Identification of patterns for space-time event networks

This paper provides new tools for analyzing spatio-temporal event networks. We build time series of directed event networks for a set of spatial distances, and based on scan-statistics, the spatial distance that generates the strongest change of event network connections is chosen. In addition, we propose an empirical random network event generator to detect significant motifs throughout time. This generator preserves the spatial configuration but randomizes the order of the occurrence of events. To prevent the large number of links from masking the count of motifs, we propose using standardized counts of motifs at each time slot. Our methodology is able to detect interaction radius in space, build time series of networks, and describe changes in its topology over time, by means of identification of different types of motifs that allows for the understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the phenomena. We illustrate our methodology by analyzing thefts occurred in Medellín (Colombia) between the years 2003 and 2015.

A model intended to choose optimal wooden construction software according to many criteria

Environmental friendliness gains increasing importance for people in constructing modern residential buildings. Wood is a natural polymer with unique properties that make it an excellent choice for the construction of environmentally-friendly new housing. New building technologies have significantly improved the performance of wood as a material. Modern software allows not only to get a 3D-visualization of the project, but to make the house strong and safe, save costs on construction, and reduce the build time of wooden houses. Currently, there are a large number of various software packages for wooden construction, so it may be a problem to choose the appropriate one based on the criteria of the required functionality and cost-effectiveness. Aim. This work aims at the development of a model intended to choose optimal wooden construction software according to many criteria, which will reduce the time of the scientifically grounded decision, and in such a way, increase the efficiency of a wooden house designing process. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to analyze the existing wooden construction software, to consider the criteria for selecting designing programs, to develop a model for scientifically grounded choice of software on many functional and cost criteria in the conditions of fuzzy information; and to provide an example of using this model has been developed. Methodology. A fuzzy multicriteria analysis of variants according to the Bellman-Zade scheme is used. Results. Modern building information technologies have expanded the possibilities of spatial planning of residential, working, shopping, entertainment, sports, and other areas of design. The model for the choice of wooden construction software that allows choosing software according to many functional and cost criteria in the conditions of fuzzy input information is presented. An example of using the developed model for the choice of wooden construction software is given. Practical value. The use of the developed model for wooden construction choice in the conditions of fuzzy information based on many functional and cost criteria will make the choice scientifically grounded.

Rapid Response! Investigating the Effects of Problem Definition on the Characteristics of Additively Manufactured Solutions for COVID-19

Designers from around the world have proposed numerous engineering design solutions for problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which leverage the rapid prototyping and manufacturing capabilities of additive manufacturing (AM). While some of these solutions are motivated by complex and urgent requirements (e.g., face masks), others are motivated by simpler and less urgent needs (e.g., hands-free door openers). Previous research suggests that problem definition influences the creativity of solutions generated for it. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the definition of problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the characteristics of AM solutions that were openly shared for these problems. Specifically, we analyze 26 AM solutions spanning three categories: (1) hands-free door openers (low complexity problem), (2) face shields (moderate complexity problem), and (3) face masks (high complexity problem). These designs were compared on (1) DfAM utilization, (2) manufacturability (i.e., build time, cost, and material usage), and (3) creativity. We see that the solutions designed for the high complexity problem, i.e., face masks, were least suitable for AM. Moreover, we see that solutions designed for the moderate complexity problem, i.e., face shields, had the lowest build time, build cost, and material consumption. Finally, we observe that the problem definition did not relate to the creativity of the AM solutions. In light of these findings, designers must sufficiently emphasize the AM suitability and manufacturability of their solutions when designing for urgent and complex problems in rapid response situations.

Industrial Building System (IBS): A Unique Intra-Module Connection on Modular Steel Building (MSB)

Modular Steel Building (MSB) provide benefits towards green building technology such as minimum wastage, faster build time and cost-efficiency. The intra-module connection is the most important aspect of MSB construction since it has a significant impact on overall structural stability and robustness. A novel intra-module connection was proposed for the MSB. The proposal was designed to suit the illustrative five-storey hexagon shape modular steel building that possibly imagines by Architect. Two analyses phases are being presented, namely the Macro and Microanalysis model. The former is the stage for global analysis design of the proposed five-storey hexagon shape modular steel building via SAP2000. The latter is the local intra-module connection behaviour analysis using ABAQUS software. Linear and nonlinear static analyses were carried out on the proposed intra-module connection under the vertical applied load. In this work, the failure of the connection under the given load was governed by the hexagon diaphragm, while the fin plate demonstrates the least affected constitutive component. It anticipates that the suggested unique intra-module connection will encourage architects to employ modular steel construction designs with greater flexibility. Future research will concentrate on the parametric study to improve the performance of the diaphragm and the connection’s limitations.

