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This paper examines how forcibly displaced people cope with prolonged liminality through identity work. Our paper is based on a longitudinal multiple case study of women refugees who fled Syria and experienced liminality in Amman-Jordan, the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan and the United Kingdom. We contribute to the liminality literature by demonstrating how forcibly displaced people respond to extreme structural constraints and maintain cognitive control over their sense of self during liminality with an end date that is unknown. We develop the concept of liminality by illustrating how the actors were pushed into a state of ‘indeterminate liminality’ and coped by co-constructing it through three forms of identity work – recomposing conflicting memories, reclaiming existence and repositioning tradition. This enabled them to stretch the boundaries of indeterminate liminality, symbolically restore their familiar past and narratively construct a meaningful future.

Background: Hyperfibrinolysis and pro/anti-inflammatory imbalance usually occur in the early stage of severe burns. Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is involved in fibrinolysis and inflammation. To date, the levels of circulating suPAR in non-survivors with severe burns remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the early association between circulating suPAR levels and biomarkers of fibrinolysis, pro/anti-inflammatory, and prognosis. Methods: Sixty-four consecutive Chinese patients with severe burns and 26 healthy volunteers were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were collected prospectively. Blood samples were collected at 48 h post-burn, and suPAR and biomarkers of pro/anti-inflammatory and fibrinolysis were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Important indicators between non-survivors and survivors were compared. Linear regression analysis was performed to screen variables associated with suPAR. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of suPAR. Result: Compared with the control group, the circulating suPAR levels in the survivors (P

Origami folding is an easy, cost-effective, and scalable fabrication method for changing a flat material into a complex 3D functional shape. Here, we created semicrystalline silk films doped with iron oxide particles by mold casting and annealing. The flat silk films could be loaded with natural dyes and folded into 3D geometries using origami principles following plasticization. They performed locomotion under a magnetic field, were reusable, and displayed colorimetric stability. The critical parameters for the design of the semi-autonomous silk film, including ease of folding, shape preservation, and locomotion in the presence of a magnetic field, were characterized, and pH detection was achieved by eye and by digital image colorimetry with a response time below 1 min. We demonstrate a practical application a battery-free origami silk boat as a colorimetric sensor for waterborne pollutants, which was reusable at least five times. This work introduces silk eco-sensors and merges responsive actuation and origami techniques.

There is an urgent need for playful, personalised, interactive, comforting and tactile solutions that help those living with dementia to live positively ( Treadaway et al.,2014; Treadaway et al., 2019). Using research through design and a person centred approach focusing on the 'lived experience of people' (Reason, 1944), this paper explores the making and use of interactive textiles for well-being within two Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC) in Scotland. Working closely with these groups, the researcher designed and facilitated interactive textile workshops. Following the workshops, the DFC's decided they would 'craft bomb' (using craft to decorate) their communities with textiles to raise awareness of dementia, and invite the wider community to collaborate.

Study Objective is to evaluate prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C, E, and TT virus infection markers in highly qualified sportsmen. Study Design: multicenter open single-site clinical study.Materials and Methods: 100 blood serum samples of sportsmen (game, complex coordination, technical, etc.) were studied. Biological material (blood serum) was obtained from 54 men and 46 women aged 16 to 45 years during an in-depth medical examination. All sportsmen filled out a questionnaire, including demographic data, description of the sport, information about infection risk factors, information about the presence of acute viral hepatitis and vaccination. Anti-HAV IgG, HBsAg, anti-HBcore, anti-HCV, anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM were determined in the blood serum by enzyme immunoassay; using polymerase chain reaction — DNA Anelloviridae (TTV, TTMDV, TTMV). Study Results: Anti-HAV IgG was detected in 57/66 (86,4%) sportsmen, women (91,2%) predominated, among them a third were engaged in synchronized swimming. 7/57 (12,3%) of the examined had indications of vaccination against hepatitis A. The frequency of anti-HEV IgG did not exceed 3% (2/66). anti-HEV IgM were not detected in any case. Also, none of the examined sportsmen in the blood serum was not determined HBsAg. However, anti-HBcore (marker of latent HBV infection) was detected in 13% (13/100) of the samples. The detection rate of anti-HCV was low, combined with the presence of anti-HBcore was 2% (2/100). In addition, DNA TTV, TTMDV and TTMV, respectively, were found in serum samples from 66/100 (86%), 79/100 (79%), 71/100 of sportsmen. Conclusion: The high frequency of hepatitis virus markers was found (HAV — 74,1%, TTV/TTMDV /TTMV — 71-86%), HBV — 13%, HEV — 3%, HCV — 2%). All patients denied a history of acute viral hepatitis. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is a modern strategy that prevents infection and the development of acute viral hepatitis. Its mandatory holding should become part of the targeted preparation of sportsmen to achieve the highest sports results.

Based on ethnographic work with several women’s textile making collectives in Colombia, this article approaches their crafting practices as everyday doings of socio-ecological reparation, in the midst of social and environmental devastation caused by the armed conflict. Rather than focusing on the relevance of their activities for political activism and historical memory, an ecological perspective allows us to emphasise their work as a mundane, more than social process of communal regeneration. We discuss how women in these collectives, after painful and violent displacements, craft new ecologies of existence: relations and interdependencies within more than human worlds that cultivate new modes of care and attention, values and sensibilities in precarious living spaces. Ecological reparation is an everyday, vital, ongoing practice essential for community resurgence and for re-establishing collectivities that sustain liveable worlds.

