Applied Sciences

2024

Jump to: 2022, 2021, 2020

21 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Digital Citizenship and Digital Transformation Enablers on Innovativeness and Problem-Solving Capabilities

by Marko Slavković, Katarina Pavlović, Vesna Rašković Depalov, Tamara Vučenović and Marijana Bugarčić

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4827; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114827 - 3 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1200

Abstract

Doing business in the age of information abundance indicates the importance of developing information management skills, enabling the individuals to be more productive but also more flexible to changes. In literature, innovation, as a driver of a firm’s performance, has been highlighted, while [...] Read more.

Doing business in the age of information abundance indicates the importance of developing information management skills, enabling the individuals to be more productive but also more flexible to changes. In literature, innovation, as a driver of a firm’s performance, has been highlighted, while problem-solving capabilities are considered one of the key assumptions for the implementation of digital transformation strategy. The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of digital citizenship and digital transformation enablers on innovation and problem-solving capabilities. The data collection procedure commenced by selecting a random sample of private companies from various industries A survey was carried out, and a total sample of 247 valid questionnaires were collected. The PLS-SEM method was used to test the relationships in the proposed model. The study found that some elements of digital citizenship are positively associated with digital transformation enablers. The results of the study confirmed that technology-based digital transformation enablers positively contribute to innovation and problem-solving capabilities. Also, technological facets of digital transformation enablers realize a mediating role in the relationship between digital citizenship and innovation, as well as with problem-solving capabilities. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2021, 2020

17 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rhythmic-Synchronization-Based Interaction: Effect of Interfering Auditory Stimuli, Age and Gender on Users’ Performances

by Alessio Bellino

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(6), 3053; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12063053 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

Rhythmic-synchronization-based interaction is an emerging interaction technique where multiple controls with different rhythms are displayed in visual form, and the user can select one of them by matching the corresponding rhythm. These techniques can be used to control smart objects in environments where [...] Read more.

Rhythmic-synchronization-based interaction is an emerging interaction technique where multiple controls with different rhythms are displayed in visual form, and the user can select one of them by matching the corresponding rhythm. These techniques can be used to control smart objects in environments where there may be interfering auditory stimuli that contrast with the visual rhythm (e.g., to control Smart TVs while playing music), and this could compromise users’ ability to synchronize. Moreover, these techniques require certain reflex skills to properly synchronize with the displayed rhythm, and these skills may vary depending on the age and gender of the users. To determine the impact of interfering auditory stimuli, age, and gender on users’ ability to synchronize, we conducted a user study with 103 participants. Our results show that there are no significant differences between the conditions of interfering and noninterfering auditory stimuli and that synchronization ability decreases with age, with males performing better than females—at least as far as younger users are concerned. As a result, two implications emerge: first, users are capable of focusing only on visual rhythm ignoring the auditory interfering rhythm, so listening to an interfering rhythm should not be a major concern for synchronization; second, as age and gender have an impact, these systems may be designed to allow for customization of rhythm speed so that different users can choose the speed that best suits their reflex skills. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2020

21 pages, 1782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Project Management Information Systems (PMISs): A Statistical-Based Analysis for the Evaluation of Software Packages Features

by Rosa Micale, Concetta Manuela La Fata, Alberto Lombardo and Giada La Scalia

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11233; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311233 - 26 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5015

Abstract

Project Managers (PMs) working in competitive markets are finding Project Management Information Systems (PMISs) useful for planning, organizing and controlling projects of varying complexity. A wide variety of PMIS software is available, suitable for projects differing in scope and user needs. This paper [...] Read more.

