How to integrate ergonomics into product design through the user centered design approach.

BACKGROUND: Ergonomics/Human factors (HFE) is little considered in the engineering design practice and design methodologies do not adequately present the use of HFE. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to propose a systematic for the integration of HFE into product design, based on the user-centered design approach. Thus, an overview of the systematic is presented, as well as the suggestion of methods and support tools for each phase of the design process. METHODS: In order to verify the applicability of the systematic it was done an expert evaluation of the systematic and an experiment was carried out in the engineering education, in two classes of the product design course in a Brazilian University in 2016. RESULTS: The results showed that the students of the study group developed a better knowledge about HFE and its use in product design, besides the probability of using HFE in the product design went from low to high after the experiment. CONCLUSION: Presenting this information in a systematized way together with the design process allows students to be more likely to use it, to understand it better and know how to use it.

Towards visible-light photocatalysis for environmental applications: band-gap engineering versus photons absorption-a review.

A range of different studies has been performed in order to design and develop photocatalysts that work efficiently under visible (and near-infrared) irradiation as well as to improve photons absorption with improved reactor design. While there is consensus on the importance of photocatalysis for environmental applications and the necessity to utilized solar irradiation (or visible-light) as driving force for these processes, it is not yet clear how to get there. Discussion on the future steps towards visible-light photocatalysis for environmental application is of great interest to scientific and industrial communities and the present paper reviews and discusses the two main approaches, band-gap engineering for efficient solar-activated catalysts and reactor designs for improved photons absorption. Common misconceptions and drawbacks of each technology are also examined together with insights for future progress.

Multisynchronization of chaotic oscillators via nonlinear observer approach.

The goal of this work is to synchronize a class of chaotic oscillators in a master-slave scheme, under different initial conditions, considering several slaves systems. The Chen oscillator is employed as a benchmark model and a nonlinear observer is proposed to reach synchronicity between the master and the slaves' oscillators. The proposed observer contains a proportional and integral form of a bounded function of the synchronization error in order to provide asymptotic synchronization with a satisfactory performance. Numerical experiments were carried out to show the operation of the considered methodology.

Engineering a square truncated lattice with light's orbital angular momentum.

We engineer an intensity square lattice using the Fraunhofer diffraction of a Laguerre-Gauss beam by a square aperture. We verify numerically and experimentally that a perfect optical intensity lattice takes place only for even values of the topological charge. We explain the origin of this behavior based on the decomposition of the patterns. We also study the evolution of the lattice formation by observing the transition from one order to the next of the orbital angular momentum varying the topological charge in fractional steps.

Remote engineering for a cheese whey biorefinery: an Internet-based application for process design, economic analysis, monitoring, and control of multiple plant sites.

The proteolysis of cheese whey with the aid of immobilized enzymes is an attractive alternative for this by-product of the dairy industry. Among some possible applications for whey protein hydrolysates, one may cite their use as protein source for individuals with reduced capacity of digestion, or with genetic metabolic disorders (phenylketonuria patients, for instance). The multipurpose plant that processes whey is named here as a cheese whey biorefinery. This work presents the remote control and monitoring of the whey biorefineries using the Internet. In an integrated environment, the web application also enables simulation and economic analyses of the process. This technology might allow small companies to access a remote "engineering centre", with know-how on plant design and advanced control techniques. The idea can also be extended to large dairy companies, providing the remote control of geographically spread sites of production.

Environmental analysis in the selection of alternative corridors in a long-distance linear project: a methodological proposal.

A linear engineering project--i.e. a pipeline--has a potential long- and short-term impact on the environment and on the inhabitants therein. We must find better, less expensive, and less time-consuming ways to obtain information on the environment and on any modifications resulting from anthropic activity. We need scientifically sound, rapid and affordable assessment and monitoring methods. Construction companies, industries and the regulating government organisms lack the resources needed to conduct long-term basic studies of the environment. Thus there is a need to make the necessary adjustments and improvements in the environmental data considered useful for this development project. More effective and less costly methods are generally needed. We characterized the landscape of the study area, situated in the center and north-east of Argentina. Little is known of the ecology of this region and substantial research is required in order to develop sustainable uses and, at the same time, to develop methods for reducing impacts, both primary and secondary, resulting from anthropic activity in this area. Furthermore, we made an assessment of the environmental impact of the planned linear project, applying an ad hoc impact index, and we analyzed the different alternatives for a corridor, each one of these involving different sections of the territory. Among the alternative corridors considered, this study locates the most suitable ones in accordance with a selection criterion based on different environmental and conservation aspects. We selected the corridor that we considered to be the most compatible--i.e. with the least potential environmental impact--for the possible construction and operation of the linear project. This information, along with suitable measures for mitigating possible impacts, should be the basis of an environmental management plan for the design process and location of the project. We pointed out the objectivity and efficiency of this methodological approach, along with the possibility of integrating the information in order to allow for the application thereof in this type of study.

Development of walking pattern evaluation system for hypogravity simulation.

This study aimed to develop a Walking Pattern Evaluation System during Hypogravity Simulation (SAMSH), which included the adaptation of a body suspension device, the instrumentation of a treadmill and the development of a virtual environment. SAMSH was developed using one subject. Kinematic analyses were performed whilst one individual was walking on the treadmill during body weight reduction simulating the gravitational forces of the Moon (reduction of 60%) and Mars (reduction of 30%) with and without virtual reality glasses (Head Mounted Display, HMD). The walking pattern was evaluated by means of knee and ankle electrogoniometers, foot switches placed on the front and back part of the plantar region, and five video cameras. Results showed that the body weight reduction during Moon simulation alter the walking pattern, including the increase in step time, contact time, step length and aerial time, and the decrease of walking cadence time (steps per minute). The findings of this study also suggested that hypogravity simulation reduces walking effort. The utilization of the HMD allowed the evaluation of the head position three-dimensionally during hypogravity simulation. The virtual environment reduced postural balance, due to the absence of visual input, which was evidenced by a protective extension reaction.

Herramientas bio-inspiradas en ingeniería y seres vivos / Tools bio-inspired in engineering and alive beings

Se presentan las características de los seres vivos con sus definiciones, parámetros ideales para guiar al ingeniero en el diseño y producción de bienes. Se plantea el modelo POE como un sistema cartesiano de tres ejes donde se desarrolla la vida en sus niveles: filogenia, ontogenia y epigénesis. Luego se toma el mismo modelo pero con las herramientas bioinspiradas que los representan, para llegar a la Vida Artificial. Posteriormente se entra a mirar el AC de Langton. Por último se presentan las conclusiones que ligan los seres vivos con las herramientas bioinspiradas