A framework and method for analysis of feed-forward industrial and manufacturing lines

PurposeThis modeling facilitates the determination of control responses (or possibly reconfiguration) upon such events and the identification of which segments of the pipeline can continue to function uninterrupted. Based on this modeling, an algorithm is presented to implement the control responses and to establish this determination. In this work, the authors propose using Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), which is an integrated method to perform the system-wide control based on message exchanging among local node controllers (agents) and the global controller (broker).Design/methodology/approachComplex manufacturing lines in industrial plants are designed to accomplish an overall task in an incremental mode. This typically consists of a sequence of smaller tasks organized as cascaded processing nodes with local controls, which must be coordinated and aided by a system-wide (global) controller. This work presents a logic modeling technique for such pipelines and a method for using its logic to determine the consequent effects of events where a node halts/fails on the overall operation.FindingsThe method uses a protocol for establishing communication of node events and the algorithm to determine the consequences of node events in order to produce global control directives, which are communicated back to node controllers over MQTT. The algorithm is simulated using a complex manufacturing line with arbitrary events to illustrate the sequence of events and the agents–broker message exchanging.Originality/valueThis approach (MQTT) is a relatively new concept in Cyber-Physical Systems. The proposed example of feed-forward is not new; however, for illustration purposes, it was suggested that a feed-forward be used. Future works will consider practical examples that are at the core of the manufacturing processes.

Four Frames for Choosing Performance Metrics for Child and Family Service Programs: Strategic Planning, Decision Points, Logic Modeling, and Implementation Science

This article provides guidance for child and family service organizations seeking to develop useful performance metrics for their programs. It describes four frames for this work, based on strategic planning, decision points, logic modeling, and implementation science. These four frameworks are applied to two cases, an afterschool program and a therapeutic foster care program. Additional considerations are provided for reducing potential metrics to a meaningful few.

Intervention Planning for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tinnitus

Purpose The purpose of this study is to comprehensively describe the intervention planning process for the Tinnitus E-Programme 2.0, an Internet-based cognitive behavioral intervention for tinnitus. Method Theory-, evidence-, and person-based approaches to intervention development were used. In Phase 1, quantitative systematic reviews were used to identify potentially effective intervention techniques and design features. Primary mixed-methods research involving adults with tinnitus explored the acceptability of the first version of the intervention. In Phase 2, person-based guiding principles highlighted key intervention design objectives and features to address needs of the intervention's target group (identified in Phase 1) to maximize its acceptability, feasibility of delivery, and effectiveness. Theory-based “behavioral analysis” and “logic modeling” comprehensively described intervention content and potential mechanisms of action. From this planning work, a prototype intervention was developed. Results The intervention design objectives outlined in the guiding principles were to (a) normalize tinnitus, (b) support users to maintain a regular relaxation practice, (c) minimize the worsening of users' tinnitus sensation, and (d) ensure the intervention is accessible to those with hearing loss. Behavioral analysis and logic modeling identified intervention processes (e.g., illness perceptions, beliefs about consequences, skills, goals) and purported mediators (acceptance of tinnitus, negative thinking, use of the cognitive skills tools for managing negative thoughts, and practicing regular relaxation) hypothesized to facilitate reductions in tinnitus symptom severity. Conclusions The guiding principles highlight key design objectives and features to consider when developing interventions for tinnitus. The logic model offers hypothesized mechanisms of action that can be tested in future process analyses.

Fuzzy Logic Modeling for Integrating the Thematic Layers Derived from Remote Sensing Imagery: A Mineral Exploration Technique

In this study, fuzzy logic modeling was implemented to fuse the thematic layers derived from principal components analysis (PCA) in order to generate mineral prospectivity maps. Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and WorldView-3 (WV-3) satellite remote sensing data were used. A spatial subset zone of the Central Iranian Terrane (CIT), Iran was selected in this study. The PCA technique was implemented for the processing of the datasets and for the production of alteration thematic layers. PCA4, PCA5, and PCA8 were selected as the most rational alteration thematic layers of ASTER for the generation of a prospectivity map. The fuzzy gamma operator was used to fuse the selected alteration thematic layers. The PCA3, PCA4, and PCA6 thematic layers (most rational alteration thematic layers) of WV-3 were fused using the fuzzy AND operator. Field reconnaissance, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) spectroscopy were carried out to verify the image processing results. Subsequently, mineral prospectivity maps were produced showing high-potential zones of Pb-Zn mineralization in the study area.

Applying Fuzzy Logic to Modeling Economic Emergence

Modeling of financial, socioeconomic and integration indicators of fishing enterprises in conditions of uncertainty and constant transformation requires the development of an economic and mathematical model for studying the emergent state, which would be based on a set of main factors of influence of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the dynamics of functioning. To create an expert modeling system for multi factorial analysis of the processes of functioning and management decisions of industrial enterprises, a mathematical apparatus based on the theory of fuzzy logic and a linguistic variable was used. This economic and mathematical method is a computer of mathematical algorithms, models and formalized methods and is based on the stagnation of expert linguistic information for predicting indicators of development or decline in order to form the basic mechanism for detecting latent properties of an emergent state. To develop an economic and mathematical model expert assessments and the results of analytical and experimental scientific studies of a qualitative and quantitative nature are used. Fuzzy logic modeling allows you to combine quantitative and qualitative factors and allows you to identify latent signals of emergent properties and determine the level of emergent state of industrial enterprises