From smart textile to on demand, locally fabricated design

In the last ten years mass production of goods has been recognized as highly responsible of having critical impact on the planet. Many companies are pushed by institutions and policy makers to embrace circular economy nevertheless new studies show that recycling is not enough, if production does not decrease. In this context a driving force for digital fabrication research is developing the ability to manufacture multiples of one without loss of complexity. This emerging approach is demonstrating that sustainable, high quality, long lasting and affordable products can be implemented through the set up of new business models based on locally manufactured, hi-tech, on demand products. Through the presentation of the results of a transnational collaboration funded by EU on design-driven services, the paper highlights a preliminary set of implications of the assumed shift from centralized mass production to a distributed micro-factory model. The workflow implemented during the project is focused on digitally fabricated items personalized through a fabrication system based on a hand-woven textile sensor matrix able to capture unique data from the body of customers. Moreover the paper describes the key role makerspaces have into enabling an interdisciplinary work environment and creating bridges between textile craft tradition and digital fabrication processes in order to lowering the barriers for design and fashion enterprises to benefit from technological textile innovation in a sustainable manufacturing environment

Rebelling with Care.:Exploring open technologies for commoning healthcare

The publication Rebelling with Care is the result of the research and dissemination activities carried out by WeMake within the framework of DSI for Europe, a project supported by the European Commission to reinforce the network of organizations using technologies to make a positive impact on society. The DSI paradigm revolves around key concepts such as open codes and data, co-design, collaboration and social impact. Since January 2018, we have reflected upon the traction these terms could have specifically in the field of health and care practices, starting with a map of the current DSI ecosystem and an informal learning journey that has involved citizens, policy-makers, professionals and institutions. What does it mean to develop bottom-up innovation, which is community-driven and built upon the commons, in a sector that is struggling to meet the needs of a growing and aging society, that is ruled by obsolete bureaucracies, and that is limited by proprietary technologies and top-down procedures? We have tried to answer these questions through seven articles and seven practices that show in concrete terms the contours of the emerging and diverse new modalities of dealing with the health and care challenges of today by leveraging the empowering potential of digital technologies. In the context of this research, we came to define these different modalities, which often emerge from the strong personal needs of the people directly impacted by a specific condition, as “rebel practices”. This is because in the vast majority of cases, these practices simultaneously operate outside a market logic without asking for the full permission of official institutions, with the purpose of provoking them to change or filling the gap left by who do not innovate, with due care, in the fields of health and care provisions

Cure Ribelli. Tecnologie aperte per una cura come bene comune

Cure Ribelli è una pubblicazione che nasce dalle attività di ricerca e disseminazione svolte da WeMake nell’ambito del progetto Digital Social Innovation for Europe, un programma supportato dalla Commissione Europea che punta a rafforzare la rete di organizzazioni che propongono l’utilizzo delle tecnologie con una prospettiva mirata all’impatto positivo sulla società. I concetti chiave del paradigma dell’innovazione sociale digitale gravitano intorno a termini quali codici e dati aperti, co-progettazione, collaborazione, impatto sociale. Dal gennaio 2018 abbiamo riflettuto e ci siamo confrontate sulla declinazione di tali concetti nell’ambito della cura e della salute a partire da una mappatura del contesto e da un percorso formativo informale che ha coinvolto cittadini, referenti politici, professionisti e istituzioni. Che cosa significa sviluppare un’innovazione dal basso guidata dalla comunità e fondata sui beni comuni, in un settore impreparato al crescente invecchiamento della popolazione, governata da burocrazie obsolete, e che è limitata da tecnologie proprietarie e procedure verticistiche? Abbiamo cercato di rispondere a queste domande attraverso sette articoli e sette pratiche progettuali che danno concretamente forma ad altri e nuovi modi di fare cura e occuparsi della salute sfruttando il potenziale emancipatorio delle tecnologie digitali. Nell’ambito di questa ricerca, abbiamo voluto definire questi altri modi “ribelli” poiché spesso nascono da forti esigenze personali delle persone direttamente interessate che, nella maggior parte dei casi, agiscono senza chiedere il permesso di mercati e istituzioni, per provocarli al fine di farli cambiare o per sopperire alle carenze di chi dovrebbe ma non innova, con cura, il settore della salute

Automated high accuracy, rapid beam hardening correction in X-Ray Computed Tomography of multi-mineral, heterogeneous core samples

