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Towards a framework for automatic disassembly supporting circular economy
No full textThis paper provides an in-depth study of Design for Assembly (DfA) and Design for Disassembly (DfD) concepts and related challenges to facilitate the vision of a fully automated production line being capable of assembling and disassembling on the very same production line. The gained insights play an instrumental role in fostering the paradigm of the circular economy. Therefore, it enables the easy decomposition of product components at the end-of-life stage, facilitating efficient repair, recycling, reuse, and recovery. The circular economy, characterized by closed-loop resource utilization, depends immensely on structured product disposal and resource recovery systems, thus rendering DfD a critical component within this remanufacturing-framework. A framework considering all lifecycle phases based on existing design strategies is presented. Product data management and their effectiveness in amplifying a circular economic system is assessed. Challenges and barriers in employing DfD (economical, ecological, technological, and operational) are discussed, along with potential solutions. Furthermore, advancements in technology including Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing which can enhance DfD capabilities are explored, thus expediting the journey towards a more circular economy in product development
Psychological maltreatment : discovering its different subtypes and related developmental risk factors
No full textPsychological maltreatment (PM) is widely recognized as a particularly harmful form of child maltreatment. However, challenges in research persist, including limited empirical evidence on subtypes of PM and uncertainty whether its observed harmfulness stems from PM's inherent characteristics or its strong association with confounding developmental risk factors. This study aims to (a) investigate the dimensional structure of PM, particularly whether it can be grouped into the superordinate domains of psychological abuse and psychological neglect, and (b) examine the strength of PM's association with co-occurring developmental risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences (ACE), compared to other types of child maltreatment. The study relies on a cross-sectional classroom-based survey in Switzerland with a sample of n = 1386 adolescents. A sub-sample of n = 727 adolescents (mean age = 14.48 years) who reported PM exposure above the sample mean was examined. PM was assessed using the Computer Assisted Maltreatment Inventory, along with additional scales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to explore the dimensional structure of PM, and χ2 tests assessed associations with co-occurring developmental risk factors. Most PM subtypes were moderately to strongly correlated. Notable exceptions were corrupting and parentification, the latter being negatively correlated with other subtypes. Both CFA models showed only acceptable fits, with no improvement in fit for the second-order model with the domains psychological abuse and neglect. Adolescents exposed to PM had higher odds of experiencing co-occurring adversities, such as prolonged exposure and ACE, than victims of other types of child maltreatment. These findings invite further reflection on how PM can be measured both validly and efficiently and how subtypes can be grouped into both domains. They also highlight that PM's close association with co-occurring developmental risk factors needs to be accounted for to accurately interpret PM's impact
Universal, bi-directional real time communication between real and digital twin in an MBSE environment
No full textThe paper presents a solution for establishing a universal, bi-directional real-time communication between the Digital and Real Twins in mechanical engineering. The exemplary set-up consists of a three-axis XYZ cross table, which was developed together with the Digital Twin Framework in a Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment, applying the RFLP V-model method and using Dassault Systèmes’ 3DExperience platform. The Real Twin is controlled by a standard industrial programmable logic controller (PLC). The communication is implemented using Modelica, Named Pipes, and the OPC UA protocol. The paper describes the design and implementation of the communication interface, the connections, and the communication modes. It also describes the performance, precisely the expected turnaround time (expectation value) for one axis value, which is 10 ms for the chosen reference communication loop. Furthermore, the paper describes the potential applications of the solution in industry and education and discusses future challenges and opportunities. The scientific project constitutes the evidence that it is feasible to establish a complete Digital Twin Framework in a complex MBSE environment and yet achieve high performance. It bridges the gap between the Real and Digital Twin in mechanical engineering
Einflussfaktoren gewaltbereiter extremistischer Einstellungen junger Menschen im Längsschnitt
No full textWorkforce capacity building : professional identity formation in health promotion students
No full textBackground/Objectives: Professional identity (PI) is a central aspect in workforce capacity building. Persons who strongly identify with their profession better adopt their professional role, share common values, and therefore raise the quality of the professional practice. In the field of health promotion (HP) little investigations have been made to analyse PI formation of HP practitioners.
Methods: In Switzerland, the first undergraduate program in HP and prevention started in 2016 with the explicit aim of training HP practitioners with a clear PI. The program was designed based on the CompHP-Core Competency Framework for HP. A mixed method study in a longitudinal design has been conducted to evaluate the PI formation of these undergraduate students between 2016 and 2022. Focus groups were conducted with first- and third-year students to understand their perspective of PI formation as HP practitioners. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Furthermore, an online survey was used to gather data on PI formation of first-, second-, and third- year HP students. The data was analysed by calculating mixed effect regression models by using SPSS.
