This qualitative study is of the interpretivist nature and it aims to examine how knowledge workers perceive their interaction with a knowledge management system when used for knowledge sharing purposes. The purpose is to offer answers to two research questions: How do knowledge workers perceive their interaction with knowledge management technology in relation to knowledge sharing? What are the benefits and challenges that knowledge workers experience in relation to knowledge managing and sharing when using a KMS system? The data was collected by applying qualitative research methods and by conducting five interviews with participants of an IT organization that has its head office in Sweden, but additional offices in other geographical locations. To be able to study the participants´ perception and the benefits of the use on both local and international levels, the interviewees were chosen from different sites in which their organization was operating. To provide the answers to these questions and to establish the foundation of this research, an extensive literature review on the problem area was carried out, and a theoretical framework has been employed to study the different aspects of this model in the context of knowledge management systems in relation to knowledge sharing among knowledge workers. As a result, additional derived attributes came from the findings and it is shown that users tend to relate knowledge quality with the completeness, frequency of update, and validity of the knowledge content that they are exposed to in the KMS. Similarly, they relate KMS quality to administrability and maintenance easiness, whereas organizational service providing quality in relation to knowledge sharing is more related to the aspects of organizational commitment and reliability. Moreover, the findings show that participants relate their intention to use the KMS to the attributes of convenience and practicality, and the levels of user satisfaction were in this case mainly related to the user´s perception of usefulness. Lastly, the perception of the benefits and reciprocal value-creating for both the organization and the individual was examined and the findings show that the users tend to relate these to the aspect of relevance, or in other words that the benefits are only perceived as useful by the user if they are identifiable, respectively the user being aware of the benefits and perceiving them as relevant.

Nous étudions dans cette thèse la gestion des incertitudes au sein des systèmes à base de règles métier orientés objet (Object-Oriented Business Rules Management Systems ou OO-BRMS) et nous nous intersessions à des approches probabilistes. Afin de faciliter la modélisation des distributions de probabilités dans ces systèmes, nous proposons d'utiliser les modèles probabilistes relationnels (Probabilistic Relational Models ou PRM), qui sont une extension orientée objet des réseaux bayésiens. Lors de l'exploitation des OO-BRMS, les requêtes adressées aux PRM sont nombreuses et les réponses doivent être calculées rapidement. Pour cela, nous proposons, dans la première partie de cette thèse, un nouvel algorithme tirant parti de deux spécificités des OO-BRMS. Premièrement, les requêtes de ces derniers s'adressent seulement à une sous partie de leur base. Par conséquent, les probabilités à calculer ne concernent que des sous-ensembles de toutes les variables aléatoires des PRM. Deuxièmement, les requêtes successives diffèrent peu les unes des autres. Notre algorithme exploite ces deux spécificités afin d'optimiser les calculs. Nous prouvons mathématiquement que notre approche fournit des résultats exacts et montrons son efficacité par des résultats expérimentaux. Lors de la deuxième partie, nous établissons des principes généraux permettant d'étendre les OO-BRMS pour garantir une meilleure inter-operabilité avec les PRM. Nous appliquons ensuite notre approche au cas d'IBM Operational Decisions Manager (ODM) dans le cadre d'un prototype développé, que nous décrivons de manière générale. Enfin, nous présentons des techniques avancées permettant de compiler des expressions du langage technique d'ODM pour faciliter leur exploitation par le moteur probabiliste des PRM. / In this thesis, we address the issue of uncertainty in Object-Oriented Business Rules Management Systems (OO-BRMSs). To achieve this aim, we rely on Probabilistic Relational Models (PRMs). These are an object-oriented extension of Bayesian Networks that can be exploited to efficiently model probability distributions in OO-BRMSs. It turns out that queries in OO-BRMS are numerous and we need to request the PRM very frequently. The PRM should then provide a rapid answer. For this reason, we propose, in the first part of this thesis, a new algorithm that respects two specifities of OO-BRMSs and optimizes the probabilistic inference accordingly. First, OO-BRMSs queries affect only a subset of their base, hence, the probabilities of interest concern only a subset of the PRMs random variables. Second, successive requests differ only slightly from each other. We prove theoretically the correctness of the proposed algorithm and we highlight its efficiency through experimental tests. During the second part, we establish some principles for probabilistic OO-BRMSs and we describe an approach to couple them with PRMs. Then, we apply the approach to IBM Operational Decision Manager (ODM), one of the state-of-the-art OO-BRMSs, and we provide a general overview of the resulted prototype. Finally, we discuss advanced techniques to compile elements of ODM technical language into instructions that are exploitable by the PRM probabilistic engine.