TFRS 9 KAPSAMINDA TEMERRÜT OLASILIĞININ HESAPLANMASI VE MAKROEKONOMİK MODEL ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA2008 yılında Amerika’da başlayan ve ardından yaşanan küresel krizle birlikte bankacılık sektöründe Uluslararası Finansal Raporlama Sistemi’nin 9 numaralı bölümünün önemi artmıştır. Haziran 2014 tarihinde Uluslararası Muhasebe Standartları Kurulu (UMSK) tarafından son hali yayımlanan UFRS 9 Finansal Araçlar Standardı, sınıflandırma, ölçme, değer düşüklüğü ve korunma muhasebesi alanlarında UMS 39 Finansal Araçlar Standardının yerini almıştır. Bankacılık Denetleme ve Düzenleme Kurumu (BDDK) tarafından da takip edilerek uygulamaya konulan çalışmalar neticesinde, 2016 yılında resmi gazetede yayınlanan ‘Kredilerin Sınıflandırılması ve Bunlar İçin Ayrılacak Karşılıklara İlişkin Usul ve Esaslar Hakkında Yönetmelik’ in 01.01.2018 tarihinde yürürlüğe girmesiyle birlikte, artık bu tarih itibari ile bankalar bilançolarında ayırdıkları karşılıkları UFRS 9’ a göre hesaplamaya başlamışlardır.UMSK’nın nihai hale getirdiği TFRS 9’un Temmuz 2014 sürümü, Kamu Gözetimi Kurumu (KGK) tarafından 19.01.2017 tarihinde Resmi Gazete’de yayımlanan ‘Finansal Araçlar Standardınaİlişkin Türkiye Finansal Raporlama Standardı (TFRS 9) Hakkında Tebliğ’ çerçevesi altında geleceğe dönük değer düşüklüğü modelleri ve beklenen kredi zararına ilişkin hesaplama metodolojilerini içermektedir. Beklenen kredi kaybı modeli itfa edilmiş maliyet ya da gerçeğe uygun değer üzerinden diğer kapsamlı gelir tablosuna kaydedilen araçlara (banka mevduatları, krediler ve finansal kiralama alacakları gibi) ve ek olarak, gerçeğe uygun değer farkı kar/zarar olarak ölçülemeyen finansal kiralama alacakları, sözleşme varlıkları, kredi taahhütleri ve finansal garanti sözleşmelerine uygulanılmaktadır.Çalışmanın birinci bölümünde UMS 39’dan UFRS 9’a geçişin nedenleri, farkları literatür taraması ile birlikte ele alınmış olup, ikinci bölümde TFRS 9’ un kapsamı ve getirdiği yeni düzenlemeler ile yeni standartın mali tablolar ve finansal sistem üzerindeki etkisi vurgulanarak, finansal araçlardaki sınıflandırma, ölçme kriterleri, değer düşüklüğü ve beklenen kredi zararı hesaplama metodolojisine yer verilmiştir. Üçüncü uygulama bölümde, örnek bir müşteri grubu (kredi portföyü) üzerinden çalışmamızın ana konusunu oluşturan temerrüt olasılığının hesaplanması, skorkart ataması ve makroekonomik etkinin PD-Probability of Default (Temerrüt Olasılığı) değerlerine yansıtılması uygulamasınına değinilimiştir. Ve son bölüm olan dördüncü bölümde ise yapılan analizlerin değerlendirilmesi yer almaktadır A RESEARCH ON THE CALCULATION OF THE PROBABILITY OF DEFAULTAND THE MACROECONOMIC MODEL UNDER IFRS 9With the global crisis that started in the USA in 2008 and then experienced, the importance of section 9 of the International Financial Reporting System has increased in the banking sector. IFRS 9 Financial Instruments Standard, finalized by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in June 2014, has replaced IAS 39 Financial Instruments Standard in the fields of classification, measurement, impairment and hedge accounting. As a result of the studies followed and implemented by the Banking Supervision and Regulatory Authority (BDDK), the 'Regulation on the Procedures and Principles Regarding the Classification of Loans and Provisions for These' published in the Official Gazette in 2016 came into force on 01.01.2018, as of this date. and banks have started to calculate the provisions they have set aside in their balance sheets according to IFRS 9The July 2014 version of TFRS 9 finalized by the IASB, under the framework of the Communiqué on TFRS 9, Turkish Financial Reporting Standard on Financial Instruments, published in the Official Gazette on 19.01.2017 by the Public Oversight Authority (KGK), future-looking impairment models and expected credit includes calculation methodologies for loss. The expected credit loss model is applied to instruments recorded in the statement of comprehensive income at amortized cost or fair value (such as bank deposits, loans and leasing receivables), and in addition, finance lease receivables that cannot be measured at fair value through profit or loss, assets, loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts.In the first part of the study, the reasons for the transition from IAS 39 to IFRS 9 and the differences are discussed together with the literature review. In the second part, the scope of TFRS 9, the new regulations it brings, the effect of the new standard on the financial statements and the financial system are emphasized, and the classification, measurement criteria, impairment and expected credit loss calculation methodology in financial instruments are included.In the third application section, the calculation of the default probability, which is the main subject of our study, the assignment of the scorecard and the reflection of the macroeconomic effect to the PD-Probability of Default values, which is the main subject of our study, is discussed over a sample customer group (credit portfolio).And in the fourth section, which is the last section, there is an evaluation of the analyzes made.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin, namely, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. The most common organisms involved in causing cellulitis are group A β-hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus organisms. Rare causes include Pseudomonas aeruginosa in case of puncture wounds, anaerobes, Eikenella, Viridans streptococci in human bites. Cellulitis is mainly a clinical diagnosis but blood counts and ESR can be done to confirm its occurrence. Risk factors for cellulitis include breaks in the skin which allows an entry point for the bacteria, other risk factors include immune deficient states such as HIV/leukemia, conditions that affect the vascular system, and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Vaccination is an extremely rare cause of cellulitis with no cases of cellulitis reported since 1998 due to complication of vaccination. In our case, patients presented signs and symptoms of cellulitis 2 days after receiving the tetanus prophylaxis vaccine. He was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics after admission and discharged once the condition settled.

A data mining approach is proposed for evaluating the effects of battery production factors in cathode coating stage on both battery capacity and internal resistance for the first time. Specifically, an effective neural network model is built based on real data form designed experiments for obtaining reference cathode coating for coin cells. The purpose is to analyze and predict how the battery quality in both charge and discharge scenarios changes with respect to the key factors of coating including its weight and thickness. The results highlight the correlation between mentioned factors and battery quality indices, which could guide manufacturer to identify efficient ways for producing high-quality batteries.\ud \ud

The paper examines the architectural design methods for homeless youth's wellbeing in self-built housing assistance programs. As a global issue, homelessness is alleviated in many countries via housing provision policies. However, housing cannot help the homeless to reintegrate into society directly, although it is vital. This research by design investigates how the self-build process can bring benefits to the users, through comparative analysis of self-built case studies in the UK and surveys of homeless groups. Following the case studies’ analyses (Y: CUBE in London, apartments for homeless youth, 2015; Walters Way in London, self-built community, 1986) the work concludes that the wellbeing of homeless youth should be prioritized within the assistance project’s agenda. This can be achieved by establishing place attachment that would empower residents through a self-build process. Architects could play critical roles in such projects, for example, by designing a modular flexible structural system allowing users to be involved in construction and adaptation over time. The diversity of housing, community spaces and the flexibility that meets the needs of individuals can empower the community and its relation to place. For the users’ feeling of ownership, in-depth consideration of the building structure is required to provide user-friendly incremental housing that can be built by themselves with flexibility and stability. Based on thoughtful design, an architect-led participatory design strategy with collaboration between stakeholders could guarantee the quality of the building, enhance the homeless youth’s connection with the community and other social groups, improving their self-confidence, their self-esteem, and their wellbeing. Limited by time and length, this research is based on the context of a new development site. Specific analysis for situated homeless groups is needed when considering different regional conditions.

