bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le paysage social de la production vitivinicole dans l’ ager Barcinonensis : esclaves, affranchis et institores
Authors: Olesti Vila Oriol , Carreras Monfort César
Published: May 2015

L’article analyse les formes de propriété de la terre dans la colonie du Barcino pendant la période du haut-empire , et sa relation avec la production vinicole et amphorique. L’étude a permis d’identifier la stratégie productive de quelques familles ( gentes ) de la colonie. La production amphorique a impliqué une grande mobilité sociale et territoriale. Il convient alors d’analyser dans ce “paysage social” le rôle qu’ont joué les esclaves et les affranchis, qui, dans quelques cas exceptionnels, ont atteint la condition d’ institores et même de propriétaires agricoles.
Débat public et production des politiques publiques au Burkina Faso. La Politique nationale de sécurisation foncière
Authors: Lavigne Delville Philippe , Thieba Daniel
Published: May 2015

La participation à l’élaboration des politiques publiques en Afrique est à l’ordre du jour depuis une décennie. Les conditions idéales de la délibération et du débat public sont loin d’être réunies et les logiques d’instrumentalisation par l’État ou les institutions d’aide sont fréquentes. Pourtant, les processus participatifs et leur signification politique sont variées. Cet article analyse le processus d’élaboration de la Politique nationale de sécurisation foncière rurale au Burkina Faso. Il discute les conditions de processus délibératifs et leur contribution à la pertinence et à la légitimité des politiques dans les contextes socio-politiques ouest-africains.
Rapid Cognitive Assessment of Nursing Home Residents: A Comparison of the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) and Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool–Short Form (BCAT-SF)
Authors: Mace Ryan A. , Mansbach William E. , Clark Kristen M.
Published: May 2015

In nursing homes, the ability to identify residents with cognitive impairment is critical; however, many providers fail to address symptoms of dementia due to insufficient time to assess cognition. In the current study, the authors compared two rapidly administered instruments, the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) and Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool–Short Form (BCAT-SF), in predicting specific cognitive stages. Two hundred twenty-five nursing home residents who were referred for neurocognitive evaluation and met inclusion criteria participated in the study. Both cognitive instruments were found to predict cognitive diagnoses generally, but only the BCAT-SF demonstrated sensitivity in differentiating among all cognitive levels. Receiver operating characteristic analyses did not confirm cutoff scores reported in the original BIMS study. However, sensitivity (0.91) and specificity (0.96) values for the BCAT-SF were robust for differentiating between dementia and non-dementia. The BCAT-SF appears to be a more sensitive instrument for predicting cognitive stages than the BIMS for nursing home residents.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2016; 9(1):35–44.]
Positive Phototaxis in Larval Bonytail
Authors: Massure Wade A. , Ehlo Chase A. , Kesner Brian R. , Marsh Paul C.
Published: May 2015

We conducted an experiment to determine phototaxis in bonytail Gila elegans, a Colorado River basin endemic fish. We tested groups of 50 protolarvae (6.1–8.9 mm total length) in darkness for 2 h or 4 h with illuminated (lighted) and nonilluminated (unlighted) traps suspended in aquaria in pairs (one lighted and one unlighted, two lighted, or two unlighted); we repeated each trial three times. Among all trials, lighted traps captured 60% (359 of 600) of available larvae, which was significantly more than the 0% (1 of 600) from unlighted traps. Results demonstrate positive phototaxis and suggest larval light-trapping could be used to detect the presence of larval bonytail or to monitor or collect individuals for management of this critically imperiled species.
Reflections from Inside the World of Empowered Women
Authors: Morolong Bantu Lulu K
Published: May 2015

Poverty is one of the most critical problems facing developing regions. In Lesotho, poverty is more deeply entrenched in the rural areas and closely linked to severe degradation of land on which rural livelihoods depend. Landlessness affects Basotho women more adversely than men who have better employment opportunities as mine labour migrants in South Africa. This chapter therefore, presents the case of Thota-ea-Moli Multi-Purpose Cooperative as a response to further threats of poverty to a community that lost its land to a government project. The chapter maps the historical trends of Basotho women's empowerment and their pivotal role in development and poverty alleviation through cooperatives. Having outlined the project design and implementation processes, its achievements and challenges are highlighted and their impact on Thota-ea-Moli women's economic and socio cultural empowerment. Future trends that hold promise for women's further empowerment are also presented.
Empowerment through Elegant Designs
Authors: Lekoko Rebecca Nthogo
Published: May 2015

