AdvManuNet: a networking project on metrology for advanced manufacturing

The networking project AdvManuNet has been started recently to accelerate the process of establishing an European Metrology Network (EMN) on Advanced Manufacturing. EMNs are intended by EURAMET, the association of metrology institutes in Europe, to provide a sustainable structure for ongoing stakeholder interaction in different thematic areas. Advanced manufacturing has been identified by the European Commission (EC) as one of six Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) with applications in multiple industries. Various EURAMET projects have partly addressed metrology needs for advanced manufacturing. However, a high-level coordination of the metrology community is currently absent and limits the impact of metrology developments on advanced manufacturing. AdvManuNet will address these limits by establishing a single hub for stakeholder consultation, a knowledge base on research results, and a strategic agenda for research and training to push forward advanced manufacturing and related KETs and strengthen Europe’s position in advanced manufacturing via the EMN

New European Metrology Network for advanced manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing has been identified as one of the key enabling technologies with applications in multiple industries. The growing importance of advanced manufacturing is reflected by an increased number of publications on this topic in recent years. Advanced manufacturing requires new and enhanced metrology methods to assure the quality of manufacturing processes and the resulting products. However, a high-level coordination of the metrology community is currently absent in this field and consequently this limits the impact of metrology developments on advanced manufacturing. In this article we introduce the new European Metrology Network (EMN) for Advanced Manufacturing within EURAMET, the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). The EMN is intended to be operated sustainably by NMIs and Designated Institutes in close cooperation with stakeholders interested in advanced manufacturing. The objectives of the EMN are to set up a permanent stakeholder dialogue, to develop a Strategic Research Agenda for the metrology input required for advanced manufacturing technologies, to create and maintain a knowledge sharing programme and to implement a web-based service desk for stakeholders. The EMN development is supported by a Joint Network Project within the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research

Management of Suspected Cases of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) During an International Translocation Program.

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population in Switzerland serves as a source for reintroductions in neighboring countries. In 2016-2017, three lynx from the same geographical area were found seropositive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in the framework of an international translocation program. This novel finding raised questions about the virus origin and pathogenicity to lynx, the emerging character of the infection, and the interpretation of serological results in other lynx caught for translocation. Archived serum samples from 84 lynx captured in 2001-2016 were retrospectively tested for FIV antibodies by Western blot. All archived samples were FIV-negative. The three seropositive lynx were monitored in quarantine enclosures prior to euthanasia and necropsy. They showed disease signs, pathological findings, and occurrence of co-infections reminding of those described in FIV-infected domestic cats. All attempts to isolate and characterize the virus failed but serological data and spatiotemporal proximity of the cases suggested emergence of a lentivirus with antigenic and pathogenic similarities to FIV in the Swiss lynx population. A decision scheme was developed to minimize potential health risks posed by FIV infection, both in the recipient and source lynx populations, considering conservation goals, animal welfare, and the limited action range resulting from local human conflicts. Development and implementation of a cautious decision scheme was particularly challenging because FIV pathogenic potential in lynx was unclear, negative FIV serological results obtained within the first weeks after infection are unpredictable, and neither euthanasia nor repatriation of multiple lynx was acceptable options. The proposed scheme distinguished between three scenarios: release at the capture site, translocation, or euthanasia. Until April 2021, none of the 40 lynx newly captured in Switzerland tested FIV-seropositive. Altogether, seropositivity to FIV was documented in none of 124 lynx tested at their first capture, but three of them seroconverted in 2016-2017. Diagnosis of FIV infection in the three seropositive lynx remains uncertain, but clinical observations and pathological findings confirmed that euthanasia was appropriate. Our experiences underline the necessity to include FIV in pathogen screenings of free-ranging European wild felids, the importance of lynx health monitoring, and the usefulness of health protocols in wildlife translocation

State of the Art of Tactile Micro Coordinate Metrology

Micro parts are increasingly found in a number of industrial products. They often have complex geometrical features in the millimeter to micrometer range which are not accessible or difficult to measure by conventional coordinate measuring machines or by optical microscopy techniques. In the last years, several concepts of tactile micro coordinate measuring machines have been developed in research laboratories and were partly commercialized by industry. The major challenges were related to the development of innovative micro probes, to the requirements for traceability and to the performance assessment at reduced measurement uncertainty. This paper presents a review on state of the art developments of micro coordinate measuring machines and 3D micro probes in the last 20 years, as far as these were qualified in a comparable way, with a special emphasis on research conducted by the Federal Institute of Metrology METAS in this field. It outlines the accuracy limitations for the probe head including the probing element and for the geometrical errors of the machine axes. Finally, the achieved performances are summarized and the challenges for further research are addressed

Fatal acute babesiosis associated with Babesia venatorum infection (Babesia sp. EU1) in a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland

Babesia venatorum was isolated from a captive reindeer calf in Switzerland. The clinical signs consistent with acute babesiosis included hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria. The diagnosis was made based on visualization of intraerythrocytic parasites in the stained blood smears and confirmed by PCR analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, with subsequent species identification within Babesia confirmed by sequencing. The reindeer calf was initially treated with supportive care and an antiprotozoal drug (imidocarb dipropionate) but died a few days after hospitalization. Babesia venatorum is also known as Babesia sp. EU1 and can infect different mammalian species, including humans. The current case report aims to increase awareness among veterinarians and reindeer owners about the presence and the associated risk of this zoonotic pathogen. Considering the high morbidity and possible mortality associated with acute babesiosis, captive reindeer should receive tick prevention measures and be tested for subclinical infections in endemic area