Material Elements Research Articles

Visual presentation of the ethnic image of the Chuvash in cyberspace (using the example of social networks «VKontakte» and «Odnoklassniki»)

The article examines representational practices and mechanisms for the formation of visual images of Chuvash ethnicity in cyberspace. The purpose of this study is to determine the forms and methods of representing ethnicity, mechanisms and means of forming a visual ethnic image of the Chuvash in virtual space using the example of the social networks Odnoklassniki and VKontakte. The research is based on the study of visual content (posts, comments on them, discussions) in groups and on personal pages, materials from a mass survey of users of these social networks. The result of the study was a detailed description of the features of the formation and transmission of visual images of Chuvash ethnicity: visual sources, methods of visualization, functions and demand for visual content. The study showed that the visualization of the ethnic image of the Chuvash in cyberspace occurs through the symbolization of plots of ethnic history, elements of material and spiritual culture, through the use in the process of forming an ethnic image of fairy-tale, mythological, literary and real characters and pages of history, popular forms of representation of folk traditions – costume, national cuisine, holidays and rituals. Visual content is represented by photo and video materials, films, computer graphics, and animation. Visualization of ethnic content contributes to the stereotyping of the features of an ethnic image, acts as a means of constructing an ethnic image, a way of expressing belonging to an ethnic community, transmitting knowledge about the history of the traditional culture of the people, intra-ethnic communication, exchanging information between network users and their integration into the virtual space.

A new device for high-resolution Li K X-ray spectroscopy using an electron microprobe

Lithium is one of the key elements in today's materials and battery industry, and the interest in non-destructive characterization techniques at a micron scale for materials containing lithium is steadily increasing. The electron microprobe is a reliable and accessible analysis tool widely used for this purpose, but performing X-ray emission spectroscopy in the low-energy range is still challenging.In this work, we demonstrate that spectroscopy in the Li K energy range is feasible by integrating a new detection system composed of a multilayer and ultra-thin separation windows into a commercial wavelength dispersive spectrometer of a microprobe. The detection system is described in detail, and the results, in form of spectra showing the Li K emission in LiF and in a ternary quasicrystalline sample, are presented and analyzed. In LiF the emission band is centered at 54.5 eV and has varying intensities for different beam exposure times. The spectra obtained in the ternary quasicrystal clearly demonstrate that the detection system has sufficient energy resolution to separate the Li emission band and the Al L2,3 and Cu M2,3 emission bands, enabling chemical state analysis by comparing the shapes of the emissions. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a detection system, implemented in a WDS spectrometer and enabling the acquisition of different Li K spectra in various compounds has been described in detail. This kind of system can be used for Li quantification using a common procedure in electron probe microanalysis.

Transfer of Self‐Sustained Reactions between Thermally Coupled Reactive Material Elements

System engineering requires the implementation of assembly methods allowing the formation of functional elements according to a desired system design. This is possible by joining prefabricated elements on a desired place in the system or by forming functional materials at wanted locations. Both approaches need temperature treatment. A typical system in part consists of materials restricting the use of annealing procedures above 300 °C. For this reason, higher‐temperature operations have to be localized to the point of use and transferred to the next reactive element. A further requirement is the reduction of the thermal budget of the localized joining process implementing ultrashort heat treatment operations. Reactive metallic multilayer offers the combined possibility of implementing a localized heat source and the formation of a functional intermetallic alloy. The article demonstrates the feasibility of a heat and reaction transfer chain in a topological structured pattern consisting of localized reactive multilayer materials under conditions of their gasless combustion. For the used Ni/Al multilayer material system, the critical (obstacle thickness) dimensions for the reaction and heat transfer are determined using a high‐speed camera and pyrometer measurements.

Scientific rationale for the indicators of biological urine monitoring in adolescents in Kazan City