This paper reflects on my integral design studio teaching and inclusiveness in its design processes. This is exemplified in two different systemic design case studies focussing on social and environmental justice via the lens of empathy. The design studio and/or design practice tend to be fused in this paper because my design studios have always focussed on practice-based, real-life built projects, while my commercial and not-for-profit practices have always implemented design education in real-life built projects through internships and/or other student participation. Therefore, my approach fully follows the pathway of ‘learning by doing’ (Dewey, 1997), focussing on systemic feedback looping of integral real-life experience and reflection through research and practice, targeting brighter post-Anthropocene futures.

Background: Pedicle screw insertion in osteoporotic patients is challenging. Achieving more screw-cortical bone purchase and invasiveness minimization, the cortical bone trajectory and the midline cortical techniques represent alternatives to traditional pedicle screws. This study compares the fatigue behavior and fixation strength of the cement-augmented traditional trajectory (TT), the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) and the midline cortical (MC). Methods: Ten human cadaveric spine specimens (L1 - L5) were examined. The average age was 86.3 ± 7.2 years. CT scans were provided for preoperative planning. CBT and MC were implanted by using the patient-specific 3D-printed placement guide (MySpine®, Medacta International), TT were implanted freehand. All 10 cadaveric specimens were randomized to group A (CBT vs. MC) or group B (MC vs. TT). Each screw was loaded for 10,000 cycles. The failure criterion was doubling of the initial screw displacement resulting from the compressive force (60 N) at the first cycle, the stop criterion as a doubling of the initial screw displacement. After dynamic testing, screws were pulled out axially at 5 mm/min to determine their remaining fixation strength. Results: The mean pull-out forces did not differ significantly. Concerning the fatigue performance, only one out of ten MC of group A failed prematurely due to loosening after 1,500 cycles (L3). Five CBT already loosened during the first 500 cycles. The mean displacement was always lower in the MC. In group B, all TT showed no signs of failure or loosening. Three MC failed already after 26 cycles, 1,510 cycles, and 2,144 cycles, respectively. The TT showed always a lower mean displacement. In the subsequent pull-out tests, the remaining mean fixation strength of the MC (449.6 ± 298.9 N) was slightly higher compared to the mean pull-out force of the CBT (401.2 ± 261.4 N). However, MC (714.5 ± 488.0 N) were inferior to TT (990.2 ± 451.9 N).Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that cement-augmented TT have best fatigue and pull-out characteristics in osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae, followed by the MC and CBT. MC represent a promising alternative in osteoporotic bone if cement augmentation should be avoided. Using the patient-specific guide contributes to improve screws’ biomechanical properties.

Операции на лимфаденоидном глоточном кольце являются наиболее распространенными в детской лор-практике. Гипертрофия небных миндалин (ГНМ) может существенно ухудшать качество жизни пациента, так как вызывает затруднение носового дыхания, нарушение глотания, синдром обструктивного апноэ сна. При ГНМ в качестве хирургического метода лечения применяются тонзиллэктомия (ТЭ) и тонзиллотомия (ТТ). В последнее время в Республике Беларусь после периода достаточно сдержанного отношения к ТТ данный метод получил широкое распространение. Учитывая значимость лимфоидной ткани в детском возрасте, следует с большой ответственностью оценивать показания к хирургическому вмешательству. В статье рассмотрены показания и противопоказания к ТТ, современные методы ТТ, приведены случаи из практики с редкими осложнениями операции., Operations on the lymphadenoid pharyngeal ring are the most common in the ENT practice. Hypertrophy of palatine tonsils (HPT) can significantly worsen the quality of life of the patient, as it causes difficulty in nasal breathing, impaired swallowing, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). With HPT, tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT) are used as a surgical method of treatment. Recently, in the Republic of Belarus, after a period of fairly restrained attitude to TT, this method has become widespread. Given the importance of lymphoid tissue in childhood, it is a great responsibility to evaluate indications for surgical intervention. The article discusses the indications and contra-indications of TT, modern methods of TT, the cases from practice with rare complications of the operation are given., №1 (2020)

This article integrates a series of diverse projects that together exemplify and interpret the Systemic Approach to Architectural Performance (SAAP) that has been developed by the author. SAAP is a fusion of several process-based fields and their media and agency, namely: a) Systems oriented design; b) Performance oriented architecture; 3) Prototypical urban interventions; d) Time-based design; e) Service design; and f) Co-design, co-creation and DIY. The article presents SAAP’s relations to these fields and concludes with their integration and synergy in a ‘Real Life Co-Design Laboratory’, where collaborative and collective processes are seen as the resulting design objects or rather, objectives.

Background Traditional coagulation tests are included in emergency guidelines for management of patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) who experience acute bleeding or require surgery. We determined the ability of traditional coagulation tests and fast whole blood thromboelastography (ROTEM®) to screen for anticoagulation activity of dabigatran and rivaroxaban as low as 30 ng/mL. Methods One hundred eighty-four citrated blood samples (75 dabigatran, 109 rivaroxaban) were collected from patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), to perform screening tests from different manufacturers, (diluted, D) PT, aPTT, TT and ROTEM®. The activity of DOACs was quantitatively determined by clot detection assays: Hemoclot DTT and DiXaI test (Biophen), on CS2100 (Siemens). The clotting time (CT) of INTEM and EXTEM ROTEM® (Werfen) were used as test parameters. Results Dabigatran, ≥ 30 ng/mL, was accurately detected by five coagulation tests: APTT Actin FSL (93%), PT Neoplastin (93%), APTT Cephascreen, Thromboclotin, and Thrombin (all 100%), but not by PT Innovin (49%). CT-EXTEM (91%) was sufficiently sensitive, but not CT-INTEM (52%). APTT Cephascreen and Thrombin showed good linearity (R2 = 0.71,R2 = 0.72). For the other tests linearity was moderate to poor. Rivaroxaban was accurately detected by PT Neoplastin (98%) and less so by APTT Cephascreen (85%). In addition, rivaroxaban was also accurately detected by CT-INTEM (96%). PT Neoplastin showed good linearity (R2 = 0.81), all other tests had moderate to poor linearity. Conclusion In patients with NVAF, the ability of routine coagulation tests to detect the presence of significant levels of DOACs is test and reagent dependent. CT-INTEM and CT-EXTEM may be fast whole blood alternatives. Trial registration The Institutional Review Board of the MUMC approved this study (December 2011, project number 114069).

