Temporary teams learning and performance: the case of 3D printing technology in orthopaedic surgery

This dissertation contributes to the scholarly debate on temporary teams by exploring team interactions and boundaries.The fundamental challenge in temporary teams originates from temporary participation in the teams. First, as participants join the team for a short period of time, there is not enough time to build trust, share understanding, and have effective interactions. Consequently, team outputs and practices built on team interactions become vulnerable. Secondly, as team participants move on and off the teams, teams’ boundaries become blurred over time. It leads to uncertainty among team participants and leaders about who is/is not identified as a team member causing collective disagreement within the team. Focusing on the above mentioned challenges, we conducted this research in healthcare organisations since the use of temporary teams in healthcare and hospital setting is prevalent. In particular, we focused on orthopaedic teams that provide personalised treatments for patients using 3D printing technology. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using interviews, observations, questionnaires and archival data at Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy. This study provides the following research outputs. The first is a conceptual study that explores temporary teams’ literature using bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to highlight research gaps. The second paper qualitatively studies temporary relationships within the teams by collecting data using group interviews and observations. The results highlighted the role of short-term dyadic relationships as a ground to share and transfer knowledge at the team level. Moreover, hierarchical structure of the teams facilitates knowledge sharing by supporting dyadic relationships within and beyond the team meetings. The third paper investigates impact of blurred boundaries on temporary teams’ performance. Using quantitative data collected through questionnaires and archival data, we concluded that boundary blurring in terms of fluidity, overlap and dispersion differently impacts team performance at high and low levels of task complexity.

Addressing challenges in heterogeneous embedded systems programming: security and performance

Embedded systems are increasingly integral to daily life, improving and facilitating the efficiency of modern Cyber-Physical Systems which provide access to sensor data, and actuators. As modern architectures become increasingly complex and heterogeneous, their optimization becomes a challenging task. Additionally, ensuring platform security is important to avoid harm to individuals and assets. This study primarily addresses challenges in contemporary Embedded Systems, focusing on platform optimization and security enforcement. The initial section of this study delves into the application of machine learning methods to efficiently determine the optimal number of cores for a parallel RISC-V cluster to minimize energy consumption using static source code analysis. Results demonstrate that automated platform configuration is not only viable but also that there is a moderate performance trade-off when relying solely on static features. The second part focuses on addressing the problem of heterogeneous device mapping, which involves assigning tasks to the most suitable computational device in a heterogeneous platform for optimal runtime. The contribution of this section lies in the introduction of novel pre-processing techniques, along with a training framework called Siamese Networks, that enhances the classification performance of DeepLLVM, an advanced approach for task mapping. Importantly, these proposed approaches are independent from the specific deep-learning model used. Finally, this research work focuses on addressing issues concerning the binary exploitation of software running in modern Embedded Systems. It proposes an architecture to implement Control-Flow Integrity in embedded platforms with a Root-of-Trust, aiming to enhance security guarantees with limited hardware modifications. The approach involves enhancing the architecture of a modern RISC-V platform for autonomous vehicles by implementing a side-channel communication mechanism that relays control-flow changes executed by the process running on the host core to the Root-of-Trust. This approach has limited impact on performance and it is effective in enhancing the security of embedded platforms.

Numerical simulation of the flow and performance evaluation of an aerospike engine

The main focus of this work is to define a numerical methodology to simulate an aerospike engine and then to analyse the performance of DemoP1, which is a small aerospike demonstrator built by Pangea Aerospace. The aerospike is a promising solution to build more efficient engine than the actual one. Its main advantage is the expansion adaptation that allows to reach the optimal expansion in a wide range of ambient pressures delivering more thrust than an equivalent bell-shaped nozzle. The main drawbacks are the cooling system design and the spike manufacturing but nowadays, these issues seem to be overcome with the use of the additive manufacturing method. The simulations are performed with dbnsTurbFoam which is a solver of OpenFOAM. It has been designed to simulate a supersonic compressible turbulent flow. This work is divided in four chapters. The first one is a short introduction. The second one shows a brief summary of the theoretical performance of the aerospike. The third one introduces the numerical methodology to simulate a compressible supersonic flow. In the fourth chapter, the solver has been verified with an experiment found in literature. And in the fifth chapter, the simulations on DemoP1 engine are illustrated.

