Introducing Interconnections / Voici Interconnexions

In December 2015, a group of researchers at Brock University launched the Posthumanism Research Institute to provide an interdisciplinary networking hub for individuals interested in posthumanist theory. One of the goals of the founding group was to establish a peer-reviewed, international, open-access, online, bilingual, and interdisciplinary journal. We are proud to present you with the inaugural issue of Interconnections/Interconnexions. En décembre 2015, un groupe de chercheurs de Brock University a mis sur pied le Posthumanism Research Instituteafin d’offrir une plateforme interdisciplinaire de réseautage à tous ceux qui s’intéressent à la théorie posthumaniste. Un des objectifs du groupe fondateur était de lancer une revue internationale, libre d’accès, bilingue, interdisciplinaire, avec évaluation par les pairs. Nous sommes fiers de vous présenter le numéro inaugural de Interconnections/Interconnexions.

Optimizing the Introduction of Wearable Sensors Into the German Armed Forces for Military Medical Applications

ABSTRACT Introduction A wide variety of different types of wearable sensors are being developed around the world and introduced into the armed forces for military purposes. Competing states must rapidly develop ready-to-use systems that are robust, functional, valid, and practical. There appears to be potential for optimizing the successful and effective introduction of wearable sensors into the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) for military medical applications. The purpose of this study was to identify specific options for improving and optimizing the introduction of modern technologies such as wearable sensors into the structures of the German armed forces. Materials and Methods Nine stakeholders were identified who could provide a qualified statement on the introduction of wearable sensors, of which six agreed to participate in an expert interview. The six qualitative expert interviews, which were conducted for a master’s thesis at the Bundeswehr University in Hamburg, were selected on the basis of their thematic involvement and readiness for an interview and provided the basis for exploring processes that can possibly optimize the introduction of wearable sensors into modern armed forces such as the Bundeswehr. These interviews were carried out and analyzed using the Lamnek’s method. Results Six expert interviews were analyzed and the most relevant statements were summarized and presented. Thirteen options for optimization were identified and included, for example, interdisciplinary networking, optimization of information flow, and strategic weighting. Conclusions Several potential options have been identified that can optimize the introduction of wearable sensors into the German armed forces to a greater or lesser extent. Bundeswehr experts agree that above all structurally relevant improvements such as “development of data analysis standards,” “legal requirements,” “interdisciplinarity,” “acceleration of development,” and “centralization and structured cooperation” should play an important role in the implementation of wearable sensors.

Formation of the Inclusive Environments and Metrics in Biology Education and Research (iEMBER) Network: Building a Culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Inclusive Environments and Metrics in Biology Education and Research (iEMBER) network is a newly forming national community of practice that engages diversity, equity, and inclusion stakeholders in interdisciplinary collaborative projects. iEMBER was initiated with incubator funding from the National Science Foundation program for Research Coordination Networks in Undergraduate Biology Education. In June 2017, biology education researchers, social scientists, biologists, and program and policy administrators, all with interests in diversity, equity, and inclusion, met to lay the foundation for the iEMBER network. iEMBER provides a distinct forum to coordinate efforts through networking, professional development, and the initiation of collaborative research. iEMBER advances science, technology, engineering, and mathematics reform focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion through the initiation of research teams at the iEMBER biennial conference and outreach efforts at discipline-specific meetings and conferences. The focus of iEMBER is on understanding how to create inclusive, supportive, and engaging environments to foster the success of all biology students and trainees. This report focuses on the structure of the iEMBER network, two takeaways that emerged from the 2017 conference (interdisciplinary networking/collaboration and intradisciplinary broadening participation strategies), and ways for prospective members to engage in ongoing dialogue and future events. Learn more at http://iember.org .

Why OR.NET? Requirements and perspectives from a medical user’s, clinical operator’s and device manufacturer’s points of view

In the past decades, modern medicine has been undergoing a change in the direction of digitalisation and automation. Not only the integration of new digital technologies, but also the interconnection of all components can simplify clinical processes and allow progress and development of new innovations. The integration and interconnection of medical devices with each other and with information technology (IT) systems was addressed within the framework of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)-funded lighthouse project OR.NET (“Secure dynamic networking in the operating room and clinic”.) (OR.net-Forschungskonsortium (OR.net Research Syndicate.) OR.net – Sichere dynamische Vernetzung in Operationssaal und Klinik [Online]. Available:www.ornet.org. [last accessed 22 March 2017]). In this project the standards and concepts for interdisciplinary networking in the operating room (OR) were developed. In this paper, the diverse advantages of the OR.NET concept are presented and explained by the OR.NET “Medical Board”. This board represents the forum of clinical users and includes clinicians and experts from various specialties. Furthermore, the opinion from the viewpoint of operators is presented. In a concluding comment of the “Operator Board”, clinical user needs are aligned with technical requirements.

„Planungszeit Halbe“*/“Half the amount of planning time”

Aufgrund einer stetig steigenden Dynamik und interdisziplinären Vernetzung erreichen Fabrikplanungsprojekte zwar überwiegend ihre inhaltlichen Ziele, überschreiten das ursprünglich geplante Budget und die Terminziele aber oft deutlich. Als Reaktion darauf wurde am Werkzeugmaschinenlabor WZL der RWTH Aachen der Ordnungsrahmen des Aachener Fabrikplanungsvorgehens entwickelt. Der Fachartikel stellt drei Methoden hieraus im Detail vor: Reifegradmanagement, Fabrikstandards und Heuristiken.   Due to continuously increasing dynamics and interdisciplinary networking, factory planning projects indeed meet their content-related goals but fail to achieve the cost and timescale targets. In response to these challenges, the Aachen Factory Planning Methodology has been developed at the WZL of RWTH Aachen University. This article will present three specific methods: maturity level management, factory standards, and heuristics.