BACKGROUND: Biomonitoring is crucial for assessing the level of pollution in a population, identifying risks and studying the impact of changes in technology. Knowledge of the reference values of trace elements in biological material is critical in comparing exposed with non-exposed groups and accurate. The control values of trace elements are crucial for ensuring public health and occupational safety. AIM: To study and analyze concentrations of priority chemical pollutants in the urine of adolescents aged 14–17 years in three zones in Kazan City and determine reference values for this age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The concentration of elements in urine of 276 adolescents aged 14–17 years was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The upper 95 percentiles and their confidence intervals (RV95) were determined, which established the upper limit of the current background exposure to adolescents for 12 biomarkers, interpreted as “conditional” reference values for this age group. The following reference values for adolescents in Kazan City were obtained: Al, 12.80 µg/L; Cr, 1.02 µg/L; Mn, 3.53 µg/L; Hg, 0.65 µg/L; Cu, 110.91 µg/L, and Ni, 8.72 µg/L. In adolescents, the highest level of exceedance over background values was observed in zones 1 and 2 (Kirovsky and Privolzhsky Districts): Al exceeded by 1.4 times, Cr by 1.3 times in zone 1 (Kirovsky District), Mn by 1.5 times, Hg by 1.3 times, and Cu by 1.14 times in zone 2 (Privolzhsky district).The results are of interest for further analysis and identification of interrelations in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, where exposure levels may vary between regions or separate subgroups living in the same territory. CONCLUSION: Research in the field of biomonitoring in Kazan established the levels of exposure to toxic elements among the studied population and provided means for comparing exposure for further research by population groups by age, sex, and ethnicity. Moreover, biomonitoring results can be used to determine research priorities, measure exposure trends over time, and verify effectiveness of individual measures to combat pollution and other measures in the field of the environment and public health. The study presents modern technologies for assessing exposure to chemical pollutants using human biomonitoring methods and demonstrates its advantages.

SnS2: A piezocatalytic material for efficient degradation of ciprofloxacin

Tin disulfide (SnS2), as a two-dimensional transition metal sulfide with similar electronic or structural properties, has been calculated to have the possibility of piezoelectricity. SnS2 was prepared by different methods, the structure of materials were characterized by XRD and FT-IR. Then the morphology and surface elements of materials were characterized by SEM and XPS. Through the detection of PFM and electrochemical transient currents, the results show that the SnS2 samples prepared by coprecipitation method have piezoelectric characteristics and current can be generated by applying mechanical stirring force. Comparing the materials that prepared by coprecipitation method, hydrothermal method and commercially purchased SnS2, it was found that the degradation rate of ciprofloxacin by the material prepared by the coprecipitation method could reach 93 % after 1 h. Through characterization, it is speculated that the piezocatalytic activity of the coprecipitation material is due to sodium ion doping. It is found that the preparation method and the introduction of heteroatoms have a great influence on the piezocatalytic activity. It provides a way for subsequent researchers to improve the performance of materials from material design.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA E MINERALÓGICA DOS SUSPENSATOS DOS RIOS PURUS E JURUÁ NO ESTADO DO ACRE

The state of Acre, located in the southwest of the Brazilian Amazon, is drained by two large river basins, the Purus and Juruá rivers, which have their sources on the sub-Andean slopes of Peru and cross the state in a path almost parallel to each other and a southwest-northeast direction. They are meandering rivers, with a large amount of suspended sediment (suspended solids or load materials), which gives them their white or muddy color, in addition to transporting a lot of silty-sandy sediments by traction, forming significant beach bodies (pointed bars). The geological terrains drained by these rivers are made up of rocks from the Solimões Formation and sediments from the Alluvial Terraces. The present work sought to characterize the granulometry, mineralogy and chemical composition of suspensions from rivers in the State of Acre. These were subjected to granulometric analysis, mineral identification using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/SED) and total chemical analysis of trace elements. The highest concentration of suspended solids was found in the central part of the State both during the flood and dry periods, while the lowest are in the Moa and Paraná dos Mouras rivers. They are predominantly made up of silt with little fine sand and clay, averaging 12 microns. Mineralogically, they are made up of quartz, mica, smectite, illite, kaolinite, as well as albite and K-feldspar. These are sediments rich in SiO2 (55.69% +/- 3.89%), Al2O3 (18.68% +/- 1.76%), Fe2O3 (5.89% +/- 0.41%), with significant K2O values ​​(1, 93% +/- 0.07%), MgO (1.17% +/- 0.22%), Na2O (0.41% +/- 0.06%), in addition to TiO2 (0.85% +/- 0.10%). The values ​​of P2O5 (0.10% +/- 0.014%), CaO (0.14% +/- 0.17%) and MnO (0.10% +/- 0.021%) are at crustal levels. In terms of trace elements Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Th, U, Zr, Hf, Y, Nb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Sc and V, are the elements that presented the highest concentrations. The average concentrations of these elements in the suspended materials when compared with beach sediments show enrichment in Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, Rb, Cs, Sc, and V. On the other hand, with the upper earth’s crust they show enrichment in Cs, Y, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Sc and V and with post-Archaean Australian shales only slightly enriched in Y. The presence of clay minerals (smectite, illite and kaolinite) and feldspars (albite and K-feldspars) are responsible for the high concentrations not only Al2O3 and Fe2O3, but also K2O, MgO and Na2O. The mineralogical and chemical composition shown by these suspensions, in addition to their granulometry, contribute to fertilizing both the floodplains (“varzeas”) as well as the beaches exposed by the rivers during the dry period, which are intensely cultivated with corn (Zea-mays) and beans (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) by riverside dwellers.

