Towards a generic product modelling framework

In response to the current rapidly changing manufacturing environment, product modelling technology has been widely applied to provide the essential information for product development (PD) processes. The traditional product modelling technologies are unable to support the information exchange and share in various stages of PD processes that could be taken place among departments in a company or even among companies in distributed manufacturing environment. This has caused many problems such as information loss, data format incompatibility and reduced efficiency and effectiveness of product data applications. This has consequently created bottlenecks for the integration of PD processes. In this paper, a generic product modelling framework (GPMF) is proposed to overcome the abovementioned problems in today's manufacturing environment. This framework uses the standard for the exchange product model data (STEP) as a foundation. It consists of four functional components: an EXPRESS data model namely EDM; a STEP–based modelling environment; a “five-phase” modelling method; and three EDM data exchange and sharing methods. Case studies show that the product models built based on the GPMF are capable of integrating information in product design, manufacturing and assembly. The GPMF is compatible, comprehensive, and flexible, and is able to support information exchange and sharing.     

Towards a harmonised European bond test

Bond influences several aspects of structural performance. Standard methods of bond test currently specified were developed over 30 years ago. During this time understanding of the phenomenon of bond between reinforcement and concrete and of the factors which influence it has expanded greatly. An overview of the current knowledge and needs demonstrates that a reappraisal of standard bond tests is now necessary. The paper outlines the principals that should underpin a bond test specification derived from considerations of the manner in which bond influences structural performance. It is demonstrated that a single measure of performance is inadequate, and develops proposals for a system of testing in which several measures can be used to classify each aspect of structural performance. A development length form of test with the bar in tension is selected, with low confinement from concrete cover and transverse reinforcement. The proposal is developed to a conceptual stage in the present paper. Following consultation with interested parties, the Authors propose to develop a detailed specification.

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Résumé L'adhérence entre le béton et l'armature influence bien des aspects du comportement structurel, au point que l'on a développé beaucoup des méthodes standardisées pour la mesure de l'adhérence pendant ces trente dernières années. En même temps, l'intelligence de la nature de l'adhérence entre le béton et l'armature, et des facteurs qui l'influencent, a fait d'extraordinaires pas en avant: une réflexion sur l'état des connaissances et sur les nécessités de développement montre qu'un revirement au sujet des essais standardisés sur l'adhérence ne peut être différé. Dans ce contexte, on présente ici les principes sur lesquels on devrait fonder les spécifications pour les essais sur l'adhérence, compte tenu des effets qu'elle a sur le comportement structurel. On montre qu'une unique mesure des performances est insuffisante, et que le développement d'un système d'essais, avec la possibilité de mesurer plusieurs performances structurelles de l'adhérence et de les classer, est désormais nécessaire. On propose un essai basé sur le même principe que celui qui gouverne les essais concernant le bout terminal d'une poutre fléchie (beam-end test), avec un confinement relativement bas, exercé par le recouvrement en béton et par les étriers.

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Towards a deliberative framework for responsible innovation in artificial intelligence

The rapid innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) is raising concerns regarding human autonomy, agency, fairness, and justice. While responsible stewardship of innovation calls for public engagement, inclusiveness, and informed discourse, AI seemingly challenges such informed discourse by way of its opacity (poor transparency, explainability, and accountability). We apply a deliberative approach to propose a framework for responsible innovation in AI. This framework foregrounds discourse principles geared to help offset these opacity challenges. To support better public governance, we consider the mutual roles and dependencies of organizations that develop and apply AI, as well as civil society actors, and investigative media in exploring pathways for responsible AI innovation.     

Towards a new generic framework for citation network generation and analysis in the humanities

Scientometrics - Citation network analysis is one of the most developed techniques in science mapping. Various types of citation analysis have been proposed in the literature such as direct...     

