Miroslav Trajanović

An approach for formalising the supply chain operations

Reference models play an important role in the knowledge management of the various complex collaboration domains (such as supply chain networks). However, they often show a lack of semantic precision and, they are sometimes incomplete. In this article, we present an approach to overcome semantic inconsistencies and incompleteness of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and hence improve its usefulness and expand the application domain. First, we describe a literal web ontology language (OWL) specification of SCOR concepts (and related tools) built with the intention to preserve the original approach in the classification of process reference model entities, and hence enable the effectiveness of usage in original contexts. Next, we demonstrate the system for its exploitation, in specific – tools for SCOR framework browsing and rapid supply chain process configuration. Then, we describe the SCOR-Full ontology, its relations with relevant domain ontology and show how it can be exploited for improvement of SCOR ontological framework competence. Finally, we elaborate the potential impact of the presented approach, to interoperability of systems in supply chain networks.

Towards an approach for formalizing the supply chain operations

Reference models play an important role in the knowledge management of the various complex collaboration domains (such as Supply Chain Networks). However, they often show a lack of semantic precision and, they are sometimes incomplete. In this paper, we present an approach to overcome semantic inconsistencies and incompleteness of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and hence, improve its usefulness and expand the application domain. First, we describe a literal OWL specification of SCOR concepts (and related tools), built with intention to preserve the original approach in the classification of process reference model entities and hence, to enable effectiveness of usage in original contexts. Next, we demonstrate the system for its exploitation, in specific - tools for SCOR framework browsing and rapid supply chain process configuration. Then, we describe the SCOR-FULL ontology and its intended use. Finally, we elaborate the potential impact of the presented approach, to interoperability of systems in Supply Chain Networks.

Reverse modeling and solid free-form fabrication of sternum implant

The paper presents a case where an implant for a part of the sternum (with costal cartilages) affected by cancer was created and implanted by using the specific reverse modeling method and solid free-form fabrication. The method provides surgeons with a fast and reliable tool for tissue engineering and implantation and therefore improves the quality of life for patients. Digital images of healthy sternum samples were used to develop a reverse modeling algorithm that semi-automatically generates a necessary and sufficient simplification of the tissue geometry to be fabricated in an inexpensive and applicable manner. In this particular case, the redesign of the missing part of the sternum in CAD software took three designer-hours. At the same time, the suitable simplification of the geometry affects the fabrication of simpler and less expensive casting molds. Furthermore, the core of the developed algorithm for the reverse modeling of sternum can be applied in the reverse modeling improvement of other tile (or plate-like) bones.

Instrumental methods and techniques for structural and physicochemical characterization of biomaterials and bone tissue: A review

A review of recent advances in instrumental methods and techniques for structural and physicochemical characterization of biomaterials and bone tissue is presented in this paper. In recent years, biomaterials attracted great attention primarily because of the wide range of biomedical applications. This paper focuses on the practical aspects of instrumental methods and techniques that were most often applied (X-ray methods, vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), magnetic-resonance spectroscopy (NMR and ESR), mass spectrometry (MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) in the structural investigation and physicochemical characterization of biomaterials and bone tissue. The application of some other physicochemical methods was also discussed. Hands-on information is provided about these valuable research tools, emphasizing practical aspects such as typical measurement conditions, their limitations and advantages, interpretation of results and practical applications.

A case of using the Semantic Interoperability Framework for custom orthopedic implants manufacturing

Abstract The efficiency and effectiveness of the daily practice in orthopedic surgery depend on the availability, interoperability and unique access to a wide set of information, related to the patient’s medical record and diagnosis, domain knowledge and available resources and staff. The most important of the tangible resources, needed for the therapeutic or preventive actions are orthopedic implants. In some cases, the implants may be highly complex and customized products, which need to be manufactured (assembled) on basis of the above information in a shortest possible timeframe. In this paper, the case of the custom orthopedic implants manufacturing is described from the perspective of the collaborative enterprising, with special consideration of the interoperability issues of the involved enterprise collaboration. It is shown how the previously developed Semantic Interoperability Framework can be used to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing and other relevant processes.