Color and naturalness: How color saturation shapes tourists' perception and purchase intention

AbstractMany tourist destinations and hospitality companies are using the idea of “naturalness” to attract consumers in the post‐pandemic era. The current research explores the impact of color, a fundamental element in tourism marketing materials, on shaping tourists' perceptions of naturalness and subsequent purchase intention. Through three experimental studies, our research reveals a lay belief that associates color saturation with naturalness perception. While prior research has indicated that highly saturated colors can positively impact consumers, our findings suggest that this effect may not always hold. Specifically, low color saturation in tourism marketing materials increased tourists' perceptions of naturalness and purchase intentions. These findings contribute to the theoretical development of color psychology and support the development of sustainable tourism and hospitality practices that prioritize managing natural resources.

Evaluation of the addition of cement ash to the PVA/TEOS/HCl gel electrolyte on the performance of aluminium air batteries

Cement manufacturing presents substantial environmental challenges due to the volume of waste generated, including cement ash. Therefore, it is crucial to discover novel methods to utilize cement waste effectively. This study aimed to examine the impact of different concentrations of cement ash (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 g) on the conductivity of PVA/TEOS/HCl (PTH) gel electrolyte materials. The primary goal was to determine the ideal concentration of cement ash that would yield maximum conductivity. The research findings demonstrated that the PTH2.5CA sample attained the greatest conductivity of 2.78 mS/cm when adding 2.5 g of cement ash. In addition, this material exhibits a capacity of 0.354 mAh, a specific capacity of 0.12826 mAh/g, and a density capacity of 0.11813 mAh/cm2. The power and power densities were measured as 6.48 mW/cm2 and 25.94 mW, respectively. These findings offer promising prospects for implementing sustainable practices in the industry and highlight the viability of utilizing cement waste as a significant element in battery membrane materials. This technique addresses environmental issues related to cement waste and contributes to advancing a more eco-friendly waste management system.

Birefringent optical fibers to decouple thermo-mechanical effects on FBG sensors

Optical fiber Bragg (FBG) sensors are gaining importance in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems due to their compact size and ability to be embedded into the lamination sequences of composite material elements. A significant challenge, widely discussed in the literature, concerns the decoupling of thermomechanical measurements made through these sensors. This work aims to solve this problem using birefringent optical fibers instead of conventional ones. The distinctive characteristics of birefringent fibers allow an FBG sensor, written in such fibers, to present not a single peak but two distinct peaks, each with different responses to changes in strain and temperature. This is due to the different refractive index distribution in the fiber core section, which allows for two axes on which the light signal propagates at different speeds. This property offers a significant advantage: by having two independent equations associated with the two peaks, it is possible to decouple the thermomechanical measurements using only the fiber itself, without the need to introduce additional components to achieve mechanical decoupling (capillaries with through or interrupted fiber). This would ensure that strain and temperature are measured at the same point. In the first phase of the work, an FBG sensor on a birefringent fiber was characterized and subsequently calibrated. Therefore, a dedicated experimental set-up was created to conduct thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical characterization tests, in order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of decoupling. In a second step, such sensor was embedded within a sample of composite material (unidirectional glass fibers), which was subsequently subjected to the same characterization tests conducted on the single fiber. The results highlight the ability of this new transducer to decouple the thermal effect from the mechanical effect, allowing this new technology to overcome the problems of FBG sensors made of standard fibers.