Results: The findings indicate difficulties of HP undergraduate students at the beginning of the program to grasp the professional profile of HP practitioners due to its complexity. However, the profile becomes clearer over the study course. A six-month internship within the undergraduate program helps the students to get a clearer understanding of the professional roles and competencies. A further central finding is that the perceived low societal recognition of HP practitioners negatively influences PI formation.
Discussion: Several indicators were found, which could promote PI formation of undergraduate HP students. Universities and professional associations should further invest in public relations for HP and strengthen the visibility of the professional profile of HP practitioners. Furthermore, the complexity of the professional profile should be proactively addressed in training curricula. For this purpose, didactic tools such as problem-based learning or networking opportunities have shown to contribute to PI formation. Promoting PI formation of HP practitioners can add value to workforce capacity building and strengthen the professional practice of HP
Deep learning approach for identification of H II regions during reionization in 21-cm observations - III. Image recovery
No full textThe low-frequency component of the upcoming Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKA-Low) will be sensitive enough to construct 3D tomographic images of the 21-cm signal distribution during reionization. However, foreground contamination poses challenges for detecting this signal, and image recovery will heavily rely on effective mitigation methods. We introduce SERENEt, a deep-learning framework designed to recover the 21-cm signal from SKA-Low's foreground-contaminated observations, enabling the detection of ionized ( H II ) and neutral (HI) regions during reionization. SERENEt can recover the signal distribution with an average accuracy of 75 per cent at the early stages (x(HI )similar or equal to 0 . 9) and up to 90 per cent at the late stages of reionization (x(HI) similar or equal to 0 . 1). Conversely, HI region detection starts at 92 per cent accuracy, decreasing to 73 per cent as reionization progresses. Beyond improving image recovery, SERENEt provides cylindrical power spectra with an average accuracy exceeding 93 per cent throughout the reionization period. We tested SERENEt on a 10-deg field-of-view simulation, consistently achieving better and more stable results when prior maps were provided. Notably, including prior information about H II region locations improved 21-cm signal recovery by approximately 10 per cent. This capability was demonstrated by supplying SERENEt with ionizing source distribution measurements, showing that high-redshift galaxy surveys of similar observation fields can optimize foreground mitigation and enhance 21-cm image construction
The support of early-career researchers in health professions education : an expert position statement
No full textIntroduction: The development of health professions education (HPE) as an academic discipline requires well-qualified educational researchers, equipped with the competence to advance the field. There is, therefore, a need to establish and support pathways in which early-career researchers (ECRs) can develop the necessary competence to pursue a career in this field.
Approach: A group of 19 international experts in HPE from various professions, conducted a 2.5-day Scoping Workshop in Hannover, Germany, in November 2024. The main output of the workshop is a joint position statement on the support of ECRs in HPE, using appreciative inquiry and collaborative writing.
Position: The Scoping Workshop led to a dynamic and productive exchange of ideas and experiences resulting in a common vision and five positions: (1) identify, establish, and recognize distinct career paths, (2) develop and implement a robust funding strategy, (3) create a nurturing and diverse intellectual culture, (4) connect research to practice and address real-world problems, (5) invest in leadership, advocacy, and coaching. There was strong agreement that these areas were not well developed and required urgent attention.
Outlook: There is a need to foster interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration and provision of sustainable support structures so that ECRs can advance HPE. Only when these areas are addressed can these educational researchers contribute to the development of effective learning which prepares the healthcare workforce to meet today’s challenges. Researchers, educators, decision-makers and stakeholders in academia, education, and health and social care contexts share a responsibility for shaping the way forward
Obdachlosigkeit und Niederschwelligkeit
No full textObdachlosigkeit ist das Ergebnis einer Kumulation von Ausschlussprozessen bzw. Problemlagen. Neben dem Verlust von Unterkunft und Arbeit verfügen Betroffene meist auch über nur schwache soziale Netzwerke und haben kaum Zugang zu einer tragfähigen Infrastruktur. Umso entscheidender sind niederschwellige Unterstützungsangebote, die über die blosse Überlebenshilfe hinausgehen und neue Chancen eröffnen können. Damit verbunden ist eine hohe Erwartung an Fachpersonen der Sozialen Arbeit, strukturelle Barrieren im Blick zu behalten. Die oftmals praktizierte Sicherung blosser Minimalstrukturen des Überlebens hingegen ist keine ausreichende professionelle Antwort
Wildbienen in silvoarablen Agroforstsystemen der Westschweiz
No full textThe intensification of agricultural practices has led to a significant reduction in tree cover within landscapes. In the face of climate change, they are regaining importance due to their ecological functions, including their integration into modern agroforestry systems. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how agroforestry systems promote biodiversity, specifically cavity-nesting wild bees. The study analyzed the population of cavity-nesting wild bees in a four-year-old agroforestry system, their development from the second to the fourth year after planting, and the influence of internal and external factors on their abundance and diversity.