X-ray Computed Tomography scanning is an innovative procedure that allows representing the internal structure of samples. Among its several purposes, X-ray CT is widely used for investigation of petrophysical properties of porous media. To provide accurate results, it is necessary to have high quality scan images, free of artefacts. One of the most problematic artefacts is beam hardening, which, in cylindrical shapes, increases the attenuation values with increasing distance from the centre. Until now, no automatic solution has been proposed for cylindrically-shaped cores that is both computationally feasible and applicable to all geological media. A new technique is here introduced for correcting beam hardening, using a linearization procedure of the beam hardening curve applied after the reconstruction process. We have developed an automated open source plug-in, running on ImageJ software, which does not require any a priori knowledge of the material, distance from the source or the scan conditions (current, energy), nor any segmentation of phases or calibration scan on phantom data. It is suitable for expert and non-expert use, alike. We have tested the technique on μCT scan images of a plastic rod, a sample of loose sand, several heterogeneous sandstone core samples (with near-cylindrical shapes), and finally, on an internal scan of a Berea sandstone core. The Berea core was also scanned using a medical X-ray CT scanner with a fan-beam geometry, as opposed to a cone beam geometry, showing that our algorithm is equally effective in both cases. Our correction technique successfully removes the beam hardening artefact in all cases, as well as removing the cupping effect common to internal scans. For a Berea Sandstone, with a porosity of 20%, porosity calculated using the corrected scan is 20.54%, which compares to a value of 14.24% using the software provided by the manufacturer

Cure Ribelli. Tecnologie aperte per una cura come bene comune.

Cure Ribelli è una pubblicazione che nasce dalle attività di ricerca e disseminazione svolte da WeMake nell’ambito del progetto Digital Social Innovation for Europe, un programma supportato dalla Commissione Europea che punta a rafforzare la rete di organizzazioni che propongono l’utilizzo delle tecnologie con una prospettiva mirata all’impatto positivo sulla società. I concetti chiave del paradigma dell’innovazione sociale digitale gravitano intorno a termini quali codici e dati aperti, co-progettazione, collaborazione, impatto sociale. Dal gennaio 2018 abbiamo riflettuto e ci siamo confrontate sulla declinazione di tali concetti nell’ambito della cura e della salute a partire da una mappatura del contesto e da un percorso formativo informale che ha coinvolto cittadini, referenti politici, professionisti e istituzioni. Che cosa significa sviluppare un’innovazione dal basso guidata dalla comunità e fondata sui beni comuni, in un settore impreparato al crescente invecchiamento della popolazione, governata da burocrazie obsolete, e che è limitata da tecnologie proprietarie e procedure verticistiche? Abbiamo cercato di rispondere a queste domande attraverso sette articoli e sette pratiche progettuali che danno concretamente forma ad altri e nuovi modi di fare cura e occuparsi della salute sfruttando il potenziale emancipatorio delle tecnologie digitali. Nell’ambito di questa ricerca, abbiamo voluto definire questi altri modi “ribelli” poiché spesso nascono da forti esigenze personali delle persone direttamente interessate che, nella maggior parte dei casi, agiscono senza chiedere il permesso di mercati e istituzioni, per provocarli al fine di farli cambiare o per sopperire alle carenze di chi dovrebbe ma non innova, con cura, il settore della salute

Come aprire un nido pirata nel quartiere

Piccolo manuale di cura collettiva a partire dall’esperienza specifica di SopraSotto. - “Come aprire un nido pirata nel quartiere” è un piccolo manuale che racconta, partendo da un’esperienza specifica, come si costruisce uno spazio per la cura collettiva di bambini e bambine in età da nido. Autogestito da genitori e insegnanti, il laboratorio SopraSotto nasce a Milano nel 2013 come risposta attiva all’insufficienza di posti nei nidi pubblici – problema diffuso principalmente nelle grandi metropoli. Senza pretesa di completezza, questo manuale racconta come una comunità di oltre una cinquantina di famiglie, accomunate da forme lavorative “atipiche”, ha costruito attraverso l’organizzazione, la partecipazione e alcuni dispositivi digitali, un’alternativa che sembra funzionare: un luogo sensibile alle trasformazioni in corso dei tempi vita/lavoro, e una comunità che contrasta la solitudine come condizione diffusa di molti giovani genitori. INDICE Introduzione / Maddalena Fragnito Chi siamo Organizzazione 1. Mappa Auto-organizzazione 1. Mappa Strumenti offline 1. Mappa Strumenti online 1. Mappa Soggetto Legale Sostenibilità 2. Mappa sostenibilità 2. Mappa strumenti amministrativi Relazioni istituzionali 3. Mappa servizi infanzia attivati in regione lombardia 3. Mappa come abbiamo fatto noi Autocostruzione 4. Kit Modelli formativi 5. Interdipendenza, quartiere, cerchio / Leva, Sprocatti, Ubía Díaz 5. Pensieri sparsi / Genitori e maestre 5. Guida Veloce alla verdura e frutta di stagione / Stefania Aledi Approfondimenti 6. Appunti sulla cura pirata / Valeria Graziano 6. Uno sguardo ai dati / Alberto Cossu 6. Open-source / Zoe Romano 6. Dialogo / a cura di Cristina Morini Esperienze simili 7. Eltern-initiativen 7. Grupos de Crianza Compartida 7. L’asilo nel bosco Conclusioni Riferiment

