Organisational fitness searches in the Anthropocene : integrating paradox and corporate sustainability

In this paper I explore the notion that ‘organisational fitness’ as conceptualised in complexity theories represents an inherent and enduring paradox in corporate evolution. More specifically, in a changing world – increasingly characterised as the Anthropocene – firms’ fitness is significantly determined by the ability to manage the persistent trade-offs between maximising profit and survival. I develop proposals to suggest that firms with stronger corporate sustainability efforts are institutionalising organisational search and change processes, and therefore that those that internalise the resulting paradoxes as part of their identity are likely to be better adapted and more resilient. In doing so I attempt to explain why corporate sustainability efforts represent an extension of other paradoxes in general organisational evolution and thus contribute to the complementarity of a systems view on sustainability research and paradox theory

The role of umbrella agreements in achieving sustainability goals : energy efficiency at the Empire State building

In this paper we investigate whether innovative and flexible contractual arrangements can support the process of achieving ambitious sustainability goals. We explore this question through an analysis of the role of umbrella agreements in driving energy savings in the building sector. Drawing on a case study of the iconic Empire State building, we examine the typical challenges faced by clients and contractors in devising suitable agreements that facilitate managing contractual and performance risks, as well as the sharing of responsibilities and cooperation between multiple project stakeholders. We find that the project arrangements appear to exhibit the adoption of the key characteristics commonly found in umbrella agreements which incorporate sustainability measures that maximize income through efficient delivery of outcomes. Specifically, this means that they need to enable stakeholders to manage repeated review cycles, complex perceptions and expectations, and different tacit assumptions and codes of behaviour, as well as managing and communicating in networks and obtaining agreement also from non-contractual parties. Moreover, we demonstrate that umbrella agreements can facilitate a network perspective of business relationships by emphasizing value co-creation and the embeddedness of firms within a network of interactions

Программное определение типа дефектов на цифровом рентгеновских снимках

Объектом исследования является применение алгоритма выделения границ объектов для выделения размытых контурных перепадов на снимках Цель работы –определение программное определение типа дефектов на цифровых рентгеновских снимках. В процессе выполнения работы были рассмотрены типы неметаллических материалов, области применения данных материалов, виды дефектов и методы их обнаружения. В результате получили сравнительный анализ методов определение типа дефектов на цифровых рентгеновских снимках. Область применения – определение типа дефектов на цифровых рентгеновских снимкахThe object of the study is the application of the algorithm for delineating the boundaries of objects to extract blurred contour differences in the images The purpose of the work is to determine the software definition of the type of defects on digital X-ray images. In the course of the work, the types of non-metallic materials, the fields of application of these materials, the types of defects and methods of their detection were considered. As a result, we obtained a comparative analysis of methods for determining the type of defects on digital X-ray images. Scope - determination of the type of defects on digital X-ray image

Tool Deflection Control by a Sensory Spindle Slide for Milling Machine Tools

A conventional spindle slide of a milling center is enhanced to a force "feeling" component for process monitoring and control tasks. The feeling ability is realized by integrating strain gauges in notches machined into the structure. This force sensing allows the identification of the static tool stiffness and enables the online detection of the tool deflection during milling processes. Based on a communication via PROFIBUS between the monitoring system and the machine control, the tool deflection is controlled online in the milling center by adjusting the axis feed. The approach shows considerable improvement regarding surface accuracies. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.DFG/CRC/65

Analysis of an Ultra-precision Positioning System and Parametrization of Its Structural Model for Error Compensation

Conventional compensation of position errors of machine tools relies only on measured values. Due to this principle it is not always possible to compensate the errors in time, especially dynamic ones. Moreover, the relevant control variables cannot always be measured directly. Thus, this approach proves to be insufficient for high precision applications. In this context, a model-based error prediction allows for minimal position errors. However, ultra-precision applications set high demands for the models' accuracy. This paper presents the design of an accurate and real time-capable structural model of an ultra-precision positioning system. The modeling method for the developed ultra-precision demonstrator is shown and the initial parameter identification is presented. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.DFG/FOR/184