Background and Aims Current devices used for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) function predominantly to either cut tissue or coagulate vessels. When bleeding vessels are encountered within the submucosa or muscle, dedicated coagulation grasping devices are often necessary. An endoscopic "hot" scissor-type knife is available that combines coagulation and cutting functions. Scissor-type knives may therefore be helpful during the POEM procedure. Methods We report 4 cases of achalasia that were treated by the POEM procedure using the Stag Beetle scissor-type knife for myotomy. Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing POEM at our center between September and October 2017. A single operator (K.J.C.) performed all of the procedures using both a hybrid knife and an SB knife. Demographic and clinical data were collected for all patients. Results All 4 POEM procedures were performed successfully without any adverse events. Only 3 spontaneous bleeding episodes occurred among the 4 procedures, and no perforation occurred. The patients were all doing very well at clinic follow-up at 4 weeks. Conclusions The technique of using the SB knife during myotomy during the POEM procedure is feasible and appears safe. Muscle tissue and blood vessels can be coagulated and cut simultaneously, reducing bleeding and improving control. Further comparative studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness against existing techniques.

New technologies and fabrication tools urge us to explore new materials and their potential for integration in architectural construction. One such material, Concrete Canvas, is explored in this paper for its hybrid characteristics that blend fabric and thin-shell tectonics. The potential of Concrete Canvas lies in its ability to modify itself from a flexible fabric that when activated with water becomes a rigid concrete structure. Combined with a digitally controlled workflow of on-site cutting and an iterative material feedback loop, the process can serve as a radical alternative to current concrete formwork fabrication techniques. This paper outlines a prototypical design process that combines a phase-changing material, physical computer simulations, robotic fabrication and scanning technologies on a feedback loop between the digital and the physical that allow for customized, free-form, on-site concrete structures to pop-up without the need of a complex formwork. In this process the architect sets the various parameters based on fabrication techniques and material properties and adjusts them iteratively in the physical and digital model during the ‘popping-up’ process until a balance between material properties, technical requirements and aesthetics is reached, exploring new potentials on digital fabrication processes. The paper outlines the proposed workflow including iterative experiments with robotic cutting of flat patterns, their ‘popping-up’ into 3D concrete shells, and material phase transitions during its forming process. The established feedback loop consisting of geometry scanning, parametric perforation pattern control, computational analysis and simulation, and robotic fabrication is described in detail. The paper concludes by exploring the potential of this process to enable a dialogue between digital architecture and the process of materialization and discusses the implications of this approach in relation to architectural design and fabrication workflows.

The top quark pair production is one of the dominant processes at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Properties of the top quark are measured with high precision and also is one of the main backgrounds for the search of new physics at the LHC. In this project we present the measurement of the production cross section of a pair of top quarks using the final di-lepton decay channel. It has been used data collected by the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector, at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV and an integrated luminosity of 35.8 pb−1. Máster en Física de Partículas y del Cosmos

This chapter considers the different woven manufacturing\ud processes used in the production of apparel fabrics. It details the mainapparel fabric types and looks at the key performance requirements of those fabrics, in relation to both the weave structure and the fibre type. The chapter then goes on to briefly describe important considerations in the design process and the various end uses for woven fabric. Application examples detailed towards the end of the chapter include fabrics that are timeless classics and fabrics that are established fashion favourites.\ud Key words: apparel, design, applications, performance, fabric aesthetics.

Trabajo fin de Máster defendido en el Instituto de Física de Cantabria, el 22 de julio de 2020 - Curso 2019-2020 - Máster Interuniversitario en Física de Partículas y del Cosmos (UIMP-UC-CSIC), [EN] The top quark pair production is one of the dominant processes at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Properties of the top quark are measured with high precision and also is one of the main backgrounds for the search of new physics at the LHC. In this project we present the measurement of the production cross section of a pair of top quarks using the final di-lepton decay channel. It has been used data collected by the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector, at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV and an integrated luminosity of 35.8 pb−1., [ES] La producción de pares de top-antitop es uno de los procesos dominantes en el Gran Colisionador de Hadrones (LHC). Las propiedades del quark top se han medido con alta precisión, siendo además uno de los principales fondos en la búsqueda de nueva física en el LHC. En este proyecto, presentamos la medición de la sección eficaz de producción de pares top-antitop utilizando el canal de desintegración a leptones. Se han utilizado datos tomados por el detector CMS, a una energía de centro de masa de 13 TeV y una luminosidad integrada de 35.8 pb-1.

The EUROfusion Work Package JET3 programme, established to enable the technological exploitation of the future Deuterium-Tritium (DT) operations at JET over the next years, includes, within the NEXP subproject, a novel Shutdown Dose Rate (SDR) benchmark experiment. The measurement of the SDR due to neutron activation in a fusion machine operating with Deuterium and Tritium is of primary importance for planning its operation in respect of dose limits for the external radiation exposure. The next high-performance DT campaign at JET (DTE2) which will follow a Tritium-Tritium (TT) operation phase, is a unique opportunity to validate the numerical tools for ITER shutdown dose rate analysis, through the comparison between numerical predictions and measured quantities in terms of C/E (Calculation/Experiment) ratios. Within this framework, this work is a pre-analysis of the impact of the future campaigns on the shutdown dose rate. Three-dimensional simulations are performed with the R2Smesh (Rigorous 2-step) approach at the end of DTE2 to predict dose rate levels at different cooling times. The results are presented and discussed in the paper with the major objective to contribute to the optimization of the planned SDR benchmark experiments.

The present invention relates to a device for spectroscopic measurements, in particular X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-resolved second harmonic generation (TR-SHG) or infrared (IR) measurements, which prevents the formation of condensation (dew) or ice (frost) when carrying out spectroscopic measurements in sub-ambient temperature conditions and to a method of spectroscopic measurements with said device.

