A BIM-based PSS approach for the management of maintenance operations of building equipment

The service-centered economy has grown considerably in the last few years, shifting from product-based solutions towards service centered offerings, i.e., Product-Service System (PSS) solutions. Such an approach is also emerging in the context of building equipment, where maintenance activities play a fundamental role in facility management. In this field, Building Information Modeling (BIM) based tools are diffusely used to improve the performances of facility management. However, few studies have addressed the above issues while considering a shift from product-based approaches in favor of more advanced servitization models. The study aims at integrating BIM based approaches in a PSS context for the improvement of the management of maintenance operations of building equipment. A general framework for maintenance management has been developed, merging the implementation of the PSS components in a BIM model for the definition of maintenance management. A first application of this methodology to a real case study concerning the elevators of an existing building has shown the efficacy of the proposed approach. The study highlighted the benefits that can be achieved, especially in terms of reduced periods of equipment unavailability, reduced costs and augmented customer satisfaction, while enhancing the information exchange between the PSS actors. Hence, although further research is still needed for its validation, the proposed approach can offer practical insights for the development of promising BIM-based PSS solutions for facility management in the construction industry

Enhancement of an MBSE-supported methodology for managing engineering changes using the example of a machine tool

Engineering changes are often classified as critical and lead to high costs. The reason for this is the high system complexity. To deal with high complexity, MBSE can be used as an approach. However, in order to be able to operate model-based engineering change management, suitable approaches are required. The Advanced Engineering Change Impact Approach - AECIA presents a holistic methodology for model-based change management by supporting change request validity checking, change propagation and change impact analysis, and change information communication in an agile development environment. In this publication, the methodology is extended to include a procedure for checking the validity of change requests, applied to a real change case using a machine tool as an example, and initially evaluated

Space Transportation Engine Program (STEP), phase B

The Space Transportation Engine Program (STEP) Phase 2 effort includes preliminary design and activities plan preparation that will allow smooth and time transition into a Prototype Phase and then into Phases 3, 4, and 5. A Concurrent Engineering approach using Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques, is being applied to define an oxygen-hydrogen engine. The baseline from Phase 1/1' studies was used as a point of departure for trade studies and analyses. Existing STME system models are being enhanced as more detailed module/component characteristics are determined. Preliminary designs for the open expander, closed expander, and gas generator cycles were prepared, and recommendations for cycle selection made at the Design Concept Review (DCR). As a result of July '90 DCR, and information subsequently supplied to the Technical Review Team, a gas generator cycle was selected. Results of the various Advanced Development Programs (ADP's) for the Advanced Launch Systems (ALS) were contributive to this effort. An active vehicle integration effort is supplying the NASA, Air Force, and vehicle contractors with engine parameters and data, and flowing down appropriate vehicle requirements. Engine design and analysis trade studies are being documented in a data base that was developed and is being used to organize information. To date, seventy four trade studies were input to the data base

Paper Session II-B - Application of Information Technology to the National Launch System

The information needs of the National Launch System program had their beginnings with the Advanced Launch System (ALS). The Technical Reference Document for ALS called for a Unified Information System (UNIS) to provide, in a timely manner, all the information required to manage, design, manufacture, integrate, test, launch, operate, and support the ALS. UNIS 9 was to provide the link between distributed, heterogeneous workstations which were to make up both the ground and flight information systems. In addition, there was to be an Advanced Launch System Model (ALSYM), a set of computerized submodels, or tools, which would work together to simulate all aspects of the ALS. These conceptual requirements were transitioned to the NLS program, and UNIS and the system simulation exist today. The current version of the NLS UNIS links geographically dispersed users to databases, analysis tools, program management tools, and communications devices. UNIS development is continuing to provide the ultimate capabilities which were described in the ALS Technical Reference Document. The approach to that development, as well as the current and planned capabilities are described. The ALSYM requirement transitioned as a requirement for a largescale, end-to-end simulation of the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) development program, named STESYM. The approach being used to satisfy that requirement incorporates object-oriented programming, discrete-event simulation, and knowledge-based techniques to produce a simulation that captures the technical characteristics of the hardware, the processing flows, and the scheduling requirements. The outputs of the simulation will include subsystem and system reliabilities, process infrastructure statistics, schedule performance statistics, and costs. Together, UNIS and STESYM will provide program managers, engineers, logisticians, and other program participants with communications connectivity and the information to support STME program analysis

