Expectations are high for digital technologies to address sustainability related challenges. While research into such applications and the twin transformation is growing rapidly, insights in the actual daily practices of digital sustainability within organizations is lacking. This is problematic as the contributions of digital tools to sustainability goals gain shape in organizational practices. To bridge this gap, we develop a theoretical perspective on digital sustainability practices based on practice theory, with an emphasis on the concept of sociomateriality. We argue that connecting meanings related to sustainability with digital technologies is essential to establish beneficial practices. Next, we contend that the meaning of sustainability is contextspecific, which calls for a local meaning making process. Based on our theoretical exploration we develop an empirical research agenda.
MULTIFILE
Op dinsdag 12 april jl. vond een online inspiratiesessie van IWP Healthy Workplace plaats met als thema: ‘Healing Environment; van zorgomgeving naar werkomgeving’. Deze inspiratie paper is een samenvatting van de gegeven presentatie en de discussie.
DOCUMENT
Torpedo is a digital learning environment for developing mathematical problem-solving ability through self-study for pre-service teachers in primary teacher education. To achieve this, Torpedo supports and challenges pre-service teachers’ reflection during and after solving non-routine mathematics problems. To investigate the feasibility of the Torpedo approach, 271 pre-service teachers used Torpedo during one month in a pilot study. They used and evaluated Torpedo’s reflective elements differently. The results varied from pre-service teachers who experienced that reflection really contributed to the development of their problem-solving ability, to pre-service teachers who hardly reflected. The last group consisted of those who found the problems too difficult to reflect upon and those who used Torpedo to prepare for the National Mathematics Test and preferred to do so by drill and practice. As a conclusion, the study provides clues for improving Torpedo so that it invites more reflective self-study behaviour. For pre-service teachers who consider reflection valueless, however, self-study in a digital learning environment may be insufficient to change this attitude.
DOCUMENT
Many lithographically created optical components, such as photonic crystals, require the creation of periodically repeated structures [1]. The optical properties depend critically on the consistency of the shape and periodicity of the repeated structure. At the same time, the structure and its period may be similar to, or substantially below that of the optical diffraction limit, making inspection with optical microscopy difficult. Inspection tools must be able to scan an entire wafer (300 mm diameter), and identify wafers that fail to meet specifications rapidly. However, high resolution, and high throughput are often difficult to achieve simultaneously, and a compromise must be made. TeraNova is developing an optical inspection tool that can rapidly image features on wafers. Their product relies on (a) knowledge of what the features should be, and (b) a detailed and accurate model of light diffraction from the wafer surface. This combination allows deviations from features to be identified by modifying the model of the surface features until the calculated diffraction pattern matches the observed pattern. This form of microscopy—known as Fourier microscopy—has the potential to be very rapid and highly accurate. However, the solver, which calculates the wafer features from the diffraction pattern, must be very rapid and precise. To achieve this, a hardware solver will be implemented. The hardware solver must be combined with mechatronic tracking of the absolute wafer position, requiring the automatic identification of fiduciary markers. Finally, the problem of computer obsolescence in instrumentation (resulting in security weaknesses) will also be addressed by combining the digital hardware and software into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) to provide a powerful, yet secure operating environment for the microscope software.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major problem. In the USA alone there are 15 million people with an AUD and more than 950,000 Dutch people drink excessively. Worldwide, 3-8% of all deaths and 5% of all illnesses and injuries are attributable to AUD. Care faces challenges. For example, more than half of AUD patients relapse within a year of treatment. A solution for this is the use of Cue-Exposure-Therapy (CET). Clients are exposed to triggers through objects, people and environments that arouse craving. Virtual Reality (VRET) is used to experience these triggers in a realistic, safe, and personalized way. In this way, coping skills are trained to counteract alcohol cravings. The effectiveness of VRET has been (clinically) proven. However, the advent of AR technologies raises the question of exploring possibilities of Augmented-Reality-Exposure-Therapy (ARET). ARET enjoys the same benefits as VRET (such as a realistic safe experience). But because AR integrates virtual components into the real environment, with the body visible, it presumably evokes a different type of experience. This may increase the ecological validity of CET in treatment. In addition, ARET is cheaper to develop (fewer virtual elements) and clients/clinics have easier access to AR (via smartphone/tablet). In addition, new AR glasses are being developed, which solve disadvantages such as a smartphone screen that is too small. Despite the demand from practitioners, ARET has never been developed and researched around addiction. In this project, the first ARET prototype is developed around AUD in the treatment of alcohol addiction. The prototype is being developed based on Volumetric-Captured-Digital-Humans and made accessible for AR glasses, tablets and smartphones. The prototype will be based on RECOVRY, a VRET around AUD developed by the consortium. A prototype test among (ex)AUD clients will provide insight into needs and points for improvement from patient and care provider and into the effect of ARET compared to VRET.
The traffic safety of cyclists is under pressure. The number of fatalities and injuries is increasing, and the number of single-bicycle accidents is on the rise. However, from a traffic safety perspective, the most concerning trend is the growing number of incidents between motorized vehicles and cyclists. In addition to infrastructural solutions, such as more segregated and wider bike lanes, both industry and government are exploring technological developments to better safeguard cyclist safety. One of the technological solutions being considered is the use of C-V2X communication. C-V2X, Cellular Vehicle-to-X, is a technology that enables short-range signal exchanges between road users, informing them of each other's presence. C-V2X can be used, for example, to alert drivers via dedicated in-car information systems about the presence of cyclists on the road (e.g. at crossings). Although the technology and chipsets have been developed, the application of C-V2X to improve cyclist safety has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, HAN, Gazelle, and ARK Infomotives are researching the impact of C-V2X (on cyclist safety). Using advanced simulations with a digital twin in an urban environment and rural environment, the study will analyze how drivers respond to cyclist presence signals and determine the maximum penetration rate of ‘connected’ cyclists. Based on this, a pilot study will be conducted in a controlled environment on HAN terrain to validate the direction of the simulation results. The project aligns with the Missiegedreven Innovatiebeleid and the KIA Sleuteltechnologieën, specifically within application of digital and information technologies. This proposal aligns with the innovation domain of Semiconductor Technologies by applying advanced sensor and digital connectivity solutions to enhance cyclist safety. The project fits within the theme of Sleuteltechnologieën en Duurzame Materialen of the strategic research agenda of the VH by utilizing digital connectivity, sensor fusion, and data-driven decision-making for safer mobility solutions.