LOCAL ONTOLOGIES FOR SEMANTIC INTEROPERABILITY IN SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORKS

Most of the issues of current supply chain management practices are related to the challenges of interoperability of relevant enterprise information systems (EIS). In this paper, we present the ontological framework for semantic interoperability of EISs in supply chain networks, based on Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, its semantic enrichment and mappings with relevant enterprise conceptualizations. In order to introduce the realities of the enterprises into this framework, namely their models, we define and implement the approach to generation of local ontologies, based on the databases of their EISs. Also, we discuss on the translation between semantic and SQL queries, a process in which implicit semantics of the EISs databases and explicit semantics of the local ontologies become inter-related.

On the formal definition of the systems’ interoperability capability: an anthropomorphic approach

The extended view of enterprise information systems in the Internet of Things (IoT) introduces additional complexity to the interoperability problems. In response to this, the problem of systems’ interoperability is revisited by taking into the account the different aspects of philosophy, psychology, linguistics and artificial intelligence, namely by analysing the potential analogies between the processes of human and system communication. Then, the capability to interoperate as a property of the system, is defined as a complex ability to seamlessly sense and perceive a stimulus from its environment (assumingly, a message from any other system), make an informed decision about this perception and consequently, articulate a meaningful and useful action or response, based on this decision. Although this capability is defined on the basis of the existing interoperability theories, the proposed approach to its definition excludes the assumption on the awareness of co-existence of two interoperating systems. Thus, it establishes the links between the research of interoperability of systems and intelligent software agents, as one of the systems’ digital identities.

SEM-EDX Analysis of Bio-Oss® Granules After Incubation In Cell Culture Medium

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the surface and chemical composition of Bio-Oss® granules after incubation in cell culture medium. Appropriate amount of Bio-Oss® material was incubated in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) at 37 °C for 3 days. After that, granules were dried, coated with gold and analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with EDX (JEOL, JSM 5300). SEM analysis revealed that the surface of Bio-Oss® particles looks less grainy after incubation in DMEM. The impression is that an incubation in DMEM made erosion of cam bumps or that larger and wider reefs compared to the material before incubation are made by depositing of new material. Semi-quantitative analysis of calcium and phosphorous content in Bio-Oss® before and after incubation in DMEM was determined by EDX spectroscopy and results show that concentration of calcium and phosphorous ions increases after incubation in DMEM.

Enabling interoperability as a property of ubiquitous systems for disaster management

With the advent of the future Internet-of-Things, and consequent increasing complexity and diversification of the Enterprise Information Systems landscape, the interoperability becomes a critical requirement for its scalability and sustainable development. This is especially evident in the research and practice of disaster management which involves highly heterogeneous set of institutions and organisations responsible for delivering emergency response services, as they often fail to rise up to the task, with the lack of proper collaboration featuring as a main culprit. Can the current considerations of the interoperability paradigm meet these challenges? In this paper, we define the interoperability as a property of ubiquitous systems. In doing so, we use the anthropomorphic perspective to formally define this property’s enabling attributes (namely, awareness, perceptivity, intelligence and extroversion), with the objective of taking the initial steps towards the Theory of Interoperability-of-Everything. The identified concepts and their interrelations are illustrated by the presented I-o-E ontology.

Explication and semantic querying of enterprise information systems

Many researches show that the ability of independent, heterogeneous enterprises’ information systems to interoperate is related to the challenges of making their semantics explicit and formal, so that the messages are not merely exchanged, but interpreted, without ambiguity. In this paper, we present an approach to overcome those challenges by developing a method for explication of the systems’ implicit semantics. We define and implement the method for the generation of local ontologies, based on the databases of their systems. In addition, we describe an associated method for the translation between semantic and SQL queries, a process in which implicit semantics of the EIS’s databases and explicit semantics of the local ontologies become interrelated. Both methods are demonstrated in the case of creating the local ontology and the semantic querying of OpenERP Enterprise Resource Planning system, for the benefit of the collaborative supply chain planning.