Combining Configuration and Evaluation Mechanisms to Support the Selection of Modular Insurance Products

The predominant mechanisms for helping users find products in electronic catalogs are hierarchical navigation and text-based searches. Advanced electronic product catalogs also offer support for feature-based search or interactive product configuration. However, these search mechanisms are only appropriate if the space of products to be presented conforms to a number of simplifying restrictions. In this paper we describe an experiment in which we explored how the product space of Swiss health insurance offers, for which these simplifying assumptions do not hold, can be made accessible by combining mechanisms for feature-based search and interactive product configuration

Internet of robotic things : converging sensing/actuating, hypoconnectivity, artificial intelligence and IoT Platforms

The Internet of Things (IoT) concept is evolving rapidly and influencing newdevelopments in various application domains, such as the Internet of MobileThings (IoMT), Autonomous Internet of Things (A-IoT), Autonomous Systemof Things (ASoT), Internet of Autonomous Things (IoAT), Internetof Things Clouds (IoT-C) and the Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) etc.that are progressing/advancing by using IoT technology. The IoT influencerepresents new development and deployment challenges in different areassuch as seamless platform integration, context based cognitive network integration,new mobile sensor/actuator network paradigms, things identification(addressing, naming in IoT) and dynamic things discoverability and manyothers. The IoRT represents new convergence challenges and their need to be addressed, in one side the programmability and the communication ofmultiple heterogeneous mobile/autonomous/robotic things for cooperating,their coordination, configuration, exchange of information, security, safetyand protection. Developments in IoT heterogeneous parallel processing/communication and dynamic systems based on parallelism and concurrencyrequire new ideas for integrating the intelligent “devices”, collaborativerobots (COBOTS), into IoT applications. Dynamic maintainability, selfhealing,self-repair of resources, changing resource state, (re-) configurationand context based IoT systems for service implementation and integrationwith IoT network service composition are of paramount importance whennew “cognitive devices” are becoming active participants in IoT applications.This chapter aims to be an overview of the IoRT concept, technologies,architectures and applications and to provide a comprehensive coverage offuture challenges, developments and applications

A review of information flow diagrammatic models for product-service systems

A product-service system (PSS) is a combination of products and services to create value for both customers and manufacturers. Modelling a PSS based on function orientation offers a useful way to distinguish system inputs and outputs with regards to how data are consumed and information is used, i.e. information flow. This article presents a review of diagrammatic information flow tools, which are designed to describe a system through its functions. The origin, concept and applications of these tools are investigated, followed by an analysis of information flow modelling with regards to key PSS properties. A case study of selection laser melting technology implemented as PSS will then be used to show the application of information flow modelling for PSS design. A discussion based on the usefulness of the tools in modelling the key elements of PSS and possible future research directions are also presented

Modularity in Health and Social Services: Perspectives on Organization and Management