Towards a multi-physics modelling framework for thrombolysis under the influence of blood flow

Thrombolytic therapy is an effective means of treating thromboembolic diseases but can also give rise to life-threatening side effects. The infusion of a high drug concentration can provoke internal bleeding while an insufficient dose can lead to artery reocclusion. It is hoped that mathematical modelling of the process of clot lysis can lead to a better understanding and improvement of thrombolytic therapy. To this end, a multi-physics continuum model has been developed to simulate the dissolution of clot over time upon the addition of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The transport of tPA and other lytic proteins is modelled by a set of reaction–diffusion–convection equations, while blood flow is described by volume-averaged continuity and momentum equations. The clot is modelled as a fibrous porous medium with its properties being determined as a function of the fibrin fibre radius and voidage of the clot. A unique feature of the model is that it is capable of simulating the entire lytic process from the initial phase of lysis of an occlusive thrombus (diffusion-limited transport), the process of recanalization, to post-canalization thrombolysis under the influence of convective blood flow. The model has been used to examine the dissolution of a fully occluding clot in a simplified artery at different pressure drops. Our predicted lytic front velocities during the initial stage of lysis agree well with experimental and computational results reported by others. Following canalization, clot lysis patterns are strongly influenced by local flow patterns, which are symmetric at low pressure drops, but asymmetric at higher pressure drops, which give rise to larger recirculation regions and extended areas of intense drug accumulation.     

Towards improved empirical isobase models of Holocene land uplift for mainland Scotland, UK

A new approach to modelling patterns of glacio-isostatic land uplift during the Holocene in mainland Scotland, UK, is described. The approach is based upon altitude measurements at the inner margin or locally highest point of raised estuarine surfaces dated by radiocarbon assay supported by microfossil analyses. 2,241 altitudes have been analysed by a technique new to studies of former sea-levels, Gaussian Trend Surface Analysis, and isobase models for four Holocene shorelines: the Holocene Storegga Slide tsunami shoreline, abandoned rapidly circa 7,900 sidereal years BP; the Main Postglacial shoreline, abandoned during circa 6,400-7,700 sidereal years BP; the Blairdrummond shoreline, abandoned during circa 4,500-5,800 sidereal years BP, and a speculative fourth shoreline, the Wigtown shoreline, abandoned during circa 1,520-3,700 sidereal years BP, are shown in a series of maps. The implications of the shoreline patterns for glaicio-isostasy in the area are discussed. It is maintained that the statistical technique used enables broad estimates to be made of near shore sea surface change.     

Towards a human factors and ergonomics integration framework in the early product design phase: Function-Task-Behaviour

Considering the existing methodologies’ hysteresis and cost of the human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) integration in the design phase, this paper attempts to develop a time-saving, less expensive and standard approach for designers to integrate the HF/E from the early design phase. In this study, the HF/E information is embodied by a user manual, which will be continuously improved with the refinement of design. A Function-Task-Behaviour framework is proposed to restate the design process, which involves three steps: (1) Functional specification involves function definition and decomposition according to initial user manual and other requirements; (2) Embodiment refers to conducting task definition and planning to achieve the intended function. SysML is used for task definition and PERT method is applied for task planning; (3) Detailed design refers to the interactions analysis between user’s behaviour and product’s behaviour in the work area. A case study is shown at the end of this paper to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method in integrating the HF/E from the early design phase to improve the final performance of both product and user.     

Towards a vulnerability assessment of the UK and northern European coasts: the role of regional climate variability

Within the framework of a Tyndall Centre research project, sea level and wave changes around the UK and in the North Sea have been analysed. This paper integrates the results of this project. Many aspects of the contribution of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) to sea level and wave height have been resolved. The NAO is a major forcing parameter for sea-level variability. Strong positive response to increasing NAO was observed in the shallow parts of the North Sea, while slightly negative response was found in the southwest part of the UK. The cause of the strong positive response is mainly the increased westerly winds. The NAO increase during the last decades has affected both the mean sea level and the extreme sea levels in the North Sea. The derived spatial distribution of the NAO-related variability of sea level allows the development of scenarios for future sea level and wave height in the region. Because the response of sea level to the NAO is found to be variable in time across all frequency bands, there is some inherent uncertainty in the use of the empirical relationships to develop scenarios of future sea level. Nevertheless, as it remains uncertain whether the multi-decadal NAO variability is related to climate change, the use of the empirical relationships in developing scenarios is justified. The resulting scenarios demonstrate: (i) that the use of regional estimates of sea level increase the projected range of sea-level change by 50% and (ii) that the contribution of the NAO to winter sea-level variability increases the range of uncertainty by a further 10-20cm. On the assumption that the general circulation models have some skill in simulating the future NAO change, then the NAO contribution to sea-level change around the UK is expected to be very small (<4cm) by 2080. Wave heights are also sensitive to the NAO changes, especially in the western coasts of the UK. Under the same scenarios for future NAO changes, the projected significant wave-height changes in the northeast Atlantic will exceed 0.4m. In addition, wave-direction changes of around 20 degrees per unit NAO index have been documented for one location. Such changes raise the possibility of consequential alteration of coastal erosion.     

