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RESYST
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Interreg V-A Italy-Austria - CLLD, Call for medium projects
ITAT4112 RESYST - rescue systems for winter activities
PARTNER
LP Dolomiticert Scarl
PP1 MICADO SMART ENGINEERING GmbH
PP2 Soccorso Alpino dell'Alpenverein Südtirol
Duration: 03.02.2020 - 31.01.2022
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The climate change has a great influence on the conditions in the alpine terrain and it poses new challenges for people in high alpine terrain.
Versatile and simple to use equipment is needed, able to guarantee rapid rescue times and at the same time be safe for users, especially in stressful situations.
Particularly in the case of crevasse salvages, elaborate fixed points often have to be installed. Here, the high expenditure of time but also the security due to the rather makeshift solution play large factors, in which a great potential for improvement is seen.
Project goal:
Increase the safety for the rescue teams during the salvage of casualties under changing winter conditions. To pursue this project objective, new products or technical solutions must be found and developed that can be applied in the Alpine area. Depending on the progress of this research, the goal will be tracked through successive steps - from design, through the first prototype, to testing and proof that the solution found is appropriate.
The project will be developed in two areas related to winter rescue activities: a heated probe for the recovery of buried in an avalanche and an anchor system.
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Project description
The regions involved in the project application are determined by the important tourism sector, shaped by the beauty of the Dolomite landscape. Mountain tourism in winter plays an important role. There is an increase in mountaineering, which is an important economic opportunity to balance for the tourist seasons. Unfortunately, the winter records show an increased number of mountain accidents, partly due to avalanches: this is the greatest threat to the industry. This gives the feeling of dangerous mountains and affects the social costs in terms of human life and health costs. The project proposal focuses on the topic “Safer Alps - winter activities”. The goal is to make it easier for people to recover from accidents in the mountains by developing new mountain equipment. The combination of the experience of Dolomiticert in the validation and certification of protective equipment, of Micado in the development of new products and mountain rescue with their knowledge of the problems in the mountains, offers an opportunity for knowledge exchange between Alto Belluno, East Tyrol and Puster Valley.
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The project is in line with the first thematic area of ​​the EUSALP strategy “Economic growth and innovation” with the goal “Achieving higher competitiveness of the region”. The aim of the project is to increase the competitiveness of the companies in the CLLD Dolomiti Live area, to pass this knowledge on to SMEs through an innovative study on safety in the alpine region and to sensitize end users. The sports industry (from skiing to mountaineering) is the leader in the Alpine region. This project is moving towards a cross-cluster consolidation shaped by security issues: As part of the regional law of the Veneto region (Veneto) No. 13 of 2014, Dolomiticert presented the innovative network on security and protection in sports and work, at which important research centres, Business associations as well as Italian, Austrian and Slovenian companies were involved. There is also a positive impact on EUSALP Action 2, especially in the tourism sector. It is obvious that a safe mountain is more attractive, inviting and sustainable.
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The topic dealt with in the project is very simple: every year there are too many accidents in the mountains with serious or fatal consequences. Despite the constant further development of mountain equipment, such as avalanche backpacks, avalanches cannot be prevented and affected people are buried. In this case, it is important that the search and rescue of the buried are carried out as quickly as possible and with the greatest possible security for the people searching. To reduce mountain accidents, it is important to improve the preparation of climbers and hikers, to have good training and to know your own limits and technical skills. One must not overlook the importance of the equipment used by mountaineers and also by mountain rescue, the latter are often called to use in difficult terrain that is dangerous for your own safety. With this project application, Dolomiticert, Micado and Mountain Rescue find a connection and starting point in their own activities, with the common goal of developing new products and technical solutions for the Alpine region. Based on the knowledge of the individual partners, the project envisages the development of new equipment in which safety and functionality are paramount compared to other market needs (e.g. profit).