Organizations that provide health and social services operate in a complex and constantly changing environment. Changes occur, for example, in ageing, technology and biotechnology, and customers’ expectations, as well as the global economic situation. Organizations typically aim to adapt the changes by introducing new organizational structures and managerial practices, such as process and lean management. Only recently has there been an interest in evaluating whether organizations providing health and social services could apply modularity in order to respond to some of the changes. The concept of modularity originates from manufacturing, but is applied in many other disciplines, such as information technology and logistics. However, thus far, the literature concerning modularity in health and social services is scarce. Therefore the purpose of this thesis is to increase understanding concerning modularity and the possibilities to apply modularity in the health and social services context. In addition, the purpose is to shed light on the viewpoints that are worth taking into account when considering the application of modularity in the health and social services context. The aim of the thesis is to analyze the way in which the modular structures are applied in the health and social services context and to analyze what advantages and possible barriers, as well as managerial concerns, might occur if modularity is applied in the health and social services context. The thesis is conducted by using multiple methods in order to provide a broad aspect to the topic. A systematic literature review provided solid ground for pre-understanding the topic and supported the formulation of the research questions. Theoretical reasoning provided a general overview of the special characteristics of the health and social services context and their effect on application of modularity. Empirical studies concentrated on managerial concerns of modularity particularly from the perspective of health and social services for the elderly. Results of the thesis reveal that structures in products, services, processes, and organizations are rather modular in health and social services. They can be decomposed in small independent units, while the challenges seem to occur especially in the compatibility of the services. It seems that health and social services managers have recognized this problem and they are increasingly paying attention to this challenge in order to enhance the flexible compatibility of services. Advantages and possible barriers of modularity are explored in this thesis, and from the theoretical perspective it could be argued that modularity seems to be beneficial in the context of health and social services. In fact, it has the potential to alleviate several of the challenges that the health and social services context is confronting. For example, modular structures could support organizations in their challenging task to respond to customers’ increasing demand for heterogeneous services. However, special characteristics of the health and social services context create barriers and provide significant challenges in application of modularity. For example, asymmetry of information, negative externalities, uncertainty of demand, and rigid regulation prevent managers from extensively drawing benefits from modularity. Results also reveal that modularity has managerial implications in health and social service. Modularity has the potential to promote and support new service development and outsourcing. Results also provide insights into network management and increases managerial understanding of different network management strategies. Standardization in health and social services is extensive due to legislation and recommendations. Modularity provides alternative paths to take an advantage of standardization while still ensuring the quality of the services. Based on this thesis, it can be concluded, both from a theoretical perspective and from empirical results concerning modularity in health and social services, that modularity might fit well and be beneficial. However, the special characteristics of the health and social services context prevent some of the benefits of modularity and complicate its application. This thesis contributes to the academic literature on the organization and management of health and social services by describing modularity as an alternative way for organizing and managing health and social services. In addition, it contributes to the literature of modularity by exploring the applicability of modularity in the context of health and social services. It also provides practical contribution to health and social services managers by evaluating the pros and cons of modularity when applied to health and social services.Modulaarisuus sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollossa: Näkökulmia organisointiin ja johtamiseen Sosiaali- ja terveyspalveluita tuottavien organisaatioiden toimintaympäristö on kompleksinen ja alati muuttuva. Toimintaympäristön muutokset liittyvät muun muassa väestön ikääntymiseen, teknologisiin ja bioteknologisiin muutoksiin, asiakkaiden muuttuviin odotuksiin sekä maailman kokonaistaloudellisen tilanteen muutoksiin. Organisaatioilla on taipumusta sopeutua muutoksiin ottamalla käyttöön uusia organisointimalleja ja johtamistapoja, kuten esimerkiksi prosessijohtaminen tai lean-johtaminen. Viimeaikoina on herännyt kiinnostus arvioida, voisivatko sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon organisaatiot hyödyntää modulaarisuutta toimintaympäristön muutoksiin sopeutumisessa. Modulaarisuus käsitteenä on peräisin valmistavasta teollisuudesta, mutta sitä on sovellettu myös muilla aloilla, muun muassa tietotekniikassa ja logistiikassa. Modulaarisuuden hyödyntämisestä sosiaali- ja terveydenhuoltoon on toistaiseksi vain vähän tietoa. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena onkin lisätä ymmärrystä modulaarisuudesta ja mahdollisuuksista soveltaa modulaarisuutta sosiaali- ja terveydenhuoltoon. Lisäksi tavoitteena on tuoda esille näkökulmia, joiden huomioon ottaminen on tärkeää pohdittaessa modulaarisuuden käyttöönottoa sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollossa. Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on analysoida, miten modulaariset rakenteet näyttäytyvät sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollossa. Lisäksi tarkoituksena on analysoida, mitä etuja modulaarisuudella voidaan saavuttaa ja mitä mahdollisia esteitä sen käyttöönotolle voi olla. Lisäksi tarkastellaan, mitä johtamiseen liittyviä näkökulmia modulaarisuuden soveltamisessa tulisi huomioida. Näkökulmien monipuolisuuden turvaamiseksi, tutkimuksessa hyödynnettiin useita erilaisia tutkimusmenetelmiä. Perehtyminen aiheeseen systemaattisen kirjallisuuskatsauksen avulla auttoi muodostamaan esiymmärryksen aiheesta ja tarkentamaan tutkimuskysymyksiä. Teoreettisen päättelyn avulla tarkasteltiin sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon erityispiirteitä ja niiden vaikutuksia modulaarisuuden sovellettavuuteen. Empiirisissä tutkimuksissa tarkasteltiin modulaarisuutta johtamisen, erityisesti vanhuspalveluiden johtamisen, näkökulmasta. Tutkimuksen tulosten perusteella voidaan todeta, että tuotteiden, palveluiden, prosessien ja organisaatioiden rakenteet ovat varsin modulaarisia sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollossa. Rakenteiden pilkkominen pienempiin osakokonaisuuksiin on jokseenkin yksinkertaista. Sen sijaan haasteita ilmenee erityisesti osien yhteenliitettävyydessä. Sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon johtajat ovat kuitenkin tunnistaneet ongelman ja kiinnittävät asiaan enenevässä määrin huomiota mahdollistaakseen osakokonaisuuksien joustavan yhdistelyn. Teoreettisen tarkastelun perusteella voidaan todeta, että sosiaali- ja terveydenhuolto voi hyötyä modulaarisuuden soveltamisesta. Modulaarisuus voi auttaa kohtaamaan joitakin sosiaali- ja terveydenhuoltoon kohdistuvista haasteista, esimerkiksi asiakkaiden heterogeenisiin tarpeisiin vastaamista voidaan tukea modulaaristen rakenteiden avulla. Sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon erityispiirteet voivat kuitenkin aiheuttaa esteitä tai ainakin merkittäviä haasteita modulaarisuuden soveltamiselle. Esimerkiksi, tiedon epäsuhta, negatiiviset ulkoisvaikutukset ja alan voimakas sääntely heikentävät modulaarisuudesta saatavia hyötyjä. Tutkimuksen tulokset paljastivat myös modulaarisuuden vaikutuksia sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon johtamiseen. Modulaarisuus voi edistää uusien palveluiden kehittämistä ja tukea tuotteiden ja palveluiden alihankintaa. Tulokset avaavat uusia näkökulmia verkostojohtamiseen ja edistävät erilaisten verkostojohtamis-strategioiden ymmärtämistä. Rakenteiden näkeminen modulaarisena auttaa hahmottamaan, miltä osin tuotteiden ja palveluiden standardointi edistää vaikuttavuutta ja innovaatioita. Tämän tutkimuksen perusteella voidaan sekä teoreettisesti että empiirisesti tarkasteltuna todeta, että modulaarisuus soveltuu sosiaali- ja terveydenhuoltoon melko hyvin. Sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon erityispiirteet heikentävät osittain modulaarisuudesta saatavia hyötyjä ja hankaloittavat modulaarisuuden käyttöön-ottoa. Tutkimus edistää teoreettista ymmärrystä sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon organisoinnista ja johtamisesta kuvaamalla modulaarisuutta yhtenä vaihtoehtoisena organisointitapana ja siihen liittyviä johtamisen näkökulmia. Lisäksi tutkimus syventää modulaarisuuteen liittyvää kirjallisuutta kuvaamalla, miten modulaarisuutta voidaan hyödyntää juuri tässä kontekstissa. Tutkimus kuvaa myös modulaarisuutta sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollossa käytännön hyödyntämisen näkökulmasta ja tuo esille niitä etuja ja haittoja, joita modulaarisuuden soveltamisesta voi aiheutua.Siirretty Doriast

