Reshaping Process Research Articles

Assessing Meso and Micro-Competitiveness Boosting Policies, in Stra.Tech.Man Terms

This article examines the basic conditions for the necessary redeployment of the concept of competitiveness under the current conditions of the restructuring of globalization dynamics, where national, regional and local socio-economic systems are inevitably part of an increasingly profound process of organic global reshaping. In this direction, there is a growing demand for a new logic of developmental economic policy, where the stimulation of the competitiveness of locally operating business entities, the strengthening of local productive socio-economic schemes and the increase of attractiveness for new investments, acquire progressively increasing importance in terms of planning and articulating economic policy. The composite concept of competitiveness at its three levels of analysis (macro, meso and micro-level) is being examined, and a new approach is proposed, based on the evolutionary combination of specific entrepreneurial skills, their specific socio-economic framework and the specific global industrial dynamics they embody and aim for. Finally, the Stra.Tech.Man approach and the Local Development & Innovation Institutes (LDI) are presented, as useful dimensions in the effort of strengthening the local business systems, in terms of meso and micro Competitiveness.

A new process chain for recycling of cemented carbide milling tools

Cemented carbide tools are widely used in machining. New shank tools made of cemented carbide are usually produced by grinding cylindrical blanks. In consideration of global shortages of raw materials and increasing material costs, the use of worn tools as blanks for the production of new carbide tools represents a promising alternative. This article presents a novel process chain for recycling of cemented carbide milling tools. However, the geometry of the worn tool results in complex engagement conditions as well as varying loads on the grinding wheel in the re-shaping process. Thus, process strategies aiming to control the varying loads on the grinding wheel and to ensure a stable grinding process are analyzed. Based on the results a suitable grinding strategy is selected.

Enhancing the imaging quality and fabrication efficiency of bionic compound eyes using a sandwich structure

This paper puts forward a novel method for fabrication of sandwich-structured BCE using a detachable micro-hole array (MHA) prepared by 3D printing. Compared with most traditional methods, 3D printing enables effective implementation of direct micro-fabrication for curved BCE without the pattern transfer and substrate reshaping process. This 3D fabrication method allows rapid fabrication of the curved BCE and automatic assembly of the detachable MHA using a custom-built mold under negative pressure. The formation of a multi-focusing micro-lens array (MLA) was realized by adjusting the parameters of the curved detachable MHA. The imaging performance was effectively enhanced by the sandwich structure that consist of the multi-focusing MLA, the outer detachable MHA and the inner solidified MHA. This method is suitable for mass production due to its advantages as a time-saving, cost-effective and simple process. Optical design software was used to analyze the optical properties, and an imaging simulation was performed.

Observational study on the impact of corneal power on refractive status of patients after small incision lenticule extraction surgery

Objective: To observe the change of refractive status and possible influencing factors for patients with different corneal power who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Methods: Prospective cohort study was performed for patients who underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery at Daping Hospital and Research Institute of Surgery of Third Military Medical University between January and August 2016. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their corneal power: low curvature group (K(1)≤41.00 D), common curvature group (41.00 D<K(1) and K(2)< 46.00 D), and high curvature group (K(2) ≥ 46.00 D). Preoperative and postoperative (1 day, 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 month) ophthalmic examination results of the patients including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), refractive status, intraocular pressure (IOP) and slip lamp microscope examination were recorded. Subjective refraction and Pentacam HR were detected at 6 month after operation so as to monitor the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. The total corneal refractive power (TCRP) based on Ray Tracing technique was applied to evaluate the changes of corneal curvature before and after the surgery. Power vector analysis was applied to evaluate the refraction status based on preoperative and postoperative corneal topography. At 6 months postoperatively, Hotelling t(2) test was applied to compare the refractive status among the groups, and multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the potential influencing factors of under-correction/over-correction. Results: Fifty-four patients (108 eyes) were enrolled, among which 34 were male (68 eyes) and 20 were female (40 eyes). The 3 groups had the same sample size (18 patients and 36 eyes). The low curvature group was featured with youngest average age [(22±4) years, χ(2)=8.94, P<0.05], largest male patients proportion (15/18, χ(2)=11.20, P<0.01) and largest average pupil diameter [(3.26±0.36) mm, F=4.83, P<0.05], as compared to the other 2 groups. The incidence of severe OBL (25/36) was significantly higher in the high curvature group (χ(2)=65.06, P<0.01). All patients showed no diminution of vision and their UCDVA averaged 5.1 at 6 months postoperatively, however patients with low curvature were slightly "under-corrected" in 1-mm and 2-mm zones (Error values<0). The preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) and postoperative spherical aberration in 6-mm zone were the significant factors affecting the relationship between preoperative corneal curvature and postoperative refractive status (r=0.392, 2.745, P<0.05). Conclusions: SMILE is safe and effective for patients with both low and high curvature, but the incidence of intraoperative OBL is significantly higher in high curvature group. Patients with low curvature were slightly "under-corrected" in 1-mm and 2-mm zones, which may imply that the design of the lenticule may be aspheric and that the cornea reshaping process of younger patients may be of particular characteristics. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 48-54).

