Biomimetic Design and Advanced Materials for Innovative Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 957 ◽  
pp. 445-454
Author(s):  
Sonia Capece ◽  
Mario Buono ◽  
Francesca Cascone ◽  
Janitzio Egido-Villarreal ◽  
Francesco Caputo
Keyword(s):  
Human Error ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Material Optimization ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Form Function ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Reliability Assessments ◽  
Definition Of

The contribution collects and illustrates "creative" methodological and design paths in the sectors of mobility and transport where design, biology, material technologies and bioengineering cooperate in a synergistic and proactive way for configurating new systems for fixing vehicles’ interior components. The aim has been to reduce the tolerance of human error during assembly by using innovative technological and material solutions and the conscious study of biological and biomechanical processes present in nature. In order to articulate the research activities, parameters have been identified and defined according to the requirements of the workers during the preparation and fixing of the components, according to the principles of safety, good design and material optimization. From the identification and literature survey of the patent documents and from the structural, material, feasibility and reliability assessments of the current installation procedures, critical issues related to stress, safety, times of installation and assembly and disassembly of the components have been carried out. Therefore, innovative biomimetic concept-solutions have been developed for the definition of architectures and fixing systems through an in-depth observation of the biological heritage, based on the organic integration of form, function, and processes. The path allowed the acquisition of specific knowledge and interdisciplinary skills to plan tangible results useful for optimizing, innovating and strengthening the design process from various industrial sectors such as engineering, aerospace, automotive, medical and pharmaceutical packaging.

Kontrast und Wissen

2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-102
Author(s):  
Robin Rehm
Keyword(s):  
19Th Century ◽  
Edmund Husserl ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Max Scheler ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Black Circle ◽  
Black Cross ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Function ◽  
The 19Th Century

Kasimir Malewitschs suprematistische Hauptwerke ›Schwarzes Quadrat‹, ›Schwarzer Kreis‹ und ›Schwarzes Kreuz‹ von 1915 setzen sich aus schwarzen Formen auf weißem Grund zusammen. Der Typus des Schwarzweißbildes weist überraschende Parallelen zu den bildlichen Wahrnehmungsinstrumenten auf, die vom ausgehenden 18. bis Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts in den Experimenten der Farbenlehre, physiologischen Optik und Psychologie verwendet worden sind. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht diese Parallelen in drei Schritten: Zunächst erfolgt eine allgemeine Charakterisierung des Schwarzweißbildes mit Hilfe des Kontrastbegriffs von Edmund Husserl. Des weiteren wird die Entstehung und Funktion des schwarzweißen Kontrastbildes in den Wissenschaften des 19. Jahrhunderts typologisch herausgearbeitet. Unter Berücksichtigung des Wissensbegriffs von Max Scheler wird abschließend die Spezifik des Wissens eruiert, das die Schwarzweißbilder sowohl in der Malerei Malewitschs als auch in den genannten Wissenschaften generieren. Malevich’s main Suprematist works, such as ›Black Square‹, ›Black Circle‹, and ›Black Cross‹ from 1915, consist of black shapes on white ground. Surprisingly this series of shapes strongly resembles scientific black-and-white images used for research on colour theory, physiological optics, and psychology throughout the 19th century. This paper examines the parallels between Malevich’s paintings and the scientific drawings in three steps: It first characterizes black-and-white images in general, using Edmund Husserl’s definition of the term ›contrast‹. Secondly, the paper investigates the development and function of black-and-white images as tools of perception in the sciences. It finally discusses the specific knowledge generated through Malevich’s art and through scientific black-and-white images, following Max Scheler’s phenomenological identification of knowledge.