Data was collected in 2022 and 2024 using nesting aids for cavity-nesting wild bees in 16 silvoarable agroforestry systems in western Switzerland, which were planted in 2020. The nesting aids were assessed based on occupancy rates, the number of brood cells, and the number of species/genera. To investigate the influence of internal and external factors on the abundance and diversity of wild bees, multiple regression models were created using the independent variables farming method, trees, vegetation, small-scale structures, attractiveness of arable crops, and the proportion of semi-natural habitats recorded in the agroforestry areas.
The results in 2024 showed an average occupancy rate of 80%, with an average of 7.3 species/genera. More than half of the nesting aids achieved occupancy rates of over 98%, indicating that cavity-nesting wild bees are limited by the availability of suitable nesting sites. The species Osmia bicornis and Osmia cornuta strongly dominated the systems. All nesting aid parameters significantly increased between 2022 and 2024. Additionally, a new species, Osmia brevicornis, was added to the species list. Abundance could not be explained by the influencing factors farming method and trees, nor by the model with the variables semi-natural habitats, nectar availability, and attractiveness of arable crops. However, wild bee diversity could be explained by higher plant diversity, a larger proportion of semi-natural habitats, and the farming method. In contrast, the presence of small-scale structures had a negative impact on wild bee diversity, while trees showed no effect.
The study highlights the crucial role of semi-natural habitats in the colonization of agroforestry systems as well as in the abundance and diversity of wild bees in subsequent years. Furthermore, it was shown that agroforestry systems provide suitable nesting sites and food resources. Thus, agroforestry systems represent a promising agricultural management practice for promoting biodiversity in Switzerland and can contribute to food security through the efficient pollination of crops.Mit der Intensivierung der Landwirtschaft gingen viele Bäume in der Landschaft verloren. Angesichts des Klimawandels gewinnen sie wegen ihrer ökologischen Funktionen wieder an Bedeutung, unter anderem in der Form moderner Agroforstsysteme. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es zu untersuchen, ob und wie Agroforstsysteme die Biodiversität und spezifisch hohlraumnistende Wildbienen fördern. Die Arbeit analysierte den Bestand hohlraumnistender Wildbienen in einem vierjährigen Agroforstsystem, deren Entwicklung vom zweiten zum vierten Jahr nach der Pflanzung sowie den Einfluss interner und externer Faktoren auf die Abundanz und Diversität der Wildbienen.
Daten wurden 2022 und 2024 anhand von Nisthilfen für hohlraumnistende Wildbienen in 16 silvoarablen Agroforstsystemen in der Westschweiz, welche 2020 gepflanzt wurden, gesammelt. Die Nisthilfen wurden nach den Parametern Belegungsgrad, Anzahl Brutzellen und Anzahl Arten/Gattungen ausgezählt. Um den Einfluss interner und externer Faktoren auf die Abundanz und Diversität der Wildbienen zu untersuchen, wurden multiple Regressionsmodelle mit den unabhängigen Variablen Anbaumethode, Gehölze, Vegetation, Kleistrukturen, Attraktivität der Ackerkulturen und Anteil seminatürlicher Habitate, welche auf den Agroforstflächen aufgenommen wurden, erstellt.
Die Ergebnisse zeigten 2024 einen mittleren Belegungsgrad von 80% mit durchschnittlich 7.3 Arten/ Gattungen. Mehr als die Hälfte der Nisthilfen erreichte Belegungsraten von über 98%, was auf eine Limitierung der Wildbienen durch geeignete Nistplätze hinweist. Die Arten Osmia bicornis und Osmia cornuta dominierten die Systeme stark. Zwischen den Jahren 2022 und 2024 haben sich alle Nisthilfen Parameter signifikant erhöht. Zudem wurde eine neue Art, Osmia brevicornis, in die Artenliste aufgenommen. Die Abundanz konnte weder durch die Einflussfaktoren Anbaumethode und Gehölze noch durch das Modell mit den Variablen seminatürliche Habitate, Nektarangebot und Attraktivität der Ackerkulturen erklärt werden. Die Diversität der Wildbienen konnte hingegen durch eine höhere Pflanzendiversität, einen grossen Flächen-Anteil seminatürlicher Habitate und durch die Anbaumethode werden. Das Vorhandensein von Kleinstrukturen hatte dagegen einen negativen Einfluss auf die Diversität der Wildbienen während die Gehölze keinen Einfluss zeigten.
Die Arbeit verdeutlicht die wichtige Rolle seminatürlicher Habitate für die Besiedlung von Agroforstsystemen sowie für die Abundanz und Diversität in den Folgejahren. Zudem konnte gezeigt werden, dass Agroforstsysteme geeignete Nistplätze und Nahrungsquellen zur Verfügung stellen. Dadurch stellen sie eine vielversprechende landwirtschaftliche Bewirtschaftungsform zur Biodiversitätsförderung in der Schweiz dar und können durch die gute Bestäubungsleistung von Kulturpflanzen zur Ernährungssicherheit beitragen