A Portuguese Study

A balanced implementation of functionalities within a commercial internet presence is important, because of not only the involved complexity and cognitive load required in their use, but also for financial reasons. Investing money on features (e.g., software modules, programming time, maintenance and update, etc.) that are not valued by online consumers, hinders an efficient allocation of resources, especially when financial resources are scarce, a situation that corresponds too many small businesses operating on the internet. However, literature provides little help for managers to decide which functionalities should be implemented, according to a rational basis. Within this context, this research sought to fill in the gap between literature review and the need for helping companies to understand better how to build and keep online businesses. The authors work identified 16 essential functionalities grouped into four sets: order processing, advertising and prominence, product analysis, and payment.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Post-quantum blockchain for internet of things domain

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonIn the evolving realm of quantum computing, emerging advancements reveal substantial challenges and threats to existing cryptographic infrastructures, particularly impacting blockchain technologies. These are pivotal for securing the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems. The traditional blockchain structures, integral to myriad IoT applications, are susceptible to potential quantum computations, emphasizing an urgent need for innovations in post-quantum blockchain solutions to reinforce security in the expansive domain of IoT. This PhD thesis delves into the crucial exploration and meticulous examination of the development and implementation of post-quantum blockchain within the IoT landscape, focusing on the incorporation of advanced post-quantum cryptographic algorithms in Hyperledger Fabric, a forefront blockchain platform renowned for its versatility and robustness. The primary aim is to discern viable post-quantum cryptographic solutions capable of fortifying blockchain systems against impending quantum threats enhancing security and reliability in IoT applications. The research comprehensively evaluates various post-quantum public-key generation and digital signature algorithms, performing detailed analyses of their computational time and memory usage to identify optimal candidates. Furthermore, the thesis proposes an innovative lattice-based digital signature scheme Fast-Fourier Lattice-based Compact Signature over NTRU (Falcon), which leverages the Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) algorithm as a trapdoor sampler to augment its security attributes. The research introduces a post-quantum version of the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain that integrates post-quantum signatures. The system utilizes the Open Quantum Safe (OQS) library, rigorously tested against NIST round 3 candidates for optimal performance. The study highlights the capability to manage IoT data securely on the post-quantum Hyperledger Fabric blockchain through the Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol. Such a configuration ensures safe data transfer from IoT sensors directly to the blockchain nodes, securing the processing and recording of sensor data within the node ledger. The research addresses the multifaceted challenges of quantum computing advancements and significantly contributes to establishing secure, efficient, and resilient post-quantum blockchain infrastructures tailored explicitly for the IoT domain. These findings are instrumental in elevating the security paradigms of IoT systems against quantum vulnerabilities and catalysing innovations in post-quantum cryptography and blockchain technologies. Furthermore, this thesis introduces strategies for the optimization of performance and scalability of post-quantum blockchain solutions and explores alternative, energy-efficient consensus mechanisms such as the Raft and Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), providing sustainable alternatives to the conventional Proof-of-Work (PoW) approach. A critical insight emphasized throughout this thesis is the imperative of synergistic collaboration among academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. This collaboration is pivotal to expedite the adoption and standardization of post-quantum blockchain solutions, fostering the development of interoperable and standardized technologies enriched with robust security and privacy frameworks for end users. In conclusion, this thesis furnishes profound insights and substantial contributions to implementing post-quantum blockchain in the IoT domain. It delineates original contributions to the knowledge and practices in the field, offering practical solutions and advancing the state-of-the-art in post-quantum cryptography and blockchain research, thereby paving the way for a secure and resilient future for interconnected IoT systems