Mapping the Landscape of the Manosphere within the Analytical Framework of Wave and War

In this paper, I aim to adopt two conceptual frameworks as a latticework of perception to read the complex and multifaceted situations in contemporary Korean society. First, I will explore whether the metaphor of feminism as a fluid wave is a suitable analysis for understanding feminism as a complex of various bodies, forces, energies, materials, desires, and thoughts, and how the anti-feminism backlash counters the fluidity of the fourth wave of feminism with the territoriality and solidity of macho tribalism. Second, I will examine whether the spread of material-discursive practices based on misogyny within the male-centric online ecosystem (manosphere) in the backlash against feminism can be read as a gender war. Considering that war is a network of human and non-human assemblages and an entanglement of material and symbolic elements, I will analyze the technologies of the gender war based on misogyny and female antagonism through Michel Foucault’s war model. Through this analysis, I aim to map the current landscape of feminist movements and theories in Korea confronted with the frontlines of misogyny.

المحيط الجامعي بالمغرب: البنية والرضا

The current study aims to know the structure and level of satisfaction of Moroccan students with their university surroundings based on the 70-phrase level measure of satisfaction with the university's surroundings, divided into 7 items, Of interest to the various aspects of the university environment, the research sample included 359 students; This made the measurement achieved to achieve a good internal consistency rate of 0.95 alpha Cronbach approach", demonstrating the appropriateness of adopting this measure to study the varying satisfaction with the university environment of this sample. In the same vein, the working analysis of the scale items assures us that the university surroundings are a compilation of two components, the first being a physical element linked to infrastructure, and the other, not a material element encompassing the relational and organizational aspect of the results that show that students are not satisfied with: Facilities and facilities, university services, pedagogical equipment, study process, curricula, and examinations. In return, we find them satisfied with the relationship that brings them together with other colleagues and educational and administrative staff. We have also found that satisfaction clauses are influenced by different sociodemographic variables studied, for example: the level of satisfaction in examinations varies by sex, as does the nature of the student's specialization, as the level of satisfaction with pedagogical methods and curricula changes. It is also clear that the level of education is an effective factor in the student's satisfaction with the quality of the relationship between him and other colleagues and educational and administrative staff, while the student's satisfaction with the teaching process is influenced by the age of the students.

Exploring opportunities for public sector organisations to connect wellbeing to resource loops in a regional circular economy

ABSTRACT This paper contributes towards our understanding of the role of public sector organisations in delivering circular economy (CE) goals, suggesting that such organisations seek to deliver social value when implementing CE activities. Through empirical evidence from Wales, and a programme designed to deliver circular outcomes via increased collaborative working in public sector organisations, the paper shows that public sector actors interpret the CE as a means to deliver well-being outcomes. The paper shows that public sector organisations, in Wales, are seeking to exploit the maximum social value from CE activities. This, the paper argues, requires a nuanced attention to the context and circumstances in which public service delivery is implemented. A legislative framework, the Wellbeing Future Generations Act (2015), that promotes collaborative working with people and communities to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change, is supporting the creation of a definition of a CE that connects people and wellbeing to resource loops. The key contribution of the paper is to provide an empirical model demonstrating how public sector organisations in Wales are enacting CE in Wales, mediating between and integrating the social, material and spatial elements of a CE.

Architectures for immersive performances in the green, digital and inclusive transition

This paper reports studies and project experiments being developed in researches financed by local authorities, the Ministry of University and Research with the support of NextGenerationEU and the European Commission. The work investigates the potential of culture, creativity and natural and built heritage in the green, digital and inclusive transition and is focused on the creation of sustainable, inclusive, beautiful spaces, involving the collaboration among different disciplines (architecture, music and immersive sound, visual arts, social sciences, and neuroscience). The studied spaces aim to create material and immaterial architectures, characterized by circular processes and therefore adaptable, flexible, removable, repositionable and reusable. We foresee the use of material elements (building products) and immaterial elements (sounds, images, colors, lights) to define spaces intended for the diffusion of different cultural forms and to implement the attractiveness of places afflicted by processes of abandonment and social degradation. Ideas, criteria and solutions for architecture and sound and video technologies (aimed at the definition of spaces whose perception involves full use of the senses as well as the application of the extended mind concept) will be presented to promote environmentally, economically and socially sustainable transformations of natural and built habitats for new forms of cultural diffusion.