Nanotechnological medical devices and nanopharmaceuticals: the European regulatory framework and research needs

The European regulatory framework is examined in relation to nanotechnology based medical devices and medicinal products. Medical applications of nanotechnology will have to comply with the requirement for a high level of public health, safety, consumer, and environmental protection. An evaluation of the possible health or environmental risks of nanoparticles must therefore be carried out and it is important to ensure that particle size and chemistry are taken into account when investigating possible adverse effects. Further research is needed on the toxicological and ecotoxicological properties of nanoparticles, their uptake in the body, accumulation in tissues and organs, transport characteristics, exposure and dose-response data, and their distribution and persistence in the environment. The existing regulations appear adequate to manage the risks of nanotechnology at its current stage of development but continuous review of the regulatory regime will be needed to determine whether it is sufficient to protect human health and the environment. Modification of the legislation may prove necessary as new scientific evidence emerges regarding the effects of nanoparticles on living organisms and in the ecosystems.     

Towards a European economics of economics: Monitoring a decade of top research and providing some explanation

Summary This study documents a decade of mainstream research output by European economics institutions. In contrast to previous European economics departmental rankings, we investigate the changing pattern of the ranking over two subperiods and a total decade. The validity of our bibliometric approach is demonstrated by a comparison with gradings of UK economic departments in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). We also provide some explanation of the ranking based on regional factors and institutional features. Strong evidence for the 'institutional oligopoly' of editors and authors hypothesis is found. However, in a dynamic context this departmental concentration of authorship and editorial board membership does not represent a 'closed shop'. We find several departments entering the centre stage of economic mainstream for the first time towards the end of the 1990s.     

Towards a catastrophe theory for the mechanics of plasticity and fracture

The catastrophe theory has established that the conservative systems have only a few ways to lose their stability. We sketch a similar classification for a class of dissipative systems. Although our scope is limited to the case of two dissipative variables, we find six elementary catastrophes. We present examples from discrete plasticity, crack and friction mechanics.     

Towards a model for diachronous and synchronous citation analyses

This paper gives an overview of the diachronous (prospective) and synchronous (retrospective) approach to ageing studies of scientific literature from the perspective of technical reliability, visualising the different aspects that can be analysed by the two approaches. The main objective is to deepen the understanding of the mechanism and the theory underlying the two aproaches, and is to show that the difference between the diachronous and synchronous model is not “just counting into opposite directions”. In this context, a stochastic model is presented showing that one and the same model can be used to describe both diachronous and synchronous perspectives of citation processes. On the basis of this model, it is explained how some diachronous and synchronous citation-based indicators can be re-calculated for changing publication periods and citation windows underlying their construction. The paper is concluded by several applications such as the definition and calculation of diachronous (prospective) and synchronous (retrospective) journal impact measures and other citation indicators used in research evaluation. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Towards a transactional ergonomics for driver stress and fatigue

This article reviews a transactional model of driver stress and fatigue, and its ergonomic application to designing vehicle systems for 'stress-tolerance'. Disturbances of subjective state are controlled by cognitive stress processes of appraisal and coping. Both personality factors and situational stressors may elicit maladaptive patterns of cognition that generate subjective stress symptoms, elicit potentially dangerous coping strategies, and interfere with information-processing and attention to the task at hand. Studies using a driving simulator have explored the behavioural consequences of several qualitatively different forms of 'stress', that can be loosely labelled as anxiety, anger and fatigue. Implications of the model for design are reviewed, focusing on road engineering, in-car systems, and automation of vehicle functions. A transactional analysis focuses on evaluation of the cognitions produced by vehicle systems, problems of distraction and overload, and maintaining active task involvement. The article concludes with guidelines for design to minimize safety problems associated with stress and fatigue.     

