study of Smart-POD

Designed to address the challenges of a sustainable future and the financial difficulties facing schools, Smart-POD is a unique and innovative research project which provides an alternative to traditional classroom planning. It proposes a rapid deployment building solution, transitory or permanent in its use, modular in design, flexible in set-up and self-sustaining in use, requiring nominal site works and providing for all of its energy demands from renewable energy sources. Its feasibility was tested via a design case study which investigated potential of its novel “thermal capacity on demand” energy performance approach. It combines a modular thermal storage solution capable of balancing heating demand and supply for a low rise, low mass superstructure with renewable technologies and the level of back-up power/services needed. The project team has formed a consortium of stakeholders and consulted on design methodology, performance specification and viability of other markets, the results of which are reported in this paper. The research has, in its final output, established a commercial model based on its design, procurement, financing, supply chain and the manufacturing strategy and is currently negotiating funding for the prototype.

Modular online monitoring system to allow condition-based maintenance for medium voltage switchgear

Nowadays, the concern to have a better maintenance strategy of an electrification system is being one of the key results of online monitoring and diagnostic approach. This study illustrates a new modular solution for online condition monitoring in order to implement condition-based maintenance for medium voltage (MV) switchgears and breakers. The solution can predict potential failures allowing maintenance scheduling in advance by applying dedicated sensing technologies. Circuit breaker failure modes regard, for instance, open and close commands malfunction, charging mechanism malfunction, current interruption issues (contact wear), and overheating. Switchgear failure modes regard mainly insulation deterioration and loose connections. The online monitoring and diagnostic solution can detect in advance the mentioned failure modes by means of specific sensors pluggable whenever required on new or existing switchgears. Innovative algorithms process all the information provided by sensors, to provide health indication for each component and failure mode. Moreover, an overall health index of the monitored equipment is calculated and represented by a traffic light. The red, yellow, and green colours indication with corresponding alert messages gives indication on predictive maintenance planning. The solution allows savings on maintenance costs (OPEX), asset lifetime extension (CAPEX), as well as prediction on failure (outages liabilities).

Smart operators in industry 4.0: A human-centered approach to enhance operators’ capabilities and competencies within the new smart factory context

As the Industry 4.0 takes shape, human operators experience an increased complexity of their daily tasks: they are required to be highly flexible and to demonstrate adaptive capabilities in a very dynamic working environment. It calls for tools and approaches that could be easily embedded into everyday practices and able to combine complex methodologies with high usability requirements. In this perspective, the proposed research work is focused on the design and development of a practical solution, called Sophos-MS, able to integrate augmented reality contents and intelligent tutoring systems with cutting-edge fruition technologies for operators’ support in complex man-machine interactions. After establishing a reference methodological framework for the smart operator concept within the Industry 4.0 paradigm, the proposed solution is presented, along with its functional and non-function requirements. Such requirements are fulfilled through a structured design strategy whose main outcomes include a multi-layered modular solution, Sophos-MS, that relies on Augmented Reality contents and on an intelligent personal digital assistant with vocal interaction capabilities. The proposed approach has been deployed and its training potentials have been investigated with field experiments. The experimental campaign results have been firstly checked to ensure their statistical relevance and then analytically assessed in order to show that the proposed solution has a real impact on operators’ learning curves and can make the difference between who uses it and who does not.

P179 Multi-center study on automating holotype HLA on a Biomek 4000

Aim Holotype HLA is a powerful NGS-based method for HLA genotyping being adopted by HLA laboratories over legacy technologies such as SSO and Sanger SBT for its increased accuracy, resolution, repeatability and high-throughput nature. The elimination of human and random error is a desirable attribute of any diagnostic test and the implementation of a liquid handling system can significantly reduce both sources of error in an NGS workflow. Development of a protocol that streamlines multiple modules of the NGS process was the goal of this multi-center study. Methods The Beckman Coulter Biomek 4000 automated liquid handler is a small footprint solution for pre- and post-PCR processes in NGS-based HLA typing. During development, the protocol was optimized through comparison of multiple data points at measurable stopping points to provide a customized modular liquid handling solution for any HLA lab. Results Technologists and scientists from three sites performed multiple runs of 24 samples for 11 HLA loci using the Holotype HLA 24/11 configuration automated on the Biomek 4000 to generate data on the accuracy, specificity, repeatability and reproducibility of an automated Holotype HLA solution. Conclusion Data obtained from the three centers were analyzed using Omixon HLA Twin and assessed for accuracy, reproducibility, and allele assignment ambiguities to demonstrate that high-throughput NGS-based HLA typing is achievable in under 48 h from gDNA to genotype using the Beckman Coulter Biomek 4000 modular based NGS protocol for Holotype HLA 24/11.

