This paper takes a longitudinal view of literature to explain the current period as disruptive technology drives an evolutionary adaptation of the construction industry in a historical socio-technological process. The authors argue the way Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are conceived as singularly focused "point solutions" undermine future opportunities. An evolutionary view is overlooked because extant literature describes technology in a particular epoch. An ecosystem perspective needs to influence IT strategy as an emerging "digital layer" transcends a smart city and continues to function long after a traditional construction project completes. We describe innovation as a succession of transformational waves in an evolutionary process that is currently manifesting as "Industry 4.0" and changing expectations for the construction industry. The paper concludes by listing emerging trends and warns existing UK construction companies must understand the transformational process they are in and learn how to adapt with a stronger drive for R&D.
The design of a medical implant requires that the geometry and anatomy of the host region is fully understood. For any prosthesis to be located in the mid-third of the human femur it is therefore vitally important that an in-depth understanding of this region is obtained. This study focuses on the geometry of the medulla and the cortex and the relationship between them in the diaphyseal region of the human femur. Sixteen femora obtained from the Human Biology Department of the University of Leeds were sectioned at 10 mm intervals along the shaft and scaled photographs of each section were taken. These photographs then provided the raw data to enable the variation in long bone cross-sectional geometry to be evaluated. The results show that the medulla is almost cylindrical in the mid-third region, being most cylindrical between 35 and 50 per cent of the total bone length. The medullary width is found to be greater in the antero-posterior direction (> 90 per cent maximum diameter) than in the medio-lateral direction (78-88 per cent maximum diameter) along the studied femoral length. The cortex is also analysed and it is found that the mean cortical thickness on the anterior side is significantly smaller than the medial cortex and the lateral cortex, with the posterior cortex being the thickest. All the above findings suggest that the medulla does not lie centrally within the femur but is positioned slightly anteriorly. Anatomical characteristics such as this can have profound effects on the design of prostheses to be implanted in this region.
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AbstractThis paper promotes an overview of facilities management (FM) and the impact of information technology (IT). It opens with a definition of FM automation and a brief history of the generations of development. This is followed by key demand impacts which have both enabled and stimulated the growth of FM automation during the past and into the future. Specific attention is then given to the tactical and strategic impacts of the technology affecting the organisation within the emerging and complex business environment. Some examples are cited together with the effects of discontinuous change and the resistance to such change. Finally, a brief look at the impact of system selection is also included to assist FM organisations in their determination of automation needs within the paradigms of change, complexity and dependence.
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