100 research outputs found
Data-driven design: the new challenges of digitalization on product design and development
Abstract
Digitalization and the momentous role being assumed by data are commonly viewed as pervasive phenomena whose impact is felt in all aspects of society and the economy. Design activity is by no means immune from this trend, and the relationship between digitalization and design is decades old. However, what is the current impact of this 'data revolution' on design? How will the design activity change? What are the resulting research questions of interest to academics? What are the main challenges for firms and for educational institutions having to cope with this change? The paper provides a comprehensive conceptual framework, based on recent literature and anecdotal evidence from the industry. It identifies three main streams: namely the consequences on designers, the consequences on design processes and the role of methods for data analytics. In turn, these three streams lead to implications at individual, organizational and managerial level, and several questions arise worthy of defining future research agendas. Moreover, the paper introduces relational diagrams depicting the interactions between the objects and the actors involved in the design process and suggests that what is occurring is by no means a simple evolution but a paradigmatic shift in the way artefacts are designed
Timing as a sexually selected trait: the right mate at the right moment
Sexual selection favours the expression of traits in one sex that attract members of the opposite sex for mating. The nature of sexually selected traits such as vocalization, colour and ornamentation, their fitness benefits as well as their costs have received ample attention in field and laboratory studies. However, sexually selected traits may not always be expressed: coloration and ornaments often follow a seasonal pattern and behaviours may be displayed only at specific times of the day. Despite the widely recognized differences in the daily and seasonal timing of traits and their consequences for reproductive success, the actions of sexual selection on the temporal organization of traits has received only scant attention. Drawing on selected examples from bird and mammal studies, here we summarize the current evidence for the daily and seasonal timing of traits. We highlight that molecular advances in chronobiology have opened exciting new opportunities for identifying the genetic targets that sexual selection may act on to shape the timing of trait expression. Furthermore, known genetic links between daily and seasonal timing mechanisms lead to the hypothesis that selection on one timescale may simultaneously also affect the other. We emphasize that studies on the timing of sexual displays of both males and females from wild populations will be invaluable for understanding the nature of sexual selection and its potential to act on differences within and between the sexes in timing. Molecular approaches will be important for pinpointing genetic components of biological rhythms that are targeted by sexual selection, and to clarify whether these represent core or peripheral components of endogenous clocks. Finally, we call for a renewed integration of the fields of evolution, behavioural ecology and chronobiology to tackle the exciting question of how sexual selection contributes to the evolution of biological clocks.This article is part of the themed issue 'Wild clocks: integrating chronobiology and ecology to understand timekeeping in free-living animals'
Patterns of Flavour Violation in a Warped Extra Dimensional Model with Custodial Protection
We present a particular warped extra dimensional model, where the flavour
diagonal and flavour non-diagonal Z boson couplings to left-handed down quarks
are protected by the custodial symmetry P_LR. After a brief introduction of the
model and of its main theoretical motivations, we present a complete study of
rare K and B meson decays, including K+ --> pi+ nu anti-nu, K_L --> pi0 nu
anti-nu, B_{s,d} --> mu+ mu- and B_{s,d} --> X_{s,d} nu anti-nu. In particular
we restrict the parameter space of the model to the subspace which fits all
quark masses, CKM mixing parameters and all the measured Delta F=2 observables,
keeping the Kaluza-Klein scale in the reach of LHC (~(2-3)TeV). There we show
that, in addition to the one loop contribution of the Standard Model (SM), the
dominating new physics contribution to the rare decays of K and B_{s,d} mesons
is the tree level exchange of the Z boson of the SM governed by right-handed
couplings to down-type quarks. In order to reduce the parameter dependence, we
study correlations between various branching ratios of B and K mesons and
between Delta F=1 and Delta F=2 observables. The patterns that we find allow to
distinguish this new physics scenario from the SM and can offer an opportunity
to future experiments to confirm or rule out the model.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, To appear in the proceedings of DISCRETE '08,
11-16 December 2008, Valencia, Spai
Inhibition of return: A âdepth-blindâ mechanism?
