Author supplied: The production system described in this paper in an im- plementation of an agile agent-based production system. This system is designed to meet the requirements of modern production, where short time to market, requirement-driven production and low cost small quan- tity production are important issues. The production is done on special devices called equiplets. A grid of these equiplets connected by a fast network is capable of producing a variety of diverent products in parallel. The multi-agent-based software infrastructure is responsible for the agile manufacturing. A product agent is responsible for the production of a single product and equiplet agents will perform the production steps to assemble the product. This paper describes this multiagent-based production system with the focus on the product agent.
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Background & aims: In dietary practice, it is common to estimate protein requirements on actual bodyweight, but corrected bodyweight (in cases with BMI <20 kg/m2 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and fat free mass (FFM) are also used. Large differences on individual level are noticed in protein requirements using these different approaches. To continue this discussion, the answer is sought in a large population to the following question: Will choosing actual bodyweight, corrected bodyweight or FFM to calculate protein requirements result in clinically relevant differences? Methods: This retrospective database study, used data from healthy persons ≥55 years of age and in- and outpatients ≥18 years of age. FFM was measured by air displacement plethysmography technology or bioelectrical impedance analysis. Protein requirements were calculated as 1) 1.2 g (g) per kilogram (kg) actual bodyweight or 2) corrected bodyweight or 3) 1.5 g per kg FFM. To compare these three approaches, the approach in which protein requirement is based on FFM, was used as reference method. Bland–Altman plots with limits of agreement were used to determine differences, analyses were performed for both populations separately and stratified by BMI category and gender. Results: In total 2291 subjects were included. In the population with relatively healthy persons (n = 506, ≥55 years of age) mean weight is 86.5 ± 18.2 kg, FFM is 51 ± 12 kg and in the population with adult in- and outpatients (n = 1785, ≥18 years of age) mean weight is 72.5 ± 18.4 kg, FFM is 51 ± 11 kg. Clinically relevant differences were found in protein requirement between actual bodyweight and FFM in most of the participants with overweight, obesity or severe obesity (78–100%). Using corrected bodyweight, an overestimation in 48–92% of the participants with underweight, healthy weight and overweight is found. Only in the Amsterdam UMC population, protein requirement is underestimated when using the approach of corrected bodyweight in participants with severe obesity. Conclusion: The three approaches in estimation of protein requirement show large differences. In the majority of the population protein requirement based on FFM is lower compared to actual or corrected bodyweight. Correction of bodyweight reduces the differences, but remain unacceptably large. It is yet unknown which method is the best for estimation of protein requirement. Since differences vary by gender due to differences in body composition, it seems more accurate to estimate protein requirement based on FFM. Therefore, we would like to advocate for more frequent measurement of FFM to determine protein requirements, especially when a deviating body composition is to be expected, for instance in elderly and persons with overweight, obesity or severe obesity.
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Management of fashion (related) companies need to become convinced that circularity delivers positive financial results and incentives. This research aims to provide the first information requirement insights needed to enable the transition to a circular fashion industry. Due to easy access and abundant information ‘Jeans’ were selected as example item. Using the Design Science research approach the required information within in a closed loop supply chain (CLSC) in fashion was derived. Semi-structured interviews validated the CLSC information requirements derived from literature. Next, observations and additional literature findings supported the interview results. The outcomes show that information to support integration and collaboration of both: supply and recycle chain is necessary. Independently operating recycle organizations miss ‘central loop management’, ‘information integration’ and ‘a chain-common objective’ to successfully adopt circularity. The main bottlenecks found in relation to circularity are: ‘overlooking the customer as stakeholder’ and ‘a lack of chain integration’, this applies not only to jeans items. Therefore, the indicative study outcomes contribute to the body of knowledge of circular fashion value chain information requirements in general
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Learning and acting on social conventions is problematic for low-literates and non-natives, causing problems with societal participation and citizenship. Using the Situated Cognitive Engineering method, requirements for the design of social conventions learning software are derived from demographic information, adult learning frameworks and ICT learning principles. Evaluating a sample of existing Dutch social conventions learning applications on these requirements shows that none of them meet all posed criteria. Finally, Virtual Reality is suggested as a possible future technology improvement.