Variation in Chongqing finger citron components and antioxidant activity from essential oils in several organs

The finger citron (Citrus medica L.var. sarcodactylis Swingle) is a both medicinal and edible species specified by the China Ministry of Health, It is also a regional medicinal plant grown in Chinaʼs Chongqing Municipality. We explored the utilization value of flower, leaf, and branch resources of non-medicinal sections of finger citron of Chongqing origin and identified variations in its yield, content, and antioxidant activity in essential oils in several organs. From several finger citron organs, essential oils were extracted using ultrasonic-assisted steam distillation, and their essential components were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). To assess antioxidant properties of various finger citron organs, DPPH free radical scavenging rate, ABTS free radical scavenging rate, and total reducing power of essential oils were determined. A total of 71 chemical components were discovered, and a cluster heat map revealed that d-limonene, Citral, (Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal, γ-Terpinene, OCymene, and Ocimene were the most significant components and that their composition and concentration in essential oils of different organs varied substantially, with the average total amount in the four major organs in descending order: branches (79.34 %), leaves (73.40 %), flowers (68.85 %), and dried fruits (55.69 %). Finger citron's non-medicinal sections and organs' essential oils exhibited some level of antioxidant activity. The maximal clearance rate of the final flower group was 19.26 % when the essential oil concentration of each group was 4.0 mg·mL−1 for the assessment of DPPH free radical scavenging activity. DPPH free radical clearance rates of the bud group, initial flower group, full flower group, final flower group, branch group, and young leaf group were significantly different from the medicinal parts dried fruits group (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the old leaf group (P > 0.05). When the essential oil concentration of each group was 0.10 mg·mL−1 for the ABTS radical scavenging ability measurement, the bud group had the highest scavenging rate of 32.24 %, and significant differences in the ABTS radical scavenging rates of the bud group, primary flower group, full flower group, final flower group, and branch group were observed when compared to the dried fruits group (P < 0.05). Between the young leaf and old leaf groups, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). When the essential oil concentration was 3.0 mg·mL−1 for the measurement of overall reduction capacity, the old leaf group's highest absorbance value was 0.310. and the total reduction capacity of the bud group, first flower group, complete flower group, last flower group, branch group, young leaf group, and old leaf group substantially differed from the dried fruits (P < 0.05). This study provides a reference for the formation of “green” concurrent consumption and development of medicinal and non-medicinal elements of Chinese medicinal materials as well as theoretical support for the diverse utilization of finger citron resources.

Elemental Analysis of Onobrychis buhseana Bunge Ex Boiss and Onobrychis bobrovi Grossh Species by ICP-MS

The element composition of the underground and surface parts of Onobrychis buhseana and Onobrychis bobrovi, which are distributed in the flora of Azerbaijan, was studied by an ICP-MS device, and the amount of 26 elements (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sn, Ba, Ce, Tl, and Pb) in the raw material was determined in ppm. The composition of raw materials is dominated by some macroelements (calcium, potassium, and magnesium), microelements (iron and zinc), and ultramicroelements (selenium, cobalt, and chromium). Some of the most frequent harmful trace elements, such as As and Cd, were discovered at extremely low concentrations.

Rare earth doped bimetal hydroxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as composite electrodes to achieve high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitors

A novel electrode material of Ni–Co bimetallic hydroxide composite multi-wall carbon nanotubes (La–NiCo LDH/MWCNTs/NF) doped with rare earth elements was prepared on nickel foam (NF) by a one-step hydrothermal method and doped with different concentrations of La3+ ions. The introduction of La3+ ions can increase the layer spacing of LDH materials. The acidification of MWCNTs on the surface of NF can also enhance the collection effect of NF. The synergistic effect of MWCNTs and La3+ ions further improves the specific capacitance of the material. At the current density of 1 A g−1, the maximum specific capacitance of the sample with 5 % La3+ ion concentration reaches 4396.0 F g−1, and the capacitance retention is 70.31 % after 3000 cycles of a single electrode. When assembled into a device, the device obtains a high energy density of 77.86 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 800.0 W kg−1. After assembling into an asymmetric supercapacitor, it has undergone 8000 cycles of performance testing, and the capacitance ratio is only reduced by 4.9 %. It shows good electrochemical cycle performance. This work provides a new way to study the doping of rare earth elements for supercapacitor materials.