The gigamap exemplifies and seeks for systemic relations and reflections of gathered documentation and data of breathing walls, envelopes and screens generating bio-climatic layers in built up environment from diverse study journeys that were co-designed through vernacular culture and the authors own research by design speculations. This Gigamapping is not to present any hard data model but to inform and speculate on the investigated field that is grounded in research by design on cross-species co-living in built up environment through possible architectural parasites. The gradients in the map are marking transfers and variability in time and situation, the arrows suggest the direction of the particular migrations (species, cultures).

The work fights for a shift from Anthropocene in urban environment through both, analogue and digital eco-systemic prototypical urban interventions, mixing biological as well as digital performances of post-digital landscape. It directly engages with the local human and non-human communities as well as it offers its online recipes and codes for DIY local iterations tagged in public space. Such intelligent and informed cultural landscape therefore covers several multi-layered generative and iterative agencies for its self-development.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Medicina Veterinária apresentada à Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro

The perception of three-dimensional sculptural forms is quite different from two-dimensional art works such as painting and drawing. Though both are considered forms of artistic production, the distinction is the tactual and kinesthetic sensations of the three-dimensional sculptural forms. The understanding of the perception of sculptural forms adds another dimension to cognitive and emotive qualities embedded in art. The emotions evoked while observing, knowing, touching, and feeling a sculpture, as well as the experiences of working, creating, and producing one, affect an individual’s perception. People with dementia who develop visual and perceptual difficulties may gradually have a different experience of sculpture. The materiality of a sculpture and its tactile engagement have the capacity to influence their perception. With spatial errors, changes in colour, and misperceptions, there is a possibility that they see, appreciate, and experience, in a different way, both physical sculptural forms and those that are mediated through digital technology.

The current fashion system largely sustains an industry through excessive consumer consumption habits resulting in an environmentally unsustainable industry. Fashion trends coupled with mass-production strategies, predominantly within the lower and middle market sectors, is considered to have devalued fashion by many; and has impacted on the higher end of the market forcing brands to reconsider their quality and price points to remain profitable, or to tolerate lower sales volumes. The online auction culture is a further consideration, with consumers having ready access to cheaper luxury goods, albeit second-hand, which supports the continuing growth of vintage and retro trends reinforced by trend forecasters and endorsed by those with an interest in a more sustainable lifestyle. This presents high-end brands with an opportunity to strengthen their position in a changing marketplace. This paper deliberates factors that contribute to the devaluing of quality before debating the opportunity that the new online culture presents to the high-end sector with the inclusion of a conceptual business model. While conceptual, after deliberating notions from fashion history and from current affairs, the paper proposes an optimistic future for luxury fashion brands and products if new technologies, such as on-line tools and facilities, and advancing consumer behaviour preferences are embraced and utilised to full capacity. It is not to be suggested however that the conceptual business model is solely for the purpose of the on-line retail context.

The most recent results of the top-quark mass measurements with the ATLAS detector using data collected from proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider are presented. Although several decay modes of the top-quark pairs have been used in ATLAS for top-quark mass measurements, only the latest results are presented (single lepton and dilepton channels). The top-quark pole mass from the $t\overline{t}$ cross-section measurement in the dilepton channel and the top-antitop mass difference measurement in the single-lepton channel are also shown. The systematic uncertainties associated to these measurements are discussed in some detail., Proceedings of the talk: "Top-quark mass measurements using the ATLAS detector at the LHC" at ICHEP 2014, Valencia

A specific type of knowing comes from the handling of materials in the handcrafting of an artifact. This research looks at the relationship between the handcraft of weaving, and the decision-making process and knowledge of the textile designer. It investigates the potential for new design opportunities to be opened up for the commercial designer by moving out of the studio and back into the workshop environment. As an educator, manager and formerly a designer trained in textile design, this research explores an established industrial production method of weaving but revisited using a craft-like approach.\ud \ud Slowing down the creative process to engage with the materials themselves, this paper starts to explore the potential of hand woven leno structures to be used within the landscape and to explore the process of change in response to environmental factors. Architect Philip Beesleys’ work seeks to achieve a balance with nature, submitting itself to the natural cycles and inevitable decay, in which he deliberately designs mesh structures with weak and fragile links, whose materials soak up environmental forces. This paper starts to further explore the value of haptic intelligence and empathy for materials, also adopted by Beesley in his Haystack Veil (1997) and later Holozoic series. The process of creating leno structures on a handloom, has resulted in outcomes difficult to predict using digital software, confirming weaving as an emergent system (Philpott, 2011), where disparate threads are combined into dynamic structures.\ud \ud There is a delicate relationship between textiles and the landscape, in response to which the designer of performance fabrics is required to create, indestructible solutions, with a lifetime guarantee. By embracing the science of uncertainty, fresh ideas and new solutions have the potential to be created.

The Matter of Material conference at Turner Contemporary, Margate, sits in conversation with Karen Wright’s curation of the Entangled: Threads & Making exhibition, and continues the infinite construction of the multi-dimensional web—actual, textual, material, digital, sensual, somatic, decorative, functional, ritual, personal, social, and economic—of textiles. A web that twists and turns through history and into contemporary culture, and across themes that range through art and craft dialectics; gender and identity politics; the discourses of cloth, body, and architecture; of labor and technology; of techno-design and practice, and the contextual realms of material and visual culture. So, how to make a conversation, start a chat? This article will draw upon notions related to textiles in these fields that have proved useful to me in “thinking my domain,” and offers potential ways in to consider Entangled’s threads of making in terms of meanings that matter.