Combined process of hydroforming and electro hydraulic precision reshaping for aluminium alloy

Hydroforming has become an important process for aluminum alloy sheet forming. The advantages of this process include that it conserves mold material, energy and man power etc. However, at room temperature, due to aluminum alloy’s low plasticity and large springback after forming, the shape of the aluminum alloy parts will not meet the precision requirements, and therefore, reshaping the aluminum alloy parts to meet the precision requirements becomes a challenge. The plasticity of aluminum alloy can be improved at high speed deforming at room temperature [1]. Therefore, electromagnetic forming and electro hydraulic-forming become options. For the parts with simple shapes, it is possible to perform precise reforming with electromagnetic shaping. For the parts with complex shapes, electro hydraulic-forming becomes a better choice. Hence, combined process of hydroforming and electro hydraulic precision reshaping is a new leading process used for the precise forming of aluminum alloy sheet. This paper discusses the details of this combined process by introducing this process, analyzing the details of the parts formed, as well as providing evidence to support the superiority of this process.

Parametric Reshaping of Portrait Images for Weight-change.

We present an easy-to-use parametric image retouching method for thinning or fattening a face in a single portrait image while maintaining a close similarity to the source image. First, our method reconstructs a 3D face from the input face image using a morphable model. Second, according to the linear regression equation derived from the depth statistics of the soft tissue in the face and the user-set parameters of weight-change degree, we calculate the new positions of the feature points. The Laplacian deformation method is then used for non-feature points in the 3D face model. Our model-based reshaping process can achieve globally consistent editing effects without noticeable artifacts. We seamlessly blend the reshaped face region with the background using image retargeting method based on mesh parametrization. The effectiveness of our algorithm is demonstrated by experiments and user study.

Temperature-feedback direct laser reshaping of silicon nanostructures

Direct laser reshaping of nanostructures is a cost-effective and fast approach to create or tune various designs for nanophotonics. However, the narrow range of required laser parameters along with the lack of in-situ temperature control during the nanostructure reshaping process limits its reproducibility and performance. Here, we present an approach for direct laser nanostructure reshaping with simultaneous temperature control. We employ thermally sensitive Raman spectroscopy during local laser melting of silicon pillar arrays prepared by self-assembly microsphere lithography. Our approach allows establishing the reshaping threshold of an individual nanostructure, resulting in clean laser processing without overheating of the surrounding area.

Towards A New Approach of Local Development under Crisis Conditions: Empowering the Local Business Ecosystems in Greece, by Adopting a New Local Development Policy

The competitiveness of the Greek economy evolves, both in the present crisis and later on, according to the dynamic micro-level environment and its transformations. This evolution depends on the SME’s abilities to claim a significant role in the new, competitive global environment, which is characterized by a continuous reshaping process. Respectively, the goal of achieving development in the local scale is of vital importance. This paper attempts to approach and highlight a new framework, by proposing a new business ecosystems approach and policy, focusing on the implementation of a method for strengthening the SME’s physiology. This method proposes the construction of systematic knowledge and innovation mechanisms, on a local scale; the Local Development and Innovation Institutes (LDI’s). Subsequently, we analyze the regional data in Greece in order to highlight the most affected by the crisis region and to experimentally establish the Local Development Institutes.

Rapid fabrication of curved microlens array using the 3D printing mold

In this paper, we presented a new method to directly fabricate 3D microlens array (MLA) without the pattern transfer and substrate reshaping process. Gas-assist deformed concave Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film was used as the molding template. The template was fixed on the curved micro-hole array with a micro cavity during the injection molding process. The curved micro-hole array was fabricated by 3D printing in order to avoid the interference from microlens nearby. In addition, the micro-hole array is detachable, thus allowing it to be assembled onto the MLA automatically. Less than few minutes, the formation of 3D MLA can be realized by which the polymeric lens material is capable of being cured within dozens of seconds. Multi-focusing MLA was designed to reduce the defocus. And the focal length of each microlens varied according to the different diameter of micro-holes. This novel method is time-saving, cost-effective and precision. A single microlens has a radius of 250–500 μm, and the accuracy can reach 30 μm. Performance of the 3D MLA has been optically characterized. The introduction of micro-holes array can effectively reduce the crosstalk between the eyes and the influence of stray light. The curved MLA have has a FOV over 70°.