This chapter illustrates that self-empowerment cannot be achieved with strong doubts about capability or confidence. Rather, self-initiative is facilitated by ‘power-within' that is, self-acceptance and self-confidence or the ‘Yes-I-can-do-it' attitude. Having being laid off at work, women in this case started their own business of making elegant bags using skills they gained from the company that laid them off. These women were creative and had the right skills to make elegant bags. They also employed the right processes, structures and rationalities for the project to succeed. In sum, this chapter demonstrates that empowerment would not be effected in a vacuum; it always has to be backed up by policies, processes and rationalities for capacity-building, funding and other factors that can defeat project sustainability and success.
Visible Barriers to Economic Empowerment
Authors: Lekoko Rebecca Nthogo , Chebanne Andy , Bolaane Maitseo , Matlhongwane Tumelo
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents some barriers to grassroots empowerment; namely, when government prescriptive approaches take precedence over the felt needs of those to be empowered; empowerment projects are likely to fail. This chapter demonstrates that poverty reduction strategies left to the decisions of the government promote the use of one-size-fit-all approaches that cannot work for all. Empowerment is possible only to the extent that strategies and priorities are tailored to clients' needs. These needs can be effectively addressed when the grassroots work in close partnership with development partners in defining suitable projects and support systems. The model of empowerment presented in this chapter recognizes that welfare approach becomes more distasteful when people who can rely on their natural talents like the Serowe Wood Carvers are denied support to use these talents and hence forced to depend on the welfare schemes.
The Crossroads that Were Never Meant to Be
Authors: Modise Oitshepile MmaB , Lekoko Rebecca Nthogo
Published: May 2015

Today's world faces challenges of increased number of orphans. In Botswana, HIV/AIDS scourge widens figures and poverty increases vulnerability. Beyond existing empowerment supporting schemes, and policies, orphans are responsible for complementing government's efforts. In this chapter, the orphan had hoped for economic empowerment through his old barber shop. His hope was drowned when he got a kiosk instead of barber equipment. The kiosk in his yard stands as a promise of government support, on the other hand, it is a symbol of no voice and choice over improvement of his future life. Challenges to improvement include government's prescriptive procedures and bureaucracy. These challenges have in turn created self-doubt, bitterness and a feeling of betrayal on his part. This chapter illustrates that for empowerment strategies to succeed, there should be synergy between beneficiaries' needs and government support. Monitoring too is an essential part of successful practices.
Base Algorithms of the Direct Adaptive Position-Path Control for Mobile Objects Positioning
Authors: Pshikhopov Viacheslav , Medvedev Mikhail , Krukhmalev Victor , Shevchenko Victor
Published: May 2015

Problem of a mobile object positioning in the presence of determinate disturbances is considered in this paper. A mobile object is described by kinematics and dynamics equations of a solid body in three dimensional space. The control inputs of the mobile object are forces and torques. Design of adaptive control is based on position-path control method for mobile objects. In this article two algorithms of the adaptive position-path control are developed. The first algorithm is adaptive position-path control with integration component and a reference model. The second algorithm is adaptive position-path control with a reference model and an extended mobile robot model. Block diagram of the direct adaptive position-path control system with a reference model is suggested. Design procedures of the adaptive position-path control systems and stability analysis of the closed-loop systems are presented. Computer simulation results of the designed adaptive closed-loop systems with both constant and variable disturbances are presented. On base of the analysis and modeling results conclusions are provided.
The Development of the Intellectual System Optimization Search Operations
Authors: Koshurina Alla , Krasheninnikov Maxim , Kaniskin Sergey , Dorofeev Roman , Obrezkova Valentina
Published: May 2015

In the paper a Bayesian method for conduction of a rescue operation for search of stationary and moving target is described. Using Monte-Carlo simulation, the method is compared to naïve search method that does not take into account the information obtained during the search efforts. Since the rescue operation often involve considerable expense, the Bayesian approach can significantly reduce the costs of the operation.
A New Approach Hybrid Based in Artificial Neural Networks to Detection and Classification of Failures in Aeronautical Structures
Authors: Souza Simone Silva Frutuoso , Parra dos Anjos Lima Fernando , Chavarette Fábio Roberto
Published: May 2015

