Effects of finite strains in fully coupled 3D geomechanical simulations

Numerical modeling of geomechanical phenomena and geo-engineering problems often involves complex issues related to several variables and corresponding coupling effects. Under certain circumstances, both soil and rock may experience a nonlinear material response caused by, for example, plastic, viscous, or damage behavior or even a nonlinear geometric response due to large deformations or displacements of the solid. Furthermore, the presence of one or more fluids (water, oil, gas, etc.) within the skeleton must be taken into account when evaluating the interaction between the different phases of the continuum body. A multiphase three-dimensional (3D) coupled model of finite strains, suitable for dealing with solid-displacement and fluid-diffusion problems, is described for assumed elastoplastic behavior of the solid phase. Particularly, a 3D mixed finite element was implemented to fulfill stability requirements of the adopted formulation, and a permeability tensor dependent on deformation is introduced. A consolidation scenario induced by silo filling was investigated, and the effects of the adoption of finite strains are discusse

Absorptive capacity and relationship learning mechanisms as complementary drivers of green innovation performance

This paper aims to explore in depth how internal and external knowledge-based drivers actually affect the firms\u2019 green innovation performance. Subsequently, this study analyzes the relationships between absorptive capacity (internal knowledge-based driver), relationship learning (external knowledge-based driver) and green innovation performance. This study relies on a sample of 112 firms belonging to the Spanish automotive components manufacturing sector (ACMS) and uses partial least squares path modeling to test the hypotheses proposed. The empirical results show that both absorptive capacity and relationship learning exert a significant positive effect on the dependent variable and that relationship learning moderates the link between absorptive capacity and green innovation performance. This paper presents some limitations with respect to the particular sector (i.e. the ACMS) and geographical context (Spain). For this reason, researchers must be thoughtful while generalizing these results to distinct scenarios. Managers should devote more time and resources to reinforce their absorptive capacity as an important strategic tool to generate new knowledge and hence foster green innovation performance in manufacturing industries. The paper shows the importance of encouraging decision-makers to cultivate and rely on relationship learning mechanisms with their main stakeholders and to acquire the necessary information and knowledge that might be valuable in the maturity of green innovations. This study proposes that relationship learning plays a moderating role in the relationship between absorptive capacity and green innovation performance

DIGITgame: Gamification as Amazing way to learn STEM Concepts Developing Sustainable cities Idea in the Citizen of the Future

DIGITgame, intends to improve scientific skills and competences through an innovative teaching methods. It is based on Smart City projecting and realized by the development of a mini-game with challenges based on the scientific concepts. DIGITgame proposes a new approach to teach traditional topics of environmental sciences using the thematic of Smart Cities and taking advantage introducing the videogame solution. It will permit to reinforce the achievement of advanced and high quality competences, both in scientific topics and digital knowledge. Match between traditional teaching approach, gamification challenge and informatics is the keystone to turn students in involved and aware citizens

Cadenas globales de valor y sistemas locales: las dos caras de una misma moneda

En un mundo cada vez m\ue1s complejo, en el que la competencia es cada vez mayor y m\ue1s global, los cl\ufasteres locales podr\uedan seguir desempe\uf1ando un papel muy relevante. El desarrollo de estrategias ancladas en un lugar, caracterizado por din\ue1micas innovadoras, es clave para poder beneficiarse de la integraci\uf3n en las cadenas globales de valor (CGV) y capturar parte del valor generado en ellas. A trav\ue9s del estudio de la coevoluci\uf3n de los cl\ufasteres y las CGV, en este art\uedculo se identifican aquellos elementos que son cr\uedticos para el desarrollo de las regiones y los cl\ufasteres en el \ue1mbito mundial, pudiendo as\ued explorarse con mayor grado de detalle la complejidad que en la pr\uf3xima d\ue9cada pueda generar la globalizaci\uf3n

Different amount of training affects body composition and performance in High-Intensity Functional Training participants

