bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renewable Energy Development in Small Island Developing States of the Pacific
Authors: Dornan Matthew
Published: July 2015

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Pacific over the last decade have established some of the most ambitious renewable energy targets in the world. The promotion of renewable energy has been motivated by a desire to lessen dependence on fossil fuels, given the adverse economic impacts of high oil prices on these countries. Efforts to attract development assistance and to strengthen the position of Pacific SIDS in climate change negotiations have likely also played a role. This paper explores the development of renewable energy resources in the Pacific through a public policy lens. The ambitious renewable energy targets established by Pacific SIDS are argued to be appropriate in some cases, but in other cases are criticised on economic grounds. A potential trade-off is identified between the risk mitigation benefits and poverty alleviation benefits of different renewable technology investments, with questions raised about whether support for the former rather than the latter by development partners is appropriate. A number of institutional and financial challenges to the development of renewable energy resources in Pacific SIDS are also discussed.
Options with Extreme Strikes
Authors: Zhu Lingjiong
Published: July 2015

In this short paper, we study the asymptotics for the price of call options for very large strikes and put options for very small strikes. The stock price is assumed to follow the Black–Scholes models. We analyze European, Asian, American, Parisian and perpetual options and conclude that the tail asymptotics for these option types fall into four scenarios.
Land subsidence, Ground Fissures and Buried Faults: InSAR Monitoring of Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco, Mexico)
Authors: Brunori Carlo , Bignami Christian , Albano Matteo , Zucca Francesco , Samsonov Sergey , Groppelli Gianluca , Norini Gianluca , Saroli Michele , Stramondo Salvatore
Published: July 2015

We study land subsidence processes and the associated ground fissuring, affecting an active graben filled by thick unconsolidated deposits by means of InSAR techniques and fieldwork. On 21 September 2012, Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco, Mexico) was struck by ground fissures of about 1.5 km of length, causing the deformation of the roads and the propagation of fissures in adjacent buildings. The field survey showed that fissures alignment is coincident with the escarpments produced on 19 September 1985, when a strong earthquake with magnitude 8.1 struck central Mexico. In order to detect and map the spatio-temporal features of the processes that led to the 2012 ground fissures, we applied InSAR multi-temporal techniques to process ENVISAT-ASAR and RADARSAT-2 satellite SAR images acquired between 2003 and 2012. We detect up to 20 mm/year of subsidence of the northwestern part of Ciudad Guzmán. These incremental movements are consistent with the ground fissures observed in 2012. Based on interferometric results, field data and 2D numerical model, we suggest that ground deformations and fissuring are due to the presence of areal subsidence correlated with variable sediment thickness and differential compaction, partly driven by the exploitation of the aquifers and controlled by the distribution and position of buried faults.
Phase Difference Optimization of Dual-Wavelength Excitation for the CW-Photoacoustic-Based Noninvasive and Selective Investigation of Aqueous Solutions of Glucose
Authors: Camou Serge
Published: July 2015

Towards the noninvasive and continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, we chose the continuous-wave photoacoustic (CW-PA) technique and developed the optical power balance shift (OPBS) method. However, operating with optical wavelengths in the near-infrared (NIR) region ensures deep penetration inside human soft-tissue, but also leads to two serious issues: strong background level noise from water molecules in this wavelength range and small differences between the absorbance spectra of diluted compounds. To resolve them, the OPBS method relies on simultaneous optical excitation at two wavelengths for differential measurements. However, the first validation in vitro with calibrated aqueous solutions of glucose and albumin revealed strong dependence on the phase difference between the two lights sources. In this paper, we report a systematic investigation of this parameter, from PA-based measurements over a wide range of phase differences and an extensive characterization in the frequency domain. The process of maintaining the phase quadrature of the two optical signals is demonstrated in real time through an analysis of the PA signal and therefore does not require any additional equipment. Finally, a comparison of aqueous glucose solution characterizations at high concentration levels with the two methods was performed and consistent results were obtained.
Instantaneous Respiratory Estimation from Thoracic Impedance by Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Wang Fu-Tai , Chan Hsiao-Lung , Wang Chun-Li , Jian Hung-Ming , Lin Sheng-Hsiung
Published: July 2015