Towards a lean automation interface for workstations

Methods and principles of Lean Production have become the major concepts to create highly efficient processes since the early 1990s. Due to its high effectiveness by reducing complexity and focusing on value-adding tasks, the Lean concept is still successful. Nevertheless, its changeability to produce highly customised products is limited. Industry 4.0 describes the vision of a smart production which can meet these future market requirements. Enablers are innovative information and communication technologies and the integration of all production entities into a common digital network. Lean Automation is the application of Industry 4.0 technologies to Lean Production methods in order to combine benefits from both domains. First proprietary Lean Automation solutions exist, but to enhance changeability in production, a common, unified communication interface is required. This paper presents the ongoing work towards an interface for digitising Lean Production methods using Cyber Physical Systems.     

Towards a Universal Dissolution Medium for Carbamazepine

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to develop a dissolution medium for assessment of various carbamazepine (CBZ) formulations with different strengths. The design of a system inhibiting transformation of the anhydrous CBZ (CBZ A) to the dihydrate form (CBZ D), with minimum surface-active properties and suitable sink was investigated. The effect of pH, different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and methyl cellulose (MC) on dissolution rate, solubility, dissolution solubility, and polymorphic transformation of CBZ was assessed. Solution-mediated transformation of CBZ A into CBZ D was monitored using optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed that different strengths (100, 200, 400 mg) of the same CBZ tablet formulation exhibited different dissolution patterns, in 1% SLS (USP system). Such differences were reduced in 0.5% SLS solution which provided sufficient sink for up to 200 mg CBZ. It was also shown that solubility of CBZ A could not be detected in the media under study (water, SGF, SIF, and SLS solutions) due to its rapid transformation into CBZ D. The use of 3% PVP solution protected CBZ A from conversion for 75 min, while 0.01% MC completely inhibited the transformation up to 24 h. Therefore, a medium consisting of 0.5% SLS and 0.01% MC was selected. The medium provided: a) protection against transformation of CBZ A to CBZ D, b) increased solubility of CBZ A (204 mg % compared to 128 mg % of CBZ D in 0.5% SLS), c) suitable sink for up to 400 mg CBZ and d) overlapping dissolution profiles of various strengths of the same CBZ formulation. The suggested system may be a step in the way of solving CBZ dissolution problems that forced the USP to specify two similar dissolution tests with two different limits for conventional 200 mg CBZ tablets.     

Towards a universal dissolution medium for carbamazepine

The aim of this study was to develop a dissolution medium for assessment of various carbamazepine (CBZ) formulations with different strengths. The design of a system inhibiting transformation of the anhydrous CBZ (CBZ A) to the dihydrate form (CBZ D), with minimum surface-active properties and suitable sink was investigated. The effect of pH, different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and methyl cellulose (MC) on dissolution rate, solubility, dissolution solubility, and polymorphic transformation of CBZ was assessed. Solution-mediated transformation of CBZ A into CBZ D was monitored using optical microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Results showed that different strengths (100, 200, 400 mg) of the same CBZ tablet formulation exhibited different dissolution patterns, in 1% SLS (USP system). Such differences were reduced in 0.5% SLS solution which provided sufficient sink for up to 200 mg CBZ. It was also shown that solubility of CBZ A could not be detected in the media under study (water, SGF, SIF, and SLS solutions) due to its rapid transformation into CBZ D. The use of 3% PVP solution protected CBZ A from conversion for 75 min, while 0.01% MC completely inhibited the transformation up to 24 h. Therefore, a medium consisting of 0.5% SLS and 0.01% MC was selected. The medium provided: a) protection against transformation of CBZ A to CBZ D, b) increased solubility of CBZ A (204 mg % compared to 128 mg % of CBZ D in 0.5% SLS), c) suitable sink for up to 400 mg CBZ and d) overlapping dissolution profiles of various strengths of the same CBZ formulation. The suggested system may be a step in the way of solving CBZ dissolution problems that forced the USP to specify two similar dissolution tests with two different limits for conventional 200 mg CBZ tablets.