The effects of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on body composition and the relationship of the latter with performance are not well defined. In this work we investigated, by means of Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry, the relative proportions of fat-, lean soft tissue-, and mineral mass in CrossFit\uae (CF, a popular mode of HIFT) participants (n = 24; age, 28.2 \ub1 3.39 y; BMI, 25.3 \ub1 2.04 kg/m2) with at least 1 year of CF training experience and weekly amount of training > 10 h/w (n = 13; Higher Training, HT) or < 10 h/w (n = 11; Lower Training, LT) as well as age- matched and BMI-matched physically active controls (CHT, CLT). Performance was assessed in the "Fran" workout. Data were analyzed by one-way or repeated measures ANOVA where needed. Association between variables was assessed with the Pearson's correlation coefficient r. Partial correlation was used where needed. Results showed that HT performed better than LT in the "Fran" (P < 0.001) and they had higher whole-body bone mineral density (P = 0.026) and higher lean soft mass (P = 0.002), and borderline lower percent fat mass (P = 0.050). The main difference between CF participants (HT, LT) and their respective controls (CHT, CLT) was a lower adiposity in the former. In CF participants, performance positively correlated with appendicular lean soft tissue mass (P = 0.030). It can be concluded that, in CF participants, a higher amount of weekly training improves most notably lean body mass and increases performance in association with increased skeletal muscle mass. CF participation is especially effective in reducing fat mass vs. age- and BMI-matched physically active controls

Advancing the measurement of frugal innovation

This chapter starts from the recognition that we need to develop better ways to capture and measure Frugal innovation (FI). Through using data from a systematic literature review, we explore how FIs contain relatively differentiated characteristics from conventional innovations. We provide an overview regarding what are the specificities of FI, and how they might inform an effective way of capturing and measuring it. First, the key role of resource constraints in characterizing FIs, both because end users tend to be relatively poor, and because FIs are predominantly used in resource-constrained settings. Second, the diversity of actors involved in FI, considering the linkages and power inequalities across actors and the multiplicity of goals and motivations that steer their actions. We present recent attempts by other authors to measure FI, and a proposal to move forward with a selective and harmonized set of indicators that can be used to more effectively measure F

Formazione per il futuro: spunti di riflessione per il settore edile-artigianoA

Nota derivante dal lavoro svolto per il Progetto di ricerca Monitoraggio della formazione in materia di sicurezza e rilevazione delle competenze richieste, promosso da Edilcassa Veneto e svolto da Ires Veneto, consistente in focus group compiuto con le parti sociali

Prediction of protein composition of individual cow milk using mid-infrared spectroscopy.

This study investigated the application of mid-infrared spectroscopy for the prediction of protein composition in individual milk samples (n=1,336) of Simmental cows. Protein fractions were quantified by RP-HPLC and MIR data were recorded over the spectral range from 4,000 to 900 cm-1. Models were developed by partial least squares regression using untreated spectra. The most successful predictions were for protein, casein, αS1-casein, whey protein, and β-lactoglobulin contents. The models could discriminate between high and low values of protein composition (R2=0.50 to 0.58). The root mean square errors of cross-validation were 3.11g/l for protein (range 39.91g/l), 2.76g/l for casein (range 35.16g/l), 1.07 g/l for αS1-casein (range 12.82g/l), 0.51 g/l for whey protein (range 4.97g/l), and 0.43 for β-lactoglobulin (range 4.37). Application of MIR spectroscopy is possible for the routinely assessment of protein, casein, αS1-casein, whey protein, and β-lactoglobulin and its implementation might be in future a tool for improving protein composition of bovine milk through breeding programs

Milk Fatty Acids Predicted by Mid-infrared Spectroscopy in Mixed Dairy Herds

Over the last years, healthy food has gained interest among consumers, especially with regard to the fat content of livestock products which has been associated to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Individual milk samples (n = 12,624) of 2,977 Holstein-Friesian (HF), Brown Swiss (BS) and Simmental (SI) cows from 39 multibreed herds were analyzed for fat content, protein content, casein content and somatic cell count using mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS). Daily milk yield was also recorded. Groups of fatty acids (FA), expressed as percentage of milk fat, were predicted by MIRS: they were saturated (SFA), unsaturated (UFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) FA. Data were analyzed with a linear mixed model including the fixed effects of month of sampling, parity, days in milk (DIM), herd, breed, and interactions between parity and breed, and DIM and breed. The random effects were cow nested within breed and residual. Milk of HF cows exhibited the lowest percentage of SFA (70.45%) and the highest of UFA (31.20%), and milk of SI cows was intermediate between that of HF and BS breeds for all groups of FA. The values of groups of FA across DIM were similar for the different breeds. Results from this study indicate that, under similar environmental and management conditions, milk of HF exhibits better FA profile than milk of BS and SI