Extreme capillary heterogeneities and in situ fluid compartmentalization due to clusters of deformation bands in sandstones

Previous work has shown that individual deformation bands act like capillary barriers and influence fluid saturation. More common in nature, however, are clusters of deformation bands that form complex three dimensional geometries. The aim of this study is to analyze the extent and mechanisms of fluid compartmentalization due to clustered bands. Drainage multiphase fluid flow experiments were performed on a Navajo sandstone core sample characterized by diversely oriented clusters of deformation bands, that sub-divide the host rock into several compartments. Medical X-ray CT images were acquired while nitrogen was injected at progressively higher flow rates into a water-saturated core during transient and steady-state conditions. Spatial and temporal analyses of the non-wetting phase plume migration suggest that deformation bands act like capillary barriers and contribute to the development of an extremely tortuous saturation front. Differential pressure behavior across the core is linked to the breakthrough of N2 into the individual compartments, resulting in highly variable N2 saturation throughout the experiment. Migration into downstream compartments occurs via the exceedance of capillary entry pressure in portions of the bands. Simulation models of simplified systems demonstrate that capillary end effects and discontinuities in the deformation bands impact fluid saturation. The experiments and models presented here show that clusters of deformation bands have the potential to strongly compartmentalize a sandstone reservoir. Hence, prior analysis of the geometry of deformation band structures in a reservoir could significantly reduce the risk of overestimating reservoir capacity, and improve predictions of fluid mobility

Subcore scale fluid flow behavior in a sandstone with cataclastic deformation bands

Accurate determination of petrophysical and multiphase flow properties in sandstones is necessary for reservoir characterization, for instance for carbon dioxide and hydrogen storage in geological formations or for enhanced oil recovery. Several studies have examined the effect of heterogeneities, such as fractures, bedding planes and laminae, on core-scale fluid flow. However, the influence of deformation bands that commonly occur in high porosity sandstones, is poorly understood. In this study, we consider a core sample of Navajo sandstone characterized by diagonally oriented deformation bands and two laminae perpendicular to the core axis, as determined from micro X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT). Positron emission tomography (PET) is used to derive the single phase hydrodynamic properties of the core. A CO2 drainage experiment is conducted in the water-saturated core and imaged with a medical X-ray CT scanner. Medical CT enables CO2 saturation quantification with increasing CO2 injection rate. Experimental results and the accompanying numerical simulations indicate that both the laminae and the deformation bands act as capillary barriers, with the laminae forming weaker capillary barriers than the deformation bands. The deformation bands have lower permeability and porosity due to grain crushing, and a very high capillary entry pressure that inhibits CO2 migration across the bands. At the reservoir scale, deformation bands form conjugate sets and are often present in thick anastomosing clusters that define lozenge-shaped compartments. These findings have important consequences for subsurface fluid flow. For example, the presence of deformation bands may reduce the storage capacity and injectivity in carbon storage reservoirs

Management of acute diverticulitis with pericolic free gas (ADIFAS). an international multicenter observational study

Background: There are no specific recommendations regarding the optimal management of this group of patients. The World Society of Emergency Surgery suggested a nonoperative strategy with antibiotic therapy, but this was a weak recommendation. This study aims to identify the optimal management of patients with acute diverticulitis (AD) presenting with pericolic free air with or without pericolic fluid. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, international study of patients diagnosed with AD and pericolic-free air with or without pericolic free fluid at a computed tomography (CT) scan between May 2020 and June 2021 was included. Patients were excluded if they had intra-abdominal distant free air, an abscess, generalized peritonitis, or less than a 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the rate of failure of nonoperative management within the index admission. Secondary outcomes included the rate of failure of nonoperative management within the first year and risk factors for failure. Results: A total of 810 patients were recruited across 69 European and South American centers; 744 patients (92%) were treated nonoperatively, and 66 (8%) underwent immediate surgery. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Hinchey II-IV on diagnostic imaging was the only independent risk factor for surgical intervention during index admission (odds ratios: 12.5, 95% CI: 2.4-64, P =0.003). Among patients treated nonoperatively, at index admission, 697 (94%) patients were discharged without any complications, 35 (4.7%) required emergency surgery, and 12 (1.6%) percutaneous drainage. Free pericolic fluid on CT scan was associated with a higher risk of failure of nonoperative management (odds ratios: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.2-19.9, P =0.023), with 88% of success compared to 96% without free fluid ( P <0.001). The rate of treatment failure with nonoperative management during the first year of follow-up was 16.5%. Conclusion: Patients with AD presenting with pericolic free gas can be successfully managed nonoperatively in the vast majority of cases. Patients with both free pericolic gas and free pericolic fluid on a CT scan are at a higher risk of failing nonoperative management and require closer observation

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research