BlobTools: Interrogation of genome assemblies

The goal of many genome sequencing projects is to provide a complete representation of a target genome (or genomes) as underpinning data for further analyses. However, it can be problematic to identify which sequences in an assembly truly derive from the target genome(s) and which are derived from associated microbiome or contaminant organisms. We present BlobTools, a modular command-line solution for visualisation, quality control and taxonomic partitioning of genome datasets. Using guanine+cytosine content of sequences, read coverage in sequencing libraries and taxonomy of sequence similarity matches, BlobTools can assist in primary partitioning of data, leading to improved assemblies, and screening of final assemblies for potential contaminants. Through simulated paired-end read dataset,s containing a mixture of metazoan and bacterial taxa, we illustrate the main BlobTools workflow and suggest useful parameters for taxonomic partitioning of low-complexity metagenome assemblies.

Categorizing modularization strategies to achieve various objectives of building investments

Modularization has recently attracted considerable interest among academics and practitioners. In the construction industry, several modular solutions have been introduced and examined; however, hardly any study comprehensively classifies the different modularization strategies according to their possibility to achieve various objectives of building investments. This research aims to develop a framework for identifying and classifying modularization strategies in construction according to their suitability to achieve the specific outcomes intended for a building or its subsystem. Using the literature on product modularity, product platforms and production strategies as a basis, this study has developed a theoretical framework that proposes connections between the main objectives of a building investment and the dimensions of modularization strategies. The framework is elaborated by testing the propositions, based on an empirical analysis of nine real-life case studies. The findings reveal that modularization can be a suitable approach to develop an innovative design solution; improve a project’s quality, cost and schedule performance; and enable flexibility in building use and maintenance. However, suggestions for achieving these objectives vary from project organization-driven to collaborative, integrated or supplier-driven modularization strategies. Developers, owners, contractors and module suppliers can use the framework when positioning and developing their roles in the construction supply chain.

Tackling The New Health-Care Paradigm Through Service Robotics: Unobtrusive, efficient, reliable, and modular solutions for assisted-living environments

Medical care, supported by modern technology and methods, will play an important role in our global society. An increasing average age and the need to keep standards in care lead to the introduction of several solutions often described as ambient assisted living (AAL). However, most people feel uncomfortable with these solutions, describing a sense of secret observation. To alleviate this sense of secret observation, the sensor platform is placed in clear view of the end user. This is accomplished through the involvement of robotics in this domain, and both caregivers and the patient are offered support for several tasks. The Robots in Assisted Living Environments: Unobtrusive, Efficient, Reliable, and Modular Solutions for Independent Ageing (RADIO) project targets this topic but differs from other solutions by its specific concepts, which are especially the unobtrusiveness and inclusion into home automation. This article presents the RADIO approach with its solutions for combining robotics and home automation for use in AAL environments.

Population density equations for stochastic processes with memory kernels.

We present a method for solving population density equations (PDEs)--a mean-field technique describing homogeneous populations of uncoupled neurons-where the populations can be subject to non-Markov noise for arbitrary distributions of jump sizes. The method combines recent developments in two different disciplines that traditionally have had limited interaction: computational neuroscience and the theory of random networks. The method uses a geometric binning scheme, based on the method of characteristics, to capture the deterministic neurodynamics of the population, separating the deterministic and stochastic process cleanly. We can independently vary the choice of the deterministic model and the model for the stochastic process, leading to a highly modular numerical solution strategy. We demonstrate this by replacing the master equation implicit in many formulations of the PDE formalism by a generalization called the generalized Montroll-Weiss equation-a recent result from random network theory-describing a random walker subject to transitions realized by a non-Markovian process. We demonstrate the method for leaky- and quadratic-integrate and fire neurons subject to spike trains with Poisson and gamma-distributed interspike intervals. We are able to model jump responses for both models accurately to both excitatory and inhibitory input under the assumption that all inputs are generated by one renewal process.

Proyecto de ferrocarril Awash-Kombolcha-Hara Gebaya, Etiopía. Diseño orientado a obras en países en desarrollo

Projects located in developing countries present logistic difficulties that require a close partnership between the design and construction teams. The design team needs to solve the logistic problems by simplifying and reducing the amount of in-situ operations. Modular design solutions using prefabricated steel elements minimise the teams and operations necessary in-situ, reducing considerably the execution deadlines. The Awash-Kombolcha-Hara Gebaya project includes 59 railway bridges and 6 road overpasses.

The third order modular linear differential equations

We propose a third order generalization of the Kaneko–Zagier modular differential equation, which has two parameters. We describe modular and quasimodular solutions of integral weight in the case where one of the exponents at infinity is a multiple root of the indicial equation. We also classify solutions of “character type”, which are the ones that are expected to relate to characters of simple modules of vertex operator algebras and one-point functions of two-dimensional conformal field theories. Several connections to generalized hypergeometric series are also discussed.