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A new method is presented to measure strain over a large area of a single crystal. The 4D-ED data are collected by recording a 2D diffraction pattern at each position in the 2D area of the TEM lamella scanned by the electron beam of STEM. Data processing is completed with a new computer program (available free of charge) that runs under the Windows operating system. Previously published similar methods are either commercial or need special hardware (electron holography) or are based on HRTEM, which involves limitations with respect to the size of the field of view. All these limitations are overcome by our approach. The presence of defects results in small local changes in orientation that change the subset of experimentally available diffraction spots in the individual patterns. Our method is based on a new principle, namely fitting a lattice to (a subset of) measured diffraction spots to improve the precision of the measurement. Although a spot to be measured may be missing in some of the patterns even the missing spot can be precisely measured by the lattice determined from the available spots. Application is exemplified by heavily boron-doped silicon with intended usage as a low-temperature superconductor in qubits.

Aims: The purpose of the current study is to 1) examine the beneficial effects of moderate levels of physical activity (PA) on functional and biochemical markers of the cardiorespiratory system, 2) establish the detrimental effects of a single, daily particulate matter (PM) exposure event on cardiorespiratory function and 3) determine if exercising during daily PM exposure increases the deleterious effects caused by PM exposure due to increased inhalation of particulates on cardiorespiratory function. Methods: Four groups of 16 rats were used: control (CON), PA, PM2.5 exposed and PA combined with PM2.5 exposure (PA + PM). Animals were purchased at 4 weeks old. However, both PA and PM exposure was initiated when the animals reached 8 weeks of age, for 8 weeks. Results: PA alone did not alter body weight or blood pressure (BP) compared to control animals. However, there was a significant decrease in epididymal fat pad mass in the PA group. The PM exposed rats were hypertensive, showed increased systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and had decreased spleen mass without pathological changes in the cardiac action potential or impaired vascular function. PA was able to decrease systemic inflammation in PM exposed animals, including a reduction in IL-6 serum levels, however, this did not translate to an improvement in BP or vascular reactivity. Smooth muscle relaxation in the trachea from the combination PA + PM group was not significantly different to CON and PA groups but was significantly higher than the PM group. Conclusions: The current study showed that while there is an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk associated with PM exposure, engaging in PA during exposure events imposes no increased risk with exercise providing a protective mechanism against some of the biochemical signaling changes caused by inhaled PM.

A longstanding barrier to deploying robots in the real world is the ongoing need to author robot behavior. Remote data collection–particularly crowdsourcing—is increasingly receiving interest. In this paper, we make the argument to scale robot programming to the crowd and present an initial investigation of the feasibility of this proposed method. Using an off-the-shelf visual programming interface, non-experts created simple robot programs for two typical robot tasks (navigation and pick-and-place). Each needed four subtasks with an increasing number of programming statements (if statement, while loop, variables) for successful completion of the programs. Initial findings of an online study (N = 279) indicate that non-experts, after minimal instruction, were able to create simple programs using an off-the-shelf visual programming interface. We discuss our findings and identify future avenues for this line of research.

The desire to gain knowledge about the quality and timing of construction projects delivered to clients has become an increased focus point in the field of construction management. Clients have expectations that are often based on their assumptions about the validity of making the learning curve theory applicable to construction projects. This research aims to determine what criteria need to be met for the learning curve theory to have some validity for construction projects. The results from the questionnaire survey, completed by professionals from the construction industry, show that several concepts were found to be of importance: project specifications, design, scope, budget, site management, planning, monitoring and controlling, and quality. If these concepts correspond between two projects, the chance of successfully applying the learning curve theory increases. Practical recommendations are made that highlight the concepts identified as critical for the successful application of the learning curve theory to construction projects, and that can be used by clients and contractors as a basis for negotiating project schedules.

Tobleria bicuspis, a coniferophyte seed cone, is described from the Jambi Palaeoflora, Sumatra of Asselian (early Permian) age. A morphometric analysis based on cones, paired fertile units, and fertile and sterile scales, demonstrates their close relationship. Small paired fertile units occur mainly in cones. Medium-sized paired fertile units occur mainly on scales. And large paired fertile units are mainly dispersed. The cones are considered female and the paired fertile units are considered to represent the seeds. The cones are composed of helicoidal, bilaterally symmetrical and deeply incised scales with paired seeds. A comparison can be made with the Voltziales female taxon Schizolepis from the Triassic and Jurassic. Tobleria is regarded as having a voltzian Voltziales affinity and dates from approximately 16 to 26 million years before any other such cones.

Projects are unique, temporary structures that produce unique knowledge. For organisations to gain competitive advantage, this knowledge needs to be transferred effectively between projects. Knowledge transfer across projects is thus an important and decisive competitive factor. However, project teams typically focus on short-term project goals, and often fail to regard capturing and transferring project knowledge between projects as important for the long-term benefit of the organisation. This theoretical study argues that Project Management Offices (PMOs) play an important role by supporting and facilitating the flow of knowledge between projects. A conceptual framework depicting the role of PMOs in the transfer of knowledge between projects is presented here, while empirical results will be reported on in a sequel to this paper.

Dicranophyllum gallicum Grand’Eury is described by means of a morphometric analysis of eighty two samples from various old and new localities in western and central Europe. Stem, leaf cushions, leaf scars, leaves, axillary structures and potential seeds are described in detail, and discussed in comparison to earlier studies. The encountered variability in size and structure is shown to be higher than what was described earlier. The organisation of the leaf cushion and scar density vary gradually with the stem width, while stratigraphic position and ecology do not relate to it. It is concluded that the described variability represents an ontogenetic feature rather than a phylogenetic or ecologic one. The juvenile plants are characterised by small stems, a high leaf scar density and elongated leaf cushions with a dominant apical field, while mature specimens are characterized by a wide stem, a relatively low leaf scar density and relatively wide leaf cushions with a pronounced basal field. Axillary shoots and potential seeds of D. gallicum are described and illustrated in detail for the first time. A reconstruction based on the studied material is presented.

Knowledge dissemination, as part of the knowledge exchange process, is particularly challenging in any project environment due to the temporary nature of projects. Although several studies in the earlier literature studied the factors that influence knowledge exchange, very few examined them from the ‘knowledge push’ perspective. This study aims, therefore, to highlight the critical factors that impact knowledge dissemination in a project environment. This empirical research found ten critical factors, such as individual experience, trust, source credibility, shared understanding, motivation, and articulability. These individual factors seem to have a dominant influence on knowledge dissemination from the view point of the knowledge source.

This paper examines mechanisms to use lessons learned on individual projects within an organisation. A Delphi study highlighted the organisation’s responsibility for incorporating knowledge from projects into a project management methodology. Knowledge from a project should be transferred through a centralised knowledge management function that should evaluate codified knowledge within the context in which it was generated, determine how the knowledge should be used, and maintain the explicit knowledge database and the knowledge flow process. Based on a literature review, structured interviews, archived data, and a Delphi survey, a framework for transferring knowledge to the organisation is proposed. The framework enables the organisation to motivate and guide knowledge transfer within a methodology that indicates where, when, and how knowledge transfer and use should take place.