Chemical Reactions of Iodoform in the Study of Post-Extraction Alveolites

Post-operative alveolitis is a topical issue in dental practice, which is also reflected by the etiopathogenic aspects. The conservative principle requires the maintenance of dento-periodontal units in the arch for as long as possible, but there are situations where dental extraction is required. The healing process of the post-surgical wound is complex and involves processes of gingival mucosal regeneration and bone reshaping, involving several local factors: wound size, presence of infection, alveolar vascularization, intraalveolar foreign bodies, and general factors, especially general condition, age and body reactivity. The quality, structure, maintenance, and retraction of the clot are key factors in the formation of connective tissue during the healing of the post-extraction would. At the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of Gala�i, during a 2-year period between January 2015 and December 30, 2016, 2780 patients that required surgery - dental extraction were consulted and diagnosed. We found that among those 2780 patients with dental extractions 105 (3.77%) had post-treatment alveolitis. No post-surgical alveolitis from the case study was complicated by osteomyelitis of the jaws or by suppurations of the superficial or deep compartments of the face. The prophylactic measures in each dental extraction, together with the correct and timely curative treatment, combined with the dentist�s competence and responsibility, can shorten the time of suffering, actively combating the risk factor and accelerating the social reintegration of the patient with post-treatment alveolitis.

Probing Photothermal Effects on Optically Trapped Gold Nanorods by Simultaneous Plasmon Spectroscopy and Brownian Dynamics Analysis.

Plasmonic gold nanorods are prime candidates for a variety of biomedical, spectroscopy, data storage, and sensing applications. It was recently shown that gold nanorods optically trapped by a focused circularly polarized laser beam can function as extremely efficient nanoscopic rotary motors. The system holds promise for applications ranging from nanofluidic flow control and nanorobotics to biomolecular actuation and analysis. However, to fully exploit this potential, one needs to be able to control and understand heating effects associated with laser trapping. We investigated photothermal heating of individual rotating gold nanorods by simultaneously probing their localized surface plasmon resonance spectrum and rotational Brownian dynamics over extended periods of time. The data reveal an extremely slow nanoparticle reshaping process, involving migration of the order of a few hundred atoms per minute, for moderate laser powers and a trapping wavelength close to plasmon resonance. The plasmon spectroscopy and Brownian analysis allows for separate temperature estimates based on the refractive index and the viscosity of the water surrounding a trapped nanorod. We show that both measurements yield similar effective temperatures, which correspond to the actual temperature at a distance of the order 10-15 nm from the particle surface. Our results shed light on photothermal processes on the nanoscale and will be useful in evaluating the applicability and performance of nanorod motors and optically heated nanoparticles for a variety of applications.

Rediscovering the Liturgy - a Solution to the Spiritual Crises of Today’s Consumerism?

Abstract The post-modern secular society is questioning all traditional Christian values in an attempt to create a new kind of religious life and through the transformation of old religious elements in something else than religion. This new “religious life” is characterized by a process of an overall re-shaping of the whole human world through re-absorption, re-melting and re-elaboration of everything it ever carried in it for thousands of years of Christianity legacy. In such a situation and context, in order to be relevant and survive in a secularist and pluralist society, the Church must first and foremost concentrate on its liturgical life, on its rich Christian spiritual tradition. Only if the Liturgy becomes again the source of all theological expression, as well as of the individual life of each Christian, then the response of the Church to all the problems of modernity will be a living, profound, personal and relevant one.

Two-step crosslinked liquid-crystalline elastomer with reversible two-way shape memory characteristics

ABSTRACTLiquid-crystalline elastomers (LCEs) possess large and equilibrium reversible anisotropic dimensional change in response to applied stimuli. The deformation behavior demonstrated by current LCE materials under the stimuli are generally determined by their own geometries and the alignment distributions of liquid crystal (LC) units in the LCE matrices. Here we report a LCE whose synthesis was through a two-stage crosslinking coupled with a mechanical reshaping process, where the shape was mechanically reset before the final crosslinking. It demonstrated reversible memory and change between the initial geometries formed during the first crosslinking stage and any reshaped geometries under the stimuli. Its deformation is not influenced by the geometries and the alignment distributions of LC units in the LCE matrix. This characteristic in LCEs holds promise in a wide range of application researches requiring sophisticated functions and smart structures.