Impedance plethysmography provides a way to measure respiratory activity by sensing the change of thoracic impedance caused by inspiration and expiration. This measurement imposes little pressure on the body and uses the human body as the sensor, thereby reducing the need for adjustments as body position changes and making it suitable for long-term or ambulatory monitoring. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) can decompose a signal into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) that disclose nonstationary components as well as stationary components and, similarly, capture respiratory episodes from thoracic impedance. However, upper-body movements usually produce motion artifacts that are not easily removed by digital filtering. Moreover, large motion artifacts disable the EMD to decompose respiratory components. In this paper, motion artifacts are detected and replaced by the data mirrored from the prior and the posterior before EMD processing. A novel intrinsic respiratory reconstruction index that considers both global and local properties of IMFs is proposed to define respiration-related IMFs for respiration reconstruction and instantaneous respiratory estimation. Based on the experiments performing a series of static and dynamic physical activates, our results showed the proposed method had higher cross correlations between respiratory frequencies estimated from thoracic impedance and those from oronasal airflow based on small window size compared to the Fourier transform-based method.
Design and Realization of an Electromagnetic Guiding System for Blind Running Athletes
Authors: Pieralisi Marco , Petrini Valerio , Di Mattia Valentina , Manfredi Giovanni , De Leo Alfredo , Scalise Lorenzo , Russo Paola , Cerri Graziano
Published: July 2015

Nowadays the technologies aimed at improving the quality of life of people affected by visual diseases are quite common; e.g., devices to support walking or reading. Surprisingly, there is a lack of innovative technologies aimed at helping visually impaired athletes during physical activities. An example is represented by blind runners who need to be physically linked to a sighted guide by means of non-stretchable tethers during races; with consequent limitations in terms of performance and independence. This paper wants to investigate the possibility of realizing a system able to guide blind runners along a complex path, paving the way for the realization of an innovative device designed to improve their independence during training or competitions. The system consists of: (1) a mobile unit, which is placed before the runner and generates two “electromagnetic walls” delimiting the way; (2) a receiving unit (worn by the athlete) that provides vibro-tactile warnings every time the user is going outside the safe area so as to encourage him to move toward the central position. The feasibility and the utility of the system proposed are demonstrated by means of tests carried out thanks to the collaboration of a blind volunteer.
HyperCube: A Small Lensless Position Sensing Device for the Tracking of Flickering Infrared LEDs
Authors: Raharijaona Thibaut , Mignon Paul , Juston Raphaël , Kerhuel Lubin , Viollet Stéphane
Published: July 2015

An innovative insect-based visual sensor is designed to perform active marker tracking. Without any optics and a field-of-view of about 60°, a novel miniature visual sensor is able to locate flickering markers (LEDs) with an accuracy much greater than the one dictated by the pixel pitch. With a size of only 1 cm3 and a mass of only 0.33 g, the lensless sensor, called HyperCube, is dedicated to 3D motion tracking and fits perfectly with the drastic constraints imposed by micro-aerial vehicles. Only three photosensors are placed on each side of the cubic configuration of the sensing device, making this sensor very inexpensive and light. HyperCube provides the azimuth and elevation of infrared LEDs flickering at a high frequency (>1 kHz) with a precision of 0.5°. The minimalistic design in terms of small size, low mass and low power consumption of this visual sensor makes it suitable for many applications in the field of the cooperative flight of unmanned aerial vehicles and, more generally, robotic applications requiring active beacons. Experimental results show that HyperCube provides useful angular measurements that can be used to estimate the relative position between the sensor and the flickering infrared markers.
FBG Interrogation Method with High Resolution and Response Speed Based on a Reﬂective-Matched FBG Scheme
Authors: Cui Jiwen , Hu Yang , Feng Kunpeng , Li Junying , Tan Jiubin
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a high resolution and response speed interrogation method based on a reﬂective-matched Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) scheme is investigated in detail. The nonlinear problem of the reﬂective-matched FBG sensing interrogation scheme is solved by establishing and optimizing the mathematical model. A mechanical adjustment to optimize the interrogation method by tuning the central wavelength of the reference FBG to improve the stability and anti-temperature perturbation performance is investigated. To satisfy the measurement requirements of optical and electric signal processing, a well- designed acquisition circuit board is prepared, and experiments on the performance of the interrogation method are carried out. The experimental results indicate that the optical power resolution of the acquisition circuit border is better than 8 pW, and the stability of the interrogation method with the mechanical adjustment can reach 0.06%. Moreover, the nonlinearity of the interrogation method is 3.3% in the measurable range of 60 pm; the influence of temperature is significantly reduced to 9.5%; the wavelength resolution and response speed can achieve values of 0.3 pm and 500 kHz, respectively.
Collaborative Resilience to Episodic Shocks and Surprises: A Very Long-Term Case Study of Zanjera Irrigation in the Philippines 1979–2010
Authors: Yabes Ruth , Goldstein Bruce
Published: July 2015