The Rise of Partnerships: From Local to Global

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Gray ◽  
Jill Purdy
Keyword(s):  
Nongovernmental Organizations ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Civic Society ◽  
Robust Solutions ◽  
Essential Components ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Shared Norms ◽  
Multistakeholder Partnerships

Multistakeholder partnerships (MSPs) are formed to tackle knotty societal problems, promote innovation, provide public services, expand governance capabilities, set standards for a field, or resolve conflicts that impede progress on critical issues. Partnerships are viewed as collaboration among four types of stakeholders: businesses, governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and civic society. The objective of collaboration is to create a richer, more comprehensive appreciation of the iss/problem than any of the partners could construct alone by viewing it from the perspectives of all the stakeholders and designing robust solutions. Such partnerships are necessary because few organizations contain sufficient knowledge and resources to fully analyze issues and take action on them unilaterally. Five essential components of a rigorous definition of collaboration are presented: interdependence among partners, emergence of shared norms, wrestling with differences, respect for different competencies, and assuming joint responsibility for outcomes. Several examples of MSPs are provided.

Digital competences of the workforce – a research topic?

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 721-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Murawski ◽  
Markus Bick
Keyword(s):  
Research Topic ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Considering working in the digital age, questions on the consequences for the individual workers are, so far, often neglected. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the question of whether the digital competences of the workforce is a research topic. The authors argue for the thesis that it is indeed a research topic. Design/methodology/approach In addition to a literature analysis of the top IS, HR, and learning publications, non-scientific sources, as well as the opinions of the authors, are included. The authors’ thesis is challenged through a debate of corresponding pros and cons. Findings The definition of digital competences lacks scientific depth. Focussing on the workforce is valid, as a “lifelong” perspective is not mandatory for research. Digital competence research is a multidisciplinary task to which the IS field can make a valuable contribution. Research limitations/implications Although relevant references are included, some aspects are mainly driven by the opinions of the authors. The theoretical implications encompass a call for a scientific definition of digital competences. Furthermore, scholars should focus on the competences of the workforce, including occupations, roles, or industries. The authors conclude by providing a first proposal of a research agenda. Practical implications The practical implications include the alignment of multiple stakeholders for the design of “digital” curricula and the integration by HR departments of the construct of digital competences, e.g. for compensation matters and job requirements. Originality/value This paper is one of very few contributions in the area of the digital competences of the workforce, and it presents a starting point for future research activities.

Primary Care: The Future for Pediatric Education

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 653-659
Author(s):  
Joel J. Alpert
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Inner Cities ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Care Problems

There is a continuing crisis in primary care, characterized by inadequate numbers of appropriately trained primary care physicians and the failure to mount an effective and consistent graduate educational program for primary care. This paper reviews the history of the primary care crisis; revisits the definition of primary care; and, through identification of critical issues, presents a primary care educational agenda for the 1990s. Pediatrics is at a crossroads regarding primary care, as powerful social and economic forces are impacting on today's major pediatric care problems. Before the second World War there were more than 300 primary care physicians available for each 100 000 of our population. Today the ratio is 75 for 100 000. This is despite the fact that a shortage of 50 000 physicians 10 years ago no longer exists. The majority view is that a physician surplus of 70 000 will be present by the early 1990s.1 Whether there is a surplus is subject to interpretation and the surplus may end up as nonexistent. Moreover, the availability of primary care physicians varies with geographic location, and even a single figure for this nation provides a distorted picture. The shortage is especially serious in inner cities and in many rural areas. In addition, the use of overall numbers assumes that all primary care physicians are appropriately trained in the general disciplines. For the past century, physicians have cared for patients usually as family physicians. Today, however, the generalist has been replaced by the specialist. Is this a function of financial rewards and society's needs and values or the educational experience?

scholarly journals Student access to and skills in using technology in an open and distance learning context

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanlie Liebenberg ◽  
Yuraisha Chetty ◽  
Paul Prinsloo
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
South African ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Access To Technology ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
South African Higher Education