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RATIONALE: Currently there is no consensus on protein requirements for obese older adults during weight loss. Here we explore the potential use of a new method for assessment of protein requirements based on changes in appendicular muscle mass during weight loss.METHODS: 60 obese older adults were subjected to 13 wk weight loss program, including hypocaloric diet and resistance training. Assessment of appendicular muscle mass was performed by DXA at baseline and after 13 wk challenge period, and the difference calculated as muscle mass change. Protein intake (g/kg body weight and g/kg fat free mass (FFM)) at 13wks was used as marker of protein intake during 13 wk period. 30 subjects received 10 times weekly 20 g protein supplement throughout the 13 week hypocaloric phase which is included in the calculation of total protein intake. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to explore the optimal cutoff point for protein intake (g/kg) versus increase in appendicular muscle mass of more than 250 g over 13 wks (y/n). Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was performed for protein intake cutoff and muscle mass accretion, adjusted for sex, age, baseline BMI, and training compliance.RESULTS: ROC curve analysis provided a protein intake level per day of 1.2 g/kg bw and 1.9 g/kg FFM as cutoff point. Presence of muscle mass accretion during 13 wk challenge period was significantly higher with protein intake higher than 1.2 g/kg bw (OR 5.4, 95%CI 1.4-20.6, p = 0.013) or higher than 1.9 g/kg FFM (OR 8.1, 95%CI 2.1-31.9, p = 0.003). Subjects with a protein intake higher than 1.2 g/kg had significantly more often muscle mass accretion, compared to subjects with less protein intake (10/14 (72%) vs 15/46 (33%), p = 0.010). For 1.9 g/kg FFM this was 70% vs 28% (p = 0.002).CONCLUSION: This exploratory study provided a level of at least 1.2 g/kg body weight or 1.9 g/kg fat free mass as optimal daily protein intake for obese older adults under these challenged conditions of weight loss, based on muscle mass accretion during the challenge.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register under number NTR2751.
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The paper explores whether and under what conditions, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 may become a mandatory requirement for employees. It includes a discussion on EU action on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and its relevance for national level policy with emphasis on the legal basis and instruments used by the Union to persuade national authorities into action to increase vaccination uptake. The analysis then moves to the national level by focusing on the case of Hungary. Following an overview of the legal and regulatory framework for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines deployment, the analysis zooms into the sphere of employment and explores whether and how the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may be turned into a mandatory workplace safety requirement. The paper highlights the decision of the Hungarian government to introduce compulsory vaccination for employees in the healthcare sector, and concludes with a discussion of the relevant rules and their potential, broader implications.
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In an aging population, the prevalence of people with dementia is increasing. Intelligent environments can offer a solution to support people in the early stages of dementia, who often experience problems with maintaining their day-night rhythm. The focus of this work is developing an Intelligent Environment for assisting these people with their daily structure while living independently at home. Three co-creation methods with several stakeholder groups were used to elicit requirements and develop a prototype of an Intelligent Environment. Participants were involved in sessions using Mind Maps (N=55), Idea Generation Cards (N=35), and in a multidisciplinary design team with representatives of eight organizations. The result of these sessions was a set of 10 requirements for the Intelligent Environment on the following topics: context-awareness, pattern recognition, adaptation, support, personalization, autonomy, modularity, dementia proof interaction, costs, data and privacy. Based on these requirements, several scenarios were developed to explicate such an environment for supporting people with early dementia. The design team translated the requirements to a real-life prototype of an Intelligent Environment integrated into a demonstration home. The prototype serves as a basis for further development of Intelligent Environments to enable people with dementia to live longer independently at home.
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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Currently, feeding the ICU patient is highly discussed. Energy feeding has been the topic of randomized studies, but protein feeding has not. Study results are contradictory on early feeding; however, little is known about early protein requirement. What is this protein requirement based on, therefore what are the fundamental determinants?