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Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the UK has been a topic of controversy, frustration and complexity for design and designers for many years and this continues to be the case. The situation is further complicated by the different laws affecting IPR in different countries and, often, a lack of knowledge about IPR especially among young designers. Indeed, there are significant differences in knowledge and understanding of IPR among designers in both economically developed and developing countries. To understand IPR we must first alter or augment our perception of property.\ud We grow up to consider property as a material entity: a car, a house, a television etc., something tangible that an individual has paid to take possession of or has manufactured themselves and therefore has the right to charge another individual for or even to give away; the last three words are important and may become more important as we begin to discuss IPR in relation to culturally significant patterns, products and practices. For example, many of us will give away our personal property to charity shops or any other non-profit organisation we choose because we believe that, in doing so, we are contributing towards the good of our national and global society.\ud The concept of design knowledge as a property is covered in depth and breadth by Mwendapole (2005) in her PhD thesis. She explains that, although property is probably not semantically the right word to cover design knowledge it is used because, as MacPherson (1978 : 11) stated, ‘property must be grounded in a public belief that it is morally right; if it is not so justified it does not remain an enforceable claim. If it is not justified, it does not remain property’. Design knowledge can be placed into one of two groups (Rodgers and Clarkson 1998): tacit or explicit. To put this simply, tacit knowledge is what is in the designer’s brain; it has been put there by training, education, practice and experience. It is how the designer collects and interprets previous knowledge. The knowledge will remain tacit throughout most of the idea generation stage and even up to the stages of early sketches. Once the designer moves on to technical drawings, models, computer simulations and so on (i.e. they become explicit) the ideas can be tested, viewed, used and enjoyed in the public domain and therefore should be protected and a value placed on them. How this value is arrived at and whether it is purely temporal or spiritual or both is difficult enough in contemporary society; when the designer is an individual or corporate entity, when the designer is part of a cultural group or ecology that has existed for decades, centuries or even longer, the situation is highly complex.

Textiles touch all our lives – from the cradle to the grave – and serve increasingly diverse purposes. Historically, and as one of the first industrialized commodities, the skill and knowledge required to construct fabrics to clothe and furnish has dominated cultures worldwide. Contemporary Japanese textile design draws on countless traditions of often ancient but sustained craft practices. These traditions both respond to and employ the natural condition of things, exercising heightened and honed sensibilities to material know-how. Discussed through the discipline of woven textiles and, in particular, ‘traditional’ Japanese production systems, this article seeks to identify the location and distribution of both practical and aesthetic expertise in textile making and its transferable value for contemporary practices. The article presents case studies of surviving vernacular ‘cottage’ industries, where highly organized systems of knowledge exchange, spanning agricultural fibre production to direct technical instruction in thread making, ensure effective engagement with and ‘management’ of very specific materiality. The notion of intangible cultural property will be discussed in the context of inherited knowledge and how traditional social hierarchies and knowledge systems have served to nurture and perpetuate the sharing of skills and understanding through generations of textile makers and making.

This paper traces how media representations encouraged enthusiasts, youth, and skilled volunteers to participate actively in science and technology during the twentieth century. It assesses how distinctive discourses about scientific amateurs positioned them with respect to professionals in shifting political and cultural environments. In particular, the account assesses the seminal role of a periodical, Scientific American magazine, in shaping and championing an enduring vision of autonomous scientific enthusiasms. Between the 1920s and 1970s, editors Albert G. Ingalls and Clair L. Stong shepherded generations of adult ‘amateur scientists’. Their columns and books popularized a vision of independent non-professional research that celebrated the frugal ingenuity and skills of inveterate tinkerers. Some of these attributes have found more recent expression in present-day ‘maker culture’. The topic consequently is relevant to the historiography of scientific practice, science popularization and science education. Its\ud focus on independent non-professionals highlights political dimensions of agency and autonomy that have often been implicit for such historical (and contemporary) actors. The paper argues that the Scientific American template of adult scientific amateurism contrasted with other representations: those promoted by earlier periodicals and by a science education organization, Science Service, and by the national demands for recruiting scientific labour during and after the Second World War. The evidence indicates that advocates of the alternative models had distinctive goals and adapted their narrative tactics to reach their intended audiences, which typically were conceived as young persons requiring instruction or mentoring. By contrast, the monthly Scientific American columns established a long-lived and stable image of the independent lay scientist.

A dress form is an essential tool in the clothing-making process for pattern block development, draping and quality inspection. However, it is noted that a single dress form is not applicable for a large variety of body shapes. Adjustable dress forms are readily available and some make their own custom-made dress forms in an attempt to make up for the insufficiency of conventional dress forms. However, such types of dress forms are rather costly and their effectiveness is debatable. With this is mind, a customised adjustable kit for the dress form was developed, with the aim to cover different body sizes and shapes more precisely. The kit adopts 3D printing technology which enables generating and changing the shape of components efficiently.

No abstract available.

Given the scarcity of documentary sources dealing with ancient craft production, when trying to understand the ancient decorating industry’s organisation the close examination of paintings is essential to scholars. My attempt to investigate Pompeian painters’ working practices rests on the identification of individual painters’ hands, specifically those who painted the figurative elements of the wall decoration. In order to do so, I applied a Morellian-inspired method for attribution of authorship, based on the close study of forms and invariant relations between them. This method allows us to pinpoint peculiar geographical distributions or recurring patterns of collaboration between painters, thus determining where and how they worked. My analysis focuses on Third Style paintings in Pompeii (about 20 BC - AD 45) and so far it has led to the identification of five different groups of attributed works which appear to be loosely clustered in the city. This could either point to the existence of roughly defined working ‘areas’ associated with specific groups of painters or as evidence that said craftsmen worked on different buildings in the same area at about the same time, later moving to a different zone or town. I will present and discuss these two possibilities.

In this study, we aimed at characterizing the structure and the anticoagulant activity of a polysaccharide fraction (AGP33) isolated from the gonads of Haliotis discus hannai Ino. AGP33 was extracted by enzymatic hydrolysis and purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. The backbone fraction of AGP33 (BAGP33), which appeared to contain of mannose, glucose and galactose, was prepared by partial acid hydrolysis. According to methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the backbone of AGP33 was identified as mainly consisting of 1→3-linked, 1→4-linked, and 1→6-linked monosaccharides. AGP33 is a sulfated polysaccharide with sulfates occur at 3-O- and 4-O-positions. It prolonged thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and prothrombin time (PT) compared to a saline control solution in a dosage-dependent manner. AGP33 exhibited an extension (p < 0.01) of APTT compared to the saline group at concentrations higher than 5 μg/mL. AGP33 exhibited higher anticoagulant activity than its desulfated product (AGP33-des) and BAGP33. The results showed that polysaccharide with higher molecular weight and sulfate content demonstrated greater anticoagulant activity.

The main author is using transdisciplinary studio courses as a research tool in the field of performative wood. Through sharing the knowledge between architectural, environmental design, and wood science researchers and students, we managed to develop complex 1:1 scale prototypes. The course process is a learning arena for students, teachers and researchers and the skills, competences and insights are being developed through experimental practice. The second prototype of the Environmental Summer Pavilion II course was created from reflection upon the first one while both serve as complex material-environment interaction studies for the development of responsive envelopes.