Fluorescent clusters in chloride photo-thermo-refractive glass by femtosecond laser bleaching of Ag nanoparticles.

We report photoluminescence in bulk chloride photo-thermo-refractive glass under irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses. The fluorescence originates from the bleaching of silver nanoparticles precipitating in the glass. Similarly to the conventional process of the femtosecond re-shaping of metal inclusions with diameter tens of nanometers, irradiation of the smaller nanoparticles results in a fast shrinking size with an ellipsoidal shape via photofragmentation. Under UV excitation, remaining sub-nanometer silver molecular clusters show visible and near IR fluorescence, which increases with chlorine concentration. The observed bleaching of silver nanoparticles in bulk glass-metal nanocomposite can find applications in data storage and bleaching of volume Bragg gratings.

Προς μία νέα προσέγγιση της τοπικής ανάπτυξης σε συνθήκες κρίσης – Μία εφαρμογή πολιτικής επιχειρηματικών οικοσυστημάτων στην τοπική ανάπτυξη: η περίπτωση της Ελλάδας (Towards a New Approach of Local Development Under Crisis Conditions: Empowering the Local Business Ecosystems in Greece, by Adopting a New Local Development Policy)

Greek Abstract: Η ανταγωνιστικότητα της eλληνικής οικονομίας μeταβάλλeται, στο πλαίσιο των δυναμικών μeτασχηματισμών που συμβαίνουν στο συνολικό eθνικό και παγκόσμιο πeριβάλλον. Η έκβαση της eξέλιξης αυτής eξαρτάται σημαντικά από την ικανότητα των ίδιων των eλληνικών μικρομeσαίων eπιχeιρήσeων (ΜΜE) –των κυττάρων του οικονομικού συστήματος- στο να προσαρμοστούν στις διαρκeίς και eντeινόμeνeς ανταγωνιστικές αλλαγές. Σe αυτό το πλαίσιο, η δομή και η δυναμική μeτeξέλιξης των eπιμέρους τοπικών αναπτυξιακών πeριβαλλόντων καθίστανται διαστάσeις ζωτικής σημασίας για την συνολική προοπτική του eθνικού παραγωγικού συστήματος. Η παρούσα μeλέτη αποπeιράται να προσeγγίσeι και να θeμeλιώσeι ένα νέο πλαίσιο ανάλυσης, προτeίνοντας μία συστηματική κοινωνικοοικονομική προσέγγιση, eνταγμένη στην οπτική των eπιχeιρηματικών οικοσυστημάτων και μe eστίαση στην eφαρμογή μίας μeθόδου eνίσχυσης της eπιχeιρηματικής φυσιολογίας της τοπικά λeιτουργούσας ΜΜE. Η eν λόγω μέθοδος προτeίνeι την δόμηση eνός eστιασμένου μηχανισμού ανάπτυξης και διάχυσης της γνώσης και της καινοτομίας, σe τοπική και πeριφeρeιακή κλίμακα: τα Ινστιτούτα Τοπικής Ανάπτυξης και Καινοτομίας (ΙΤΑΚ). Στην συνέχeια αναλύeι τα διαθέσιμα πeριφeρeιακά δeδομένα ώστe να προκρίνeι την πeριφέρeια της χώρας όπου η σοβαρότητα των συνeπeιών της κρίσης δικαιολογeί την πeιραματική eφαρμογή και υλοποίηση των ΙΤΑΚ στην Eλλάδα. English Abstract: The competitiveness of the Greek economy evolves, both in the present crisis and later on, according to the dynamic micro-level environment and its transformations. This evolution depends on the SME’s abilities to claim a significant role in the new, competitive global environment, which is characterized by a continuous reshaping process. Respectively, the goal of achieving development in the local scale is of vital importance. This paper attempts to approach and highlight a new framework, by proposing a new business ecosystems approach and policy, focusing on the implementation of a method for strengthening the SME’s physiology. This method proposes the construction of systematic knowledge and innovation mechanisms, on a local scale; the Local Development and Innovation Institutes (LDI’s). Subsequently, we analyze the regional data in Greece in order to highlight the most affected by the crisis region and to experimentally establish the Local Development Institutes.

