Form Finding And Shape Change Analysis Of Spine Inspired Bio-Tensegrity Model

Biotensegrity mimicking the living organisms possesses excellent characteristics that duly demonstrate most of the properties in biological systems such as efficiency, self-stabilization, multi-modularity and multi-functional. Moreover, biotensegrity as a model emulated from the forms and functions of hierarchical biological system reveals its great potential in shape change ability. Therefore it is highly suitable to study biotensegrity as a new alternative choice for possible application where shape change ability is desired such as flexible arm in construction industry. However, there are limited studies on form finding of biotensegrity configurations and mathematical models on shape change of biotensegrity. Mimicking biological system by their shape, pertinent anatomical dimensions and natural curvature of human spine to seek its potential in shape change beneficial to application like automated robotic tools is the overall aim of this study. Specifically, this basic study aims to (1) formulate mathematical procedures for finding self-equilibrated configurations of spine biotensegrity structure (SBS) models (2) formulate computational strategy for simulating the shape change of novel SBS models, and (3) evaluate the characteristics of the novel SBS models. The methodology for this study consists of three phases. In the first phase, assemblage and mathematical formulation procedure for form finding of self-equilibrated four-stage class 1 biotensegrity models inspired by human spine or spine biotensegrity (SBS) models are established. The form-finding procedure involves method of solving the system of equilibrium equations through the use of Moore-Penrose generalized inverse, determination of self-equilibrium stress modes via eigenvector basis decomposition and optimization of coefficients for the linear combination of linearly independent selfequilibrium stress modes. Advantageous features of human spine like the slenderness and natural curvature in the geometry, as well as the stabilizing network consist of spinal column and muscle are incorporated in the mathematical formulation of the configuration of the SBS models. Additionally, two specific approaches in modification of nodal coordinates are implemented to improve the efficiency for form-finding of self-equilibrated SBS models, i.e. by means of adjustment of twist angles and modification of initial nodal coordinates. After successful searching of the configuration of self-equilibrated SBS models, the ability of the models to undergo shape change to achieve the prescribed state is investigated in the second phase. Specifically, unconstrained nodes of SBS model are chosen as monitored nodes where these nodes are required to reach a set of target displacements in prescribed magnitudes and directional modes. The shape change of SBS models towards target state is achieved by means of forced elongation of cable. Computational strategies for the shape change consist of two stages: the derivation of incremental equilibrium equations and optimization of the cables forced elongation by sequential quadratic programming. In the third phase, the structural characteristics of SBS models such as the deformed configurations and changes of axial force at the end of shape change analysis are investigated. The following four cases of target displacements are studied in order to investigate the characteristics of SBS models after shape change: uni-, bi-, tri-directional and twisting modes. The current study has successfully formulated mathematically the self-equilibrated configuration of SBS models inspired by human spine. A total of three novel selfequilibrated configurations of SBS models were searched. This study has also proposed a set of procedures involving incremental calculation for shape change analysis of SBS models. Numerical simulations of the regular tensegrity and SBS models have proven the superior convergent characteristic of the proposed algorithm for shape change analysis. The results reveal that the proposed approach for shape change analysis has a very strong ability for a self-equilibrated model to search their desired target coordinates in multi-directional modes through optimization of the forced elongation in cables. It is also found that the SBS models are capable to undergo bending, axial and torsional deformation. Active changes in forces in element groups even within the far-away element groups of SBS models are observed during the shape change analysis. In conclusion, the findings of this basic study have paved the way for realization of spine inspired flexible arm with magnitude shape change ability

Optional games on cycles and complete graphs

We study stochastic evolution of optional games on simple graphs. There are two strategies, A and B, whose interaction is described by a general payoff matrix. In addition there are one or several possibilities to opt out from the game by adopting loner strategies. Optional games lead to relaxed social dilemmas. Here we explore the interaction between spatial structure and optional games. We find that increasing the number of loner strategies (or equivalently increasing mutational bias toward loner strategies) facilitates evolution of cooperation both in well-mixed and in structured populations. We derive various limits for weak selection and large population size. For some cases we derive analytic results for strong selection. We also analyze strategy selection numerically for finite selection intensity and discuss combined effects of optionality and spatial structure

Opportunities and challenges of measurement of knowledge development and management: The use of emergency telecommunications as an educational theme

