Development of an Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm to improve Maintenance Process Efficiency

Efficient maintenance policies are of fundamental importance because of their fallbacks into the safety and economics of air traffic operations. Usually the optimization of maintenance process is limited to a resource optimization in position and number. But it should be considered that maintenance tasks are performed by man whose excessive workload has negative falls-out not only for workers well-being but also for process safety and efficiency. Thus, in maintenance process optimization it is necessary to take into account also ergonomic aspects of workplace. This gives rise to an optimization of the maintenance process by using an ergonomic approach. In this way, the result of the optimization could allow improvements in the quality of the work of maintenance, but also a greater efficiency of the whole maintenance system. An ant colony optimization algorithm has been developed in order to optimize the system efficiency. This kind of algorithm natively permits to improve man movements into the workplace; furthermore the optimization of the workplace ergonomics has been added. To do this, an objective function of efficiency levels has been determined, linked to any task performed by man. Some protocols have been created on the basis of a literature survey and experimental results. This paper illustrates an applied research in which a method for the optimization of the maintenance process efficiency has been developed in order to show the applicability of a tool offering benefits on both sides: the maintenance process and the related human factors

Support to Design for Air Traffic Management: An Approach with Agent-Based Modelling and Evolutionary Search

This paper presents a methodology to manage the support to design in ATM operations. We propose a workflow for the design of ATM solutions in a performance-based setting. The methodology includes the evaluation of the impact on human behaviour and exploits a combination of different paradigms, such as Agent-Based Modelling and Simulation, and Agent-Based Evolutionary Search. We prove the soundness of the methodology by carrying out a real case study, which is the transition from Direct Routing to Free Routing in the Italian airspace. The validation results exhibit limited errors for the assessment of the performance metrics under evaluation. Furthermore, the optimization of sector collapsing/decollapsing configuration is discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the implemented engines

Simulation-Based Evolutionary Optimization of Air Traffic Management

In the context of aerospace engineering, the optimization of processes may often require to solve multi-objective optimization problems, including mixed variables, multi-modal and non-differentiable quantities, possibly involving highly-expensive objective function evaluations. In Air Traffic Management (ATM), the optimization of procedures and protocols becomes even more complicated, due to the involve-ment of human controllers, which act as final decision points in the control chain. In this article, we propose the use of computational intelligence techniques, such as Agent-Based Modelling and Simulation (ABMS)and Evolutionary Computing (EC), to design a simulation-based distributed architecture to optimize control plans and procedures in the context of ATM. We rely on Agent-Based fast-time simulations to carry out offline what-if analysis of multiple scenarios, also taking into account human-related decisions, during the strategic or pre-tactical phases. The scenarios are constructed using real-world traffic data traces, while multiple optimization variables governed by an EC algorithm allow to explore the search space to identify the best solutions. Our optimization approach relies on ad-hoc multi-objective performance metrics which allow to assess the goodness of the control of aircraft and air traffic regulations. We present experimental results which prove the viability of our approach, comparing them with real-world data traces, and proving their meaningfulness from an Air Traffic Control perspective

Passenger Dimensions in Sustainable Multimodal Mobility Services

Seamless integration of air segment in the overall multimodal mobility chain is a key challenge to provide more efficient and sustainable transport services. Technology advances offer a unique opportunity to build a new generation of transport services able to match the evolving expectations and needs of society as a whole. In this context, the passenger-centric approach represents a method to inform the design of future mobility services, supporting quality of life, security and services to citizens traveling across Europe. Relying on the concepts of inclusive design, context of use and task analysis, in this article, we present a comprehensive methodological framework for the analysis of passenger characteristics to elicit features and requirements for future multimodal mobility services, including air leg, that are relevant from the perspective of passengers. The proposed methodology was applied to a series of specific use cases envisaged for three time horizons, 2025, 2035 and 2050, in the context of a European research project. Then, passenger-focused key performance indicators and related metrics were derived to be included in a validation step, with the aim of assessing the extent of benefit for passengers that can be achieved in the forecasted scenarios. The results of the study demonstrate the relevance of human variability in the design of public services, as well as the feasibility of personalized performance assessment of mobility services

A Combined Robotic and Cognitive Training for Locomotor Rehabilitation: Evidences of Cerebral Functional Reorganization in Two Chronic Traumatic Brain Injured Patients

It has been demonstrated that automated locomotor training can improve walking capabilities in spinal cord-injured subjects but its effectiveness on brain damaged patients has not been well established. A possible explanation of the discordant results on the efficacy of robotic training in patients with cerebral lesions could be that these patients, besides stimulation of physiological motor patterns through passive leg movements, also need to train the cognitive aspects of motor control. Indeed, another way to stimulate cerebral motor areas in paretic patients is to use the cognitive function of motor imagery. A promising possibility is thus to combine sensorimotor training with the use of motor imagery. The aim of this paper is to assess changes in brain activations after a combined sensorimotor and cognitive training for gait rehabilitation. The protocol consisted of the integrated use of a robotic gait orthosis prototype with locomotor imagery tasks. Assessment was conducted on two patients with chronic traumatic brain injury and major gait impairments, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Physiatric functional scales were used to assess clinical outcomes. Results showed greater activation post-training in the sensorimotor and supplementary motor cortices, as well as enhanced functional connectivity within the motor network. Improvements in balance and, to a lesser extent, in gait outcomes were also found