Mapping analysis and planning system for the John F. Kennedy Space Center

Environmental management, impact assessment, research and monitoring are multidisciplinary activities which are ideally suited to incorporate a multi-media approach to environmental problem solving. Geographic information systems (GIS), simulation models, neural networks and expert-system software are some of the advancing technologies being used for data management, query, analysis and display. At the 140,000 acre John F. Kennedy Space Center, the Advanced Software Technology group has been supporting development and implementation of a program that integrates these and other rapidly evolving hardware and software capabilities into a comprehensive Mapping, Analysis and Planning System (MAPS) based in a workstation/local are network environment. An expert-system shell is being developed to link the various databases to guide users through the numerous stages of a facility siting and environmental assessment. The expert-system shell approach is appealing for its ease of data access by management-level decision makers while maintaining the involvement of the data specialists. This, as well as increased efficiency and accuracy in data analysis and report preparation, can benefit any organization involved in natural resources management

Implementasi Kepemimpinan Dan Teknologi Informasi Komunikasi Dalam Lembaga Pendidikan

In the implementation of education, good leadership is needed, where information communication technology can be implemented by a leader so that the use and development of communication supported by information technology until the last two decades is increasing rapidly. This utilization not only serves as a supporting means to improve performance, but more than that it is the main means to win the increasingly competitive competition.This assistance uses a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, which prioritizes mastery of Information Communication Technology and the potential that exists around and possessed by a Leader. To then be used as an implementation material to empower the community, especially the educational environment itself. This PAR approach is very suitable to be applied in Educational Institutions in utilizing Mastery of Information Technology and existing potential to improve education.The results of the research are the implementation of leadership and communication information technology in educational institutions have a system both orally and in writing that is adapted to the ability and understanding of existing meanings and functions.  The development of this increasingly advanced education and inseparable from the development of science and technology that utilizes the development of information communication technology to be used in the educational process and other activities and utilizes existing technology for the learning process in the online system (online) and so on. So that new innovations will arise, by knowing and utilizing information communication technology, leadership performance will be better than before and help the management system in educational institutions because basically technology provides convenience and smoothness in the process

EXTRACTION OF PICTORIAL ENERGY INFORMATION FROM CAMPUS UNMETERED BUILDINGS USING IMAGE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

In recent years, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) has been the main research focus due to the traditional power grid has been restricted to meet development requirements. There has been an ongoing effort to increase the number of AMI devices that provide real-time data readings to improve system observability. Deployed AMI across distribution secondary networks provides load and consumption information for individual households which can improve grid management. Significant upgrade costs associated with retrofitting existing meters with network-capable sensing can be made more economical by using image processing methods to extract usage information from images of the existing meters. This thesis presents a new solution that uses online data exchange of power consumption information to a cloud server without modifying the existing electromechanical analog meters. In this framework, application of a systematic approach to extract energy data from images replaces the manual reading process. One case study illustrates the digital imaging approach is compared to the averages determined by visual readings over a one-month period

High temperature control in mediterranean greenhouse production: The constraints and the options

In the open field, the environment is a critical determinant of crop yield and produce quality and it affects the geographical distribution of most crop species. In contrast, in protected cultivation, environmental control allows the fulfillment of the actual needs depending on the technological level. The economic optimum, however, depends on the trade-off between the costs of increased greenhouse control and increase in return, dictated by yield quantity, yield quality and production timing. Additional constraints are increasingly applied for achieving environmental targets. However, the diverse facets of greenhouse technology in different areas of the world will necessarily require different approaches to achieve an improved utilization of the available resources. Although advanced technologies to improve resource use efficiency can be developed as a joint effort between different players involved in greenhouse technology, some specific requirements may clearly hinder the development of common “European” resource management models that, conversely should be calibrated for different environments. For instance, the quantification and control of resource fluxes can be better accomplished in a relatively closed and fully automated system, such as those utilized in the glasshouse of Northern-Central Europe, compared to Southern Europe, where different typologies of semi-open/semi-closed greenhouse systems generally co-exist. Based on these considerations, innovations aimed at improving resource use efficiency in greenhouse agriculture should implement these aspects and should reinforce and integrate information obtained from different research areas concerning the greenhouse production. Advancing knowledge on the physiology of high temperature adaptation, for instance, may support the development and validation of models for optimizing the greenhouse system and climate management in the Mediterranean. Overall, a successful approach will see horticulturists, plant physiologists, engineers and economists working together toward the definition of a sustainable greenhouse system