This thirty-year case study uses surveys, semi-structured interviews, and content analysis to examine the adaptive capacity of Zanjera San Marcelino, an indigenous irrigation management system in the northern Philippines. This common pool resource (CPR) system exists within a turbulent social-ecological system (SES) characterized by episodic shocks such as large typhoons as well as novel surprises, such as national political regime change and the construction of large dams. The Zanjera nimbly responded to these challenges, although sometimes in ways that left its structure and function substantially altered. While a partial integration with the Philippine National Irrigation Agency was critical to the Zanjera’s success, this relationship required on-going improvisation and renegotiation. Over time, the Zanjera showed an increasing capacity to learn and adapt. A core contribution of this analysis is the integration of a CPR study within an SES framework to examine resilience, made possible the occurrence of a wide range of challenges to the Zanjera’s function and survival over the long period of study. Long-term analyses like this one, however rare, are particularly useful for understanding the adaptive and transformative dimensions of resilience.
How to Succeed in Low-Energy Housing—Path Creation Analysis of Low-Energy Innovation Projects
Authors: Pässilä Pia , Pulkka Lauri , Junnila Seppo
Published: July 2015

The low-energy and the nearly zero-energy buildings trend is calling for radical new innovations from the construction industry. This study uses path creation theory to examine two innovation concepts for low-energy housing in Northern Europe with contrasting outcomes—with one being an apparent market success and the other a disappointment. The results highlight two issues behind the success, one of a systemic nature and the other concerning innovation management. First, the development of energy efficiency regulations and the dominant technological trajectory regarding low-energy houses are interdependent. However, it seems that while supporting the trajectory of the innovation developed in the first case, regulators created virtually insurmountable cognitive and normative obstacles to finding alternative technological pathways. Second, the significance of proof of concepts for new innovations cannot be underestimated. The importance of a pilot project rests not only on showcasing and testing the technology, but also on its ability to increase political support, investments, and public awareness. The study implies that low-energy construction seems to be the next great challenge, one where genuine co-operation between the industry, public authorities and academia is a prerequisite for success.
Conservation Messages in Speech Bubbles–Evaluation of an Environmental Education Comic Distributed in Elementary Schools in Madagascar
Authors: Richter Torsten , Rendigs Antje , Maminirina Claudette
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we present the results of a survey of an environmental education program applied to a cohort of 542 students in six primary schools at Lake Alaotra, Madagascar. The educational materials used were a comic book and additional materials designed specifically for local conditions in rural Madagascar. The comic book conveyed mostly system knowledge and, to a lesser extent, action-related knowledge. The additional materials posed practical tasks to students and were meant to stimulate teamwork and group discussion of students. There was a control and two treatment groups. A questionnaire was applied to test students’ environmental knowledge at three different points in time. The survey showed a significant increase in environmental knowledge of students receiving environmental education compared to controls. This effect significantly increased with additional education materials fostering peer-to-peer learning by students instead of when teacher-centred learning was provided. Students that used those materials also had the highest scores in tests one year after environmental education ended, thus indicating the usefulness of innovative and locally meaningful materials in environmental education.
Adenovirus 36 and Obesity: An Overview
Authors: Ponterio Eleonora , Gnessi Lucio
Published: July 2015

There is an epidemic of obesity starting about 1980 in both developed and undeveloped countries definitely associated with multiple etiologies. About 670 million people worldwide are obese. The incidence of obesity has increased in all age groups, including children. Obesity causes numerous diseases and the interaction between genetic, metabolic, social, cultural and environmental factors are possible cofactors for the development of obesity. Evidence emerging over the last 20 years supports the hypothesis that viral infections may be associated with obesity in animals and humans. The most widely studied infectious agent possibly linked to obesity is adenovirus 36 (Adv36). Adv36 causes obesity in animals. In humans, Adv36 associates with obesity both in adults and children and the prevalence of Adv36 increases in relation to the body mass index. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the viral E4orf1 protein (early region 4 open reading frame 1, Adv) mediates the Adv36 effect including its adipogenic potential. The Adv36 infection should therefore be considered as a possible risk factor for obesity and could be a potential new therapeutic target in addition to an original way to understand the worldwide rise of the epidemic of obesity. Here, the data indicating a possible link between viral infection and obesity with a particular emphasis to the Adv36 will be reviewed.
Resistance against Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors and Relevance to HIV Persistence
Authors: Mesplède Thibault , Wainberg Mark
Published: July 2015