When attention is oriented to a peripheral visual event, observers respond faster to stimuli presented at a cued location than at an uncued location. Following initial reaction time facilitation responses are slower to stimuli subsequently displayed at the cued location, an effect known as inhibition of return (IOR). Both facilitatory and inhibitory effects have been extensively investigated in two-dimensional space. Facilitation has also been documented in three-dimensional space, however the presence of IOR in 3D space is unclear, possibly because IOR has not been evaluated in an empty 3D space. Determining if IOR is sensitive to the depth plane of stimuli or if only their bi-dimensional location is inhibited may clarify the nature of the IOR. To address this issue, we used an attentional cueing paradigm in three-dimensional (3D) space. Results were obtained from fourteen participants showed IOR components in 3D space when binocular disparity was used to induce depth. We conclude that attentional orienting in depth operates as efficiently as in the bi-dimensional space.This research was supported by the grant PRIN2007âprot.20078X33AFâMIUR
Evidence-based appraisal of the upfront treatment for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health problem, with around 1 million new cases and 500000 deaths every year worldwide. Over the last two decades, the use of novel therapies and more complex treatment strategies have contributed to progressively increase the median survival of patients with unresectable advanced CRC up to approximately 30 mo. The availability of additional therapeutic options, however, has created new challenges and generated more complicated treatment algorithms. Moreover, several clinically important points are still in debate in first-line, such as the optimal treatment intensity, the most appropriate maintenance strategy, the preferred biologic to be used upfront in patients with KRAS wild-type CRC, and the need for more detailed information on tumor biology. In this moving landscape, this review analyses why the firstline treatment decision is crucial and how the choice may impact on further treatment lines. In addition, it focuses on results of major phase III randomized trial
Rare K and B Decays in a Warped Extra Dimension with Custodial Protection
We present a complete study of rare K and B meson decays in a warped extra
dimensional model with a custodial protection of (both diagonal and
non-diagonal) Z d_L^i \bar d_L^j couplings, including K^+ -> pi^+ nu anti-nu,
K_L -> pi^0 nu anti-nu, K_L -> pi^0 l^+ l^-, K_L -> mu^+ mu^-, B_{s,d} -> mu^+
mu^-, B -> K nu anti-nu, B -> K^* nu anti-nu and B -> X_{s,d} nu anti-nu. In
this model in addition to Standard Model one loop contributions these processes
receive tree level contributions from the Z boson and the new heavy electroweak
gauge bosons. We analyse all these contributions that turn out to be dominated
by tree level Z boson exchanges governed by right-handed couplings to down-type
quarks. Imposing all existing constraints from Delta F=2 transitions analysed
by us recently and fitting all quark masses and CKM mixing parameters we find
that a number of branching ratios for rare K decays can differ significantly
from the SM predictions, while the corresponding effects in rare B decays are
modest, dominantly due to the custodial protection being more effective in B
decays than in K decays. In order to reduce the parameter dependence we study
correlations between various observables within the K system, within the B
system and in particular between K and B systems, and also between Delta F=2
and Delta F=1 observables. These correlations allow for a clear distinction
between this new physics scenario and models with minimal flavour violation or
the Littlest Higgs Model with T-parity, and could give an opportunity to future
experiments to confirm or rule out the model. We show how our results would
change if the custodial protection of Z d_L^i bar d^j_L couplings was absent.