In this paper presents a new hybrid methodology to perform fault detection and classification of aircraft structures using the tool as ARTMAP-Fuzzyand Perceptron multi-layer artificial neural networks. This method is divided into two steps, the first step performed by the multi-layer Perceptron neural network, which consists in the detection of abnormalities in the structure. The second step is performed by ARTMAP-Fuzzyneural network and consists of the classification of faults structural detected in the first time. The main application of this hybrid methodology is to assist in the inspection process of aeronautical structures in order to identify and characterize flaws as well, make decision-making in order to avoid accidents or air crashes. To evaluate this method, the modeling and simulation was carried out signals from a numerical model of an aluminum beam. The results obtained by the methodology demonstrating robustness and accuracy structural flaws.
The Compressive Properties of Kevlar/Kenaf Hybrid Composites
Authors: Hyie Koay Mei , Bakar Noor Haznida , Jazlan Ridzuan , Jumahat A. , Kalam Anizah
Published: May 2015

Natural fibres are aimed to replace or at least to reduce the dependence of the industrial sector against low degradability of raw material. Hence, this study is performed to investigate the effect of stacking sequence and fibre orientation on the compressive properties of Kevlar/kenaf hybrid composites. Previous study suggested that treated kenaf fibres improved the fibre’s properties. Therefore, kenaf fibres was treated with NaOH of 6% concentration for 12 hours before rinsed and dried to be used in this study. The stacking sequence was varied for different weight percentage of woven Kevlar from 0 wt% to 23 wt%, while the kenaf fibres were arranged at 0° and 90° orientation, respectively. The compressive properties of the Kevlar/kenaf fibre hybrid composites were investigated using Instron Universal Testing Machine (ASTM standard D3410M). Stereo-zoom was used to identify the fibre orientation and the bonding between the fibres and matrix. For stacking sequence, the study showed that the arrangement of kenaf fibres on the middle part, “sandwiched” between Kevlar on the outer part, gave the best compressive performance. The sample in 0° orientation exhibited better compressive strength and modulus than 90° orientation. The outcome of this research has shown significant increase of compressive strength with the addition of kenaf fibre replacing the Kevlar.
Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Tensile and Impact Strength of Kenaf/Kevlar Hybrid Composites
Authors: Bakar Noor Haznida , Hyie Koay Mei , Jumahat Aidah , Kalam Anizah , Salleh Z.
Published: May 2015

This study is about the hybrid composite which used the woven Kevlar, long Kenaf fibre, and unsaturated polyester as the matrix. It focused on the mechanical characterization and properties of hybrid composite. The hybrid composites were fabricated by treated and untreated kenaf fibre and Kevlar as reinforcement in unsaturated polyester matrix using hand lay-up process. Effect of 6wt% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the hybrid composites were analyzed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The tensile and impact performance of the samples were tested according to the standard ASTM D3039 and ASTM D3763, respectively. Based on scanning electron micrograph (SEM) morphological examination, it revealed that the interfacial adhesion between the fibre surface and polymer matrix were improved. The results proved that the alkaline treatment can help to improve the mechanical properties compared to the untreated kenaf fibre.
Effect of Metashaleas SCM on Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Concrete Production
Authors: Koňáková Dana , Vejmelková Eva
Published: May 2015

This article is focused on SCM questions. Studied material - metashale belongs among artificial pozzolana with natural origin. Shale is clay mineral and by its burning at 700°C similar material as metakaolin arises. Metashale is used as cement replacement up to 60% in concrete production. By means of measurement of basic physical properties, mechanical strength and thermal characteristic the effect of metashale is determined. Concrete containing 20% of metashale shows improvement of studied properties except of thermal conductivity. The 40% of the SCM leads to concrete production with same properties as the reference concrete. And when 60% of the burnt clay is utilized, final values of studied properties shows little deteriorations. However all studied materials shows appropriate properties to be applicable in civil engineering branch as load-bearing concrete.
Electronic Structure of Chlorophyll a Solution Investigated by Photoelectron Yield Spectroscopy
Authors: Takeda Yuki , Ezawa Hiroshi , Miyauchi Takuya , Kinjo Hiroumi , Koswattage Kaveenga Rasika , Nakayama Yasuo , Ishi Hisao
Published: May 2015