Drug resistance prevents the successful treatment of HIV-positive individuals by decreasing viral sensitivity to a drug or a class of drugs. In addition to transmitted resistant viruses, treatment-naïve individuals can be confronted with the problem of drug resistance through de novo emergence of such variants. Resistant viruses have been reported for every antiretroviral drug tested so far, including the integrase strand transfer inhibitors raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir. However, de novo resistant variants against dolutegravir have been found in treatment-experienced but not in treatment-naïve individuals, a characteristic that is unique amongst antiretroviral drugs. We review here the issue of drug resistance against integrase strand transfer inhibitors as well as both pre-clinical and clinical studies that have led to the identification of the R263K mutation in integrase as a signature resistance substitution for dolutegravir. We also discuss how the topic of drug resistance against integrase strand transfer inhibitors may have relevance in regard to the nature of the HIV reservoir and possible HIV curative strategies.
Early Events in Chikungunya Virus Infection—From Virus CellBinding to Membrane Fusion
Authors: Van Duijl-Richter Mareike , Hoornweg Tabitha , Rodenhuis-Zybert Izabela , Smit Jolanda
Published: July 2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a rapidly emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus causing millions of infections in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. CHIKV infection often leads to an acute self-limited febrile illness with debilitating myalgia and arthralgia. A potential long-term complication of CHIKV infection is severe joint pain, which can last for months to years. There are no vaccines or specific therapeutics available to prevent or treat infection. This review describes the critical steps in CHIKV cell entry. We summarize the latest studies on the virus-cell tropism, virus-receptor binding, internalization, membrane fusion and review the molecules and compounds that have been described to interfere with virus cell entry. The aim of the review is to give the reader a state-of-the-art overview on CHIKV cell entry and to provide an outlook on potential new avenues in CHIKV research.
The Establishment of the Pfizer-Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium Biospecimen Repository
Authors: Mazcko Christina , Thomas Rachael
Published: July 2015

The Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC) was formed in 2004 in an effort to capitalize on the generation of a domestic dog genome sequence assembly [1], which created new opportunities to investigate canine cancers at the molecular level [2]. [...]
Effects of a Statewide Protocol for the Management of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis on Microbial Profiles and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities: A Retrospective Five-Year Review
Authors: McGuire Amanda L. , Carson Christine F. , Inglis Timothy J. J. , Chakera Aron
Published: July 2015

Background

Peritonitis is a major complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Early empirical antibiotic therapy is recommended, with the choice of agents guided by local resistance patterns. As routine use of specific antimicrobial agents can drive resistance, regular assessment of causative organisms and their susceptibility to empirical therapy is essential.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all PD peritonitis cases and positive PD fluid cultures obtained over a 5-year period in Western Australia following the introduction of a statewide protocol for the initial management of PD peritonitis with intraperitoneal vancomycin and gentamicin.

Results

The incidence of PD peritonitis decreased from 1 in 16 patient months (0.75/year at risk) to 1 in 29 patient months (0.41/year at risk) over the 5 years. There were 1,319 culture-positive samples and 1,069 unique isolates identified. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 69.9% of positive cultures, with vancomycin resistance averaging 2% over the study period. Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 25.4% of positive cultures, with gentamicin resistance identified in an average of 8% of organisms. No increase in antimicrobial resistance to vancomycin or gentamicin occurred over the 5 years and there was no change in the proportion of gram-positive (69.9%), gram-negative (25.4%) or fungal (4.4%) organisms causing PD peritonitis.

Conclusions

Over time, the peritonitis rates have dramatically improved although the profile of causative organisms remains similar. Empirical treatment of PD peritonitis with intraperitoneal vancomycin and gentamicin remains efficacious, with high levels of susceptibility and no evidence that the introduction of this statewide empirical PD peritonitis treatment protocol is driving resistance to these agents.
A FRAMEWORK FOR THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF DATA – THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: DAHLBERG Tomi , NOKKALA Tiina
Published: July 2015

In a modern organization, IT and digital data have transformed from being functional resources to integral elements of business strategy. Against this background, our article addresses corporate governance of digital data in general and that of aging societies in particular. To describe the role of executives and managers in data governance, we first review the corporate and IT governance literature. We then propose a theoretical framework for the governance of data: a novel construct. We apply the framework to the governance of aging societies related data, that is, to answer the question of how best to manage the provision of services to citizens with digital data enablement and support. We also disclose the results from two recent surveys, with 212 and 68 respondents respectively, on the business significance of data governance. The survey results reveal that good governance of data is considered critical to organizations. As concluding remarks, we discuss the significance of our results, our contributions to research, the limitations of our study and its managerial implications.
Evaluating the development potential of farms on urban outskirts: methodology
Authors: Razpotnik Visković Nika
Published: July 2015

This article presents a methodology for evaluating the development potential of farms on urban outskirts, which forms an important basis for long-term (spatial) planning of the development of Slovenian agriculture. It uses publically available spatial and statistical data, and analyzes and evaluates the characteristics of farms that show their future development potential and tendencies: vitality and stability, potential to expand, potential for conflicts, quality and structure of farmland, and effects of spatial planning and special protection measures on their development potential. This methodology is used to evaluate farms on urban outskirts, where development factors differ from those in areas with less favorable farming conditions.
Web-based instruments for strengthening sustainable regional development in the Alps
Authors: Borsdorf Axel , Bender Oliver , Braun Fides , Haller Andreas
Published: July 2015