Project Managers (PMs) working in competitive markets are finding Project Management Information Systems (PMISs) useful for planning, organizing and controlling projects of varying complexity. A wide variety of PMIS software is available, suitable for projects differing in scope and user needs. This paper identifies the most useful features found in PMISs. An extensive literature review and analysis of commercial software is made to identify the main features of PMISs. Afterwards, the list is reduced by a panel of project management experts, and a statistical analysis is performed on data acquired by means of two different surveys. The relative importance of listed features is properly computed, and the interactions between the respondent’s profiles and PMIS features are also investigated by cluster and respondents’ analyses. The paper provides information for researchers and practitioners interested in PMISs packages and their applications. Furthermore, the analyses may help practitioners when choosing a PMIS, and also for developers of PMISs software in understanding user needs. Full article

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13 pages, 533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Taxonomy of Technologies for Human-Centred Logistics 4.0

by Alexandra Lagorio, Chiara Cimini, Fabiana Pirola and Roberto Pinto

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(20), 9661; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11209661 - 16 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4729

Abstract

Following the spread of the Industry 4.0 paradigm, the role of digital technologies in manufacturing, especially in production and industrial logistics processes, has become increasingly pivotal. Although the push towards digitalization and processes interconnection can bring substantial benefits, it may also increase the [...] Read more.

Following the spread of the Industry 4.0 paradigm, the role of digital technologies in manufacturing, especially in production and industrial logistics processes, has become increasingly pivotal. Although the push towards digitalization and processes interconnection can bring substantial benefits, it may also increase the complexity of processes in terms of integration and management. To fully exploit the potential of technology, companies are required to develop an in-depth knowledge of each operational activity and related human aspects in the contexts where technology solutions can be implemented. Indeed, analyzing the impacts of technology on human work is key to promoting human-centred smart manufacturing and logistics processes. Therefore, this paper aims at increasing and systematizing knowledge about technologies supporting internal logistics working activities The main contribution of this paper is a taxonomy of the technologies that may be implemented in the different internal logistics areas to support a Logistics 4.0 model. Such a contribution is elaborated in accordance with a deductive approach (i.e., reasoning from the particular to the general), and backed up by an analysis of the literature. The taxonomy represents a useful framework to understand the current and possible technological implementations to drive logistics processes towards Logistics 4.0, with specific attention to the relation between human operators and technologies. Full article

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22 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Human Performance Impact on OEE in the Adoption of New Production Technologies

by Sebastiano Di Luozzo, Georgiana Ramona Pop and Massimiliano Maria Schiraldi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8620; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188620 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3812

Abstract

The initial adoption phase of new production technologies is the period between the first production run or technology reconfiguration and the achievement of a stable target output. This time frame is generally characterized by productivity unsteadiness, quality performance variability, and unexpected machine failures [...] Read more.

The initial adoption phase of new production technologies is the period between the first production run or technology reconfiguration and the achievement of a stable target output. This time frame is generally characterized by productivity unsteadiness, quality performance variability, and unexpected machine failures together with increasing production volumes due to the process setup and instability, which inevitably affects production output. In this context, human performance represents an additional source of variability and process instability that is dependent on the workers’ productivity, learning curve and related training activities. Hence, to effectively assess the ramp-up phase of new production technologies, an appropriate evaluation of human performance is required. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework and criteria to perform a consistent assessment of the initial adoption phase of new production technologies by introducing two OEE measurement methodologies that distinguish between human performance, process configuration and technical features of the production technology. The proposed framework is then applied to and validated by a case study concerning the introduction of a semi-automatic packaging machine in a primary multinational company in the logistics industry. This case study shows the difference between the two OEE measures, along with the values interpretation and useful insights for achieving a stable production output. Full article

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28 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Respite for SMEs: A Systematic Review of Socio-Technical Cybersecurity Metrics

by Max van Haastrecht, Bilge Yigit Ozkan, Matthieu Brinkhuis and Marco Spruit

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6909; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156909 - 27 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5476

Abstract

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to cope with these developments. To combat threats, SMEs must first be willing and able to assess their cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity risk assessment, generally performed with the help of metrics, [...] Read more.

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to cope with these developments. To combat threats, SMEs must first be willing and able to assess their cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity risk assessment, generally performed with the help of metrics, provides the basis for an adequate defense. Significant challenges remain, however, especially in the complex socio-technical setting of SMEs. Seemingly basic questions, such as how to aggregate metrics and ensure solution adaptability, are still open to debate. Aggregation and adaptability are vital topics to SMEs, as they require the assimilation of metrics into an actionable advice adapted to their situation and needs. To address these issues, we systematically review socio-technical cybersecurity metric research in this paper. We analyse aggregation and adaptability considerations and investigate how current findings apply to the SME situation. To ensure that we provide valuable insights to researchers and practitioners, we integrate our results in a novel socio-technical cybersecurity framework geared towards the needs of SMEs. Our framework allowed us to determine a glaring need for intuitive, threat-based cybersecurity risk assessment approaches for the least digitally mature SMEs. In the future, we hope our framework will help to offer SMEs some deserved respite by guiding the design of suitable cybersecurity assessment solutions. Full article