<p>Amidst the different challenges facing higher education, and particularly distance education (DE) and open distance learning (ODL), access to information and communication technology (ICT) and students’ abilities to use ICTs are highly contested issues in the South African higher education landscape. While there are various opinions about the scope and definition of the digital divide, increasing empirical evidence questions the uncritical use of the notion of the digital divide in South African and international higher education discourses.</p><p>In the context of the University of South Africa (Unisa) as a mega ODL institution, students’ access to technology and their functional competence are some of the critical issues to consider as Unisa prepares our graduates for an increasingly digital and networked world.</p><p>This paper discusses a descriptive study that investigated students’ access to technology and their capabilities in using technology, within the broader discourse of the “digital divide.” Results support literature that challenges a simplistic understanding of the notion of the “digital divide” and reveal that the nature of access is varied.</p>

Critical Issues in the Evaluation of Comorbidity of Psychiatric Disorders

1996 ◽  
Vol 168 (S30) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Substantial Variation ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Cognitive Markers ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Study Designs

Comorbidity has become an increasingly popular theme in psychiatry and clinical psychology, although its heuristic value was recognised long ago. Frequently used in research and practice, no definition of comorbidity is uniformly accepted and it has no comprehensive and coherent theoretical framework. These factors have led to substantial variation in the magnitude of comorbidity across studies. The variability in the definition, assessment and design of comorbidity studies has led to an increasingly complex and confusing picture about the potential value of this concept. The full exploration of mechanisms of comorbidity requires an interdisciplinary approach to investigating nosology, assessment, and underlying models of comorbidity, as well as experimental study designs beyond the scope of clinical and epidemiological studies. A more precise specification of comorbidity patterns might help identify common biochemical and cognitive markers relevant in the aetiology of specific mental disorders as well as comorbid conditions. Critical issues that might help us understand and explain the variability of findings are described.

Low Environmental Impact Machining Processes of Composite Materials Applied to the Aerospace Sector

2010 ◽  
Vol 107 ◽  
pp. 15-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Álvarez ◽  
Moisés Batista ◽  
Jorge Salguero ◽  
Manuel Sánchez-Carrilero ◽  
Mariano Marcos Bárcena
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Advanced Materials ◽  
Surface Finishing ◽  
Matrix Composites ◽  
Machining Processes ◽  
Tool Materials ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Aerospace Sector ◽  
Aeronautical Industry

In the last decades, technologically innovative processes performed in advanced materials such as Carbon Fibre (CF) and Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) have continuously increased because of these materials find increasingly applications in the most of the industrial sectors, particularly in aeronautical industry. This is caused by their excellent relationship weight/mechanical properties. Although there is a high trend to apply and develop non-conventional technologies and methods for machining CF and MMC, other common machining processes are commonly applied for working these materials. Thus, in aeronautical industry, mechanical drilling processes are usually applied for preparing the manufactured elements to be assembled. However, drilling of CF based materials can carry on troubles related to a loss of surface finishing quality and/or quick and high tool wear. This work reports on the results about an evaluation process of the surface quality of drilled CF samples as a function of the cutting conditions and the tool materials.

scholarly journals Strengthening the SSTC NRS Scientific and Technical Potential through Participation in the IAEA Coordinated Research Projects

2021 ◽  
pp. 5-13
Author(s):  
Yu. Balashevska ◽  
D. Gumenyuk ◽  
Iu. Ovdiienko ◽  
O. Pecherytsia ◽  
I. Shevchenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Safety Assessment ◽  
Radiation Safety ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Technical Potential ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Fuel Characterization ◽  
Definition Of

The State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety (SSTC NRS), a Ukrainian enterprise with a 29-year experience in the area of scientific and technical support to the national nuclear regulator (SNRIU), has been actively involved in international research activities. Participation in the IAEA coordinated research activities is among the SSTC NRS priorities. In the period of 2018–2020, the IAEA accepted four SSTC NRS proposals for participation in respective Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs). These CRPs address scientific and technical issues in different areas such as: 1) performance of probabilistic safety assessment for multi-unit/multi-reactor sites; 2) use of dose projection tools to ensure preparedness and response to nuclear and radiological emergencies; 3) phenomena related to in-vessel melt retention; 4) spent fuel characterization. This article presents a brief overview of the abovementioned projects with definition of scientific contributions by the SSTC NRS (participation in benchmarks, development of methodological documents on implementing research stages and of IAEA technical documents (TECDOC) for demonstration of best practices and results of research carried out by international teams).