Satellite IoT: a Study and Performance Analysis of GEO and LEO Systems

The study is divided into two main part: one focused on the GEO Satellite IoT and the other on the LEO Satellite IoT. Concerning the GEO Satellite IoT, the activity has been developed in the context of EUMETSAT Data Collection Service (DCS) by investigating the performance at the receiver within challenging scenarios. DCS are provided by several GEO Satellite operators, giving almost total coverage around the world. In this study firstly an overview of the DCS end-to-end architecture is given followed by a detailed description of both the tools used for the simulations: the DCP-TST (message generator and transmitter) and the DCP-RX (receiver). After generating several test messages, the performances have been evaluated with the addition of impairments (CW and sweeping interferences) and considerations in terms of BER and Good Messages are produced. Furthermore, a study on the PLL System is also conducted together with evaluations on the effectiveness of tuning the PLL Bw on the overall performance. Concerning the LEO Satellite IoT, the activity was carried out in the framework of the ASI Bidirectional IoT Satellite Service (BISS) Project. The elaborate covers a survey about the possible services that the project can accomplish and a technical analysis on the uplink MA. In particular, the LR-FHSS is proved to be a valid alternative for the uplink through an extensive analysis on its Network capacity and through the study of an analytic model for Success Probability with its Matlab implementation.

Design and Performance Analysis of the Electrical Power System of a Petrochemical Facility

This thesis deals with the sizing and analysis of the electrical power system of a petrochemical plant. The activity was carried out in the framework of an electrical engineering internship. The sizing and electrical calculations, as well as the study of the dynamic behavior of network quantities, are accomplished by using the ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) software. After determining the type and size of the loads, the calculation of power flows is carried out for all possible network layout and different power supply configurations. The network is normally operated in a double radial configuration. However, the sizing must be carried out taking into account the most critical configuration, i.e., the temporary one of single radial operation, and also considering the most unfavorable power supply conditions. The calculation of shortcircuit currents is then carried out and the appropriate circuit breakers are selected. Where necessary, capacitor banks are sized in order to keep power factor at the point of common coupling within the preset limits. The grounding system is sized by using the finite element method. For loads with the highest level of criticality, UPS are sized in order to ensure their operation even in the absence of the main power supply. The main faults that can occur in the plant are examined, determining the intervention times of the protections to ensure that, in case of failure on one component, the others can still properly operate. The report concludes with the dynamic and stability analysis of the power system during island operation, in order to ensure that the two gas turbines are able to support the load even during transient conditions.

Asiantuntijaorganisaation henkilöstöstrategia motivoinnin välineenä, case Finnvera

Tutkielma käsittelee henkilöstövoimavarojen hallintaa julkisessa asiantuntija-organisaatiossa. Henkilöstöresurssien hallinta on muodostumassa organisaatioille strategisesti yhä tärkeämmäksi asiaksi. Osaaminen ja asiantuntijuus ovat kriittisiä menestystekijöitä. Henkilöstöstrategia määrittää ne henkilöstöön liittyvät arvot, keinot ja tavoitteet, joilla organisaatio pyrkii varmistamaan tulevaisuuden kuvansa ja liiketoimintastrategiansa edellyttämän osaamis- ja suoritustason. Henkilöstöstrategian yksi päätarkoitus on motivoida henkilöstöä ja toisaalta tehdä organisaatio kiinnostavaksi työmarkkinoilla. Näkökulma tutkimukseen on erityisesti asiantuntijan motivointi. Tutkimuksessa analysoidaan kvalitatiivisella analyysillä case-yrityksen henkilöstöstrategiaa ja verrataan sitä olemassa olevaan teoriataustaan henkilöstöstrategian sisällön, laatimisprosessin ja erityisesti motivoinnin suhteen. Tuloksena todetaan Finnvera Oyj:n henkilöstöstrategian olevan kohtuullisen hyvin laadittu ja sisältävän pääsääntöisesti tarvittavat asiat.

La carpeta de aprendizaje y la evaluación entre iguales de los estudiantes. Resultados de una innovación docente en los estudios universitarios de las artes

Students reflect more on their learning in course subjects when they participate in managing their teaching–learning environment. As a form of guided participation, peer assessment serves the following purposes: (a) it improves the student’s understanding of previously established learning objectives; (b) it is a powerful metacognitive tool; (c) it transfers to the student part of the responsibility for assessing learning, which means deciding which learning activities are important and choosing the degree of effort a course subject will require; (d) it emphasizes the collective aspect of the nature of knowledge; and (e) the educational benefits derived from peer assessment clearly justify the efforts required to implement activities. This paper reports on the relative merits of a learning portfolio compiled during fine arts-related studies in which peer assessment played an important role. The researchers analyzed the student work load and the final marks students received for compulsory art subjects. They conclude that the use of a closed learning portfolio with a well-structured, sequential and analytical design can have a positive effect on student learning and that, although implementing peer assessment may be complex and students need to become familiar with it, its use is not only feasible but recommendable.