Electric vehicles have received substantial attention in the past few years since they provide a more sustainable, efficient, and greener transportation alternative in comparison to conventional fossil-fuel powered vehicles. Lithium-Ion batteries represent the most important component in the electric vehicle powertrain and thus require accurate monitoring and control. Many challenges are still facing the mass market production of electric vehicles; these challenges include battery cost, range anxiety, safety, and reliability. These challenges can be significantly mitigated by incorporating an efficient battery management system. The battery management system is responsible for estimating, in real-time, the battery state of charge, state of health, and remaining useful life in addition to communicating with other vehicle components and subsystems. In order for the battery management system to effectively perform these tasks, a high-fidelity battery model along with an accurate, robust estimation strategy must work collaboratively at various power demands, temperatures, and states of life. Lithium ion batteries are considered in this research. For these batteries, electrochemical models represent an attractive approach since they are capable of modeling lithium diffusion processes and track changes in lithium concentrations and potentials inside the electrodes and the electrolyte. Therefore, electrochemical models provide a connection to the physical reactions that occur in the battery thus favoured in state of charge and state of health estimation in comparison to other modeling techniques. The research presented in this thesis focuses on advancing the development and implementation of battery models, state of charge, and state of health estimation strategies. Most electrochemical battery models have been verified using simulation data and have rarely been experimentally applied. This is because most electrochemical battery model parameters are considered proprietary information to their manufacturers. In addition, most battery models have not accounted for battery aging and degradation over the lifetime of the vehicle using real-world driving cycles. Therefore, the first major contribution of this research is the formulation of a new battery state of charge parameterization strategy. Using this strategy, a full-set of parameters for a reduced-order electrochemical model can be estimated using real-world driving cycles while accurately calculating the state of charge. The developed electrochemical model-based state of charge parameterization strategy depends on a number of spherical shells (model states) in conjunction with the final value theorem. The final value theorem is applied in order to calculate the initial values of lithium concentrations at various shells of the electrode. Then, this value is used in setting up constraints for the optimizer in order to achieve accurate state of charge estimation. Developed battery models at various battery states of life can be utilized in a real-time battery management system. Based on the developed models, estimation of the battery critical surface charge using a relatively new estimation strategy known as the Smooth Variable Structure Filter has been effectively applied. The technique has been extended to estimate the state of charge for aged batteries in addition to healthy ones. In addition, the thesis introduces a new battery aging model based on electrochemistry. The model is capable of capturing battery degradation by varying the effective electrode volume, open circuit potential-state of charge relationship, diffusion coefficients, and solid-electrolyte interface resistance. Extensive experiments for a range of aging scenarios have been carried out over a period of 12 months to emulate the entire life of the battery. The applications of the proposed parameterization method combined with experimental aging results significantly improve the reduced-order electrochemical model to adapt to various battery states of life. Furthermore, online and offline battery model parameters identification and state of charge estimation at various states of life has been implemented. A technique for tracking changes in the battery OCV-R-RC model parameters as battery ages in addition to estimation of the battery SOC using the relatively new Smooth Variable Structure Filter is presented. The strategy has been validated at both healthy and aged battery states of life using driving scenarios of an average North-American driver. Furthermore, online estimation of the battery model parameters using square-root recursive least square (SR-RLS) with forgetting factor methodology is conducted. Based on the estimated model parameters, estimation