Secondary Immunodeficiency Related to Kidney Disease (SIDKD) - Definition, Unmet Need and Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
pp. ASN.2021091257
Author(s):  
Stefanie Steiger ◽  
Jan Rossaint ◽  
Alexander Zarbock ◽  
Hans-Joachim Anders
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Host Defense ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Secondary Immunodeficiency ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Medical Need ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Definition Of

Kidney disease is a known risk factor for poor outcome of COVID-19 and many other serious infections. Vice versa, infection ranks second as cause of death in patients with kidney disease. However, little is known about the underlying secondary immunodeficiency related to kidney disease (SIDKD). In contrast to cardiovascular disease related to kidney disease, which has triggered countless epidemiological, clinical, and experimental research activities or interventional trials, investments in tracing, understanding, and therapeutically targeting SIDKD have been sparse. As a call for more awareness of SIDKD as an immanent unmet medical need that requires rigorous research activities at all levels, too, we review the epidemiology of SIDKD and the numerous aspects of the abnormal immunophenotype of patients with kidney disease. We propose a definition of SIDKD and discuss the pathogenic mechanisms of SIDKD known so far, including more recent insights into the unexpected immunoregulatory roles of elevated levels of FGF23 and hyperuricemia as well as shifts in the secretome of the intestinal microbiota in kidney disease. As an ultimate goal, we should aim to develop therapeutics that can reduce mortality due to infections in patients with kidney disease by normalizing host defense to pathogens and immune responses to vaccines.

Geostatistical approach for multi-scale seismic liquefaction risk assessment

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Line Spacagna ◽  
Massimo Cesarano ◽  
Stefania Fabozzi ◽  
Edoardo Peronace ◽  
Attilio Porchia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regional Scale ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Hazard Maps ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Seismic Liquefaction ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Geostatistical Approach ◽  
Definition Of

&lt;p&gt;The Seismic Microzonation studies (SMs), promoted all over the Italian territory by the Department of Civil Protection, provide fundamental knowledge of the subsoil response in seismic conditions at the urban scale. Amplification phenomena related to lithostratigraphic and morphological characteristics, instabilities and permanent deformations activated by the earthquake, are highlighted in hazard maps produced at increasing reliability levels (level 1 to 3 of SM). In particular, zones prone to liquefaction instability are firstly identified following the predisposing factors, such as geological and geotechnical characteristics and seismicity. The robustness of the definition of these areas is strongly correlated to the availability and the spatial distribution of surveys. Moreover, the typology and quality of the investigations considerably influence the method of analysis and the degree of uncertainty of the results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This work aims to establish an updated procedure of the actual SM guidelines and integrates recent research activities at different levels of SMs, to improve the hazard maps accuracy in terms of liquefaction susceptibility. For the scope, the case of the Calabria region in the south of Italy, well known for the high level of seismicity, was studied. At a regional scale, the base-level analysis was implemented for a preliminary assessment of the Attention Zones (AZ), potentially susceptible to liquefaction. The predisposing factors were implemented at a large scale, taking advantage of geostatistical tools to quantify uncertainties and filter inconsistent data. The regional-scale analysis allowed to highlight areas prone to liquefaction and effectively addressed the subsequent level of analysis. At a local scale, the quantitative evaluation of the liquefaction potential was assessed using simplified methods, integrating data from different survey types (CPT, SPT, Down-Hole, Cross-Hole, MASW) available in SM database. The definition of Susceptibility Zones (SZ) was provided considering additional indexes, combining the results obtained from different surveys typologies and quantifying the uncertainty due to the limited data availability with geostatistical methods. The analyses at the regional and municipality scale were matched with seismic liquefaction evidence, well documented in past seismic events. This multi-scale process optimises resource allocation to reduce the level of uncertainty for subsequent levels of analysis, providing useful information for land management and emergency planning.&lt;/p&gt;

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