Conceptual Illustrations Research Articles

Combining advanced 3D printing technologies with origami principles: A new paradigm for the design of functional, durable, and scalable springs

Origami has recently emerged as a platform for building functional engineering systems with versatile characteristics that targeted niche applications. One widely utilized origami-based structure is known as the Kresling origami spring (KOS), which inspired, among many other things, the design of vibration isolators, fluidic muscles, and mechanical bit memory switches. Previous demonstrations of such concepts were carried out using paper-based KOSs, which are suitable for conceptual illustrations but not for implementation in a real environment. In addition to the very low durability resulting from the high plastic deformations at the paper folds; lack of repeatability, and high variation of performance among similar samples are also inevitable. To circumvent these issues, this paper presents a novel approach for the design of a non-paper based KOS, which mimics the qualitative behavior of the paper-based KOS without compromising on durability, repeatability, and functionality. In the new design, each fundamental triangle in the paper-based KOS is replaced by an inner central rigid core and an outer flexible rubber-like frame, which are fabricated out of different visco-elastic materials using advanced 3-D printing technologies. The quasi-static behavior of the fabricated springs was assessed under both compressive and tensile loads. It is shown that KOSs with linear, softening, hardening, mono- and bi-stable restoring force behavior can be fabricated using the proposed design by simple changes to the geometric design parameters, further pointing to the vast range of potential applications of such springs.

Zoning plan-based legal confiscation without expropriation in Turkey in light of ECHR decisions

The right to property is a fundamental human right guaranteed by international conventions. In countries like Turkey, where the principles of private ownership apply, this right is guaranteed by laws. The right to property may be restricted by law only in the case of public interest. Nevertheless, the right of ownership of immovable property can be transferred to the public authority only with payment. However, in some cases, a person's immovable property may be de facto converted into a public facility without expropriation. This process is called “confiscation without expropriation”. This concept was introduced into the Turkish Legal System in 1956 by the unauthorized conversion of immovable property for a road. Today, especially in planned areas, a different type of confiscation without expropriation is often seen. Zoning plans are known to be public tools that reorganize properties in public interest. However, the uncertainty in the implementation process of these plans negatively affects the owners of parcels reserved for public use in the zoning plan. This situation is defined in terminology as “legal confiscation without expropriation”. In this study, the subject has been discussed in the light of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) decisions and Turkish judicial decisions, and which institutions are responsible for what kind of zoning functions within zoning plans have been investigated. Official (ex officio) applications and voluntary applications have been compared. Conceptual illustrations on the subject have been prepared. According to the results obtained from the study, it has been stated that all public spaces in the zoning plan are not subject to legal confiscation. Due to their location or characteristics, protected areas, unsuitable geological areas and parcels remaining in agricultural areas can be allocated as public spaces in the zoning plan. In such a case, it is not possible to say that there is legal confiscation. In terms of plan classification, there may be legal confiscation in areas if only a 1/1000-scale implementary zoning plan is in practice. As a solution for legal confiscation, land and real estate arrangements should be made ex officio and without delay. In addition to this, alternative models are also needed. Otherwise, public institutions will be subject to severe financial burdens. Some of the proposals include: granting construction right to zone cadastral parcels affecting public facility areas, or granting the right to construct all cadastral parcels in the plan in specified amounts and also developing a zoning right transfer system.

Re-balancing climate services to inform climate-resilient planning – A conceptual framework and illustrations from sub-Saharan Africa

Making climate-resilient planning and adaptation decisions is, in part, contingent on the use of climate information. Growing attention has been paid to the “usability gap” and the need to make information both useful and useable to decision-makers. Less attention has, however, been paid to the factors that determine whether, once created, useful and useable information is then actually used. In this Perspectives piece, we outline a framework that puts together the pieces necessary to close the “usability gap” – highlighting not only what is required to make information useful and useable, but also what is required to ensure that useful and useable information is actually used. Creating useful information is subject to understanding and being able to deliver metrics that address identified needs in a range of decision-making contexts. Creating useable information requires legitimate and credible information that is visualised and communicated in ways that are accessible and understandable. The framework highlights traditionally under-recognized enablers necessary to promote effective use of the growing availability of useful and useable climate information in decision-making; supportive institutions, appropriate policy frameworks, capacity of individuals and agency to make decisions. Whilst this is not enough in itself to effect information use, we argue that greater focus on these enablers can re-balance the activities promoted through climate services and increase the likelihood of successful use. We illustrate the framework with case examples of co-producing climate information for the tea and water sectors in sub-Saharan Africa.

