Unravelling the dynamics of knowledge creation in communities of practice though complexity theory lenses

Drawing on a longitudinal case study of Alpha Chemicals, we use four complexity theory constructs – adaptive tension, enabling leadership, enhanced cooperation, and boundary spanning – to explain the continuous knowledge creation dynamics in Communities of practice (CoPs). Our findings show that the virtual cycle of knowledge creation results from CoPs oscillating between guided and self-directed modes. In a guided mode, adaptive tension and enabling leadership prevail, resulting in knowledge expansion. In a self-directed mode, enhancing cooperation and boundary spanning are the most significant, resulting in knowledge probing. This research uncovers the value of conceptualizing CoPs as complex adaptive systems with emergent and intentional processes coexisting to create a virtual knowledge creation cycle. Our findings complement the dominant theory on CoPs’ insights by moving beyond the control/autonomy debate and highlighting that knowledge creation dynamics results from a flexible combination and recombination of the different top-down and bottom-up forces.     

A driver model of a two-man bobsleigh

Up to now, the optimization of structural parameters affecting the performance of a bobsleigh has been carried out mainly on the basis of athletes’ feedback, thus leading to a series of small modifications without univocal guidelines. Even though on-track tests represent a basic step for the final tuning of the sled, experimentation does not seem to represent an appropriate tool to objectively determine the influence of such structural parameters on the overall performance. In fact, their effect can easily be masked by driving errors, changes in the ice surface conditions and temperature thus requiring repeated tests for achieving statistical evidence. For this reason, numerical analysis, carried out with a 3D model of the bobsled, turns out to be a privileged instrument to optimize bob design although limitations in the sled model (e.g. ice friction properties that still have to be fully understood) may affect the obtained results. However, such tool is able to provide useful indications only if a correct driver model is implemented. This work focuses on the development of a numerical model of a bobsleigh driver that aims at reproducing the driving behaviour of real-world cup drivers and is basically made up of two steps: the identification of the trajectory that allows minimizing run time and the determination of the driver’s inputs to exactly follow that trajectory. For comparison purposes, the simulated driver’s inputs are compared with recorded ones on Cesana Pariol Olympic track.     

Edge superconductivity in multilayer WTe2 Josephson junction

WTe₂, as a type-II Weyl semimetal, has 2D Fermi arcs on the (001) surface in the bulk and 1D helical edge states in its monolayer. These features have recently attracted wide attention in condensed matter physics. However, in the intermediate regime between the bulk and monolayer, the edge states have not been resolved owing to its closed band gap which makes the bulk states dominant. Here, we report the signatures of the edge superconductivity by superconducting quantum interference measurements in multilayer WTe₂ Josephson junctions and we directly map the localized supercurrent. In thick WTe₂ (, the supercurrent is uniformly distributed by bulk states with symmetric Josephson effect (). In thin WTe₂ (10 nm), however, the supercurrent becomes confined to the edge and its width reaches up to and exhibits non-symmetric behavior . The ability to tune the edge domination by changing thickness and the edge superconductivity establishes WTe₂ as a promising topological system with exotic quantum phases and a rich physics.     

Comparing determinants of perceived and actual recycling skills: The role of motivational,behavioral and dispositional factors

An empirical investigation assessed the role of different factors of motivational, behavioral, and dispositional nature in the prediction of both perceived and actual skills concerning household waste recycling. A structured questionnaire (measuring attitudes, social norms, perceived control, need for cognitive closure, self-reported household recycling behavior and perceived recycling skills) and a simulation task (assessing actual recycling skills) were administered to 300 participants in Italy. Results indicate that, although positively related, perceived and actual skills are two distinct constructs differently related to motivational, behavioral, and dispositional factors. Implications for designing educational interventions to increase citizens' recycling skills are discussed.     

Computers With Wings: Flight Simulation and Personalized Landscapes

We propose, as a special way to explore the physics of flying objects, to use a flight simulator with a personalized scenery to reproduce the territory where students live. This approach increases the participation and attention of students to physics classes but also creates several opportunities for addressing side activities and arguments of various nature, from history to geography, computer science, and much more.     

Diagnostic investigations and statistical validation of EDXRF mapping of the burial monument of Pope Sixtus IV by Antonio Pollaiolo (1493) in the Vatican

It has become a common practice to include diagnostics and archaeometric studies during a masterpiece restoration. The advantages and limits of this approach are now topic of discussion in the community of researchers that is growing up quickly. The bronze burial monument of Pope Sixtus IV (1471–84) by Antonio del Pollaiolo, now in the Treasure Museum in the Vatican was intended to be located at the center of a chapel, this explains its apparent asymmetry: lack of height and large base. The restoration of the burial monument started in May 2007, it was carried out by first fulfilling a series of non-invasive analyses using a transportable EDXRF to map the composition of the alloy and evaluate the diagnostic capabilities for deterioration processes of the bronze surface. As a consequence of the first non-invasive diagnostic campaign, a second campaign of micro invasive tests was planned and carried out. The samples were analysed with SEM-EDS and XRF techniques. In this article some of the results of the EDXRF tests will be shown together with the procedures set up to maximize the diagnostic information obtained and minimize the need of microsampling from the artefact. The results and the statistical analysis of data show that a straightforward planning of the measurements can give several, sometimes unexpected, results in the definition of the state of conservation of the monument and also from an archaeometric point of view. With a high amount of data, the use of statistical analysis is necessary, for example in our case, the analysis of the variance confirmed the hypothesis of the use of different alloys for the elements of the panels.     

On the damage of frescoes and stuccoes on the lower surface of historical flat suspended light vaults

In many historical and monumental Italian buildings, frescoes or stuccoes of artistic and historical value are present on the lower surface of flat light vaults, made by wooden arches, reeds and plaster. These vaults are often suspended by wooden or metallic ties to the upper bearing structures. When differential settlements of the wooden arches happen (i.e.: due to a bad working of their hangings) cracks appear on these precious surfaces. This paper experimentally and numerically investigates on this issue, pointing out which constructive parameters mainly influence the cracking behaviour of the frescoed or stuccoed lower surface, and thus providing guide lines for designing compatible conservation and retrofitting interventions.     

On crimes and punishments in virtual worlds: bots, the failure of punishment and players as moral entrepreneurs

This paper focuses on the role of punishment as a critical social mechanism for cheating prevention in MMORPGs. The role of punishment is empirically investigated in a case study of the MMORPG Tibia (Cipsoft 1997–2011) () and by focusing on the use of bots to cheat. We describe the failure of punishment in Tibia, which is perceived by players as one of the elements facilitating the proliferation of bots. In this process some players act as a moral enterprising group contributing to the reform of the game rules and in particular to the reform of the Tibia punishment system by the game company. In the conclusion we consider the ethical issues raised by our findings and we propose some general reflections on the role of punishment and social mechanisms for the governance of online worlds more generally.     

Meritocracy in Singapore

Abstract

This article considers the role of meritocracy in the ruling ideology of Singapore. It argues that meritocracy, far from being a system for the management of scarce resources, is in fact the imposition of scarcity. It uses the example of the university in Singapore as the prime site for the production of meritocratic ideology and considers the consequences of meritocratic higher education as it articulates with meritocracy more generally in the Singapore polity.