Search

This perspective paper introduces a novel framework for container orchestration called CODECO. The CODECO orchestration framework relies on a data-network-computing approach to define the best infrastructure that can support the operation of next-generation Internet applications across a mobile, heterogeneous Edge-Cloud continuum. The selection of such an infrastructure is aligned with target performance profiles defined by the user, such as resilience or greenness. CODECO proposes to rely on decentralized Artificial Intelligence approaches to provide the most suitable infrastructure to an application deployment, considering infrastructural challenges, such as intermittent connectivity and node failure. This paper explains the current CODECO framework and gives insight into operational use-cases where CODECO is being deployed, as relevant examples of application for such a framework. Recent developments in the creation of the open-source CODECO framework are described and explained, allowing the use of the framework by the research community. The paper then provides a thorough analysis of CODECO’s features in comparison with existing orchestration frameworks, explaining the benefits introduced with this dynamic orchestration approach.

Quantitative, efficient, and accurate measurement of upper limb motor performance is relevant for monitoring upper limb progress in daily activities of people with cerebral palsy, which is helpful to define an appropriate rehabilitation procedure. Currently, motion capture sensors using a Natural User Interface (NUI) are the most feasible solutions due to the low-cost implementation, portability, and effectiveness for upper limb motion analysis. A quantitatively assessment study of the upper limb motor performance for children with spastic hemiparesis using the NUI Kinect v2 sensor is described in this paper. The study participants were eighteen children with an average age of 8.28 ± 2.32 years having a Manual Ability Classification System level I and II. The assessment was done for each participant before and after the application of a Modified Constrained-Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) applied five days a week along twelve weeks. According to obtained results significant differences (p < 0.05) in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score for motor performance in abduction movement of upper limb between the first and last sessions were quantitatively detected. The described NUI assessment method helped to quantitatively show that the applied therapy sessions were effective to improve upper extremity motor performance. Additionally, the upper limb movements motorically limited after the rehabilitation therapy were also identified. The main contribution of the described NUI assessment method is its potential use as a quantitative measurement tool, which might be used by specialists to objectively diagnose and consequently define an appropriate rehabilitation therapy for patients with hemiparesis.

Power management strategies (PMS) are applied to keep a balance, between different energy sources (i.e. solar, wind, geothermal, hydro), storage units (i.e. fuel cell, batteries, fly wheel) and loads. Up to date, there has been reported several advance techniques to solve this task, for instance: Fuzzy Logic, Deep Learning, Droop Control, Bayesian Networks, among others. Nevertheless, some of those PMS are over simplified and others are too complex to be programmed in devices with limited resources. To solve these issues, this paper proposes a PMS based on Fuzzy Logic, which keeps a balance between those two goals. Characteristics of the proposed PMS are a small number of rules; fulfillment of the demanded power at every time; reducing use of the storage unit; and keeping a balance between the different sources, storage unit and loads. The proposed PMS is numerically evaluated by using SIMULINK-MATLAB®, in a 10kW residential DC Microgrid (MG), and validated by using a Hardware in the Loop platform (NI myRio-1900 and Typhoon HIL402). A comparison with three popular advance techniques demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed PMS.

Currently, the design of power electronic converters (PECs) is in a stage which looks increasing its efficiency and reducing its dimensions from basic topologies through precise analysis of losses in each device that conforms. Although there have been important advances to improve the active components of PECs, passive components, particularly inductors, have changed very little since several decades ago, and those begin a limiting factor, when a high efficiency at very high power and switching frequency, are required. It is for the foregoing that this paper reviews new ferromagnetic materials to construct inductors and achieve a substantial increasing in efficiency through magnetic permeability and hysteresis improvements. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to position the reader in the state of the art of advanced ferromagnetic materials used in PECs. Details about how they are constructed and qualitative comparison of their dynamic behavior are provided. Also, estimation methods of energy losses, applications for different types of material, and its influence on the performance of some basic PECs are presented.