Various bio-related processes are driven by electron transfer reactions. Therefore the electronic structures of bio-molecules in their living environment are keys of their functionalities. One significant example photosynthesis which has attracted much attention due to urgent necessity of clean energy source. In this study, we carried out photoelectron yield spectroscopy (PYS) measurements to demonstrate the electronic structures of oligomerizedChl-a molecules, which is known as an essential reaction center of the photosystem in general green plants, under the atmospheric environment. The ionization energies of the Chl-a aggregates are successfully derived.
Electromechanical Complex of Test Loading Stand of Multistage Transmissions with Automatic Control
Authors: Blokhin Aleksandr , Dobryaev Sergey , Plekhov Aleksandr , Titov Vladimir
Published: May 2015

We investigated the modes of operation of the drive and loading electromechanical systems of the test loading stand, which provides necessary motion trajectories and changes loads of steps in transmission with command and automatic control. We revealed the factors that determine accuracy and dynamic properties of the controlled dynamical system with elastic mechanical constraints. We proposed system structures of energy-saving power consumption in the node connecting the stand to the electrical network.
Reduction of Cogging Torque and Torque Ripple in Exterior Rotor Type BLDC Motor for EV/HEV Battery Cooling System
Authors: Jeong Jae Hoon , Min Kyoung Chul , Cho Han Wook
Published: May 2015

In this study, reduction of cogging torque and torque ripple for an exterior rotor type brushless dc (BLDC) motor for an automotive cooling device were proposed and a design concept for a fan motor for use in a battery pack mounted in an electric vehicle/hybrid electric vehicle (EV/HEV) was presented. Various pole/slot combinations and permanent magnet (PM) pole arc ratios were compared using finite element analysis (FEA), and the PM overhang ratio necessary to sufficiently increase the magnetic flux that enabled coil linkage was determined through 3D FEA. Based on the analysis results, an actual model was produced, experimentally verified, and used to validate the proposed design model.
Predicting Personal Transportation Modes Using Uncertain Smartphone Sensor Data
Authors: Baek Hae Jung , Kim Je Min , Park Young Tack
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a method for inferring user destinations and routes based on logs collected by smartphones. A challenging problem is coping with the uncertainty of smartphone sensor data. In this study, we represent a user transportation model with probabilistic models based on temporal smartphone sensor data, including GPS and accelerometer data. In our model, the travel behavior and spatio-temporal information of users are factors that affect route decisions. We propose hierarchical particle filters to enhance the performance and efficiency by sampling the route model based on hierarchical and semantic relationships.
A Simulation Research for Railroad Freight Car-to-Car End Impact Based on Numerical Analysis
Authors: Ma Meng Qi , Lei Fang Ping , Ren Yu Qiao , Mu Bai Song
Published: May 2015

A method of establishing a kinematic model for simulated railroad freight car impact based on the Runge-Kutta method is introduced in this paper. The model is solved based on numerical analysis to obtain the relationship of variables, furthermore providing a basis for determining the loading support and loading securement method.
Diagnostics of a Historical Bridge Using Measuring Methods and Inverse Analysis
Authors: Klusáček Ladislav , Necas Radim , Bureš Jiří
Published: May 2015

The article deals with diagnostics of a historical bridge using measuring methods and inverse analysis and presents selected results of the pilot project implemented for the Railway Infrastructure Administration, state organization. The main task is to fulfill the function of an owner/operator of the national and regional railway owned by the state in Czech Republic. Main results of the project will be used for the reconstruction of the similar historical bridges on railway lines in the Czech Republic. Non-geodetic measurements include the determination of actual module of elasticity of the masonry, which was determined by direct measurement of the selected bridge support. Geodetic measuremets include long-term (seasonal epochs) and short-term (continuous during the load test) monitoring of geometrical deformations of the “Křenová” historical railway bridge construction in Brno.
Energy-Saving Operation Strategies for Air-Conditioning Systems in Response to Challenges Posed by Atmospheric Environment of Taiwan
Authors: Tang Hui Ting , Lee Yuh Ming
Published: May 2015