Sustainable Land Management: Challenges, Opportunities Trade Off

Land is the integrating component of all livelihoods depending on surface of the earth like: agricultural activity, forest land and water bodies (rivers, lakes, coastal marine) habitats. Due to varying political, social, and economic factors, the heavy use of natural resources to supply a rapidly growing global population and economy has resulted in the unintended mismanagement and degradation of land and ecosystems. In the twenty-first century, the utmost need is to meet three major requirements: (a) adequately supplying safe, nutritious food for the growing population, (b) significantly reducing rural poverty by providing rural household incomes, and (c) reducing and reversing natural resource degradation, especially that of land. India is a developing country and it requires fast space quality infrastructure development, which is the need of current times. For any development, land is required. Accounting land parcel procedure is cumbersome. The assessment of land details are recorded in a system which is more than two hundred years old. The upcoming technologies such as Geographical Information System (GIS), data warehousing and web based information dissemination should be very helpful in land record management for decision making, strategy planning and predictive modelling. The modern web integrates various kinds of advanced, dynamic, multi-layered, time series data and graphical information which transform the tedious data analysis job to a faster, dynamic and realistic exercise. Regular updating of information makes monitoring and management of land parcel in records a more transparent and realistic approach towards any development. This information system can be used as a tool to disseminate information and valuation of land on an open platform. It can also be a useful support system to conserve ecological fragile area. Sustainable Land Management: challenges, opportunities, and trade-offs provides a strategic focus to the implementation of sustainable land management (SLM) components. SLM is a knowledge based procedure that integrates land, water, biodiversity, and environmental management to meet rising food and fiber demands while sustaining livelihoods and the environment. This paper, aimed at policy makers, project managers, and development organisations, articulates priorities for investment in SLM and natural resource management and identifies the policy, institutional and incentive reform options that will accelerate the adoption of SLM productivity improvements and pro-poor growth

A Generic Approach to Supporting the Management of Computerised Clinical Guidelines and Protocols

Clinical guidelines or protocols (CGPs) are statements that are systematically developed for the purpose of guiding the clinician and the patient in making decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific clinical problems. Using CGPs is one of the most effective and proven ways to attaining improved quality, optimised resource utilisation, cost containment and reduced variation in healthcare practice. CGPs exist mainly as paper-based natural language statements, but are increasingly being computerised. Supporting computerised CGPs in a healthcare environment so that they are incorporated into the routine used daily by clinicians is complex and presents major information management challenges. This thesis contends that the management of computerised CGPs should incorporate their manipulation (operations and queries), in addition to their specification and execution, as part of a single unified management framework. The thesis applies modern advanced database technology to the task of managing computerised CGPs. The event-condition-action (ECA) rule paradigm is recognised to have a huge potential in supporting computerised CGPs. In this thesis, a unified generic framework, called SpEM and an approach, called MonCooS, were developed for enabling computerised CGPs, to be specified by using a specification language, called PLAN, which follows the ECA rule paradigm; executed by using a software mechanism based on the ECA mechanism within a modern database system, and manipulated by using a manipulation language, called TOPSQL. The MonCooS approach focuses on providing clinicians with assistance in monitoring and coordinating clinical interventions while leaving the reasoning task to domain experts. A proof-of-concepts system, TOPS, was developed to show that CGP management can be easily attained, within the SpEM framework, by using the MonCooS approach. TOPS is used to evaluate the framework and approach in a case study to manage a microalbuminuria protocol for diabetic patients. SpEM and MonCooS were found to be promising in supporting the full-scale management of information and knowledge for the computerised clinical protocol. Active capability within modern DBMS is still experiencing significant limitations in supporting some requirements of this application domain. These limitations lead to pointers for further improvements in database management system (DBMS) functionality for ECA rule support. The main contributions of this thesis are: a generic and unified framework for the management of CGPs; a general platform and an advanced software mechanism for the manipulation of information and knowledge in computerised CGPs; a requirement for further development of the active functionality within modern DBMS; and a case study for the computer-based management of microalbuminuria in diabetes patients