2017
Authors
Mani, V; Delgado, C; Hazen, BT; Patel, P;
Publication
SUSTAINABILITY
Abstract
The use of big data analytics for forecasting business trends is gaining momentum among professionals. At the same time, supply chain risk management is important for practitioners to consider because it outlines ways through which firms can allay internal and external threats. Predicting and addressing the risks that social issues cause in the supply chain is of paramount importance to the sustainable enterprise. The aim of this research is to explore the application of big data analytics in mitigating supply chain social risk and to demonstrate how such mitigation can help in achieving environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The method involves an expert panel and survey identifying and validating social issues in the supply chain. A case study was used to illustrate the application of big data analytics in identifying and mitigating social issues in the supply chain. Our results show that companies can predict various social problems including workforce safety, fuel consumptions monitoring, workforce health, security, physical condition of vehicles, unethical behavior, theft, speeding and traffic violations through big data analytics, thereby demonstrating how information management actions can mitigate social risks. This paper contributes to the literature by integrating big data analytics with sustainability to explain how to mitigate supply chain risk.
2017
Authors
Rodrigues, C; Correia, M; Abrantes, JMCS; Nadal, J; Rodrigues, MAB;
Publication
2017 39TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY (EMBC)
Abstract
Given the difficulty of invasive methods to assess muscle action during natural human movement, surface electromyography (sEMG) has been increasingly used to capture muscle activity in relation to kinesiological analysis of specific tasks. Isolated isometric, concentric and eccentric forms of muscle action have been receiving the most attention for research purposes. Nevertheless natural muscle action frequently involves the use of a preceding eccentric muscle action as a form of potentiation of immediate muscle concentric action, in what is designated as muscle stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). The most frequently applied protocols for the evaluation of SSC on vertical jumps are by virtue of their reproducibility and control of experimental conditions, squat jump (SJ) without countermovement (CM), countermovement jump (CMJ) with long CM and drop jump (DJ) with short CM. The methods used to extract information and relationship of the captured signals also present a high diversity, with the question about the consistency of the methods and obtained results. The objective of this study is to evaluate the consistency of the analysis and results by applying different EMGs signal analysis techniques related to strategic muscle groups of the lower limbs at different countermovement evaluated in vertical jumps. Raw sEMG signals of 5 lower limb muscles of 6 subjects during SJ, CMJ and DJ were rectified, filtered and obtained their envelope, and then correlated (CR) for detection of synergistic, agonist and antagonist activity, applied principal component analysis (PCA) for the detection of uncorrelated components explaining maximum variability and normalized cross-correlation (CCRN) for detection of maximum correlations and time lag. CR of EMG envelopes presented higher coactivities (CoA) in DJ relative to SJ and these CoA superior to CMJ with greater synergy in DJ relative to SJ and CMJ that present several loop cycles corresponding to time lag of activity. CCRN of the EMG envelopes presented also higher CoA in DJ when compared to SJ and both higher CoA to CMJ. PCA allowed to detect a principal component (PC) explaining 92.2% of the variability of EMG in DJ, 90.6% in SJ and 78.7% in CMJ, the second PC responsible for the explanation of 4.9% variability in DJ, 6.7% in SJ and 15.3% in CMJ.
2017
Authors
Dias, CC; Rodrigues, PP; Fernandes, S; Portela, F; Ministro, P; Martins, D; Sousa, P; Lago, P; Rosa, I; Correia, L; Santos, PM; Magro, F;
Publication
PLOS ONE
Abstract
Introduction Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease known to carry a high risk of disabling and many times requiring surgical interventions. This article describes a decision-tree based approach that defines the CD patients' risk or undergoing disabling events, surgical interventions and reoperations, based on clinical and demographic variables. Materials and methods This multicentric study involved 1547 CD patients retrospectively enrolled and divided into two cohorts: a derivation one (80%) and a validation one (20%). Decision trees were built upon applying the CHAIRT algorithm for the selection of variables. Results Three-level decision trees were built for the risk of disabling and reoperation, whereas the risk of surgery was described in a two-level one. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed, and the area under the curves (AUC) Was higher than 70% for all outcomes. The defined risk cut-off values show usefulness for the assessed outcomes: risk levels above 75% for disabling had an odds test positivity of 4.06 [3.50-4.71], whereas risk levels below 34% and 19% excluded surgery and reoperation with an odds test negativity of 0.15 [0.09-0.25] and 0.50 [0.24-1.01], respectively. Overall, patients with B2 or B3 phenotype had a higher proportion of disabling disease and surgery, while patients with later introduction of pharmacological therapeutic (1 months after initial surgery) had a higher proportion of reoperation. Conclusions The decision-tree based approach used in this study, with demographic and clinical variables, has shown to be a valid and useful approach to depict such risks of disabling, surgery and reoperation.
2017
Authors
Lourencao A.; Baptista E.; Soler E.; Souza F.; Cherri A.;
Publication
IEEE Latin America Transactions
Abstract
Inventory management can be considered as one of the main components of planning and production control. In the literature numerous mathematical models are presented for inventory management, which approach different aspects related to this management. The development of efficient inventory models and the adoption of appropriate optimization methods for solving these models are needed to support in making decisions to inventory management. In this paper, we propose an inventory model that works with multiple products and multiple resource constraints, deciding between the continuous review and periodic review systems. This model is formulated as a nonlinear mixed integer optimization problem. It explores for the resolution of this model, an approach based on Branch-And-Bound method and interior point method. In order to propose this model and choose the method for its resolution, initially an investigation in the literature review on the topic is done. Then, the concept of continuous review and periodic review systems is explored. Finally, two computational tests are proposed, one to compare the results of proposed nonlinear model with the linear model and the other to verify its efficiency and applicability. The results show the potential of the model and solution method used to work with inventory system.
2017
Authors
Hernando-Gil I.; Shi H.; Li F.; Djokic S.; Lehtonen M.;
Publication
IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery
Abstract
In this paper, typical strengths, fault levels, and source impedances are thoroughly analyzed and calculated for the study of quality of supply in 230/400 V 50 Hz distribution systems. Considering all the disparity in distribution network design, this study is based on a comprehensive database containing typical arrangements and equipment in U.K./European systems, as well as on fully documented generic network models supplying four residential load subsectors in the U.K., i.e., from metropolitan to rural areas. Thus, this paper proposes an alternative method for determining reference values of network supply impedances and short-circuit fault levels at different points and locations of the medium-to-low voltage distribution system. The aim of this study is to provide a wider range of benchmark values than those stipulated in the IEC 60725 Standard, which only defines a single-reference threshold of public supply impedances for all types of distribution systems and residential customers. In order to assist network operators in the planning and design of their distribution systems, these values are further disaggregated and classified in this paper according to network/demand type.
2017
Authors
Fisseler, D; Schneider, A; Lourenco, EJ; Baptista, AJ;
Publication
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING 2017
Abstract
For a company it is important to improve resource and eco-efficiency in order to save money, the environment and to improve the company's image. We present a new approach combining Multi-layer Stream Mapping (MSM) and a Business Process Based Monitoring and Control Framework to monitor relevant process variables and use the values as an input for MSM to reduce waste and costs. This combination supports the decision making process and allows to identify major inefficiencies and provides means for more sustainability.
The access to the final selection minute is only available to applicants.
Please check the confirmation e-mail of your application to obtain the access code.