The Mediating Role of Perceived Scholastic Competence in the Relationship Between Motor Coordination and Academic Performance

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are often referred to as clumsy because of their compromised motor coordination. Clumsiness and slow movement performances while scripting in children with DCD often result in poor academic performance and a diminished sense of scholastic competence. This study purported to examine the mediating role of perceived scholastic competence in the relationship between motor coordination and academic performance in children in grade six. Children receive a great deal of comparative information on their academic performances, which influence a student's sense of scholastic competence and self-efficacy. The amount of perceived academic self-efficacy has significant impact on academic performance, their willingness to complete academic tasks, and their self-motivation to improve where necessary. Independent t-tests reveal a significant difference (p < .001) between DCD and non-DCD groups when compared against their overall grade six average with the DCD group performing significantly lower. Independent t-tests found no significant difference between DCD and non-DCD groups for perceived scholastic competence. However, multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant mediating role of 15% by perceived scholastic competence when examining the relationship between motor coordination and academic performance. While children with probable DCD may not rate their perceived scholastic competence as less than their healthy peers, there is a significant mediating effect on their academic performance.

Sometimes they use it, sometimes they don’t: an epistemological discussion of L2 morphological production and its use as a competence measurement

The main goal of all approaches to adult second language acquisition (SLA) is to accurately describe and explain the overall acquisition process. To accomplish this, SLA researchers must come to agree on some key issues. In this commentary, I defend the necessity of the competence/performance distinction and how this relates to why an examination of morphological production presents challenges for SLA research. I suggest that such a methodology is meaningful only when it is dovetailed with procedures that test for related syntactic/semantic knowledge.

Competence: intelligence in sheep's clothing? Culture, representations, and cognitive performance

The first aim of this thesis was to contribute to the understanding of how cultural capital (Bourdieu, 1983/1986) affects students achievements and performances. We specifically claimed that the effect of cultural capital is at least partly explained by the positioning students take towards the principles they use to attribute competence and intelligence. The testing of these hypothesis have been framed within the social representations theory, specifically in the formulation of the Lemanic school approach (Doise, 1986).

Emergent power hierarchies and group performance (Published online: 7 Oct. 2014)

In newly formed groups, informal hierarchies emerge automatically and readily. In this study, we argue that emergent group hierarchies enhance group performance (Hypothesis 1) and we assume that the more the power hierarchy within a group corresponds to the task-competence differences of the individual group members, the better the group performs (Hypothesis 2). Twelve three-person groups and 28 four-person groups were investigated while solving the Winter Survival Task. Results show that emerging power hierarchies positively impact group performance but the alignment between task-competence and power hierarchy did not affect group performance. Thus, emergent power hierarchies are beneficial for group performance and although they were on average created around individual group members' competence, this correspondence was not a prerequisite for better group performance.

Relationships among multiple intelligences, motor performance and academic achievement in secondary school children

This study examines the relationships between multiple intelligences, academic achievement and motor performance in a group of secondary school children. Four hundred and eighty schoolchildren participated in this study (171 female and 309 male) with an average age of 13.33 years (SD: 1.41). The Revised self-efficacy Inventory for Multiple Intelligences (IAIM-R) and the motor test Sportcomp were applied, and the average results of the academic year they had made were obtained. The analysis of the results showed how female scored significantly higher on the Linguistic, Spatial and Interpersonal intelligences, and older pupils scored significantly higher on the linguistic and naturalistic intelligences. It was the logical-mathematical intelligence which showed significant relationships with academic performance and it was the intelligence that better predicted this achievement. It was the bodily-kinesthetic intelligence that was significantly related to motor competence and the best intelligence that predicted its achievement. Finally, indicate that schoolchildren with better scores in the motor test were those who scored higher in both academic achievement and all the multiple intelligences, with the exception of musical intelligence.

Understanding and choosing clinical performance measures for quality improvement : development of a typology : final report /

"Contract no. 282-92-0038, delivery order #3."

Correlation between anxiety and academic self-concept in interpreter trainees

This paper focuses on two basic issues: the anxiety-generating nature of the interpreting task and the relevance of interpreter trainees’ academic self-concept. The first has already been acknowledged, although not extensively researched, in several papers, and the second has only been mentioned briefly in interpreting literature. This study seeks to examine the relationship between the anxiety and academic self-concept constructs among interpreter trainees. An adapted version of the Foreign Language Anxiety Scale (Horwitz et al., 1986), the Academic Autoconcept Scale (Schmidt, Messoulam & Molina, 2008) and a background information questionnaire were used to collect data. Students’ t-Test analysis results indicated that female students reported experiencing significantly higher levels of anxiety than male students. No significant gender difference in self-concept levels was found. Correlation analysis results suggested, on the one hand, that younger would-be interpreters suffered from higher anxiety levels and students with higher marks tended to have lower anxiety levels; and, on the other hand, that younger students had lower self-concept levels and higher-ability students held higher self-concept levels. In addition, the results revealed that students with higher anxiety levels tended to have lower self-concept levels. Based on these findings, recommendations for interpreting pedagogy are discussed.