Applying Social Practice Theory to Foster Mindful Consumption: A Case of Waste Banks in Indonesia

Mindful consumption is an emerging research topic. The literature about mindful consumption is currently more focused on the individual. However, the more significant behavioral impact is collective behavior. So, the purpose of this research is to analyze how mindfulness instills changes in mindful consumption behavior at a collective level. This study applies social practice theory to explain how waste management as a social practice increases collective mindfulness and collective mindful consumption. This study applied a qualitative research design using a case study technique. A series of in-depth interviews were conducted with two waste banks and several households around them. The result of this study is waste management practice will evoke collective mindfulness and collective mindful consumption with the following processes: (1) Agents may reconfigure the elements of material, rules, and skills of waste management practices; (2) When agents perform the waste management practice frequently and consistently, the residents will participate in the practice which means that the new practice recruits new carriers; (3) For practice in the community to evolve, the recruitment of carriers depends on frequent exposure to the practice; and (4) When the residents are mindful, they will transform their product choices into solutions that benefit themselves and the environment. This study confirms that social practice may foster mindful consumption behavior at a collective leve

Enhancing social enterprise coffee marketability through sensory packaging: consumer impressions, willingness to buy, and gender differences

PurposeThis study investigates how consumers perceive the packaging of Philippine coffee social enterprise products and how this impression affects their willingness to purchase based on sensory expectations, brand attitude, product quality perception, and price perception.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a positivist research philosophy, this study used empirical methods, surveying 263 coffee consumers. The coffee packaging prototypes varied across material and graphic designs. The data was analyzed statistically using the Friedman test and Spearman correlation.FindingsIt was found that packaging elements elicit an equal share of emotional responses. Graphics have a greater impact than materials. Females are more affected by visuals, while materials influence males more. Further, packaging design correlates positively and significantly with consumer impressions and willingness to buy.Research limitations/implicationsThe sampling methodology limits generalizability. Future studies can use integrated models to analyze the effects of additional packaging variables like color and shape.Practical implicationsCoffee enterprises should focus on graphic rather than material elements. Paper packs with patterned graphics are most attractive to consumers. Targeted gender-sensitive packaging designs are needed. Standardized packaging can help build the Philippine coffee social enterprise industry and support small-scale farmer livelihoods. Environmentally sustainable materials should be prioritized.Social implicationsThe findings contribute to the success and growth of small-scale farmers and social enterprises in the Philippines. These businesses can attract more consumers, increase their market share, and ultimately generate more significant social impact by implementing packaging design strategies that effectively communicate product quality, sustainability, and social value.Originality/valueThe study uniquely integrates diverse methods to provide holistic insights into jointly analyzing the effects of packaging materials and graphics. It proposes an expanded conceptual role of packaging in shaping product perceptions using the affective response framework and Kansei approach.

Touching Female Memories in the Purification Funerary Chapel in Burgos (c. 1482–1531)

Abstract Late medieval women were able to promote highly sophisticated funerary ensembles, which included architecture, painting, sculpture, liturgy, textiles, lighting and other ephemeral elements, and to adapt them to their specific ideas and needs. These material and ephemeral elements were manipulated to create complex spaces so as to generate sensory experience. This article will focus on the Purification Chapel in the Cathedral of Burgos (Spain) built by the Countess of Haro, Mencía de Mendoza, at the end of the fifteenth century. We will use art historical analysis to understand the relation between gender and the senses, and the ways in which intersensorial interaction shapes experience and memory. The analysis of the construction and design of spaces by actors like Mencía de Mendoza shows that robust models of perception and cognition were tacitly operating in the medieval era in ways that are not adequately captured by textually-focused approaches.

A systematic review of the explicit knowledge used and evidence base in the process of design and fabrication of orthopedic footwear

BACKGROUND: The design and manufacturing of effective foot orthoses is a complex multidisciplinary problem involving biomedical and gait pattern aspects, technical material and geometric design elements as well as psychological and social contexts. This complexity contributes to the current trial-and-error and experience-based orthopedic footwear practice in which a major part of the expertise is implicit. This hampers knowledge transfer, reproducibility and innovation. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: A systematic review of literature has been performed to find evidence of explicit knowledge, quantitative guidelines and design motivations of pedorthists. RESULTS: 17 studies have been included. No consensus is found on which measurable parameters ensure proper foot and ankle functioning. Parameters suggested are: neutral foot positioning and control of rearfoot motion, maximum arch, but also tibial internal/external rotation as well as a three point force system. Also studies evaluating foot orthoses centering on the diagnosis or orthosis type find no clear guidelines for treatment or for measuring the effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: A gap in the translation from diagnosis to a specific, customized and quantified effective orthosis design is identified. Suggested solutions are both top-down, fitting of patient data in simulations, as well as bottom-up, quantifying current practices of pedorthists in order to develop new practical guidelines and evidence-based procedures.