Do visual aids influenced patients’ risk perceptions for rare and very rare risks?

ObjectiveTo examine whether visual aids (a graphic representation and/or conceptual illustrations) influence patients’ risk perceptions for rare and very rare risks. MethodsParticipants were randomized to a scenario which varied by probability of infection (2% or 0.2%) and visual aid: numbers only, numbers + graphic representation, numbers + conceptual illustrations, or numbers + graphic representation + conceptual illustrations. Risk perceptions and likelihood of starting the medication were examined across the four formats, separately, in participants with and without a college education. ResultsAdding a graphic representation and/or conceptual illustrations did not affect risk perceptions among those with a higher level of education. Adding both a graphic representation + conceptual illustrations decreased risk perceptions and increased likelihood of starting the medication among participants randomized to the 2%, but not 0.2% scenario, among participants with lower levels of education. ConclusionAdding a graphic representation + conceptual illustrations to numbers may influence perceptions for rare, but not very rare, risks among patients with lower education.Practice Implications: Clinicians should be aware of the differential effects of visual aids developed to facilitate risk communication. Patients with higher levels of education may be less responsive to visual aids than those with lower education.

Implicit assumptions of conceptual diagrams in environmental science and best practices for their illustration

AbstractIn the earth and environmental sciences, many fundamental processes are explained through conceptual illustrations—a powerful medium for scientific communication. The processes depicted are generally highly complex, spatially and temporally variable, subject to high degrees of uncertainty, and non‐linearly impacted by anthropogenic actions. Conceptual illustrations necessarily simplify these processes, but also often suffer from a preventable lack of visual clarity, and/or are based on implicit assumptions that are mismatched to key conclusions in published literature. In this Innovative Viewpoint paper, we highlight considerations of conceptual and visual clarity relevant to illustrations in earth and environmental sciences. Using the water cycle as an example, we examine a range of conceptual illustrations of this process to assess what ideas they convey. An exploratory survey of 32 water cycle diagrams shows that they tend to depict generalized, well‐defined processes. Anthropogenic influences are included and/or implied in only half the diagrams, and none depict uncertainty in any form. The concept of the water cycle conveyed by these diagrams is therefore not quite the same as the concept of the water cycle as understood by hydrologists. This mismatch may negatively impact decision‐making related to water resources management, because the parties involved may unknowingly hold significantly different conceptual models of the processes at work. Other concepts in the earth and environmental sciences may be susceptible to similar issues. Our analysis highlights the importance of carefully assessing the assumptions and simplifying choices inherent in the process of translating a concept into an illustration. We conclude with an example of how these issues can be remedied by presenting a modified water cycle diagram designed to address common misconceptions associated with dryland systems, account for uncertainty in fluxes, and include key anthropogenic effects. A general list of best practices, many of which were used to develop this diagram, is included to help increase awareness among environmental researchers of strategies for increasing the conceptual and visual clarity of illustrations.

Validation of an extended discrete first-order model with variable speed limits

This paper validates the prediction model embedded in a model predictive controller (MPC) of variable speed limits (VSLs). The MPC controller was designed based on an extended discrete first-order model with a triangular fundamental diagram. In our previous work, the extended discrete first-order model was designed to reproduce the capacity drop and the propagation of jam waves, and it was validated with reasonable accuracy without the presence of VSLs. As VSLs influence traffic dynamics, the dynamics including VSLs needs to be validated, before it can be applied as a prediction model in MPC. For conceptual illustrations, we use two synthetic examples to show how the model reproduces the key mechanisms of VSLs that are applied by existing VSL control approaches. Furthermore, the model is calibrated by use of real traffic data from Dutch freeway A12, where the field test of a speed limit control algorithm (SPECIALIST) was conducted. In the calibration, the original model is extended by using a quadrangular fundamental diagram which keeps the linear feature of the model and represents traffic states at the under-critical branch more accurately. The resulting model is validated using various traffic data sets. The accuracy of the model is compared with a second-order traffic flow model. The performance of two models is comparable: both models reproduce accurate results matching with real data. Flow errors of the calibration and validation are around 10%. The extended discrete first-order model-based MPC controller has been demonstrated to resolve freeway jam waves efficiently by synthetic cases. It has a higher computation speed comparing to the second-order model-based MPC.