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21 pages, 1626 KiB

Open AccessReview

Accessibility in Native Mobile Applications for Users with Disabilities: A Scoping Review

by Patricia Acosta-Vargas, Belén Salvador-Acosta, Luis Salvador-Ullauri, William Villegas-Ch. and Mario Gonzalez

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5707; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125707 - 20 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7082

Abstract

The objective of this scoping review is to characterize the current scenario of mobile applications considering accessibility issues for people with cognitive, motor, and sensory disabilities. Nowadays, mobile devices have grown exponentially, giving way to new ways of relating, managing, and working. In [...] Read more.

The objective of this scoping review is to characterize the current scenario of mobile applications considering accessibility issues for people with cognitive, motor, and sensory disabilities. Nowadays, mobile devices have grown exponentially, giving way to new ways of relating, managing, and working. In this context, mobile devices seek to democratize access to knowledge on different topics; however, the application of accessibility guidelines is neglected. The reviewers extracted the most relevant articles published between 2000 and 2020 from the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In this scoping review, the PRISMA-ScR checklist was used to extract scientific articles; Cohen’s kappa coefficient = 0.4117 was applied, which implies moderate concordance of reviewers; 22 primary studies were extracted from a total of 211. The results obtained in this research suggest applying WCAG 2.1 in mobile applications to achieve an adequate level of accessibility. Future work suggests designing review tools that include machine learning based on artificial intelligence algorithms. Full article

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15 pages, 3496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Agent-Specific Stochastic Model of Generalized Reaching Task Difficulty

by Andrea Lucchese, Salvatore Digiesi, Kübra Akbaş and Carlotta Mummolo

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4330; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104330 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1561

Abstract

The ability of an agent to accomplish a trajectory during a certain motor task depends on the fit between external (environment) and internal (agent) constraints, also known as affordance. A model of difficulty for a generalized reaching motor task is proposed as an [...] Read more.

The ability of an agent to accomplish a trajectory during a certain motor task depends on the fit between external (environment) and internal (agent) constraints, also known as affordance. A model of difficulty for a generalized reaching motor task is proposed as an affordance-related measure, as perceived by a specific agent for a given environment and task. By extending the information-based Index of Difficulty of a trajectory, a stochastic model of difficulty is formulated based on the observed variability of spatial trajectories executed by a given agent during a repetitive motor task. The model is tested on an experimental walking dataset available in the literature, where the repetitive stride movement of differently aged subjects (14 “old” subjects aged 50–73; 20 “young” subjects aged 21–37) at multiple speed conditions (comfortable, ~30% faster, ~30% slower) is analyzed. Reduced trajectory variability in older as compared to younger adults results in a higher Index of Difficulty (slower: +24%, p < 0.0125; faster: +38%, p < 0.002) which is interpreted in this context as reduced affordance. The model overcomes the limits of existing difficulty measures by capturing the stochastic dependency of task difficulty on a subject’s age and average speed. This model provides a benchmarking tool for motor performance in biomechanics and ergonomics applications. Full article

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25 pages, 13077 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Maintenance Operator in Industrial Manufacturing Systems: Research Topics and Trends

by Alessia M. R. Tortora, Valentina Di Pasquale, Chiara Franciosi, Salvatore Miranda and Raffaele Iannone

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3193; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073193 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5562

Abstract

Maintenance contributes to gaining high business performance, guarantees system availability and reliability as well as safe and sustainable operations. Maintenance activity effectiveness depends on competences and the skills of operators whose performance strongly affects maintenance and production operations. The research field of human [...] Read more.