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Dit document geeft middels ontwerprichtlijnen antwoord op de vraag; “Op wat voor manier kunnen ouders van het ToP programma digitaal ondersteund worden door zorgprofessionals om (thuis) zelfstandig (betrouwbare) informatie te vinden die helpt bij het begeleiden van de ontwikkeling van hun prematuur geboren kind?” Voor het beantwoorden van deze vraag zijn interviews en focusgroepen gehouden met zorgprofessionals en ouders. Deze interviews zijn geanalyseerd en verwerkt tot ontwerprichtlijnen van een systeem dat ouders kan ondersteunen in het zelfstandig vinden van betrouwbare informatie. De ontwerprichtlijnen bestaan uit een doelgroepomschrijving, lijst van eisen, systeem diagram en interface concepten.Behoefte InventarisatieOm informatie over de behoeftes en mogelijkheden voor een informatieplatform te verzamelen zijn interviews afgenomen met ouders en professionals die participeren in het ToP programma. Er zijn twee focusgroepen met totaal 13 professionals en 10 interviews met ouders gehouden. Hieruit is naar voren gekomen dat er vraag is naar gepersonaliseerde informatie betreffende het prematuur geboren kind. Denk hierbij aan gedoseerde afgifte van informatie, en informatie over specifieke complicaties of aandoeningen dat het prematuur geboren kind zou kunnen hebben. Ouders komen nu vaak bij informatie terecht die niet relevant of toepasbaar is voor hun kind en situatie. Uit ons onderzoek bleek dat ouders en professionals behoefte hebben aan een (online) applicatie als aanvulling op het ToP programma. Deze applicatie zal moeten aangeven in wat voor ontwikkelingsfase het kind zich bevindt; zal rekening moeten houden met de tijdsverloop van de ontwikkeling van het prematuur geboren kind; en zal deelbare informatie moeten bevatten voor de sociale omgeving, zoals grootouders.OntwerprichtlijnenNa het analyseren van de behoeftes zijn er ontwerprichtlijnen opgesteld voor een te realiseren informatieplatform. De richtlijnen bestaan uit een doelgroepomschrijving, lijst van eisen en conceptuele vormgeving.Om op maat informatie aan te bieden aan ouders in verschillende situaties en achtergronden (zoals ouders die moeite hebben met de Nederlandse taal), dient informatie bij voorkeur beschikbaar zijn in verschillende media type, denk hierbij aan tekst, audio, video, animatie en schematische weergaven. De betrouwbaarheid van de informatie moet aangegeven zijn middels bronvermelding. Verder moet de informatie gemakkelijk doorzoekbaar zijn via een zoekfunctie dat gebruik maakt van tagging. Er zijn verschillende gebruikersinterfaces voorgesteld, die informatie beter inzichtelijk en doorzoekbaar moeten maken. De concepten zijn: een document structuur, fase structuur en visuele structuur.Het platform dient beschikbaar te zijn als: smartphone app (Android en iPhone) en website. De interface is toegankelijk en sluit aan bij bekende applicaties van de doelgroep. Het platform heeft een aparte server voor het tonen van statische publieke informatie. Voor de opslag van persoonlijke en medische gegevens wordt een losse, extra beveiligde, server gebruikt welke voldoet aan de wetgeving Algemene verordening gegevensbescherming (AVG).ConclusieDe gepresenteerde ontwerprichtlijnen geven een voorstel voor een online platform als antwoord op de hoofdvraag. Deze richtlijnen kunnen doorontwikkeld worden naar een prototype platform.
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The Internet is changing the way we organize work. It is shifting the requirement for what we call the ‘schedule push’ and the hierarchical organization that it implies, and therefore it is removing the type of control that is conventionally used to match resources to tasks, and customer demand to supplies and services. Organizational hierarchies have become too expensive to sustain, and in many cases their style of coordination is simply no longer necessary. The cost complexity of the industrial complex starts to outweigh the benefits and the Internet is making it redundant.
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