Design Budgeting Model with Approach of Soft Systems Methodology in the Manufacturer of Spare Parts for Cars

Soft Systems Methodology is one of the important methods of research in the soft operations. This model can offers framework for structured to complex and unstructured issues using design of conceptual models and rich illustrations. Since individuals and large groups are involved in the budgeting process, this kind of issues can be considered including of complex and less structured issues.in this study, we have evaluated budgeting system of one of the manufacturer of spare parts company by describing the different stages of soft systems methodology. To do this, first, we're familiar with budgeting system by open and unstructured interviews. Getting to know different people who are involved in this process and their unique worldviews is creating the ground for showing the system in a rich visual graph. In addition, by drawing model of targeted activities, which is aggregation of diverse worldviews, a comparison is done between what is doing now and what has to be done. These above targeted activities can be a sustainable basis for evaluating system in the future.

Virtual Images: Going Through the Looking Glass

Virtual images are often introduced through a “geometric” perspective, with little conceptual or qualitative illustrations, hindering a deeper understanding of this physical concept. In this paper, we present two rather simple observations that force a critical reflection on the optical nature of a virtual image. This approach is supported by the reflect-view, a useful device in geometrical optics classes because it allows a visual confrontation between virtual images and real objects that seemingly occupy the same region of space.

Book as an object: conceptual illustrations in Edgar Allan Poe’s books and a sample study

Today, when the future of the book is discussed, the main question is whether it has one. Information age transformed ongoing traditional features of a book. It has been foreseen by the critics that printed books, libraries and book stores are doomed to lose their values on the ground of developing technologies. As James O’Donnel cited from Pulitzer winner author E. Annie Proulx in his paper, “Nobody is going to sit down and read a novel on a twitchy little screen. Ever." (Nunberg, 1996). Although printed books are less popular in this digital age, there are still readers and book lovers who always get fascinated by the feeling of flipping pages of a book. According to a research done with readers, they would prefer to have a reading experience with a printed book rather than a screen especially if it is a classic literature book. Two of the main components of verbal and visual dimensions of imagination are illustration and literature. Aim of this paper is to try and find a way to maintain the tradition of a printed book and to explore the relation between these principals in one medium through narrative illustrations of Edgar Allan Poe literature. Also the purpose of this paper is finding the similarities of the two disciplines, as both reveal ideas in unexpected and innovative ways in one’s mind. A selection of his short stories and poems will be illustrated and designed to engage the two areas, literature and illustration to reach readers in a more different way than usual in order to communicate with them more effectively.Keywords: Edgar Allan Poe, book as an object, illustrations, conceptual narrations, book design

Book as an object: conceptual illustrations in Edgar Allan Poe’s books and a sample study

Today, when the future of the book is discussed, the main question is whether it has one. Information age transformed ongoing traditional features of a book. It has been foreseen by the critics that printed books, libraries and book stores are doomed to lose their values on the ground of developing technologies. As James O’Donnel cited from Pulitzer winner author E. Annie Proulx in his paper, “Nobody is going to sit down and read a novel on a twitchy little screen. Ever." (Nunberg, 1996). Although printed books are less popular in this digital age, there are still readers and book lovers who always get fascinated by the feeling of flipping pages of a book. According to a research done with readers, they would prefer to have a reading experience with a printed book rather than a screen especially if it is a classic literature book. Two of the main components of verbal and visual dimensions of imagination are illustration and literature. Aim of this paper is to try and find a way to maintain the tradition of a printed book and to explore the relation between these principals in one medium through narrative illustrations of Edgar Allan Poe literature. Also the purpose of this paper is finding the similarities of the two disciplines, as both reveal ideas in unexpected and innovative ways in one’s mind. A selection of his short stories and poems will be illustrated and designed to engage the two areas, literature and illustration to reach readers in a more different way than usual in order to communicate with them more effectively.Keywords: Edgar Allan Poe, book as an object, illustrations, conceptual narrations, book design

Book as an object: conceptual illustrations in Edgar Allan Poe’s books and a sample study

Today, when the future of the book is discussed, the main question is whether it has one. Information age transformed ongoing traditional features of a book. It has been foreseen by the critics that printed books, libraries and book stores are doomed to lose their values on the ground of developing technologies. As James O’Donnel cited from Pulitzer winner author E. Annie Proulx in his paper, “Nobody is going to sit down and read a novel on a twitchy little screen. Ever." (Nunberg, 1996). Although printed books are less popular in this digital age, there are still readers and book lovers who always get fascinated by the feeling of flipping pages of a book. According to a research done with readers, they would prefer to have a reading experience with a printed book rather than a screen especially if it is a classic literature book. Two of the main components of verbal and visual dimensions of imagination are illustration and literature. Aim of this paper is to try and find a way to maintain the tradition of a printed book and to explore the relation between these principals in one medium through narrative illustrations of Edgar Allan Poe literature. Also the purpose of this paper is finding the similarities of the two disciplines, as both reveal ideas in unexpected and innovative ways in one’s mind. A selection of his short stories and poems will be illustrated and designed to engage the two areas, literature and illustration to reach readers in a more different way than usual in order to communicate with them more effectively.Keywords: Edgar Allan Poe, book as an object, illustrations, conceptual narrations, book design