Maintenance contributes to gaining high business performance, guarantees system availability and reliability as well as safe and sustainable operations. Maintenance activity effectiveness depends on competences and the skills of operators whose performance strongly affects maintenance and production operations. The research field of human issues in industrial maintenance was deeply addressed in the literature; however, the current industrial paradigm, which focusses on the integration of new technologies in conventional manufacturing operations to support human performance, sheds light on new challenges for enterprises and opportunities for research in this field. While some literature reviews in the field of human errors and human factors are available, no study investigated the main topics, research trends and challenges related to the role of maintenance operators in manufacturing systems. This paper addresses the current state-of-the-art role of maintenance operators in manufacturing systems, providing an overview of the main studies. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify significant papers. Then, a topic modelling algorithm was used to detect the main topics of the selected papers to provide the research trends of the subject. The identified topics provided interesting research insights on the human role in industrial maintenance. Research trends and further research opportunities were defined. Full article

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18 pages, 6914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rule-Based System for Human Performance Evaluation: A Case Study

by Iva Mikulić, Dragutin Lisjak and Nedeljko Štefanić

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11072904 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2791

Abstract

The issues of many organizations are related to the proper evaluation of human performance and efficient decision-making. The expert system application within the decision-making process is not a novelty, but the widespread of its implementation regarding performance evaluation has not been recognized yet. [...] Read more.

The issues of many organizations are related to the proper evaluation of human performance and efficient decision-making. The expert system application within the decision-making process is not a novelty, but the widespread of its implementation regarding performance evaluation has not been recognized yet. To overcome this problem, a case study of rule-based expert system application in the decision-making process regarding human performance in periodical technical inspection stations in Croatia is presented. The rule-based expert system improves the quality of traditional decision-making as designed rules provide a visual, transparent, and accurate comparison of observed values with the expected values. Moreover, it provides easy problem identification. Therefore, rules regarding periodical technical inspection inspectors’ performance are designed and embedded in the expert system architecture. However, more effort should be made into data analysis to define parameters and their relations for the purpose of designing rules. Thus, the binary logistic regression and an ANOVA statistical test were conducted to identify which parameters can be assumed as relevant indicators regarding the performance of periodical technical inspection inspectors. In this study, the expert system application has resulted in faster response, greater efficiency, and increased objectivity. That is of utmost importance for providing an efficient and transparent periodical technical inspection system. Full article

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2020

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13 pages, 1169 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Bi-Objective Design and Management of Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems to Optimize Technical and Ergonomic Performances

by Marco Bortolini, Lucia Botti, Francesco Gabriele Galizia and Alberto Regattieri

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010263 - 29 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2649

Abstract

In the last decades, Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMSs) rose as an emerging manufacturing strategy matching the modern industrial and market requirements asking for a wide variety of products in flexible batches. A traditional reconfigurable manufacturing environment consists of dynamic cells, called Reconfigurable Machine [...] Read more.

In the last decades, Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMSs) rose as an emerging manufacturing strategy matching the modern industrial and market requirements asking for a wide variety of products in flexible batches. A traditional reconfigurable manufacturing environment consists of dynamic cells, called Reconfigurable Machine Cells (RMCs), including a set of machines called Reconfigurable Machine Tools (RMTs). Such machines are characterized by fixed elements, i.e., basic modules, and dynamic elements, i.e., auxiliary modules, allowing them to perform different operations. Despite their automation level, these systems require the intervention of the human operators in performing specific tasks, e.g., handling of the auxiliary modules from the warehouse to the RMTs and their assembly/disassembly to/from the RMTs. This issue rises relevant ergonomic and safety questions due to the human–machine collaboration. Following this stream, this paper proposes and applies a bi-objective optimization model for the design and management of RMSs. The technical objective function minimizes the reconfiguration time, i.e., the time needed to equip the RMTs with the required auxiliary modules, and the part and auxiliary module travel time among the RMCs. The ergonomic objective function minimizes the repetitive movements performed by the human operators during the working activities according to the ISO 11228-3 standard. Results show the existence of a good trade-off between the two objective functions, proving the possibility to improve the ergonomic conditions of the human operators without excessively increasing the total time needed for RMTs reconfiguration and for part and auxiliary module travelling. Full article

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25 pages, 3478 KiB

Open AccessReview

Web-Based Serious Games and Accessibility: A Systematic Literature Review

by Luis Salvador-Ullauri, Patricia Acosta-Vargas and Sergio Luján-Mora

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7859; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217859 - 6 Nov 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5711

Abstract

Nowadays, serious games, called training or learning games, have been incorporated into teaching and learning processes. Due to the increase of their use, the need to guarantee their accessibility arises in order to include people with disabilities in the educational environments in an [...] Read more.