Web-based information and communication technologies enable the inclusion of all stakeholders in sustainable regional development and raise hopes that these processes will be accomplished from the bottom up and with broad public participation. This article synthesizes, presents, and critically discusses solutions for the Alps that use web 2.0 technologies, in particular: (a) GALPIS and DIAMONT with databases and an interactive webGIS, (b) mountain.TRIP as an efficient communication and information system to link research with practice, and (c) mountain wikis as tools for collaborative regional planning and development. The results indicate that new information and communication instruments enhance the implementation, promotion, assessment, and steering of sustainable regional development in the Alps.
La variabilidad tecnológica del Paleolítico superior final en el sur de Cataluña: la cueva de la Mallada (Perelló, Tarragona) y el abrigo de l’Areny (Vilanova d’Escornalbou, Tarragona)
Authors: García Catalán Sergio , Vaquero Rodríguez Manuel
Published: July 2015

En este artículo se presenta el primer estudio tecnológico de los conjuntos líticos de la cueva de la Mallada (Perelló, Tarragona) y el abrigo de l’Areny (Vilanova d’Escornalbou, Tarragona), ambos incluidos en el Paleolítico superior final. Tras definir sus similitudes y diferencias, se han comparado con otros yacimientos con dataciones localizados principalmente en el sur de Cataluña e incluidos en este periodo cronológico. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la variabilidad de las estrategias de explotación de núcleos al final del Paleolítico Superior.
Formal Approaches in Computational Psychoanalysis and the Embodiment Issue
Authors: Grotto Rosapia Lauro
Published: July 2015

In the last decades in the domain of cognitive sciences benefitted from the integration of contributions coming from different disciplines, such as neurosciences, cognitive neuropsychology, I.T., linguistics and so on. The functional architectures approach, either implemented with hard or soft computation, or with mixed models, has been a relevant conceptual tool that has provided a unifying framework for many research attempts in the field. The advancement of new conceptualizations based on embodied cognition, the research paradigm emerging from the discovery of mirroring systems in the animal and human brain, is questioning this unitary approach. In fact, mirroring systems seems to provide an explanation for human behaviour that cannot be easily reduced to a computational description. Here then author will present and discuss some formal approaches to the psychoanalytic theory, which could favour a better integration of disembodied and embodied cognition. These models are based on a topological implementation of the classical Freudian Conscious/Unconscious distinctions and on the theory of Bi-Logic mental functioning proposed by Matte Blanco.
The Dawning of Computational Psychoanalysis
Authors: Iurato Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the author wishes first to highlight, within the general cultural context, some possible elementary computational psychoanalysis formalizations concerning Matte Blanco's bi-logic components through certain very elementary mathematical tools and notions drawn from theoretical physics and algebra. Afterwards, on the basis of recent work of Giampaolo Sasso (1999; 2005; 2011), relying on the crucial crossroad between neurosciences and psychoanalysis, it will be possible to identify some hints for further formalization attempts turned toward a computational psychoanalysis outlook. Lastly, possible interesting relationships with cognitive informatics are also outlined.
Energy Consumption in Greek Households During the Economic Recession
Authors: Slini Theodora , Giama Efrosini , Papadopoulos Agis M.
Published: July 2015

Greece has been hit particularly hard and insistently long by the economic recession since 2008, a development which inevitably affected the households' behaviour regarding energy consumption and space heating in particular. The results of a field study conducted over two consecutive heating periods are presented and evaluated in the current paper. It is of great interest to analyze and identify dissimilarities of the consumers' behaviour between different winter periods, that is the time period 2011-13, but also between Northern and Southern urban regions, belonging two different climate zones. Consumers' behavior is assessed with respect to the prevailing energy prices and the disposable household income. In that sense determining the degree of elasticity of residential energy consumption can be determined in a bottom-up approach and compared to the national average values for the same period. Reduced income and increased energy cost on the other hand may trigger different reactions, from environmental unfriendly solutions to intensive need for technology innovation.
Emotional Aspects and Quality of Experience for Multifactor Evaluation of Audiovisual Content
Authors: Kalliris George , Matsiola Maria , Dimoulas Charalampos , Veglis Andreas
Published: July 2015

The present paper investigates multifactor audiovisual-content quality evaluation strategies, in mediated communication. The primary aims of the work are to identify, describe and model the mechanisms that the attributes of source content and its encoding properties influence the communication process and the involved emotional aspects in terms of Quality of Experience (QoE), information perception and understanding. Mediated learning constitutes a demanding thus suitable investigation case-study, where communication efficiency can be monitored with the use of applicable Quality of Learning (QoL) parameters, such as the learning outcome and its relation to the prior knowledge status. Real-world e-learning scenarios are utilized for sentiment analysis tests combined with QoE/QoL evaluation, using both subjective scores and perceptually-adapted metrics. This experimental research attempts to monitor communication efficiency and its relation to the quality and emotional impact of the mediated content, offering new insights in mediated learning and broader audiovisual communication services.
An Overview of Agritourism Development in Serbia and European Union Countries
Authors: Petrović Marko D. , Radović Gordana , Terzić Aleksandra
Published: July 2015