of the battery state of charge using regressed-voltage-based estimation strategy at various states of life is applied. The developed models provide a mechanism for combining the standalone estimation strategy that provide terminal voltage, state of charge, and state of health estimates based on one model to incorporate these different aspects at various battery states of life. Accordingly, a new model-based estimation strategy known as the interacting multiple model (IMM) method has been applied by utilizing multiple models at various states of life. The method is able to improve the state of charge estimation accuracy and stability, when compared with the most commonly used strategy. This research results in a number of novel contributions, and significantly advances the development of robust strategies that can be effectively applied in real-time on-board of a battery management system. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / A Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is designed to manage laboratory processes and data. It has the ability to extend the core functionality of the LIMS through configuration tools and add-on modules to support the implementation of complex laboratory workflows. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how laboratory data and processes from a complex workflow can be implemented using a LIMS. Genomic samples have become an important part of the drug development process due to advances in molecular testing technology. This technology evaluates genomic material for disease markers and provides efficient, cost-effective, and accurate results for a growing number of clinical indications. The preparation of the genomic samples for evaluation requires a complex laboratory process called the precision aliquotting workflow. The precision aliquotting workflow processes genomic samples into precisely created aliquots for analysis. The workflow is defined by a set of aliquotting scheme attributes that are executed based on scheme specific rules logic. The aliquotting scheme defines the attributes of each aliquot based on the achieved sample recovery of the genomic sample. The scheme rules logic executes the creation of the aliquots based on the scheme definitions. LabWare LIMS is a Windows® based open architecture system that manages laboratory data and workflow processes. A LabWare LIMS model was developed to implement the precision aliquotting workflow using a combination of core functionality and configured code.

“When a system gets cold, then images can warm it up - a vitalising journey using storytelling as part of a management system”. This essay wants to show that the rational language used in management and governance needs to come alive. I have spent a long time in business, moving from a rational programming mind to becoming a reflective storyteller, and I now use the metaphorical language of storytelling to add life and vitality to organisations. The form of an essay is used to reflect on practical knowledge and one’s own proficiency. I used storytelling in a workshop to deepen the significance and meaning of a company’s vision. The method reveals, through the process, the management team’s practical knowledge. The method and my own practical knowledge are in a hermeneutic spirit compared to contemporary philosophers. The development of rational thinking and its counterforces are explored. The possibilities of leadership within an organisation’s structures is compared to management research. It leads to the conclusion that the metaphorical language is a language that opens spaces in-between, “the nothingness” and as such opens a tear to the vitality of leaders. / ”När systemet är kallt kan bilder värma – en vitaliserande resa med storytelling i ledningssystem” vill visa att det rationella språk som används för ledning och styrning behöver få liv. Jag har börjat använda storytellings bildspråk för att tillföra liv och vitalitet i organisationer efter ett långt arbetsliv där jag rört mig från rationell programmerare till reflekterande berättare. Essän som form används för att reflektera över den praktiska kunskapen, det egna yrkeskunnandet. Med storytelling som metod har jag genomfört en workshop hos en ledningsgrupp för att fördjupa innebörden av organisationens vision. Metoden synliggör i processen lednings-gruppens praktiska kunskap. I en hermeneutisk anda ställs både metoden och min egen praktiska kunskap mot nutida tänkare. Det rationella tänkandets utveckling och motkrafter utforskas. Ledarskapets möjligheter i organisationers strukturer ställs mot ledarskapsforskning. För att slutligen se på bildspråket såsom ett språk som öppnar upp ett mellanrum, intet, revan som leder in till ledarnas vitalitet.