Nowadays, serious games, called training or learning games, have been incorporated into teaching and learning processes. Due to the increase of their use, the need to guarantee their accessibility arises in order to include people with disabilities in the educational environments in an integral way. There are reviews of the literature on video games but not on web-based serious games. Serious games are different from the previous ones because their educational processes allow reinforcing learning. This literature review was conducted using the recommendations for systematic reviews proposed by Kitchenham and Petersen. Three independent reviewers searched the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for the most relevant articles published between 2000 and 2020. Review selection and extraction were made using an interactive team approach. We applied the study selection process’s flowchart adapted from the PRISMA statement to filter in three stages. This systematic literature review provides researchers and practitioners with the current state of web-based serious games and accessibility, considering cognitive, motor, and sensory disabilities. Full article

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21 pages, 2274 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Workers’ Aging Management—Human Fatigue at Work: An Experimental Offices Study

by Marcello Fera, Vittoria De Padova, Valentina Di Pasquale, Francesco Caputo, Mario Caterino and Roberto Macchiaroli

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7693; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217693 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2748

Abstract

The aging issue in the work context is becoming a significant element of the future sustainability of service and industrial companies. It is well known that with increasing worker age the problem of maintaining the performance and the safety level when fatigue increases [...] Read more.

The aging issue in the work context is becoming a significant element of the future sustainability of service and industrial companies. It is well known that with increasing worker age the problem of maintaining the performance and the safety level when fatigue increases is a crucial point, and fatigue increases with the age. Due to social and political developments, especially in Western countries, the retirement age is increasing and companies operate with a higher workforce mean age. Therefore, the problem of recognizing and measuring fatigue has become a key aspect in the management of aging. Note that in the scientific engineering field, the problem of fatigue evaluation when a worker is performing his/her work activities is an important issue in the industrial and service world and especially in the context of the researchers that are investigating the human reliability assessment. As it is clear from the literature, the industrial operations management are suffering from some misleading concepts that only the medicine scientific context can clarify. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to define what are the open issues and the misleading concepts present in the classical fatigue evaluation methods, and second to define two experimental curves of fatigue that will help the decision makers to minimize the impact of fatigue on the workers, thus maximizing the sustainability of the working tasks assigned. This aim is achieved by examining the medical literature about the measurement of a particular kind of fatigue related to the circadian cycle, i.e., the cognitive one; after that, a survey about the possible technologies for measurements is performed. On the basis of technology selection, an experiment on real work activities is performed and some remarkable results about the fatigue in the workers observed and the technology use and its limitations are defined. Full article

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11 pages, 2675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A ‘Speed—Difficulty—Accuracy’ Model Following a General Trajectory Motor Task with Spatial Constraints: An Information-Based Model

by Salvatore Digiesi, Andrea Lucchese and Carlotta Mummolo

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7516; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217516 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

Accuracy in executing a motor task, i.e., in following a given trajectory under geometrical constraints, is of great interest in work operations as well as in biomechanics applications. In the framework of the Fitts’ law research on motor tasks, experimental studies usually refer [...] Read more.

Accuracy in executing a motor task, i.e., in following a given trajectory under geometrical constraints, is of great interest in work operations as well as in biomechanics applications. In the framework of the Fitts’ law research on motor tasks, experimental studies usually refer to simple trajectories which are of low interest in practical applications. Furthermore, available models lack predicting accuracy in executing motor tasks since do not systematically investigate effects of both speed and task difficulty (index of difficulty (ID)). In this paper, the authors propose a ‘Speed-ID-Accuracy’ model aiming at overcoming abovementioned limits. The model is of general validity as is based on an information-based formulation of a trajectory ID; the model proposed put into relation accuracy in task execution with a general trajectory and with the speed of task execution. Modeling accuracy, defined as standard deviation of the endpoint position, is carried out by regressing data available in the literature. The model proposed proves to be more accurate than the classical ‘Speed-Accuracy’ model in fitting available data. Such a result has been found in both numerical cases relating to ‘tunnel’ and ‘circular’ traveling tasks. Limits of data from field experiments are stressed out and future research field of investigations in work environment and biomechanics are figured out. Full article