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There are no similar projects that focus on rescue systems for winter activities. The partnership will work on the steam probe based on an existing prototype, with the aim of improving the functionality and reducing operating times. The steam outlet holes are optimized and the available technologies are implemented.
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APollO
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Interreg V-A Italy-Austria - CLLD, Call for medium projects
ITAT4050 ANTI POLLEN-OPTICS
PARTNER
LP Certottica Scrl
PP1 MICADO SMART ENGINEERING GmbH
Duration: 01.01.2018 - 30.04.2020
The purpose of this project is to create a prototype for glasses or for an innovative mask to give consumers a valid and at the same time comfortable method to protect them from pollen.
Sensitivity to pollen is constantly on the rise not only in Europe but also around the world. In terms of its effects on the population, allergies are amongst the top-ranked chronic illnesses. According to WHO (World Health Organization), the percentage of the world population with a sensibility to pollen is between 10% and 40% according to the region and the season. Europe is no exception where the incidence of hay fever is 10%-20%.
This project is the natural continuation of the feasibility study that was carried out as part of ITAT4024 “PMP – Protection from fine dust”.
This feasibility study made it possible to delve deeper into the research on filtering materials, testing methods, possible functions and standards for the planning of a new device that will be functional, with an appealing design and suitable for guaranteeing protection from pollen.
The objective is the creation of a prototype that meets the requirements imposed by the standards that govern the DIP (Devices for Individual Protection) and at the same time protects the final user from pollen.
Project description
In recent years we have witnessed the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere. This led to a series of climatic changes, which also included rising temperatures, which also had an impact on the production of pollen, which not only increased the amount but also occurred more frequently, leading to an increase in allergic reactions that correspond to a hypersensitive effect of the immune system on foreign bodies, allergens such as pollen, dust and mould spores. The pollen grains interact with the air pollutants, penetrate the mucous membranes and react in an invasive form with the cells of the immune system. There is an urgent need to protect the respiratory tract and eye sockets. However, there is currently no device on the market that would reduce the symptoms of this disorder, but only solutions that protect the respiratory tract, such as e.g. B. nasal filter. The results of Certottica and MICADO are therefore seen in the PMP project as the basis of this design and represent a great opportunity. The risk in developing such a device lies in several factors that must be taken into account (preventing fogging of the glasses, sufficient air circulation, a high degree of sealing, the adaptation of the prototype to the different face shapes and a fashionable design). The goal that Certottica and MICADO have set is to develop a prototype for the eyes that is comfortable and also protects against pollen. The main activities include creating different product ideas, overcoming technical questions that were asked during the feasibility study of the PMP initiative, defining the prototype to be tested and disseminating the results obtained. The expected result is the realization of an effective prototype.
Partnership
The aim of the partnership is to combine competencies in the field of eyewear products and devices for individual protection. Indeed, both companies have proven experience in these areas.
The partners have well-prepared staff and have common interests in relation to these devices (such as increasing their own know-how, experience and spreading the name of the company outside of national borders). This will lead to the correct completion of the project, which is already happening as part of the PMP initiative.
Certottica is on the list of highly qualified research laboratories, has also been recognized by the Ministry of Education and Research and has a research and development area with a selected team of researchers.
MICADO Smart Engineering has extensive experience in the development of innovative products and has for the implementation of various products e.g. received numerous awards in cooperation with the South Tyrolean group OBERALP. The Austrian company also has a 3D modelling system for the design of prototypes.
Both partners have extensive experience in managing regional and cross-border projects and can count on solid technical and administrative staff. This can guarantee the success of the project, the expected results and their timely dissemination.
