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Background: There has been an exponential increase in the number of studies reporting on the toxicological effects associated with exposure to nano and microplastic particles (NMPs). The majority of these studies, however, have used monodispersed polystyrene microspheres (PSMs) as 'model' particles. Here we review the differences between the manufacture and resulting physicochemical properties of polystyrene used in commerce and the PSMs most commonly used in toxicity studies. Main body: In general, we demonstrate that significant complexity exists as to the properties of polystyrene particles. Differences in chemical composition, size, shape, surface functionalities and other aspects raise doubt as to whether PSMs are fit-for-purpose for the study of potential adverse effects of naturally occurring NMPs. A realistic assessment of potential health implications of the exposure to environmental NMPs requires better characterisation of the particles, a robust mechanistic understanding of their interactions and effects in biological systems as well as standardised protocols to generate relevant model particles. It is proposed that multidisciplinary engagement is necessary for the development of a timely and effective strategy towards this end. We suggest a holistic framework, which must be supported by a multidisciplinary group of experts to work towards either providing access to a suite of environmentally relevant NMPs and/or developing guidance with respect to best practices that can be adopted by research groups to generate and reliably use NMPs. It is emphasized that there is a need for this group to agree to a consensus regarding what might best represent a model NMP that is consistent with environmental exposure for human health, and which can be used to support a variety of ongoing research needs, including those associated with exposure and hazard assessment, mechanistic toxicity studies, toxicokinetics and guidance regarding the prioritization of plastic and NMPs that likely represent the greatest risk to human health. It is important to acknowledge, however, that establishing a multidisciplinary group, or an expert community of practice, represents a non-trivial recommendation, and will require significant resources in terms of expertise and funding. Conclusion: There is currently an opportunity to bring together a multidisciplinary group of experts, including polymer chemists, material scientists, mechanical engineers, exposure and life-cycle assessment scientists, toxicologists, microbiologists and analytical chemists, to provide leadership and guidance regarding a consensus on defining what best represents environmentally relevant NMPs. We suggest that given the various complex issues surrounding the environmental and human health implications that exposure to NMPs represents, that a multidisciplinary group of experts are thus critical towards helping to progress the harmonization and standardization of methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a lesson plan for a mindful and engaging introduction to three-dimensional (3D) printing for secondary students.