<p>There is a growing demand for indoor farm management systems that can track plant growth, allow automatic control and aid in real-time decision making. Internet of Thing (IoT)-based solutions are being applied to meet these needs and numerous researchers have created prototypes for meeting specific needs using sensors, algorithms, and automations. However, limited studies are available that report on comprehensive large-scale experiments to test various aspects related to availability, scalability and reliability of sensors and actuators used in low-cost indoor farms. The purpose of this study was to develop a low-cost, IoT devices driven indoor farm as a testbed for growing microgreens and other experimental crops. The testbed was designed using off-the-shelf sensors and actuators for conducting research experiments, addressing identified challenges, and utilizing remotely acquired data for developing an intelligent farm management system. The sensors were used for collecting and monitoring electrical conductivity (EC), pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels of the nutrient solution, light intensity, environmental variables, and imagery data. The control of light emitting diodes (LEDs), irrigation pumps, and camera modules was carried out using commercially available components. All the sensors and actuators were remotely monitored, controlled, and coordinated using a cloud-based dashboard, Raspberry Pis, and Arduino microcontrollers. To implement a reliable, real-time control of actuators, edge computing was used as it helped in minimizing latency and identifying anomalies.</p> <p>Decision making about overall system performance and harvesting schedule was accomplished by providing alerts on anomalies in the sensors and actuators and through installation of cameras to predict yield of microgreens, respectively. A split-plot statistical design was used to evaluate the effect of lighting, nutrition solution concentration, seed density, and day of harvest on the growth of microgreens. This study complements and expands past efforts by other researchers on building a low cost IoT-based indoor farm. While the experience with the testbed demonstrates its real-world potential of conducting experimental research, some major lessons were learnt along the way that could be used for future enhancements.</p>

The efficient and flexible management of large datasets is one of the core requirements of modern business applications. Having access to consistent and up-to-date information is the foundation for operational, tactical, and strategic decision making. Within the last few years, the database community sparked a large number of extremely innovative research projects to push the envelope in the context of modern database system architectures. In this paper, we outline requirements and influencing factors to identify some of the hot research topics in database management systems. We argue that—even after 30 years of active database research—the time is right to rethink some of the core architectural principles and come up with novel approaches to meet the requirements of the next decades in data management. The sheer number of diverse and novel (e.g., scientific) application areas, the existence of modern hardware capabilities, and the need of large data centers to become more energy-efficient will be the drivers for database research in the years to come.

The SAP HANA database is positioned as the core of the SAP HANA Appliance to support complex business analytical processes in combination with transactionally consistent operational workloads. Within this paper, we outline the basic characteristics of the SAP HANA database, emphasizing the distinctive features that differentiate the SAP HANA database from other classical relational database management systems. On the technical side, the SAP HANA database consists of multiple data processing engines with a distributed query processing environment to provide the full spectrum of data processing -- from classical relational data supporting both row- and column-oriented physical representations in a hybrid engine, to graph and text processing for semi- and unstructured data management within the same system. From a more application-oriented perspective, we outline the specific support provided by the SAP HANA database of multiple domain-specific languages with a built-in set of natively implemented business functions. SQL -- as the lingua franca for relational database systems -- can no longer be considered to meet all requirements of modern applications, which demand the tight interaction with the data management layer. Therefore, the SAP HANA database permits the exchange of application semantics with the underlying data management platform that can be exploited to increase query expressiveness and to reduce the number of individual application-to-database round trips.

To ensure the safety for both patients and personnel using medical equipment there are several regulations. The regulations differ between countries and the largest markets are the US and Europe. There are regulations regarding both risk and requirement management and for a digitized signature process. This report shows a way of digitizing parts of the quality management system and workflows that fulfills these requirements, including both an approval process and a requirement hierarchy. For the development of a digitized system several workshops and interviews were performed to understand the workflow used. This to reduce the changes in the new system where the existing processes worked, but at the same time make changes possible where the users noticed problems in the workflow earlier used. The main advantage of a digitized quality management system is that the linking between the different objects are easier to follow which gives a perspicuous traceability. A digitized system can generate reports, e.g. for traceability and requirement without a test, automatically that will decrease the manual work and by that both increase efficiency and reduce the risk of human errors.

