A BPMN extension to support discrete-event simulation for healthcare applications:an explicit representation of queues, attributes and data-driven decision points

Stakeholder engagement in simulation projects is important, especially in healthcare where there is a plurality of stakeholder opinions, objectives and power. One promising approach for increasing engagement is facilitated modelling. Currently, the complexity of producing a simulation model means that the ‘model coding’ stage is performed without the involvement of stakeholders, interrupting the possibility of a fully-facilitated project. Early work demonstrated that with currently-available software tools we can represent a simple healthcare process using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and generate a simulation model automatically. However, for more complex processes, BPMN currently has a number of limitations, namely the ability to represent queues and data-driven decision points. To address these limitations, we propose a conceptual design for an extension to BPMN (BPMN4SIM) using Model Driven Architecture. Application to an elderly emergency care pathway in a UK hospital shows that BPMN4SIM is able to represent a more-complex business process

Materials Characterization Using Acoustic Nonlinearity Parameters and Harmonic Generation: Effects of Crystalline and Amorphous Structures

The importance of nonlinearity in the description of material behavior is gaining widespread attention. Nonlinearity plays a major, if not dominating, role in a number of material properties. For example, properties that are important in engineering design such as thermal expansion or the pressure dependence of optical refraction are inherently nonlinear [1]. New assembley techniques such as the use of ultrasonic gauges to determine the loading of critical fasteners depend upon nonlinear properties of the fasteners [2]. Areas of considerable fundamental interest in nonlinearity include lattice dynamics [3], radiation stress in solids [4,5], and nonlinear optics [6

Rapport IV.12 Un modèle numérique de simulation du mouvement et de l'étalement de nappes d'hydrocarbures dans l'estuaire de la Loire

A numerical model for simulating the movement and spreading of oil slicks in the Loire estuary. The paper describes a mathematical model of transport and spreading of oil slicks on the sea surface. The model solves the dynamic equations during the gravity-viscosity phase, by using an A.D.I. finite difference scheme. Application to the Loire estuary points out a quick running ashore of slicks and allows to number the petroleum distribution along the bank. The model proves to be a tool for prevention and struggle against accidental spills.On décrit un modèle mathématique de déplacement et d'étalement de taches d'hydrocarbures à la surface de la mer. Le modèle résoud les équations de la dynamique au cours de la phase de gravité-viscosité en utilisant une méthode aux différences finies de type A.D.I. L'application à l'estuaire de la Loire révèle l'échouage rapide des nappes et permet de chiffrer la répartition de 1'hydrocarbure sur le rivage. Ce modèle constitue un outil de prévention et de lutte contre d'éventuels déversements accidentels.Salomon Jean-Claude, Chapalain Georges, Ghiron S. Rapport IV.12 Un modèle numérique de simulation du mouvement et de l'étalement de nappes d'hydrocarbures dans l'estuaire de la Loire. In: L'hydraulique et la maitrise du littoral. Problèmes côtiers posés par le mouvement des sédiments et la pollution. Dix-huitièmes journées de l'hydraulique. Marseille, 11-13 septembre 1984. Tome 4, 1984

Combining modelling and simulation approaches: How to measure performance of business processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a method for analysing and improving the operational performance of business processes (BPs). Design/methodology/approach – The method employs two standards, Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN 2.0) and Business Processes Simulation (BPSim 1.0), to measure key performance indicators (KPIs) of BPs and test for potential improvements. The BP is first modelled in BPMN 2.0. Operational performance can then be measured using BPSim 1.0. The process simulation also enables execution of reliable “what-if” analysis, allowing improvements of the actual processes under study. To confirm the validity of the method the authors provide an application to the healthcare domain, in which the authors conduct several simulation experiments. The case study examines a standardised patient arrival and treatment process in an orthopaedic-emergency room of a public hospital. Findings – The method permits detection of process criticalities, as well as identifying the best corrective actions by means of the “what-if” analysis. The paper discusses both management and research implications of the method. Originality/value – The study responds to current calls for holistic and sustainable approaches to business process management (BPM). It provides step-by-step process modelling and simulation that serve as a “virtual laboratory” to test potential improvements and verify their impact on operational performance, without the risk of error that would be involved in ex-novo simulation programming

Visual tag authoring: Picture extraction via localized, collaborative tagging

In this work we present a system to encode location based information extracted from a media collection (the Flickr tagging system) into a single 2D physical label. This information is clustered by using locations metadata (geotags) and key-words (tags) associated to pictures. Our system helps two types of users: the user authoring the physical label and the final user who retrieves up-to-date information scanning the label with his/her camera phone. Preliminary results for a given seed word (the tag Napoli) on 3000 photographs are presented, together with some ad-hoc weighting factors that help in finding significant pictures (representing places) that can be associated to a specific area. Copyright 2008 ACM

CoOL-Room – Collaboration Oriented Learning Room

We present a system supporting synchronous distance multimedia collaboration. Such systems require a number of tools to communicate, enforce collaboration awareness and maintain consistency of shared objects. We introduce the main requirements to provide virtual room facilities, and present our implementation comparing it to other systems