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FFR
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Interreg V-A Italy-Austria - CLLD, Call for medium projects
ITAT4015 FALL FACTOR REDUCTION
PARTNER
LP DOLOMITICERT SCARL
PP1 MICADO SMART ENGINEERING GmbH
PP2 Soccorso Alpino dell'Alpenverein Südtirol Alta Val Pusteria
Duration: 01.02.2017 - 31.01.2019
The project starts with the observation of the increase of the practice of mountaineering and the attendance of equipped paths and "vie ferrate" in the Dolomites, especially by tourists. Very often the equipped trails have difficult passages or situations where a fall, although protected by the installed devices and aids to progression, could cause serious harm to the health of the victim. The greatest damages are due to falls having a “fall factor” greater than or equal to two, where “fall factor” is the ratio between the drop height and the length of the rope. With the increase of the climbers, is inevitable even record an increase in accidents and then an increase of the interventions of the operators of rescue teams, with huge social costs.
The project aim is to contribute to the reduction of injuries following accidental falls along the equipped trails and via ferrata with fall factor equal to or greater than two. To reach this objective, following the above approach, we want to research and develop new products or technical solutions applicable to the alpine environment. The aim will be achieved step by step, following the development of the research, starting from the ideas, to the first prototypes to testing and proving of the proper working of the chosen solution.
Project description
The regions involved in the project application are determined by the important tourism sector, shaped by the beauty of the Dolomite landscape. Mountain tourism plays an important role in summer. There is an increase in mountaineering, which is an important economic opportunity to balance for the tourist season. Unfortunately, the summer records show an increased number of mountain accidents: this is the biggest threat to the industry. This gives the feeling of dangerous mountains and affects the social costs in terms of human life and health costs.
The project proposal focuses on the topic "Mountain accidents and safety for mountain rescue". The goal is to make the frequenting of our mountains safer by developing new protective equipment.
The combination of the experiences of Dolomiticert in validation and certification of protective equipment, of Micado in the development of new products and of the mountain rescue service with their knowledge of the problems in the mountains, offers an opportunity for knowledge exchange between Alto Belluno, East Tyrol and Puster Valley.
The project is in line with the first subject area of ​​the EUSALP strategy “Economic growth and innovation” with the goal “Achieving higher competitiveness of the region”. The aim of the project is to increase the competitiveness of the companies in the CLLD Dolomiti Live area, to pass this knowledge on to SMEs through an innovative study on safety in the alpine region and to sensitize end users.
The sports industry (from skiing to mountaineering) is the leader in the Alpine region. This project is moving towards a cross-cluster consolidation shaped by security issues: As part of the regional law of the Veneto region (Veneto) No. 13 of 2014, Dolomiticert presented the innovative network on security and protection in sports and work, at which important research centres, Business associations as well as Italian, Austrian and Slovenian companies were involved. There is also a positive impact on EUSALP Action 2, especially in the tourism sector. It is obvious that a safe mountain is more attractive, inviting and sustainable.
The topic covered in the project is very simple: there are too many accidents in the mountains with serious or fatal consequences every year. We want to help reduce them.
In mountaineering, it is known that the greatest damage is caused by falls with a fall factor greater than or equal to 2. You notice this risk along the via ferrata.
To reduce mountain accidents, it is important to improve the preparation of climbers and hikers, to have good training and to know your own limits and technical skills. One must not overlook the importance of the equipment used by mountaineers and also by the mountain rescue service, the latter are often called to rescue operations in difficult terrain that is dangerous for your own safety.
With this project application, Dolomiticert, Micado and Mountain Rescue find a connection and starting point in their own activities, with the common goal of developing new products and technical solutions for the Alpine region.
Based on the knowledge of the individual partners, the project envisages the development of new equipment in which safety and functionality are paramount compared to other market needs (e.g. profit)
Where possible, the points will be taken from the Interreg project Ita-Aut 2007-2013 “SAFERALPS” - study of a guide for the safety of the via ferrata and the equipped paths of the high mountain arch.
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PMP
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Interreg V-A Italy-Austria - CLLD, Call for medium projects
ITAT4014 PARTICULAR MATTER PROTECTION
PARTNER
LP Certottica Scrl
PP1MICADO SMART ENGINEERING GmbH
Laufzeit: 01.02.2017 - 31.01.2018
Certottica and Micado intend to perform a feasibility study of an innovative equipment consisting of a frame and a filtering mask, that should be able to protect eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory system from the dangers of fine particles, which are found regularly in the air at dangerous levels, not only in many city centres but also in the valleys.