Taiwan, located in subtropical areas, relies heavily on air-conditioning to adjust the environment to maintain occupant comfort and work efficiency. Among numerous indicators that measure living comfort, the one corresponding to the change of temperature and relative humidity is the most felt by people. This study will investigate data on changes in the atmospheric environment in Taiwan over the years, and will correlate them to temperature and relative humidity within the comfort range for human beings. The Heat Index will also be examined and applied in this research in order to help air-conditioning systems better adapt to more volatile weather patterns and variable human needs. A simultaneous and precise control of temperature and relative humidity with reference to the Heat Index can reduce the load for air-conditioning without compromising environmental comfort.
Experimental Evaluation of Shear Behaviors of Concrete Deep Beams with GFRP Shear Reinforcement
Authors: Lee Young Hak , Kim Hee Cheul , Park Ha Eun , Ahn Nam Shik , Kim Min Sook
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with the application of Glass Fiber Reinforce Polymer (GFRP) to shear reinforcement for deep beam. Instead of steel stirrup, GFRP shear reinforcement was fabricated in the form of plate with openings and embedded in concrete. An experimental study was performed to evaluate the shear behavior of eight shear reinforced concrete deep beam. Shear test was conducted in which the shear span-to-depth ratio were 1.1, 1.3 and 1.6. Also, shear reinforcement area, and effective depth were considered as variables. Crack patterns, failure modes, and load-displacement were compared in order to evaluate shear strength of the specimens. The effects of these variables on the shear strength of the deep beam were examined. The test results in terms of the shear span-to-depth ratio showed that shear strength increased when the ratio decreased. Also, it showed that shear strength increased as the reinforcement area and the effective depth increased.
Geologic Hazard Assessment of Slopeland Villages Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Yang Shu Rong , Yeh Yi Lung
Published: May 2015

This study focuses on 53 villages located in the slopelands of Pingtung County. Remote sensing image interpretation techniques are used to identify geologic hazard areas. GIS map overlay analysis of environmental geologic maps, landslide susceptibility maps and potential debris flow torrent maps provided by local and regional governments are used to further interpret and correctly identify the extent of the geologic hazard zone. This study successfully combines both GIS and GPS techniques, and according to data analysis results, constructs a slopeland village geologic hazard assessment method.
Integrating Domestic Air Conditioner with Solar Water Heater of the Development of an Energy-Saving Heating System
Authors: Chen Wen Lih , Wong King Leung , Li Yung Chang
Published: May 2015

The current thesis proposed the integration of air conditioners that exhaust heat with solar energy to enhance the overall efficiency of thermal energy conversion. The analysis of thermal storage tanks of different volumes revealed that a two-ton air conditioner operating for an hour produced double energy than normal sunshine for a day. With thermal storage tanks of fixed volume, the integration of air conditioners of different tons with solar energy indicated that air conditioners of less tons produced faster and more efficient energy conversion. Therefore, the current thesis proposed that the modification of condenser in domestic air conditioner into water-cooled condenser not only enhanced the energy efficiency of air conditioners but also increased hot water supplies since hot water from air conditioners could be integrated into solar water heaters. By doing so, energy conservation and carbon reduction could be achieved.
Numerical Investigation on Column Flange Thickness for Cold-Formed Steel Top-Seat Flange Cleat Connection
Authors: Lee Yeong Huei , Mohammad Shahrin , Lee Yee Ling
Published: May 2015

The large deformation of cold-formed steel bolted connection has become a significant research interest in order to construct a reliable and safe light steel frame. This paper presents a study on the influence of column flange thickness for cold-formed steel top-seat flange cleat joint using finite element method. The verified and validated modelling technique for cold-formed steel top-seat flange cleat connection is applied to the column component study. The failure of the joint is fixed at column component and the bolt pull-out from column was observed at the top tension bolt row. The increment of the thickness of column flange has improved the load-carrying characteristic by the best representation of polynomial equations at both elastic and plastic regions. The cubic polynomial equation has a good representation of initial and secant rotation stiffness in the function of the column flange thickness for cold-formed steel top-seat flange cleat joint. For relative thin cold-formed column, the thickness of open section for column flange is an important variable in the design of bolted joint in light steel framing.
Seismic Analysis for Pile Foundations in the Liquefiable Soil Layer Using FLAC3D
Authors: Wu Yuan Chieh , Hu Che Wei
Published: May 2015

Pile foundation is the practical method to enhance earthquake-resistant ability for structures located in liquefiable soil sites. Soil liquefaction impact has been occurred such as Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP in 2007 Chūetsu offshore earthquake because of the soft backfill soil. To understand the behavior of pile foundations in liquefied soil during earthquake attack and conform to nuclear standard, seismic analysis with soil-structure interaction considering liquefaction using the finite difference program FLAC3D is developed to renew the traditional method used in nuclear industry. The models are verified according to a series of centrifuge model test results conducted in National Central University, Taiwan, to show the accuracy of seismic response prediction, and it provides the more advanced tool to demonstrate the detail of seismic response so that the utility and authority can easily decide the disaster prevention strategy.
The Effect of Seismic Design Methods on Design Eccentricities in Building with Planar Irregularities
Authors: Lee Kwang Ho , Jeong Seong Hoon , Han Seung Woo , Kim Kang Su
Published: May 2015