Background: Swedish law demands a systematic work environment management system (SWEM) and establishes the employer as responsible for this. In 2016, 44 % of Swedish Work Environment Authorities’ submissions regarded lack of SWEM. The law defines occupational health and safety services (OHSS) as an objective part with expert knowledge within the fields of work environment and rehabilitation. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to investigate how OHS engineers employed in OHSSs assist customer enterprises in the work of developing and maintaining OHS management systems. The study further aims to identify resources, factors of success, necessary skills and other factors that facilitate this work. Method: Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with OHS engineers employed in one of the top five largest OHSS companies in Sweden. Result and analyses: Respondents were found to apply similar methods in supporting clients’ OHSM although working in different regional branches and no nationwide training program exists. In working with OHSM support the OHS engineers mainly used self-produced, flexible tools along with external checklists and templates. Dialogue, an active involvement of the client in developing the OHSMS, internal motivation of the company and experience and competence of the OHS engineer was described as the most essential factors of success. Conclusions: Our study shows that the OHS engineers interviewed to a large extent work with OHSM support in a way that is consistent with what is found in other studies to be a successful way of collaborating with client companies. Areas of improvement for the OHSS company include deepening relations with clients, contracts better supporting collaboration and procedures for spotting client’s OHSM shortcomings earlier.There is a challenge to find a balance between giving OHS engineers freedom in choosing how they work, providing clients flexible solutions and assuring that certain standards of service are met.We identify the need of a mentorship program for OHS engineers within the OHSS company that would include tutoring both in OHS interventions and the consultant role.Finally, OHS engineers may need to develop their skills in OHS related business economy and how to integrate OHS interventions with the business strategies of the client companies. / Bakgrund: Svensk lagstiftning kräver att arbetsgivare arbetar med systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete (SAM). Under 2016 ledde 44 % av Arbetsmiljöverkets inspektioner till anmärkningar på grund av brister i SAM. Lagen definierar företagshälsovård (FHV) som en objektiv part med expertkunskap inom arbetsmiljö och rehabilitering. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur arbetsmiljöingenjörer inom FHV hjälper kundföretag med arbetet att utveckla och underhålla ledningssystem för arbetsmiljö. Studien syftar också till att identifiera resurser, framgångsfaktorer, nödvändig kompetens samt andra faktorer som främjar arbetet med SAM. Metod: Sex semi-strukturerade intervjuer utfördes med arbetsmiljöingenjörer anställda i ett av Sveriges fem största företag inom företagshälsovård. Resultat och analys: Respondenterna använde liknande arbetssätt i arbetet med att stötta kunders SAM. Detta trots att de arbetade i olika regioner inom företaget samt avsaknad av nationella riktlinjer. I arbetet med SAM använde arbetsmiljöingenjörerna framförallt egenproducerade, flexibla verktyg samt externa checklistor och mallar. Dialog, aktiv deltagande av kund under utveckling av SAM, intern motivation hos kundföretaget samt erfarenhet och kompetens hos arbetsmiljöingenjören beskrevs som de viktigaste framgångsfaktorerna. Slutsatser: Studien visar att de intervjuade arbetsmiljöingenjörernas arbete med SAM i stor utsträckning överensstämmer med vad andra studier funnit vara ett framgångsrikt samarbete med kundföretag. Förbättringsområden för FHV-företaget inkluderar fördjupande av kundrelationer, kontrakt som bättre stödjer sådant samarbete och rutiner för att upptäcka brister i SAM tidigare.En utmaning är att hitta en lämplig balans mellan arbetsmiljöingenjörens behov av fritt arbetssätt, erbjuda kunden flexibla lösningar och samtidigt säkerställa en likartad service inom företaget.Behov av ett mentorprogram, som inkluderar handledning inom både arbetsmiljöarbete och konsultrollen, för arbetsmiljöingenjörer inom FHV-företaget identifierades.Slutligen kan arbetsmiljöingenjörer behöva utveckla kompetens inom arbetsmiljöekonomi samt hur arbetsmiljöarbetet kan integreras med affärsstrategier inom kundföretagen.