A model for the role of emotional intelligence in patient safety

Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the USA, resulting in over 440,000 deaths/year. Although over a decade has passed since the first Institute of Medicine study that documented such horrific statistics and despite significant safety improvement efforts, serious progress has yet to be achieved. It is estimated that 80% of medical errors result from miscommunication among health care providers and between providers and patients. There is preliminary research evidence that communication skills programs can improve safety outcomes, but a systematic theoretical framework for such programs has not been identified. Because of the connection between emotional intelligence (EI) ability and communication effectiveness, EI has been called by some “one of the largest drivers of patient safety.” Little literature has explored this relationship. The purpose of this article was to present a theoretical model for the relationship between EI, communication and patient safety, with conceptual and clinical illustrations used to describe such a relationship.

The insecure psychotherapy base: Using client and therapist attachment styles to understand the early alliance.

The purpose of this study was to test the notion that complementary attachments are best for achieving a secure base in psychotherapy. Specifically, we predicted third to fifth session alliance from client- and therapist-rated attachment style interactions. Using a combined sample of 46 therapy dyads from a community mental health clinic and university counseling center, the client- and therapist-perceived therapy alliance, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance were examined at the beginning of therapy. The results of an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM; Kenny & Cook, 1999, Partner effects in relationship research: Conceptual issues, analytic difficulties, and illustrations. Personal Relationships, 6, 433-448.) indicated that there was no direct effect of either client or therapist attachment style on therapist or client early ratings of the alliance. One significant interaction emerged and indicated that client-perceived alliance was influenced by therapist and client attachment anxiety. The client-perceived early alliance was higher when more anxious therapists worked with clients with decreasing anxiety. The client early alliance was higher when less anxious therapists worked with clients with increasing anxiety. The findings partially support the notion that different attachment configurations between the therapist and client facilitate greater alliance, but this was the case only when assessing client-perceived early alliance and only with regards to the dimension of attachment anxiety. There were no significant main effects or interactions when exploring therapist-perceived alliance. Implications of the findings are discussed along with recommendations for future study and clinical training.

The Flywheel Energy Storage System: A Conceptual Study, Design, and Applications in Modern Power Systems

While energy storage technologies cannot be considered sources of energy; they provide valuable contributions to enhance the stability, power quality and reliability of the supply. Many storage technologies have been developed in an attempt to store the extra AC power for later use. Among these technologies, the Flywheel Energy Storage (FES) system has emerged as one of the best options. This paper presents a conceptual study and illustrations of FES units. After brief introduction to the FES system and its theory of operation, the paper focuses on the important role of the FES system in enhancing the operation of the distribution network. Supported by illustrated circuits, the paper describes the major role of each part of the FES system in the improvement of the power quality of the network. Then it discusses a newly proposed design of the FES system that emerged recently, which includes the use of Superconducting Magnetic Bearings (SMB) and Permanent Magnetic Bearings (PMB). In conclusion, the paper analyzes the FES systems great potentials that could be exploited in improving the reliability of the electrical system. 

Positive plant interactions and community dynamics

Positive plant interactions and community dynamics

Comparing Traditional Longitudinal Modeling Strategies of Forestry with Mixed-Effects Models: Restrictions in Model Formulation

Abstract Generalized algebraic difference approach and site index models, which are commonly fitted to repeated-measures data in forestry, are formulated by specifying that one or more regression parameters depend on a single, common subject-specific quantity. Their formulation leads to shortcomings not present with “effects” types of formulations, which involve specifying each subject-specific regression parameter as depending on at least one local quantity that no other parameters depend on. We give conceptual illustrations as well as empirical examples using published models.