Features of air pollutants changed over the last few decades. In the years 50’s smog was constituted by particles greater than 10 μm which are able to penetrate the respiratory tract overcoming the larynx only in a small percentage. Now we have the photochemical smog, characterized by particles with decreasing dimensions up to 1μ. These particles cannot be stopped by the mucous membranes, then penetrate the body overcoming the alveolar membrane and even entering into the blood.
Air pollutants don‘t stop at borders! Those released in one country may be transported in the atmosphere, contributing to or resulting in poor air quality elsewhere even very far: e.g. on mountain glaciers we can find the sands of the deserts.
Project description
Increasing air pollution creates the need to develop innovative equipment that limits the harmful effects of fine dust on the eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The problem to be solved is to prevent the harmful effects of particles on human health. Many places are unable to meet the health limits for several days a year. In addition, the residents have no practical and effective means of protecting themselves, since the generally available products are limited to simple masks, which are only designed for larger particles and also contain no eye protection. In order to solve these problems, a collaboration between Certottica and MICADO is started. The difficulty of designing a system that combines functionality, practicability and aesthetics also create the risks for project success. The aim is to carry out a feasibility study of innovative equipment that combines the protection of the eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, as well as to find the best suitable materials and design features. The planned activities consist of the study of filter materials and the conception of a complete pair of glasses with a mask packed in an attractive design.
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This project fits perfectly into the EUSALP strategy, as the first activity is primarily dedicated to research and development. In addition, this project creates an interalpine cooperation between the competence centres Certottica (glasses and fashion accessories) and MICADO (development of innovative solutions). An alliance of this kind can benefit from the results of applied research, as advocated in the document "A European Union Strategy for the Alpine Region". This project will connect different companies, industries and countries that often face the same challenges in the field of new materials and their environmental compatibility. In line with the Commission working document Action Plan COM (2015) 366 FINAL, this project would lead to the consolidation of a research and innovation system in the above-mentioned areas, which will therefore be cross-border, cross-sectoral and mutually beneficial, making it possible to separate from Counteracting research and innovation activities. We speak of the key areas: the glasses from Belluno, where today, between the valleys of the Dolomites World Heritage Site, is the largest industrial area in the world of glasses and the material processing and mechatronics from Tyrol. There is also a connection with regional strategies for intelligent specialization: creative industries and smart manufacturing for Veneto (where Certottica is counted as a research facility) and industries in the areas of "strategic supply chains", "mechatronics", and even "smart manufacturing" for Tirol. Finally, it is worth considering that both Certottica and MICADO are listed as research institutions under the same CLLD strategy. (see p. 10 and p. 18).
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In order to realize the new product, this means not only connecting sunglasses with a filter mask but also examining materials and solutions that allow the realization of a product that not only guarantees a high level of protection but also practical and is aesthetic. To meet the challenge, it will be necessary to focus on finding materials that meet all needs. We are not only talking about the materials of the glasses but also the protective mask and the integration of these e.g. in a storage compartment. The existing potential is the know-how of Certottica and MICADO. Certottica has several measuring systems that are able to measure the effectiveness of the equipment in terms of protection against dust, while MICADO, on the other hand, specializes in developing innovative solutions. The study aims to develop new high-tech protective equipment.
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Developing technologies in the eyewear field is one of Certottica's missions, which have already successfully completed studies on multi-purpose eyewear and the development of 3D vision devices. Certottica therefore has the necessary skills to deal with the study of glasses, protective equipment and their certification. It has optical, chemical and mechanical laboratories. MICADO is a leading developer of innovative products, has already dealt with the design of glasses, in particular with the design of unbreakable glasses, and thus has expertise in the design of this type of product and in the integration of new, innovative add-on parts.
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