Knock on (Engineered) Wood: Pathways to Increased Deployment of Cross-Laminated Timber

Significant negative environmental impacts are attributed to the building sector. To complement operational building efficiency, mitigation strategies could further decrease these environmental impacts. One mitigation strategy is increased use of low-carbon and bio based building materials. The objective of this research is to support such sustainable transitions within the complex building sector of Sweden, via identification of barriers and drivers for a specific bio and low-carbon building material called cross-laminated timber (CLT). Results from literature review and questionnaire responses were used to form recommendations for increasing deployment of CLT in Sweden, via specific leverage points and instruments. Increased deployment of CLT in Sweden is also linked with several factors unique to Sweden. For example, environmental targets of the building sector, demand for housing, timber trends, development of a bio based and circular economy, and resource efficiency. To further validate and enhance results, global examples of successful CLT manufacturing practices, sustainable innovation transitions, and CLT support instruments were also examined. Results were also analysed using multilevel perspective, technology innovation system, and innovation diffusion frameworks. These tools were used to gain an interdisciplinary, comprehensive perspective and strengthen understanding of the building sector using systems thinking. Results showed main barriers as lack of knowledge or skills, negative perceptions, perceived costs or risks, misalignment with regulations, and technological path dependencies within the Swedish building sector. Main drivers were CLT’s carbon sequestration, low embodied carbon, renewability, efficient manufacturing and construction, cost competitiveness, and prefabrication. Key actors included building project owners, contractors, architects, engineers, the national housing authority (Boverket), and municipal building companies. Recommendations included education, skill building, green procurement, stronger materials focus in certifications, environmental evaluations of materials, environmental material requirements embedded in contracts and tenders, material carbon tax, stronger focus on building lifecycle impacts, and increased political focus on building materials. Recommendations are categorised and prioritised in the conclusion for clarity

Distant Operational Care Centre: Design Project Report

The goal of this project is to outline the design of the Distant Operational Care Centre (DOCC), a modular medical facility to maintain human health and performance in space, that is adaptable to a range of remote human habitats. The purpose of this project is to outline a design, not to go into a complete technical specification of a medical facility for space. This project involves a process to produce a concise set of requirements, addressing the fundamental problems and issues regarding all aspects of a space medical facility for the future. The ideas presented here are at a high level, based on existing, researched, and hypothetical technologies. Given the long development times for space exploration, the outlined concepts from this project embodies a collection of identified problems, and corresponding proposed solutions and ideas, ready to contribute to future space exploration efforts. In order to provide a solid extrapolation and speculation in the context of the future of space medicine, the extent of this project's vision is roughly within the next two decades. The Distant Operational Care Centre (DOCC) is a modular medical facility for space. That is, its function is to maintain human health and performance in space environments, through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Furthermore, the DOCC must be adaptable to meet the environmental requirements of different remote human habitats, and support a high quality of human performance. To meet a diverse range of remote human habitats, the DOCC concentrates on a core medical capability that can then be adapted. Adaptation would make use of the DOCC's functional modularity, providing the ability to replace, add, and modify core functions of the DOCC by updating hardware, operations, and procedures. Some of the challenges to be addressed by this project include what constitutes the core medical capability in terms of hardware, operations, and procedures, and how DOCC can be adapted to different remote habitats