Measurement of knowledge development and management could be gleaned from examples in education.The use of “educational” or “learning” themes in education is one of the effective pedagogical methods.In this paper,“emergency telecommunications” has been proposed as an educational theme in secondary and tertiary education.The use of emergency telecommunications as an educational theme brings about challenges to traditional educational measurement.On the other hand, it also provides opportunities for experimentation of new educational measurement methods.As such, it is worthwhile to delve into its effective and practical educational measurement

Malaysia’s “Corporate Directors Training Programme” as an example of senior executive training: suggestions for specific and general improvements with insights from knowledge management

Malaysia’s Corporate Directors Training Programme (CDTP) aims to increase the awareness of company directors towards good corporate governance.In this paper, observations will be shared and suggestions for improvement (partly based on insights from knowledge management) made on both the overall structure of CDTP and specifically its corporate governance component, so that the participating directors may more readily immerse in the subjects.The paper’s discussion also shed lights on the lack of proper corporate information and knowledge management in Malaysia.It is proposed that the corporate-governance module be redesigned into three smaller units emphasizing both principles and practices.Moreover, the CDTP course materials should be shortened and include exercises and evaluation.It is envisioned that the revamped CDTP will more effectively achieve the goal of fostering a more healthy business environment in Malaysia

A practical framework for resolving ethical dilemmas in e-learning

E-learning encourages ideas to be exchanged, knowledge transferred and intellectual ideals pursued.On the other hand, e-learning also poses new challenges to traditional notions of education.Almost inevitably, moral dilemmas arise out of the activities of all e-learning participants.These dilemmas range from issues in learning assessment to the ethical implications of using technology for education.The present paper first enumerates and explains a number of ethical principles distilled from an extensive research of literature in philosophy, law, history,sociology, and political science.Examples of how these ethical principles may be applied in resolving real-life moral dilemmas in e-learning will be illustrated. The paper will eventually propose an ethical framework based on insights from recent research by the author for effective resolution of ethical dilemmas in e-learning

The roles of artificial intelligence and knowledge management in emergency telecommunications

Over the past decade, the international community has recognized the substantive role modern telecommunications can play in disaster relief operations and humanitarian actions.The Tampere Convention on “Emergency Telecommunications” was an initiative to facilitate these activities, endorsed by various international conferences.The role of artificial intelligence and knowledge management in emergency telecommunications could be tremendous, with applications potentially ranging from network and workflow management to training and decision support.In the future, a greater convergence among different technologies, artificial intelligence and knowledge management included, in the service of emergency telecommunications could be foreseen, thus achieving the noble goal of utilizing modern information and communications technologies for disaster mitigation

K-economy and K-community: Possibility and challenges of self-governance

The rapid rise of globalisation and electronic commerce and their increasing intrusion into everyday life, have given rise to the notions of K-Community and K-Economy.The healthy functioning of K-Community and K-Economy requires an effective governance structure.The present paper proposes an evolving multi-faceted self-governance framework for the regulation of K-Community and K-Economy by, for and of the users and service providers in these realms.The framework takes into account the policy and economical aspects of K-Community and KEconomy development, and seeks to devise balanced and sensible governance solutions

Organisational Learning in Service of Strategic Planning: Case Study on an International Organisation

Managing knowledge development is critical to the proper functioning of a learning organisation. Moreover, organisational learning should be incorporated into the strategic planning of such a learning organisation to ensure the long-term survival of the organisation. In this paper, these issues are critically discussed in the context of an international organisation. It is found that although the bulk of the organisation’s work is knowledge-based, it faces problem in cultivating a “learning” culture within the organisation. There is little mutual learning between management and staff. The organisation also faces leadership and willingness problems. It would be critical for the organisation to come to terms with leveraging its knowledge base in planning for its sustainable development

Self-Governance for Electronic Commerce: An Evolving Framework

The rapid rise of electronic commerce and the latter’s increasing intrusion into everyday life has not been matched by an effective governance structure. The present paper proposes an evolving multi-faceted self-governance framework for the regulation of electronic commerce by, for and of the users and service providers of electronic commerce. The idea of “electronic commerce interest group” is proposed and described, together with their interactions. The framework takes into account the policy, ethical and economical aspects of electronic commerce development, and seeks to devise balanced and sensible electronic-commerce governance solution