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15 pages, 1444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Method for Evaluating Accessibility in Serious Games

by Luis Salvador-Ullauri, Patricia Acosta-Vargas, Mario Gonzalez and Sergio Luján-Mora

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6324; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186324 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5468

Abstract

Nowadays, one of the learning resources in the educational area are serious games, also called training games; they are games designed with a different purpose than fun, whose main objective is to reinforce the new concepts more creatively. However, not all existing serious [...] Read more.

Nowadays, one of the learning resources in the educational area are serious games, also called training games; they are games designed with a different purpose than fun, whose main objective is to reinforce the new concepts more creatively. However, not all existing serious games are accessible in a way that allows access to a more significant number of users. Therefore, this research proposes to apply a combined method to evaluate accessibility in serious games, considering the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. As a case study, we evaluated the accessibility of 82 serious games developed by Physical Education Technology Interactive Simulations at the University of Colorado. We propose to replicate this combined method for users with various types of disabilities, considering the various accessibility barriers. As future work, we suggest generating an accessibility heuristic evaluation focused on serious games, based on the accessibility issues identified. Finally, we believe it is essential to strengthen accessibility policies in each country, as well as implement best practices that generate innovation by incorporating diversity in building and designing more inclusive serious games. Full article

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21 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Cognitive and Motor Abilities in the Aging Workforce: An Information-Based Model

by Salvatore Digiesi, Daniela Cavallo, Andrea Lucchese and Carlotta Mummolo

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 5958; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10175958 - 28 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2491

Abstract

In the digital society, individuals are in charge of performing tasks based on the information gathered by huge amount of data and effectively use them to manifest their cognitive and motor abilities. In this paper, on the basis of experimental studies available in [...] Read more.

In the digital society, individuals are in charge of performing tasks based on the information gathered by huge amount of data and effectively use them to manifest their cognitive and motor abilities. In this paper, on the basis of experimental studies available in literature concerning lab tests on motor or cognitive abilities of differently aged subjects, an information-based theoretical model is proposed. The model allows to quantify the information content of a motor or a cognitive task and provides estimates of information processing time of individuals of different age and sex in accomplishing tasks with prevalent motor or cognitive nature, in spite of the fact that a “pure” cognitive or a “pure” motor task are rarely observed in practical cases. The model is then applied to a case study from automotive industry in which workforce aging phenomenon is experienced. Potential applications of the model go beyond the case study developed. Quantifying the information content of a general motor-cognitive task paves the way to new understanding and modelling of movements and performance time of both natural and artificial systems with applications in industrial robotics (e.g., human-robot cooperation), biomechanics, and neurorehabilitation. Full article

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17 pages, 3767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Things2People Interaction toward Energy Savings in Shared Spaces Using BIM

by Bruno Mataloto, Hugo Mendes and Joao C. Ferreira

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(16), 5709; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10165709 - 18 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2815

Abstract

People in shared building space have an important role in energy consumption because they can turn on/off equipment and heat/cooling systems. This behaviour can be influenced by giving then locally tailored context information (energy consumption, temperature, luminosity) and information about the cost of [...] Read more.

People in shared building space have an important role in energy consumption because they can turn on/off equipment and heat/cooling systems. This behaviour can be influenced by giving then locally tailored context information (energy consumption, temperature, luminosity) and information about the cost of their actions. This paper presents an approach to create personalized local energy consumption predictions in a building using past sensor data, correlated with external conditions to create local context predictions. This prediction is sent in real-time to people’s mobile devices in order to influence their behaviour when increasing or decreasing temperature using heating or cooling systems. This information is essential for sustainability actions in shared spaces, where this information can have an important role. Also, the data (temperature) representation in the building information model (BIM) module can help the user understand environment conditions and, together with the user sharing their thermal feelings, can be used to change behaviour. This approach using BIM’s representation models allows Things2People interaction to improve energy savings in these shared spaces. Full article

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