Biological structures have evolved to very efficiently generate, transmit, and withstand mechanical forces. These biological examples have inspired mechanical engineers for centuries and led to the development of critical insights and concepts. However, progress in mechanical engineering also raises new questions about biological structures. The past decades have seen the increasing study of failure of engineered structures due to repetitive loading, and its origin in processes such as materials fatigue. Repetitive loading is also experienced by some neurons, for example in the peripheral nervous system. This perspective, after briefly introducing the engineering concept of mechanical fatigue, aims to discuss the potential effects based on our knowledge of cellular responses to mechanical stresses. A particular focus of our discussion are the effects of mechanical stress on axons and their cytoskeletal structures. Furthermore, we highlight the difficulty of imaging these structures and the promise of new microscopy techniques. The identification of repair mechanisms and paradigms underlying long-term stability is an exciting and emerging topic in biology as well as a potential source of inspiration for engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering design often involves representation in at least two levels of abstraction: the system-level, represented by lumped parameter models (LPMs), and the geometric-level, represented by distributed parameter models (DPMs). Functional design innovation commonly occurs at the system-level, followed by a geometric-level realization of functional LPM components. However, comparing these two levels in terms of behavioral outcomes can be challenging and time-consuming, leading to delays in design translations between system and mechanical engineers. In this paper, we propose a simulation-free scheme that compares LPMs and spatially discretized DPMs based on their model specifications and behaviors of interest, regardless of modeling languages and numerical methods. We adopt a model order reduction (MOR) technique that a priori guarantees accuracy, stability, and convergence to improve the computational efficiency of large-scale models. Our approach is demonstrated through the model consistency analysis of several mechanical designs, showing its validity, efficiency, and generality. Our method provides a systematic way to compare system-level and geometric-level designs, improving reliability and facilitating design translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's environment, finite element analysis is crucial for Mechanical Engineers. In today's highly competitive industries, graduates need to be productive from Day one as they enter the industry. To meet the vast range of industrial requirements or even for higher education, education institutes must adhere to an industry enabled curriculum as defined in collaboration with industry employees. As students reach their prefinal year of mechanical engineering studies, they will encounter courses like finite element analysis, design of machine elements, and failure analysis in design, which will serve as foundation steps for their future careers. As students need to compete in the real world, it becomes imperative to have a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical issues. The focus of current work is to provide them a platform to think as a real‐time problem‐solving engineer to address the society‐based problems and how he/she approaches the problem in an optimized way and finally, convert the entire work to tangible documents in the form of research articles. Since 2018, a new vertical called as "advanced computer aided engineering (CAE)" has emerged to link and prepare people for the business. In the realm of finite element method (FEM) theoretical and allied laboratory work, the current study discusses sustainability while selecting the problem statement. The entire emphasis is on eco‐environment with nature's sustainability along with the go‐green concept in terms of materials, design, optimization, cost, quality, and so on. The present work includes several new features that were not present in the previous curriculum, such as transforming the work to high‐quality journals, student feedback, subscription‐based journal selection for the manuscript, and embedding experimental and analytical work alongside simulation studies. This time, 40 teams participated, with around 36 project works being qualified for publication in prestigious journals and 8–10 works being filed for Indian patents. In terms of quality and quantity of work completed, this is the best output attained in contrast to previous iterations. Because of the increasing growth rate of higher education, our students have been able to get into Top 100 QS ranked universities. The figures show that because of faculty involvement in the FEM lab, Advanced CAE I, and Advanced CAE II, over the previous 4–5 years, students were able to publish more than 50 publications in prestigious peer‐reviewed International/National Journals and Conference papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Engineering curricula are built around faculty and accreditors' perceptions of what knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates will need in engineering careers. However, the people making these decisions may not be fully aware of what industry employers require for engineering graduates. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to determine how industry employer‐sought professional and technical skills vary among engineering disciplines and levels of education. Design/Method: Using a large sample (n = 26,103) of mined job advertisements, we use the O*NET skills database to determine the frequencies of different professional and technical skills for biomedical, civil, chemical, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineers with bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. Results: The most frequently sought professional skill is problem‐solving; the most frequently sought technical skills across disciplines are Microsoft Office software and computer‐aided design software. Although not the most frequently requested skills, job advertisements including the Python and MATLAB programming languages paid significantly higher salaries than those without. Conclusions: The findings of this study have important implications for engineering program leaders and curriculum designers choosing which skills to teach students so that they are best prepared to get and excel in engineering jobs. The results also show which skills students can prioritize investing their time in so that they receive the largest financial return on their investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the identification of current communication technologies and software functionalities from the field of digitalization and Industry 4.0, from the point of view of benefits and applicability for the machine manufacturer. To identify the relevant technologies and functionalities, research was carried out in both the descriptive and statistical literature. As a result, both technologies that are currently the most widely distributed, as well as eleven IT functionalities relevant to mechanical engineers, were identified and described in terms of their application and implementation. Furthermore, a knowledge gap was identified in the area of industry transfer in the field of Industry 4.0/digitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research and training of professional-oriented mathematical skills of mechanical engineers remains extremely relevant. Mechanical engineering remains one of the key industries where a good understanding and application of mathematical concepts is crucial. Currently, the use of computers in the educational process opens up wide opportunities. Therefore, modern professional training of mechanical engineers requires a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and their application in real engineering tasks. Current research in mathematics education for mechanical engineers emphasizes a hands-on approach based on real engineering tasks and uses visual and interactive tools to better understand abstract mathematical concepts. Given the rapid changes in the industry and the development of new technologies, there is a need to develop learning approaches that allow students to quickly adapt to new challenges and situations. The purpose of the article is to analyze and systematize the key theoretical aspects related to the integration of mathematics in the study of engineering mechanics in order to prepare specialists for successful professional activity. The current state of studying mathematics for mechanical engineers is analyzed. This study indicates the relevance and importance of improving approaches to the study of mathematical disciplines, taking into account professional needs and real challenges of modern industry. The analysis of modern teaching methods allows to identify shortcomings in the training of students, and recommendations on the integration of mathematical disciplines with engineering practice, the use of innovative teaching methods, adaptation to individual needs and cooperation with industry can significantly improve the quality of training of future mechanical engineers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text is a review of an exhibition titled "Janyak: Armenian Art of Knots and Loops" curated by Gassia Armenian at the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles. The exhibition showcases fourteen doilies made by Armenian genocide survivor Marie Pilibossian, highlighting the significance of needlelace in Armenian culture and its role in preserving ethnic identity and cultural continuity. The review praises the curator's sensitive installation, which challenges the dismissal of "woman's work" and explores the gendered hierarchies of value associated with textile art. The exhibition serves as a tribute to the resilience and perseverance of Armenian women and their needlework traditions. [Extracted from the article]

