Spatiotemporal Variability: Process-Independent Analysis of Printing Uniformity

This work explores printing uniformity from a quality standpoint. The study proposes a conceptual framework, quantitative models and a testing method for the measurement and analysis of printing uniformity independent from the printing process and press design. The proposed framework encompasses construct and indicators concerning the printing accuracy and printing precision dimensions of uniformity. The proposed models are derived for each of the indicators in the framework comprising a cohesive set of device- and process-independent image quality metrics (IQMs) for benchmarking and evaluating the spatial-temporal uniformity of printing systems relative to standard industry tolerances. The proposed test method builds on prior efforts on the same topic and borrows from and improves upon related studies by various authors. Printing uniformity in this work is defined as the theoretical attribute that reflects the extent of variability for a given press. It has significant implications on a range of standards and specifications dealing with process control. This addresses a fundamental challenge in understanding variability in printing rather than focus on cause-effect relationships. The literature revealed that some aspects of the topic are underexplored with the majority of the works addressing either the spatial or temporal domains independently. Additionally, parallel publications were found with disparate terminologies, which made it hard to find clear definitions of concepts central to the topic. Five press tests were conducted following the proposed method to help refine the concepts and metrics. They included three presses, including offset lithography and electrophotography. The findings were inline with findings from related studies, showing similarities and differences between printing units, presses, and processes This work could serve as a template for exploring phenomena using the triple‑tiered approach for devising the concepts, models and methods. Future research on numerous printing systems across processes may provide great value in our understanding printing uniformity. Comprehensive testing across systems and processes creates opportunities for validating or refuting assumptions, which would ensure continuous improvement of quality control practices and ultimately better color consistency in printing

Cycling comfort on asphalt pavement: Influence of the pavement-tyre interface on vibration

Attainment of cycling comfort on urban roads encourages travelers to use bicycles more often, which has social and environment benefits such as to reduce congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. Cycling vibration is responsible for the cyclists’ perception of (dis)comfort. How asphalt pavement's surface characteristics relate to cycling comfort, however, remains undiscovered. In this study, the cycling vibration intensity on 46 sections of 24 urban roads was tested using a dynamic cycling comfort measure system while the cyclists’ perception of vibration was identified via questionnaires; the cycling comfort was then defined based on the cycling vibration. To record the accurate pavement-tyre interface under a stable environment, a total of 19 pavement sections were scanned using a 3D digital camera. These 3D models were then 3D printed, which are used to conduct the pressure film test using a self-developed pavement-tyre interface test system. Three ranges of pressure films were adopted to characterize the pavement-tyre interface via 9 parameters, namely contact area (A c ), unit bearing area (B u ), stress intensity (S i ), stress uniformity (S u ), kurtosis (S ku ), spacing (Sp a ), maximum peak spacing (Sp max ), radius ratio (R r ) and fractal dimension (F d ), in consideration of the area characteristics, pressure amplitude, peak spacing and shape of the interface. Finally, the significant interface parameters were identified, and the regression model between interface parameters and cycling comfort was established. Results show that the cycling vibration was described to be ‘very comfortable’ when the human exposure to vibration level (a wv ) was less than 1.78 m/s 2 ; ‘comfortable’ when the a wv was between 1.78 m/s 2 and 2.20 m/s 2 ; and ‘uncomfortable’ when the a wv was greater than 2.20 m/s 2 . The average stress on rear wheel-pavement interface is higher than that of the front wheel. B u-0.6 , Sp a-0.6 , and F d-0.6 are significant to cycling vibration. The 2LW pressure film is recommended for use to measure the bicycle pavement-tyre interface. The recommended interface characteristics are less than 7 mm 2 of the unit bearing area, 6 mm of average spacing and 2.38 of fractal dimension. Finally, dense asphalt mixture performs better in providing cycling comfort than the gap-graded asphalt mixture. Results of this study contribute to current knowledge on bike lane comfort and pavement design, the findings should be interested in cyclists, transport planners, and road authorities

Test Targets 3.1: A Collaborative effort exploring the use of scientific methods for color imaging and process control.

In general, test targets represent known values from an object or in a digital file, e.g., color patches, digital dots, lines with known dimensions, etc. The Macbeth ColorChecker is an analog target with 24 physical color patches. When captured by an input device and reproduced by an imaging system, we can compare tone and color relationships between the source target and its reproduction. On the other hand, the IT8.7/3 target is a digital file consisting of hundreds of patches with known CMYK digital values. When printed along side a signature, we can assess print quality quantitatively with the use of optical instruments and associated analysis techniques. - p. ii

The effects of waste management on profitability in a flexible packaging company

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering, 2017Waste results in material loss and cascades to production processes, affecting a company’s profitability. This research sought to answer to what extent the implementation of a solid waste management protocol in a flexible packaging company (FPC) improves profitability. The research focused on reducing waste from the gravure printing process, which was analysed using a Lean Six Sigma tool, DMAIC, that has been shown to increase productivity, reduce cost, reduce defects and standardise operations. Processes were implemented to ensure that quality substrate was input at the correct levels and transformed efficiently into sellable product. Additionally, new protocols were employed to control and manage waste, further increasing the FPC’s savings. These modifications reduced waiting down time by 78%, rework by 53%, and job-specific waste by 6%, which translated into a 17% improvement in profit on average. Thus, the research effectively demonstrates that a waste management protocol increases the profitability of a FPC.XL201