Design and validation of integrated clamping interfaces for post-processing and robotic handling in additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (LPBF), enables the fabrication of complex and customized metallic parts. However, 20–40% of the total manufacturing costs are usually attributed to post-processing steps. To reduce the costs of extensive post-processing, the process chain for AM parts has to be automated. Accordingly, robotic gripping and handling processes, as well as an efficient clamping for subtractive machining of AM parts, are key challenges. This study introduces and validates integrated bolts acting as a handling and clamping interface of AM parts. The bolts are integrated into the part design and manufactured in the same LPBF process. The bolts can be easily removed after the machining process using a wrench. This feasibility study investigates different bolt elements. The experiments and simulations conducted in the study show that a force of 250 N resulted in a maximum displacement of 12.5 µm. The milling results of the LPBF parts reveal a maximum roughness value, Ra, of 1.42 µm, which is comparable to that of a standard clamping system. After the bolt removal, a maximum residual height of 0.067 mm remains. Two case studies are conducted to analyze the form deviation, the effect of bolts on build time, and material volume and to demonstrate the application of the bolts. Thus, the major contribution of this study is the design and the validation of standardized interfaces for robotic handling and clamping of complex AM parts. The novelties are a simple and clean interface removal, less material consumption, less support structure required, and finally an achievement of a five-side tool accessibility by combining the interfaces with a three-jaw chuck.

Chemotherapy roadmaps in pediatric oncology: A digital electronic medical record integrated solution

Background Delivery of antineoplastic regimens in the pediatric setting is facilitated by a paper roadmap. Paper roadmaps are the key safety tool required for safe ordering. Electronic medical record systems offer technological solutions for ordering antineoplastic regimens, however, do not offer a solution that integrates paper roadmaps digitally. Methods A multidisciplinary project team implemented real-time clinician scanning of paper roadmaps into the electronic medical record. Results The rate of missing roadmaps decreased from an average of 1.6 to 0.8 per week. Pharmacists gained 3 h of productivity daily. Providers spend an average of 35–45 s and a total of seven clicks each time a roadmap is scanned. Overall, the clinical systems analyst spent less than 1 h of total build time. Conclusion Implementing roadmap scanning decreased the rate of missing roadmaps, increased pharmacist productivity, and required a nominal amount of analyst and provider time. In addition, this solution allows for concurrent viewing of the roadmap files from any connected computer, facilitating an easier co-signature process for providers, pharmacists, and nurses. Practice Implications These results suggest that implementing real-time scanning of roadmaps can improve oncology care efficiency while maintaining the same safety rigor that paper roadmaps offer.

On the Impact of Additive Manufacturing Processes Complexity on Modelling

The interest in additive manufacturing (AM) processes is constantly increasing due to the many advantages they offer. To this end, a variety of modelling techniques for the plethora of the AM mechanisms has been proposed. However, the process modelling complexity, a term that can be used in order to define the level of detail of the simulations, has not been clearly addressed so far. In particular, one important aspect that is common in all the AM processes is the movement of the head, which directly affects part quality and build time. The knowledge of the entire progression of the phenomenon is a key aspect for the optimization of the path as well as the speed evolution in time of the head. In this study, a metamodeling framework for AM is presented, aiming to increase the practicality of simulations that investigate the effect of the movement of the head on part quality. The existing AM process groups have been classified based on three parameters/axes: temperature of the process, complexity, and part size, where the complexity has been modelled using a dedicated heuristic metric, based on entropy. To achieve this, a discretized version of the processes implicated variables has been developed, introducing three types of variable: process parameters, key modeling variables and performance indicators. This can lead to an enhanced roadmap for the significance of the variables and the interpretation and use of the various models. The utilized spectrum of AM processes is discussed with respect to the modelling types, namely theoretical/computational and experimental/empirical.

Orientation Optimization in Additive Manufacturing: Evaluation of Recent Trends

Build orientation in additive manufacturing influences the mechanical properties, surface quality, build time, and cost of the product. Rather than relying on trial-and-error or prior experience, the choice of build orientation can be formulated as an optimization problem. Consequently, orientation optimization has been a popular research topic for several decades, with new optimization methods being proposed each year. However, despite the rapid pace of research in additive manufacturing, there has not been a critical comparison of different orientation optimization methods. In this study, we present a critical review of 50 articles published since 2015 that proposes a method for orientation optimization for additive manufacturing. We classify included papers by optimization methods used, AM process modeled, and objective functions considered. While the pace of research in recent years has been rapid, most approaches we identified utilized similar objective functions and computational optimization techniques to research from the early 2000s. The most common optimization method in the included research was exhaustive search. Most methods focused on broad applicability to all additive manufacturing processes, rather than a specific process, but a few works focused on powder bed fusion and material extrusion. We also identified several areas for future work including integration with other design and process planning tasks such as topology optimization, more focus on practical implementation with users, testing of computational efficiency, and experimental validation of utilized objective functions.