The Young Infant's Triangular Communication in the Family: Access to Threesome Intersubjectivity? Conceptual Considerations and Case Illustrations

During these last decades, the notion of primary intersubjectivity has gained acceptance among developmentalists and clinicians. But a new challenge is put out to our models by recent findings on the triangular competence of the very young infant, or her capacity to simultaneously communicate with two partners at a time. This discovery raises the question of a collective form of intersubjectivity. Findings on the triangular competence of the 3- to 4-month-old interactions with father and mother in different contexts of the Lausanne trilogue play situation are reviewed and illustrated, with a view to examine whether it is based on a dyadic or triangular program and whether conditions for a threesome form of primary intersubjectivity are fulfilled. The discussion focuses on the revisions of the theory of intersubjectivity, of developmental theory, and of clinical practice these findings call for, pointing toward a three -person psychology too.

Prefiguring and Refiguring Triangular Interpersonal Relationships: Commentary on Paper by Elisabeth Fivaz-Depeursinge, Chloé Lavanchy-Scaiola, and Nicolas Favez

The current paper involves a discussion of “The Young Infant's Triangular Communication in the Family: Access to Threesome Intersubjectivity?” Conceptual considerations and case illustrations. The work of the Lausanne Group is reviewed with special reference to its relevance to psychoanalytic theory and practice. The ingenuity of the design of the play paradigm is cited, with its illumination of the role of the body and interactive events in the construction of inner experience. Challenges to psychoanalytic thinking are discussed with special reference to the Oedipus complex and its precursors. A major difference involves the Lausanne group's position that triangles are not inherently problematic. The author also addresses the question of intersubjectivity as a motivational system, taking issue with the group's position that it is.

INTERNET ASSISTED LEARNING OF BIOCHEMISTRY

The revolution in information technology has included the INTERNET to the available resources for biochemical education. There is a great deal of biochemical information, and the amount is increas- ing rapidly, indeed exponentially. The aim of this work is to analyze the biochemical issues cellular respiration, photosynthesis and membrane transport available in web pages, taking into account con- tents quality, trustworthiness and effectiveness. Firstly 1st secondary level students were inquired by a questionnaire on their use of INTERNET resources. More then 80 percent of them were regular users. The results confirm the already known potential of INTERNET in education. Fourteen sites were analyzed regarding to contents, presence of bibliographical, references, authorship, titles responsible and adequacy to the target public. In relation to contents, presence of conceptual errors, illustrations and other stimulatory elements were analyzed. The great majority did not mention bibliographic ref- erences and target public. Less than half divulged responsible names and/or their graduation status. Some sites contained critical conceptual errors, as the mention of, as examples: during the cell active transport process, of energy (ATP) waste (desperdicio) by the cell; the yeast is a pluricellular fungal; and the oxygen is essential for anaerobic respiration. However, one of the sites, where such errors were found, was the only one to mention enzymes and regulation steps of cellular respiration. Half of the sites present identical texts and figures. None of the analyzed sites thus was considered excellent. Our data strenghthen the need for rigorous evaluation concerning of scholarly research of biochemical theme on the web.INTERNET ASSISTED LEARNING OF BIOCHEMISTRY

POTENTIALITIES AND RISKS OF BIOCHEMICAL EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH VIA INTERNET

The internet is more and more present in worldwide education. There are innumerable projects thatstimulate its usage for aiding the teaching-learning process. This new trend modies the reality of thewhole school. However, many copies of identical information are found in several sites: graphs, gures,texts, links and even errors. The aim of this work is to analyse the biochemical issues photosynthesisand cellular respiration available in web pages, taking into account contents quality, trustworthinessand eectiveness. Firstly, 6th secondary level students were inquired by a questionnaire on their use ofinternet resources. More than 80 percent of them were regular users. The result conrms the alreadyknown potential of internet in education. Fourteen sites were analysed regarding to contents, presenceof bibliographical references, authorship, titles of responsibles and adequacy to the target public. Inrelation to contents, presence of conceptual errors, illustrations and other stimulant elements wereanalysed. None of the sites presented biblioghraphic references; less than half divulged responsiblenames and their graduation. The great majority do not mention intended public target. In general,the sites did not contained grave conceptual errors, except for two that mention estoma insteadestroma, cilica/acilica phosphorylation (for cyclic and acyclic), grama (for grana) and place oxygenas essential for anaerobic respiration. However, one of these sites was the only one that mentionedenzymes and regulation steps of cellular respiration. Half of the sites presented identical texts andgures. None used livened up resources. The majority showed contents as virtual versions of printedbooks. Illustrations did not present necessary legends. None of the analysed sites, thus, was consideredexcellent. Trustworthiness is also questionable as much of the contents arte clearly copies of otherpages, recurrent even on the errors. Our data strengthen the need for rigorous evaluation concerningof scholarly research of biochemical themes on the web.