The environmental impact of production and consumption has been addressed globally since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit; and in 2002 at the Johannesburg World Summit a 10-year framework was developed to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns (Ferrara and Serret, 2008). Agenda 21 from the Rio Earth Summit highlighted the fact that sustainable consumption is an issue that needs to be addressed in terms of waste reduction, resource conversion, and control of pollution. Section II of the framework focuses on waste management: minimising waste and maximising reuse and recycling of environmentally sound waste. \ud \ud Fashion consumption and sustainability are often opposing ideas. Fashion consumption is a highly resource-intensive, wasteful practice; and sustainability frowns on wasteful consumption. Sustainability in the fashion business is still an emerging agenda, not yet established, and many authors have recognised the importance of investigating how sustainability could be achieved (Young et al 2004, Pears 2006, Fletcher 2008). Reuse or recycling of discarded fashion items reduces the environmental impact significantly compared to the purchase of new fashion products. It has been found that approximately 65kWh of energy is saved for every kilogram of cotton replaced by used clothing, and 90 kWh of energy is saved for every kilogram of polyester replaced (Woolridge et al, 2006). Additionally, closing the materials and product cycles is becoming an increasingly important aspect of any recovery option (Michaud and Llerena, 2006).\ud \ud In order to understand how the clothing end-of-life management is practically handled in the UK, this study examined the current processes and strategies within the UK to utilizing textile wastes with the aim of reducing the volume of textiles and clothing sent to landfill. Based on the study, this paper presents an overview of three end-of-life waste management strategies: reusing, recycling and refashioning. We discuss the advantages and implications of each strategy and conclude by providing recommendations for the development of waste diversion programs and sustainable business models.

Two flavonoids, rutin and hesperidin, were investigated in vitro for anticoagulant activity through coagulation tests: activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time (TT). Only an ethanolic solution of rutin at the concentration of 830 mu M prolonged aPTT, while TT and PT were unaffected. In order to evaluate whether the prolongation of aPTT was due to the decrease of coagulation factors, the experiment with deficient plasma was performed, showing the effects on factors VIII and IX. Since pharmacological activity of flavonoids is believed to increase when they are coordinated with metal ions, complexes of these flavonoids with Al(III) and Cu(II) ions were also tested. The results showed that complexes significantly prolonged aPTT and had no effects on PT and TT. Assay with deficient plasma (plasma having the investigated factor at less then 1%) revealed that complexes could bind to the coagulation factors, what may lead to a non-specific inhibition and aPTT prolongation. An effort was made to correlate stability of complexes with their anticoagulant properties.

PurposeThis study sets out to explore the application of psychological research methods (as yet not applied) in the fashion arena. The aim of this project is to quantify, formalise and explore the causal relationships between clothing style, preference, personality factors, emotions and mood with a view to a better understanding of the psychological profile of the fashion consumer.Design/methodology/approachUsing a uniformly composed sample of females, explorative quantitative research was carried out. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to the sample to examine emotion, mood and personality before trying on a set of eight garments categorized according to style; and again afterwards to examine emotion and mood while wearing each outfit. Photographs of participants were taken wearing each of the outfits. Participants then ranked the eight outfits in order of preference. SPSS analysis identified relationships and preference indicators.FindingsThe results indicated strong relationships between mood and significant relationships between three out of five personality factors and clothing style preference; mood was a significant predictor of preference, whilst personality was moderate.Research limitations/implicationsThe research methodology necessitated lengthy time commitments from the participants and therefore limited the sample size, making generalization difficult. Based on the findings, the research requires further exploration of methods for practical application with a larger sample size.Practical implicationsPersonality, emotion and mood were shown to be managed and reflected through clothing with implications for assistance in consumer clothing decisions, service training, and strategies for personal shoppers, market segmentation and design.Originality/valueThe methodology derived from a combination of research methods coupled with actual wearing experience, previously not studied together. This is original and demonstrates how important this combination is in order to fully appreciate the psychological profile of the fashion consumer.

Studies of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in Europe have focused on plants and animals exploited for food. However, the exploitation of plants for fibres underwent a significant change with the addition of domestic flax as a fibre crop. While the technology of flax fibre processing is increasingly understood by archaeologists, its material value as a fibre crop in comparison to indigenous fibre is less well explored. We examine the mechanical properties of flax and two indigenous fibres (lime bast, willow bast), by testing fibre strips for tensile properties and discuss the results in the light of material choices in these periods.

Loop is a solid wood pavilion that adsorbs the moisture during night and evaporate it during hot summer days. Its panelling is warping in the sun and low relative humidity, thus supporting the circulation of humid air in its environment.\ud \ud Loop is a contribution to the Research by Design on Responsive Wood started by Michael Hensel and Achim Menges at the AA School of Architecture in 2005 and is a second prototype of the first author’s Environmental Summer Pavilions project that developed the previous one, pareSITE Pavilion, further. By spatial organisation of its panelling and the shape of the overall structure, we reached much higher performance. The design was accomplished in Grasshopper for Rhino 5 and digitally fabricated.\ud \ud The project is a result of a transdisciplinary, one semester lasting, studio course at the Faculty of Art and Architecture at the Technical University of Liberec and the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague lead by Marie Davidová, Šimon Prokop and Martin Kloda. Architect, environmental design and wood engineering students were involved in the project as transdisciplinarity is crucial in the field of Performance Oriented Design in general. \ud The pavilion served as a stage for EnviroCity festival in Prague during the summer 2014.

Ray 3 is a fully functional envelope that reacts to relative humidity and temperature of air. Based on the material properties of pine wood, it is allowing dry air into semi-interior, while closing in humid weather. This is due to the tangential section of the panelling that warps based on the different fibre density on the left and right side of the plate in low relative humidity percentage and high temperature. The envelope is meant for non-discrete architectural spaces, the spaces between exterior and interior.\ud This design is a continuation of proposal Ray 2, The Performative Screen. Compare to the previous prototype of Ray 2, Ray 3 is a fully solving the performance, durability and is equipped with solved joinery and thermal, humidity permeable solution. \ud Recent samples observations are leading to currently produced prototype that will close its panels at 75% relative humidity level, will be treated by salt water against biological decay and fastened by plugs attached at lower moisture content to the construction frame. The glass bubbles based thermal comfort solution, performing on reflection, originated from NASA technologies was selected instead of any kind of thermal insulation.\ud This partly trans-, partly inter-disciplinary project, next to the architects involving carpenters, forest and wood engineers, wood preservation architectural and ships historians, environmental engineers, insulation material engineers as well as climatologists or even marketing engineers, suggests future applications for built environment and reflects upon the past. However, the conclusion has to be taken that material based building industrial practice is far behind contemporary trends in different disciplines.