The paper presents the status and potential development of agritourism in Serbia and in some countries of the European Union. The authors have analyzed the villages where the agritourism is the most developed, providing an overview of the number of registered agritourism units and the number of beds in four tourist clusters (91 municipalities) in Serbia. At the European Union level, the authors represented the LEADER program, which aims to connect rural economy and development activities in rural areas in the EU Member States. The paper also deals with the basic data and characteristics of agritourism development in countries where this type of tourism is highly developed (United Kingdom, France, Benelux states, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania and Hungary).
Preliminary Simulation of a 3D Turbine Stage with In Situ Combustion
Authors: Danaila Sterian , Isvoranu Dragoș , Leventiu Constantin
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the preliminary results of the numerical simulation of flow and combustion in a one stage turbine combustor (turbine stage in situ combustion). The main purpose of the simulation is to assess the stability of the in situ combustion with respect to the unsteadiness induced by the rotor-stator interaction. Apart from previous attempts, the salient feature of this CFD approach is the new fuel injection concept that consisting of a perforated pipe placed at mid-pitch in the stator row passage. The flow and combustion are modelled by the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the species transport equations. The chemistry model used herein is a two-step, global, finite rate combustion model while the turbulence model is the shear stress transport model. The chemistry turbulence interaction is described in terms of eddy dissipation concept.
Analysis of Unitary Tensions on the Butterfly Valve
Authors: Florescu Iulian , Florescu Daniela , Nedelcu Dragos
Published: July 2015

This paper analyzes the unitary tensions variation on the butterfly valve disc in different conditions and at different opening angles. It performs simulations of flow inside the valve at different times in the dynamic action of opening and closing, which derive values disc forces and tensions variation in shaft. Analyzing different shapes and design parameters, the study allows an analysis of the dynamic behavior of the disc, with implications for the optimal design of butterfly valves and closing their body.
Optimizing Design of Piezoelectric Trimorph, as Positioning Element and Energy Harvesting Device
Authors: Necula Cristian , Comeagă C. Daniel , Donţu Octavian
Published: July 2015

In future, demand on portable electronic devices will create the requirements of enduring recharged sources of power. A non-environmental friendly conventional battery with limited lifetimes has no longer feasible option. One of the mostly used solution is the piezoelectric composite structure with sensing and also actuating capabilities, mainly as a MEMS device. The optimum between actuating and energy harvesting functions is difficult to obtain. The article is presenting a study regarding the posibility to optimize both functions, performed using an analytical model and also by simulation using a FEA model.
Computational Study of Deflagration to Detonation Transition in Pulse Detonation Engine Using Shchelkin Spiral
Authors: Debnath Pinku , Pandey Krishna Murari
Published: July 2015

Detonation combustion wave is much more energetic combustion process in pulse detonation engine combustion system. Numerous experimental, theoretical and numerical analyses have been studied in pulse detonation engine to implement in practical propulsion system. In this present computational study the simulation was carried out for deflagration flame acceleration and deflagration to detonation transition of hydrogen air combustible mixture inside the detonation tube with and without Shchelkin spiral. A three dimensional computational analysis has been done by finite volume discretization method using ANSYS Fluent 14 CFD commercial software. The LES turbulence model with second order upwind discretization scheme was adopted with standard boundary conditions for unsteady combustion wave simulations. From the computational study it was found that intensity of detonation wave velocity and dynamic pressure is higher near to the boundary of Shchelkin spiral in detonation tube. The contour plots comparisons clearly show that deflagration flame accelerates in detonation tube as present of Shchelkin spiral. The contour plots also suggest that deflagration flame velocity and pressure are less in without Shchelkin spiral in detonation tube. The accelerating detonation waves are approximately near about Chapment-Jouguet values in detonation tube with Shchelkin spiral.
Frictional Contact Stress Analysis of Spur Gear by Using Finite Element Method
Authors: Farhan Muhammad , Karuppanan Saravanan , Patil Santosh S.
Published: July 2015

Spur gear is used to transfer rotary motion between parallel shafts. The simplicity in its design is one of the advantages of the spur gear. However higher frictional force that is accumulated on the gear teeth will influence the spur gear performance. Many previous papers elaborated extensively on the contact stress in the spur gear but few of them gave the details on how friction affects the gear teeth. There are insufficient frictional effect data in the gear and thus should be regarded as an important research parameter. In this paper, the contact stress of spur gear has been evaluated with and without friction by employing the Hertz theory, AGMA standard and finite element method (FEM). The frictionless contact stress result has been validated with both the theoretical methods with minimum deviation. Frictional coefficient range of 0.0 to 0.3 was selected and the corresponding contact stress is directly proportional to the friction coefficient. The work also involves the variation of face width of the gear set under the influence of friction. The contact stress of spur gear was found to be inversely proportional to the face width.
Time Varying Meshing Stiffness of Cracked Sun and Ring Gears of Planetary Gear Train
Authors: Muhammad Arif Abdullah , Liu Guang Lei
Published: July 2015