This document is an interview with Jean-Paul Vincent, a researcher in developmental biology. He discusses his background in science, including his physics background and his PhD work on Xenopus. Vincent also talks about his work with Drosophila and his postdoc at the University of California, San Francisco. He then moved to the UK to start his own group at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Vincent discusses his initial research focus on tracking repatterning after injury and his early work tracking gene expression in live tissues. He emphasizes the importance of finding supportive colleagues and gives advice to people starting their own labs. Vincent also discusses his current research projects, including growth control, developmental tempo, and the range of Wnts. He values collaborations with other fields and is excited about the future of developmental biology. Outside of the lab, he enjoys organized sports, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the experiences of immigrant taxi drivers in Germany. The author, an immigrant himself, shares stories of taxi drivers with diverse backgrounds, such as pilots, teachers, and engineers, who are now working as taxi drivers due to difficulties in finding jobs related to their qualifications. The author highlights the freedom and independence that taxi driving offers, as well as the challenges faced, including xenophobic customers and working late hours. The article emphasizes the importance of accepting one's current occupation and finding fulfillment within it. [Extracted from the article]

The document titled "Reviewer Acknowledgment 2023" is an announcement from the Journal of Mechanical Science & Technology. It expresses gratitude to all the reviewers who have contributed their time and effort to improve the scientific quality of the manuscripts and maintain the high standards of the journal. The document lists the names of numerous reviewers, representing a diverse range of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The acknowledgment highlights the importance of the reviewers' contributions in enhancing the journal's content. [Extracted from the article]

Although a crane is exposed to a wide range of loads, there is a growing need for a lighter, more slender design. As a result, double girder cranes are becoming single girder cranes, aiming to make the steel structure as light as possible. The optimization potential of the classic design as a hollow-box girder is approaching its end. In order to meet today's requirements, a new design was developed, which combines beams with curved panels into a new cross-section to be used as the crane's main girder. Compound cross-sections pose a challenge for the mechanical engineer as there are usually no comparative data available and designing using numerical methods is complex. For this reason, a scaled model was abstracted for which a load determination will be carried out in 2024. This article deals with the finite element calculations for the design of the test specimen. A global numerical analysis was used to determine the buckling load, and several imperfection patterns were investigated. The results revealed that the buckling loads are similar to each other. This finding may lead to the conclusion that the most damaging imperfection pattern has yet to be found, which supports the need for an accompanying series of tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nam June Paik, a Korean American artist, played a significant role in bridging the gap between art and technology. His innovative work encompassed various artistic genres, including sculpture, music, performance, and live broadcasting. The exhibition at Tate Modern showcases Paik's diverse creations, such as untitled drawings, TV installations, and musical compositions. His use of television as a medium and his exploration of the relationship between art and mass media are central themes in his work. Despite being an outsider, Paik became an influential figure in the art world, spreading indeterminate messages and challenging the boundaries of mass media. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a family's meticulously planned and eagerly anticipated trip to India, spanning over twenty-four hours with multiple stopovers, highlighting the challenges and excitement associated with the journey. The narrative explores the careful coordination of the trip, the recitation of prayers for safe travel, and the family dynamics, including the excitement of the children and unspoken emotions related to family events.

Harquitectes is a Catalan architecture studio that combines traditional techniques with technological innovation and focuses on environmental, ethical, and social concerns. They collaborate with external professionals to adapt traditional Catalan architectural experiences to modern needs. The studio uses algorithms and simulations to optimize design choices and works with mechanical engineers to develop innovative solutions for indoor comfort. Harquitectes' approach blurs professional boundaries and offers a new model for bioclimatic design. Their work serves as a reference for sustainable solutions and highlights the importance of collaboration and reinterpreting traditional techniques in contemporary architecture. [Extracted from the article]