Key concepts of sustainability in the contemporary consumer society include cradle-to-cradle, slow-fashion, locally-made, re-use, recycle and re-make (or upcycle). Each of these concepts focuses on the design and manufacture of products that are essentially made to comply to a theoretical sustainable framework, thus enabling people to live in harmony with our planet. In an ideal world we would consume and waste less however, to be truly sustainable we also require a healthy economy and so there is dichotomy to be resolved in our consumption behaviours and economic needs; Craft practices have been identified as fitting the bill rather aptly allowing us, in theory, to consume goods at less expense to the environment. Currently we are experiencing a period of, let’s call it Crafts Nouveau, unlike the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries where craft was employed by designer-entrepreneurs, and unlike the Art Nouveau Movement which again harnessed the skills of designers and artists, today amateur craft-workers are joining the trained artisans in bringing hand-crafted items to the marketplace in their droves. Online platforms such as eBay and Etsy are helping such keen, but untrained producers of craft articles to set up micro businesses to sell their wares adding considerably to the amount of stuff available to consumers. As Luckman (2013: 260) states with regard to Etsy, there is ‘no gatekeeping around formal training’ and that this ‘inclusiveness’ potentially fixes a price of less value to all craft items, including the work of those with comparatively higher skill sets and expertise. The Craft Council (2014) reported 11,620 craft businesses operating in the UK employing around 43,250 people, of which, almost 17% are unregistered microbusinesses; while it is not to say that all of these unregistered businesses are run by amateur crafters, but the concept of devaluing skilled craft labour may still be appreciated within this. \ud This paper explores the value of design in craft from a theoretical perspective, drawing on a broad range of texts beyond those confined to craft to bring about a more holistic understanding within the context of sustainable production, with the addition of observations and insights from personal experience. The personal insights originate from the researcher’s accounts and observations of the journey from crafter to trained designer to master class practitioner in order to better understand the role of design in craft in the applied sense. The researcher continues to practice secondary to academia for the purpose of pleasure, experimentation and for further learning and research purposes. Research approaches are used to develop this inquiry to evaluate the role of design in the wider concept of craft as a sustainable means, both economically and socially. While the larger body of research considers a range of crafts, the emphasis in this paper is on those related to textiles given the researcher’s experience and the relationship with fashion, trends and marketing, which must not be discounted as a driver of the current craft revival. As the research study is still in its infancy the purpose of this paper is to attempt to begin to consolidate a range of perspectives gained from theory and observational research in order to invite a critical debate around the value of design in craft and the new craft movement in the context of sustainable futures.

In the light of recent discoveries of early to middle Bronze Age burials with mats and fibrous material in Scotland, for example at Langwell farm and Forteviot, it was deemed timely to re-evaluate earlier finds of this period, several of which were discovered and initially reported on nearly a century ago. As part of this research it was noted that three Bronze Age finds from the old literature were reported as clothing or shrouds made of hair moss (Polytrichum commune). Three of these are reassessed here, with a detailed re-examination of the “hair moss apron” from North Cairn Farm. Technological analysis of this find showed no evidence for the twining previously reported and SEM fibre analysis shows that it is unlikely to be hair moss or indeed Bronze Age. However, there is other evidence for hair moss artefacts from other British Bronze Age and Roman contexts. These suggest it is possible that hair moss fibre was used in Scotland in the Bronze Age, but that the North Cairn Farm fibrous object should no longer be considered among this evidence.

The experiments described in this thesis deal with handwriting characteristics which are involved in the production of forged and genuine signatures and complexity of signatures. The objectives of this study were (1) to provide su?cient details on which of the signature characteristics are easier to forge, (2) to investigate the capabilities of the signature complexity formula given by Found et al. based on a different signature database provided by University of Kent. This database includes the writing movements of 10 writers producing their genuine signature and of 140 writers forging these sample signatures. Using the 150 genuine signatures without constrictions of the Kent’s database an evaluation of the complexity formula suggested in Found et al took place divided the signature in three categories low, medium and high graphical complexity. The results of the formula implementation were compared with the opinions of three leading professional forensic document examiners employed by Key Forensics in the UK.\ud \ud The analysis of data for Study I reveals that there is not ample evidence that high quality forgeries are possible after training. In addition, a closer view of the kinematics of the forging writers is responsible for our main conclusion, that forged signatures are widely different from genuine especially in the kinematic domain. From all the parameters used in this study 11 out of 15 experienced significant changes when the comparison of the two groups (genuine versus forged signature) took place and gave a clear picture of which parameters can assist forensic document examiners and can be used by them to examine the signatures forgeries. The movements of the majority of forgers are signi?cantly slower than those of authentic writers. It is also clearly recognizable that the majority of forgers perform higher levels of pressure when trying to forge the genuine signature. The results of Study II although limited and not entirely consistent with the study of Found that proposed this model, indicate that the model can provide valuable objective evidence (regarding complex signatures) in the forensic environment and justify its further investigation but more work is need to be done in order to use this type of models in the court of law. The model was able to predict correctly only 53% of the FDEs opinion regarding the complexity of the signatures.\ud \ud Apart from the above investigations in this study there will be also a reference at the debate which has started in recent years that is challenging the validity of forensic handwriting experts’ skills and at the effort which has begun by interested parties of this sector to validate and standardise the field of forensic handwriting examination and a discussion started. This effort reveals that forensic document analysis field meets all factors which were set by Daubert ruling in terms of theory proven, education, training, certification, falsifiability, error rate, peer review and publication, general acceptance. However innovative methods are needed for the development of forensic document analysis discipline. Most modern and effective solution in order to prevent observational and emotional bias would be the development of an automated handwriting or signature analysis system. This system will have many advantages in real cases scenario. In addition the significant role of computer-assisted handwriting analysis in the daily work of forensic document examiners (FDE) or the judicial system is in agreement with the assessment of the National Research Council of United States that “the scientific basis for handwriting comparison needs to be strengthened”, however it seems that further research is required in order to be able these systems to reach the accomplishment point of this objective and overcome legal obstacles presented in this study.