Bra.Di.P.O. and P.I.G.R.O.: Innovative Devices for Motor Learning Programs

Two mechatronics prototypes, useful for robotic neurotreatments and new clinical trainings, are here presented. P.I.G.R.O. (pneumatic interactive gait rehabilitation orthosis) is an active exoskeleton with an electropneumatic control. It imposes movements on lower limbs in order to produce in the patient’s brain proper motor cortex activation. Bra.Di.P.O. (brain discovery pneumatic orthosis) is an MR-compatible device, designed to improve fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) analysis. The two devices are presented together because both are involved in the study of new robotic treatments of patients affected by ictus or brain stroke or in some motor learning experimental investigations carried out on healthy subjects

INVIRCAT - A concept of operations to efficiently integrate IFR RPAS into the TMA

INVIRCAT is a European project co-funded by SESAR Joint Undertaking under European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (GA No. 893375), which is dedicated to developing means for a safe and efficient integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into the existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures and infrastructures within Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMA) under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The 30 months project (01.07.2020 – 31.12.2022) has produced an initial concept of operations for remotely piloted aircraft systems in the TMA of airports, which will be assessed and validated through a set of human-in-the-loop simulations. INVIRCAT focusses on the influence of RPAS specific challenges, such as latency and failure of the voice and command and control links, on human factor aspects of air traffic controllers and remote pilots and investigates possible mitigations, such as the use of automatic take-off and landing systems and predetermined contingency procedures. Thereby, INVIRCAT considers different RPAS types, from MALE/HALE configurations to retrofitted airliners used for cargo operations and an operational environment in which multiple RPAS at a time share the airspace of the TMA with manned aircraft

Extended ATM for Seamless Travel (X-TEAM D2D)

In the future (up to 2050), physical infrastructure, transport systems, traffic management, operational processes and information systems will be seamlessly integrated. The combination of new emerging transport modes such as extended urban and regional air transport forms (SAT, PATS, UAM), electric and autonomous mobility (road, rail, water) with a passenger-centric view will revolutionize future mobility. A key enabler for this is integrating ATM into overall multimodal transport systems that will provide airports, authorities, transport companies and passengers with common and comprehensive information of the door-to-door (D2D) travel flows. The X-TEAM D2D project explores and analyzes the integration of ATM into the overall multimodal transport system, considering currently available transportation modalities and the emerging transport and mobility forms envisaged for the next decades. Moreover, the X-TEAM D2D focuses on the detailed consideration of Concept of Operations (ConOps) for seamless D2D mobility in urban and extended urban areas (up to regional), understanding the risks and opportunities impacting strategic policy directions. Three time horizons are considered: baseline (2025), intermediate (2035) and final (2050). The developed ConOps will be validated and evaluated against applicable Key Performance Areas (KPA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI), using a simulation-based platform that considers the most relevant transport elements in the future, such as interfaces mode-mode, high-level network model, passenger-centric paradigm. Furthermore, specific use cases of the D2D journey under different scenarios will be identified. These use cases will be analyzed in depth to validate the ConOps and enable decision support tools

A phase 1 study of mTORC1/2 inhibitor BI 860585 as a single agent or with exemestane or paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors

This phase 1 trial (NCT01938846) determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the mTOR serine/threonine kinase inhibitor, BI 860585, as monotherapy and with exemestane or paclitaxel in patients with advanced solid tumors. This 3+3 dose-escalation study assessed BI 860585 monotherapy (5-300 mg/day; Arm A), BI 860585 (40-220 mg/day; Arm B) with 25 mg/day exemestane, and BI 860585 (80-220 mg/day; Arm C) with 60-80 mg/m(2)/week paclitaxel, in 28-day cycles. Primary endpoints were the number of patients with dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in cycle 1 and the MTD. Forty-one, 25, and 24 patients were treated (Arms A, B, and C). DLTs were observed in four (rash (n= 2), elevated alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase, diarrhea), four (rash (n= 3), stomatitis, and increased gamma-glutamyl transferase), and two (diarrhea, increased blood creatine phosphokinase) patients in cycle 1. The BI 860585 MTD was 220 mg/day (Arm A) and 160 mg/day (Arms B and C). Nine patients achieved an objective response (Arm B: Four partial responses (PRs); Arm C: Four PRs; one complete response). The disease control rate was 20%, 28%, and 58% (Arms A, B, and C). The most frequent treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were hyperglycemia (54%) and diarrhea (39%) (Arm A); diarrhea (40%) and stomatitis (40%) (Arm B); fatigue (58%) and diarrhea (58%) (Arm C). The MTD was determined in all arms. Antitumor activity was observed with BI 860585 monotherapy and in combination with exemestane or paclitaxel