Analysis of the gamification applications to improve the energy savings in residential buildings

This paper proposes a set of metrics to evaluate and compare applications in a new but quickly developing field – energy management software (EMS) in residential buildings. The goal of the paper is to highlight tendencies and to detect drawbacks of pre sent applications to develop a new one taking into account the results of previous analysis. It shows a shortlist of applications examined. Provides the conclusion drawing to the metrics and proposes mai n issues to be considered in the development of a new application.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

A Framework proposal for monitoring and evaluating training in ERP implementation project

During the last years some researchers have studied the topic of critical success factors in ERP implementations, out of which 'training' is cited as one of the most ones. Up to this moment, there is not enough research on the management and operationalization of critical success factors within ERP implementation projects.Postprint (published version

Using the partial least squares (PLS) method to establish critical success factor interdependence in ERP implementation projects

This technical research report proposes the usage of a statistical approach named Partial Least squares (PLS) to define the relationships between critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. In previous research work, we developed a unified model of critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. Some researchers have evidenced the relationships between these critical success factors, however no one has defined in a formal way these relationships. PLS is one of the techniques of structural equation modeling approach. Therefore, in this report is presented an overview of this approach. We provide an example of PLS method modelling application; in this case we use two critical success factors. However, our project will be extended to all the critical success factors of our unified model. To compute the data, we are going to use PLS-graph developed by Wynne Chin.Postprint (published version

Load-Sharing Policies in Parallel Simulation of Agent-Based Demographic Models

Execution parallelism in agent-Based Simulation (ABS) allows to deal with complex/large-scale models. This raises the need for runtime environments able to fully exploit hardware parallelism, while jointly offering ABS-suited programming abstractions. In this paper, we target last-generation Parallel Discrete Event Simulation (PDES) platforms for multicore systems. We discuss a programming model to support both implicit (in-place access) and explicit (message passing) interactions across concurrent Logical Processes (LPs). We discuss different load-sharing policies combining event rate and implicit/explicit LPs’ interactions. We present a performance study conducted on a synthetic test case, representative of a class of agent-based models

An integrated model system tool to evaluate the impact of urban mobility policies on air pollution: Barcelona case study

Air pollution remains as a key unresolved problem in many urban areas. Cities with such problem are gradually implementing Traffic Management Strategies (TMS) to reduce the total kilometers travelled by vehicles and subsequently decrease emissions. However, a prior evaluation of such TMS is needed if the target goals want to be achieved. In this sense, the combination of traffic simulation with emissions and air quality models can be of great use to assess the potential impacts of such policies. This study presents an integrated modelling system tool for Barcelona that allows to estimate the changes induced by the implementation of TMS on traffic activity, emissions and air quality levels at a very spatial (street level) and temporal (hourly level) resolution

UPCEO, connecting statistics and people using R

A methodology and a tool that implements this methodology are developed using R to construct a web site that allows a lay user to consult statistical information owned by an institution and stored in a cloud database. This methodology was developed followin g the open - data philosophy and was implemented with open -source software using R as a key element. The proposed methodology was applied successfully to develop a tool to manage the data of the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió, but it can be applied to another sta tistical center to enable open access to its data. The system is deployed on a cloud infrastructure that scales according to demand, implementing a 24/7 solution. A user (or a computer program) can access the information on the website using the R language as a communication channel or using a programming application interface. Additionally, in the R language, a common framework can be defined to structure the various processes involved in any statistical operation.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Representing Fibonacci function through cellular automata using specification and description language

In this poster we show how to use Specification and Description Language (SDL) to represent cellular automata models. To achieve that we use a generalization of the common cellular automata, named m:n-$CA^k$. Also we add some extension to SDL language to simplify the representation of these automata. Thanks to SDL and m:n-$CA^k$ the behavior of the cellular automata model can be defined in a graphical way allowing the complete and unambiguous description of the simulation model that uses it. SDL is a modern object oriented language that allows the definition of distributed systems. It has focused on the modeling of reactive, state/event driven systems, and has been standardized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in the Z.100.Postprint (published version

Towards a representation of environmenal models using specification and description language: from the fibonacci model to a wildfire model

In this paper we explore how we can use Specification and Description Language (SDL) to represent environmental models. Since the main concern in this kind of models is the representation of the geographical information data, we analyze how we can represent this information in the SDL diagrams. We base our approach using two examples, a representation of the Fibonacci function using a cellular automaton, and the representation of a wildfire model. To achieve this we propose the use of a language extension to Specification and Description Language. This allows the simplification of the representation of cellular automatons. Thanks this we can define the behavior of environmental models in a graphical way allowing its complete and unambiguous description. SDL is a modern object oriented formalism that allows the definition of distributed systems. It has focused on the modeling of reactive, state/event driven systems, and has been standardized by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in the Z.100.Postprint (published version

Public entities driven robotic innovation in urban areas

Cities present new challenges and needs to satisfy and improve lifestyle for their citizens under the concept “Smart City”. In order to achieve this goal in a global manner, new technologies are required as the robotic one. But Public entities unknown the possibilities offered by this technology to get solutions to their needs. In this paper the development of the Innovative Public Procurement instruments is explained, specifically the process PDTI (Public end Users Driven Technological Innovation) as a driving force of robotic research and development and offering a list of robotic urban challenges proposed by European cities that have participated in such a process. In the next phases of the procedure, this fact will provide novel robotic solutions addressed to public demand that are an example to be followed by other Smart Cities.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Analysis of applications to improve the energy savings in residential buildings based on Systemic Quality Model

Creating a definition of the features and the architecture of a new Energy Management Software (EMS) is complex because different professionals will be involved in creating that definition and in using the tool. To simplify this definition and aid in the eventual selection of an existing EMS to fit a specific need, a set of metrics that considers the primary issues and drawbacks of the EMS is decisive. This study proposes a set of metrics to evaluate and compare EMS applications. Using these metrics will allow professionals to highlight the tendencies and detect the drawbacks of current EMS applications and to eventually develop new EMS applications based on the results of the analysis. This study presents a list of the applications to be examined and describes the primary issues to be considered in the development of a new application. This study follows the Systemic Quality Model (SQMO), which has been used as a starting point to develop new EMS, but can also be used to select an existing EMS that fits the goals of a company. Using this type of analysis, we were able to detect the primary features desired in an EMS software. These features are numerically scaled, allowing professionals to select the most appropriate EMS that fits for their purposes. This allows the development of EMS utilizing an iterative and user-centric approach. We can apply this methodology to guide the development of future EMS and to define the priorities that are desired in this type of software.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version