The time varying meshing stiffness of normal and cracked spur gears of planetary gear train is studied by applying the unit normal forces at mesh point on the face width along the line of action of the single gear tooth in FE based software Ansys Workbench 14.5. The tooth deflections due to the applied forces at one mesh point are noted and a deflection matrix is established which is solved using Matlab to get net deflection and finally the meshing stiffness of gear tooth at particular mesh point. The process is repeated for other mesh points of gear tooth by rotating it to get meshing stiffness for whole gear tooth.
Bifurcation of Rupture Path-Linear and Nonlinear Damping
Authors: Ling Dennis , Ching Chuan
Published: July 2015

Bifurcation of rupture path is studied for the effect of linear and nonlinear cubic damping. Momentum equation with Rayleigh factor was transformed into ordinary differential form. Bernoulli differential equation was obtained and solved by the method separation of variables. Analytical solutions yield the bifurcation of linear and nonlinear cubic damping was visible at imaginary part when the wave was non dispersive. For the dispersive wave, bifurcation of rupture path was invisible due to lower cubic damping. Amplitude attenuated during the seismic moment. Imaginary parts of the solutions illustrate the intersection or collision of soliton, for which, the bifurcation of rupture path is initiated. Intersection is not visible if the energy is well dispersed. Wave profile illustrates the existing of linear exciting and nonlinear damping effect during seismic moment.
Simulation of Nonlinear Sloshing Behaviors under Dynamic Actions
Authors: Yu Xiao Ye , To Alex , Ho Goman
Published: July 2015

This paper simulated the non-linear sloshing effects under typical dynamic actions. The sloshing simulation is realized with the Arbitrary Lagrangian Euleria (ALE) formulation plus bi-phase hydrodynamic biomaterial liquid gas materials. The study first investigated two dimensional (2D) sloshing problems under harmonic excitations. Through calibration studies in standard rectangular tanks, the case study demonstrated reasonable agreement with numerical results published by other researchers. The study was then extended to more complicated three dimensional (3D) sloshing problems, with the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) considered. The simulation well reflected the sloshing behaviours in a steel tank subject to given seismic excitations and provided available prediction for structural performance. The obtained results show that the used method is helpful for seismic design of liquid tanks.
Using Hydro-Pneumatic Accumulators to Increase the Operation Safety of Heavy Duty Vertical Lathes
Authors: Prodan Dan , Bucuresteanu Anca , Balan Emilia
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the principle diagrams that can be used to manufacture hydraulic systems that can prevent the seizing of the circular hydrostatic guideways of the table in the case of heavy-duty vertical lathes, with over 4000 mm diameter. The proposed systems will provide the lubrication of the guideways of the table as long as this one rotates up to a possible stop caused by an accident. Lubrication is achieved even in the absence of the machine supply voltage because it is provided by systems that do not need electrical power to operate. The absence of hydrostatic pressure, even in only one of the hydrostatic pockets, caused by the breaking of a hose, can be detected and will trigger the safety system activation.
Reverse Engineering Tehnique Applied for Manufacturing Thin Wall Plastic Parts
Authors: Pop Andrei , Adam Andrei , Pop Adrian
Published: July 2015

Development of design software in the last two decades has led to marketing products with complex shapes; which, cannot be materialized without the aid of the computer. For some product development processes, reverse engineering (RE) allows generating surface models by three-dimensional scanning techniques, and consequently this methodology permits to manufacture different parts and tools , shortening the development time. The paper presents a redesign process applied on a thin walled plastic component using the Reverse Engineering technique. The part was scanned, modified and subject to simulations that will certity the flow and filling of the cavity.
HSC Linear Motor Machine Dynamic Stiffness
Authors: Pandilov Zoran , Dukovski Vladimir
Published: July 2015

In this paper a model of the feed drive system with disturbance force for High Speed Cutting (HSC) linear motor machine is given. The dynamic stiffness for the proposed model is analysed. A simulation of the influence of some parameters on feed drive dynamic stiffness is performed with the simulation program MATLAB & SIMULINK. Correctness of the proposed model is verified with an experimental measurement of the dynamic stiffness of the feed drive on the prototype HSC linear motor machine (HSC 11).
Chips Shape in Case of Cutting Gears Using Flying Hobbing Cutter
Authors: Croitoru Sorin Mihai , Mohora Cristina
Published: July 2015