FABRICATION OF CERAMIC MICROPATTERNS AND THEIR IMPACT ON BONE CELLS

The main objective of this study is to elucidate possible methods of producing ceramic calcium phosphate micropatterns ranging from 5 to 100 µm. Today, micropatterned ceramic surfaces are of great interest for fundamental materials research as well as for high-end industrial processes, whereas the fabrication of these patterns in the sub-100 µm range is still a challenge. Therefore, six different patterning techniques have been applied in order to generate ceramic patterns: Microtransfer molding (µTM), modified micromolding (m-µM), Aerosol-Jet® printing, CNC-micromachining, laser ablation and direct laser interference patterning (DLIP). The patterning techniques have been evaluated concerning their capability of fabricating ceramic patterns smaller than 100 µm. Another objective of this study has been the investigation of the influence of ceramic patterns on human osteoblasts (HOB). This investigation has revealed that ceramic hydroxyapatite-based patterns ranging from 16 to 77 µm in widths have a strong influence on the contact guidance of the HOB, whereas the cells showed distinct orientations between 0°-15° in reference to the pattern direction

Book of abstracts II International Congress - CIEQV 23rd and 24th February 2023

The II International Congress - CIEQV is the consequence of the development of the center’s strategic plan, which aims to increase scientific production in the field of quality of life. The communication of the science carried out configures a relevant social approach for public scientific research institutions. This congress aims above all to make available the knowledge acquired on the subject of quality of life, aiming to transfer to society and citizens the information applied to their way of life. We consider the highlights of the congress to be the discussion at roundtables on two fracturing themes, inclusion and urbanism associated with the quality of life of citizens. The conferences are multidisciplinary, addressing topics such as children’s education and sports participation, sustainable agriculture and self-care, all of them related to citizens’ quality of life. The proposed papers reflect the diverse research paradigms of this multidisciplinary and thematic center: studies on the educational contexts of youth and children; on the inclusion of people with disabilities; research focused on food products and sustainable behaviors; approaches to sports training, athlete performances, physical activity practice; exploration of research on the motor behavior of children and youth; study of sustainability in organizations; research focused on quality of life in the different stages of human life; etc. This diverse approach demonstrates the complexity of the social phenomenon under study. Researchers search the connection between some variables and their interrelationship. In this way, the research produced gets closer to the ecological and social reality, transferring itself to human practices towards a better and healthy quality of life. This II International Congress - CIEQV is another initiative for the challenges of research in Quality of Life. I take this opportunity to thank the institutions that support us, the organizers of the event and the researchers who share their knowledge, from the perspective of open science and available to society.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sustainable Fashion and Textile Recycling

The clothing and textile industry is a resource-intensive industry and accounts for 3 to 10 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, the industry is extremely linear and generates large amounts of waste. For the industry to move from a linear to a circular economy, several solutions are required along the value chain: upstream by working with resource efficiency, the longevity of textile products, and preventing waste; and downstream with techniques for sorting and recycling. In addition, solutions for traceability and transparency need to be developed and coordinated as accepted methods for sustainability measurements. This Special Issue (SI) "Sustainable Fashion and Textile Recycling" brings together areas of knowledge along the textile value chain to highlight the difficulties and opportunities that exist from both a broader perspective and in specific issues. In this SI, these 11 papers are mainly devoted to new research in traceability, design, textile production, and recycling. Each valuable article included in this Special Issue contributes fundamental knowledge for a transformation of the textile and fashion industry to take place. Numerous studies, solutions, and ideas need to be carried out to create the innovations that will become the reality of our future. Likewise, we need to learn from each other and take advantage of all the fantastic knowledge that is generated globally every day towards a better future for generations to come

Noise, artifact and the uncanny in large scale digital photographic practice.

This dissertation explores the question: why, when encountering the products of many new technologies delivering information via a new media, do I often experience a feeling of disquiet or estrangement? I use the example of laser-photographic printing to explore the issue through a program of practice-based research. The outcome of this line of enquiry includes an original contribution via three series of large-format digital photographic works: Presenting "The Amazing Kriels", Home At Last, and Pure. In this thesis, which supports the main body of the research, that is, the practice-based research, I will briefly review the case for artefact as noise within photographic printing, articulate a significant difference between the artefact levels of traditional analogue and Lambda prints, present original dialogical evidence for estrangement in the latter, and identify it via readings of Sigmund Freud's "The Uncanny" and McLuhan's "The Gadget Lover", as a function of the uncanny. I will propose an original rewriting of McLuhan's ideas of "hot" and "cool" media, as well as the cycles of irritation/mediation repression within McLuhan's media theory as a direction for future research, and relate them to a shift from large-scale analogue photographic printing to Lambda printing

Patterns and trends in ethnic residential segregation in England, 1991-2001: a quantitative and qualitative investigation

This thesis brings together the themes of ethnicity, inequalities, locality and community interactions. Through an exploration of the processes of residential segregation it demonstrates the complexity of narratives in English local authorities. The research addresses the policy concerns of community cohesion and regeneration and the role of neighbourhood within these. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods, it offers a thematic analysis of the factors affecting residential segregation. A quantitative analysis of the factors leading to variation in the residential arrangements of ethnic groups is conducted at the local authority level using multivariate techniques. The is followed by a qualitative exploration of these processes that reveals the complexity of the relationships between housing patterns, deprivation, ethnicity, culture and community relations. This is set in a critical realist discourse and in the context of a critique of New Labour discourse on community cohesion