In the case of rare B decays the modifications are spectacular.Comment: 50 pages, 17 figures. v2: minor clarifying comments and references
added. v3: few clarifying comments added, matches published versio
Increased glucocorticoid concentrations in early life cause mitochondrial inefficiency and short telomeres
Telomeres are DNA structures that protect chromosome ends. However, telomeres shorten during cell replication and at critically low lengths can reduce cell replicative potential, induce cell senescence and decrease fitness. Stress exposure, which elevates glucocorticoid hormone concentrations, can exacerbate telomere attrition. This phenomenon has been attributed to increased oxidative stress generated by glucocorticoids ('oxidative stress hypothesis'). We recently suggested that glucocorticoids could increase telomere attrition during stressful periods by reducing the resources available for telomere maintenance through changes in the metabolic machinery ('metabolic telomere attrition hypothesis'). Here, we tested whether experimental increases in glucocorticoid levels affected telomere length and mitochondrial function in wild great tit (Parus major) nestlings during the energy-demanding early growth period. We monitored resulting corticosterone (Cort) concentrations in plasma and red blood cells, telomere lengths and mitochondrial metabolism (metabolic rate, proton leak, oxidative phosphorylation, maximal mitochondrial capacity and mitochondrial inefficiency). We assessed oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolites as well as the total non-enzymatic antioxidant protection in plasma. Compared with control nestlings, Cort-nestlings had higher baseline corticosterone, shorter telomeres and higher mitochondrial metabolic rate. Importantly, Cort-nestlings showed increased mitochondrial proton leak, leading to a decreased ATP production efficiency. Treatment groups did not differ in oxidative damage or antioxidants. Hence, glucocorticoid-induced telomere attrition is associated with changes in mitochondrial metabolism, but not with ROS production. These findings support the hypothesis that shortening of telomere length during stressful periods is mediated by glucocorticoids through metabolic rearrangements
L'applicazione delle "Linee guida" del progetto europeo COME-IN! Cooperazione per una piena accessibilit\ue0 ai musei - verso una maggiore inclusione. L'esempio del Museo Archeologico di Udine
Dal 2014 il Museo Archeologico di Udine ha iniziato un percorso orientato allâaccessibilitĂ della struttura
museale, degli allestimenti e delle iniziative culturali organizzate, che Ăš approdato, grazie ai finanziamenti del
progetto europeo COME-IN! ad una nuova fase di rivisitazione in termini di accessibilitĂ e inclusivitĂ .
Questo processo ha riguardato non solo lâallestimento del Museo Archeologico, inaugurato nel 2013, ma ha
interessato lâintera struttura e in generale i servizi forniti dai Civici Musei di Udine. Lâobiettivo di inserire in
maniera armoniosa ed equilibrata tutti gli interventi previsti da progetto si Ăš concretizzato nel coinvolgimento
di professionisti e associazioni che hanno collaborato in base alle proprie competenz
The interplay between gonadal steroids and immune defence in affecting a carotenoid-dependent trait
The hypothesis that sexual ornaments are honest signals of quality because their expression is dependent on hormones with immune-depressive effects has received ambiguous support. The hypothesis might be correct for those signals that are carotenoid-dependent because the required carotenoid deposition in the signal, stimulated by testosterone, might lower the carotenoid-dependent immune defence of the organism. Two pathways underlying this androgen-dependent honest signaling have been suggested. Firstly, androgens that are needed for ornament expression may suppress immune defence, a cost that only high-quality animals can afford. Alternatively, immune activation may downregulate the production of androgens in low-quality individuals. Which of these alternatives is correct, and to what extent these effects are mediated by the different metabolites of androgens, remain open questions. To provide answers to these questions, we manipulated the levels of testosterone (T), 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 17-ÎČ-estradiol (E2) in diamond doves Geopelia cuneata, a species in which both sexes exhibit a carotenoid-dependent, androgen-regulated redâorange periorbital ring of bare skin. On the first day of the experiment (day 0), we inserted steroid-releasing implants into groups of birds and on day 14, we subjected half of the birds to an immunological challenge by immunizing them with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). In females, but not in males, androgen but not estradiol treatments reduced antibody production to SRBC. In addition, the immunological challenge reduced redness and size of the trait as well as androgens levels in both sexes and in all treatments. This indicates that an immunological challenge can lower circulating T at the cost of the trait expression. These findings are in accordance with both pathways postulated in the immunocompetence-handicap hypothesis, but do not entirely support the idea that the immunosuppressive effect of androgens yields honest signaling since both T and DHT were not immunosuppressive in males, for which sexual signaling is supposed to be especially important
Timing of surgery following SARSâCoVâ2 infection: an international prospective cohort study
Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30-day mortality in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4â1.5). In patients with a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0â2 weeks, 3â4 weeks and 5â6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1% (3.3â4.8), 3.9% (2.6â5.1) and 3.6% (2.0â5.2), respectively). Surgery performed â„ 7 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5% (0.9â 2.1%)). After a â„ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2â8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4â3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6â2.0%), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms â„ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay
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