This paper presents theoretical research related to the determination of the chips shape when milling gears using flying hobbing cutter. This specific type of tool is used in research the cutting process case of hobbing cutter, in order to minimize the cost of research. It is presented also the structure of the flying hobbing cutter used in own research. In the end, some conclusions related to gears cutting process in case of hobbing are underlined.
Determination of the Cutting Moments at Teeth Tip in the Case of the Milling Cutter with Multiple Teeth
Authors: Olteanu Elena Luminița , Bîșu Claudiu Florinel
Published: July 2015

This paper presents experimental results for milling process using a six components dynamometer for complete mechanical actions measurement. The aim is the cutting moments determination and their evaluation on the milling cutter with multiple teeth during the cutting process. To know the cutting moments to the teeth of the tool, the instantaneous position of the teeth during milling process is determined. To achieve this purpose a calculation algorithm was developed to obtain the milling cutter teeth position respectively the moments at the tips of the teeth.
Evaluation of Surface Finish of Electrical Discharge Machined AISI 304 Stainless Steel with Various Pulse Generators
Authors: Muthuramalingam T. , Mohan B. , Saravanakumar D.
Published: July 2015

The performance improvement in Electrical Discharge Machining process is a tedious one in materials and manufacturing processes especially in making of complex die and moulds. Due to non linear nature of this process, conventional pulse generators such as RC pulse generator and transistor pulse train generator cannot produce uniform energy distribution. Since RC pulse generator can produce smaller crater volume, it can make better surface finish than transistor pulse train generator crater size is influenced by the discharge current produced during the machining process. Due to its stochastic behavior, the discharge current is varied for every spark. The modified iso current pulse generator can produce uniform energy distribution with smaller crater size. In this study, EDM drilling experiments have been conducted on AISI 304 stainless steel with the RC pulse generator, Transistor pulse generator and iso energy pulse generator in electrical erosion process. The effects of these pulse generators on surface characterization have been evaluated and analyzed. From the evaluation results, it has been detected that the iso energy pulse generator has produced better surface structure than conventional pulse generators.
Research on Tactile Sensors Interface - Review of Theoretical and Practical Approach
Authors: Anghel V. Constantin , Gheorghe Ion Gheorghe
Published: July 2015

The research presented in this paper aims to review the theoretical and practical approach for one of method to create the interface, to condition and to gather the data from the resistive force tactile sensor, in for the measuring of the vertical reaction force to the ground during human walking. The project result is a portable electronic system which allows the gathering, storing and transmission of the data from the force sensors mounted in an “overshoe” holder [1]. The article presents the research methods for the measured parameters as vertical reaction force to the ground, measured in 10 contact points between the foot sole and the ground by the help of some tactile sensors. The paper analysis all issues related to providing an optimal solution for the support with sensors and presents the conclusions for practical design.
Adaptronic Engineering Used in the Construction of Intelligent Mechatronic Equipment and Systems for the Automotive Industry
Authors: Gheorghe Ion Gheorghe , Ilie Iulian , Gornoavă Valentin
Published: July 2015

By addressing and developing Intelligent Adaptronic Engineering, with the view to widening towards fundamental and applied knowledge of the science and engineering of Adaptronics, in the direction of design and construction of intelligent adaptronic solutions and transferring of research results towards industry and economy, is created the synergistic vector of the intelligent specialized field, to support the sector and support the development of the sector, of the industry and economy and the current informational society and post-informational society.This paper deals with the scientific concepts, achievements and experiments on intelligent mechatronic equipment and system in adaptronic architectures for monitoring, control, service and remote maintenance in the automotive industry.
FEM Simulation of Laminated Lightweight Materials Processed through Single Point Incremental Forming
Authors: Girjob Claudia , Racz Gabriel , Bologa Octavian , Biris Cristina
Published: July 2015

The aim of present paper is to realize the FEM simulation of laminated lightweight material processed through single point incremental forming. Thus a laminated material, aluminum - polypropylene - aluminum (Al-PP-Al), as sheet 1.2 mm thickness was used. For these material the hardening curve was determinate. These values were used to describe elastic-plastic behavior of the material during single point incremental forming process simulation. Single point incremental forming process simulation aimed to assess the distribution of values and maximum and minimum strains, the material thickness of the specimen and the technological force for the two strategies for obtaining the truncated cone shaped pieces: circular and spiral.
Mathematical Model and Performance Evaluation for a Small Orbital Launcher
Authors: Chelaru Teodor Viorel , Chelaru Adrian
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present some aspects regarding the computational model and simulation for three stage launch vehicle (LV) used to inject in orbit small size payload. The computational model consists in numerical simulation of LV evolution for imposed start conditions. The launcher model presented will be with six degrees of freedom (6DOF) and variable mass. The results analysed will be the flight parameters and ballistic performances. The discussions area will focus around the technical possibility to realize a small multi-stage launcher, end evaluate his performance using the developed model. From technical point of view, the paper is focused on ESA project “Study – concept, to achieve a Small Orbital Launcher through zonal cooperation - SOL