Experimental investigation of the mechanical reshaping process for joining aluminum alloy sheets with different thicknesses

In recent years, mechanical clinching technology has attracted more and more attentions. However, the high protrusion on the clinched joint may limit the application of the mechanical clinching technology. In the present study, a reshaping method for the clinched joint with different sheet thicknesses to reduce the protrusion height was investigated. The reshaping process is a complementary process for the clinched joint. A flat die and a bumped die were used to reshape the clinched joint. Al5052 aluminum alloy sheets with thicknesses of 2.0mm and 2.5mm were used in the present study. The interlock between the sheets was not damaged, and the sheets were still joined together after the reshaping process. The geometrical parameters, failure mode, tensile strength, shearing strength and energy absorption of the joints were investigated by experimental method. The neck thickness of the joint can be enlarged by the material flow in the reshaping process. Neck fracture mode is the main failure mode of the joint in this study. The reshaped joint produced by the Al5052 sheet with a thickness of 2.5mm (upper sheet) and the Al5052 sheet with a thickness of 2.0mm (lower sheet) has the highest average strength, and the clinched joint produced by the Al5052 sheet with a thickness of 2.0mm (upper sheet) and the Al5052 sheet with a thickness of 2.5mm (lower sheet) has the lowest average strength. The reshaping process not only can reduce the protrusion height, but also can contribute to increase the strength and energy absorption of the joint.

Boosting Creativity through Digital Disruption? The Role of Co-Creation Platforms in the Media Production Field

Web technologies transformed the media production field in many aspects: audiovisual contents in particular, are at the centre of a reshaping process involving their use, creative production, distribution and consumption. The effects of digital disruption are revealed though a media production field characterized by an increasing complexity. Co-creation environments emerge as new digital intermediaries, which may integrate the open collaboration of peers with the need to identify new ways of recognising and enhancing creativity in a sustainable way. Based on an empirical analysis of seventy co-creation web platforms related to the audiovisual domain, the paper aims at identifying an organisational model for creative production whilst reflecting on the role of platforms such as Tongal, Userfarm, Filmaka and others amongst consolidated institutions such as the cultural industries and new technological players such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon etc.

The Importance of National Ethos in Military Victories

When nations are violently threatened, the choices that they make in order to cope with the challenge of war reflect different alternative possible reactions. They may choose to fiercely fight their battles; they may prefer to surrender, and sometimes the options lay in-between. One puzzle is, therefore, what makes nations fight, and more importantly—what causes them eventually to win or to lose the war. In search for an answer, this study inquires through secondary sources three historical case studies from World War II: Britain, France and Germany, and reviews how each of these major European powers acted throughout the war. After each historical description, the study examines the part that national ethos played in the manner in which each state handled war in moments of crisis. The national ethos of a people is the creed formed from the shared values and traditions through which the nation views its past, present and future; it is the integrating element that defines a nation’s identity and bonds it into a coherent social group. The study reveals how national ethos is intertwined with another phenomenon of social psychology that turns it into a crucial factor in the management of international campaigns: war enthusiasm. Since national ethos is so crucial for the results of the war that a country might lead in order to survive or prosper, it is imperative for decision makers to bear in mind that it is also subject to a process of shaping and reshaping, as the Soviets have proved in relation to their Russian national ethos during World War II. A word of caution, however, is noteworthy: a wide historical perspective shows that even though the right kind of national ethos is essential for winning a war it is far from being enough. Hence national ethos proves, at the end of the day, to be a necessary condition for military victory but certainly not a sufficient one.

40 GHz pulse source based on cross-phase modulation-induced focusing in normally dispersive optical fibers.

We theoretically and experimentally investigate the design of a high-repetition rate source delivering well-separated optical pulses due to the nonlinear compression of a dual-frequency beat signal within a cavity-less normally dispersive fiber-based setup. This system is well described by a set of two coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations for which the traditional normally dispersive defocusing regime is turned in a focusing temporal lens through a degenerated cross-phase modulation process (XPM). More precisely, the temporal compression of the initial beating is performed by the combined effects of normal dispersion and XPM-induced nonlinear phase shift provided by an intense beat signal on its weak out-of-phase replica co-propagating with orthogonal polarizations. This adiabatic reshaping process allows us to experimentally demonstrate the generation of a 40 GHz well-separated 3.3 ps pulse train at 1550 nm in a 5 km long normally dispersive fiber.

Populismo: sostanza o attributo?

Laclau sees populism as the very essence or substance of political life. Here, along the lines of Freud’s investigation into group psychology, it is argued that populism is merely an attribute, or property, of political leadership. Seen in this light, populism comes to affect political life only at times, when a given society starts undergoing a process of radical reshaping. Thus, the question of populism paves the way for a further question: What does it mean that a society reshapes itself?