Seismic provisions have utilized design eccentricities to reduce planar irregularities in lateral stiffness of buildings. In calculating a design eccentricity, the dynamic amplification factor may be applied either to accidental eccentricity or to both inherent and accidental eccentricities according to design codes. In this paper, different code provisions and their impact on torsional responses of buildings are investigated using example buildings with various aspect ratios and eccentricities. It was found that dynamic amplification is underestimated if the inherent eccentricity is small, when buildings are designed by seismic provisions using dynamic amplification factors for both to inherent and accidental eccentricities. On the other hand, the design eccentricity determined by applying the dynamic amplification factor only to accidental eccentricity reflects torsional amplification accurately.
Design and Evaluation of Asphalt Mixtures for Stress Absorbing Pavement Layers
Authors: Dasek Ondrej , Coufalik Pavel , Hyzl Petr , Kudrna Jan , Daskova Jaroslava , Varaus Michal , Stehlík Dušan , Krcmova Iva
Published: May 2015

This paper deals with the use of special asphalt-rubber mixture, the Stress Absorbing Layer (SAL). Description of SAL and test methods is given in theoretical part of this paper. Several different mixtures were designed and selected ones subsequently tested. Low-temperature properties, rutting test, bending tensile relaxation, stiffness modulus and fatigue properties were determined. These parameters are stated for asphalt-rubber mixtures with aggregate sizes up to 5 mm, 8 mm or 16 mm.
Frequency Reliability Sensitivity and Robust Analysis for the Random Axial Vibration of Rod Systems
Authors: Lü Chun Mei , Zhang Yi Min , Li He , Zhou Na
Published: May 2015

The paper is concerned with the frequency reliability sensitivity and related robust analysis problem for the random continuous vibration structure systems. Reliability analysis based on frequency is necessary for reliability problems of uncertain vibration structure systems. With the criterion that the absolute value of the difference between the natural frequency and forcing frequency, the reliability mode and the safety probability of the random systems are defined, and then The frequency sensitivity analysis method is quested by using the random perturbation technique, the reliability theory and sensitivity approach. Furthermore, the frequency reliability-based robust method of the random dynamic structural system was obtained by the robust and the optimization technology on the basis of frequency reliability and sensitivity design, which helped designers to establish acceptable parameter values and to determine the fluctuations of the parameters for the safe operations. Moreover, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method. This study established theory basis for sensitivity and robust evaluation.
Non-Linear Dynamic Analysis of a Reinforced Concrete Bridge Column under Vehicle Impact Loading
Authors: Lee Jae Ha , Kim Woo Seok , Kim Kyeong Jin , Park Soo Bong
Published: May 2015

3D nonlinear impact analysis of a reinforced concrete bridge column under truck impact loadings was performed in this study. Three different boundary conditions were considered in order to investigate the effect of superstructures for the integral column during the impact. A fixed condition at bottom and restrained in a loading direction at top (Model I) showed the largest damaged area and dominant failure mode of the column was shear. However, Model II (Model I with released at top) showed smaller damage and dominant failure modes were flexure rather than shear. In Model III, it was found that the superstructure intensifies the shear and flexural damages to the column due to the dynamic movement of the superstructures
Enhanced Design for AWG-Based Dynamic Reconfigurable Free-Spectral-Range Group Hopping Coder/Decoders to Protect against Eavesdropping
Authors: Chang Yao Tang , Tsailin Chung Wei
Published: May 2015

To further robust confidentiality protecting against eavesdropping over optical code-division multiple-access (OCDMA) networks, this study improves the robustness of the network toward eavesdropping for encryption/decryption mechanism by using a specified storage register controller controlling optical switches approach in which Free-spectral-range group hopping code is used to generate a specific signature address. This paper presents an enhanced security mechanism to protect spectral-amplitude-coding optical code-division multiple-access (SAC-OCDMA) networks against eavesdropping. This study proposes an alternative to huge code-space size techniques such as wavelength hopping and exchange-encode for network protection against eavesdropping by exploiting the cyclic properties of arrayed-waveguide-grating routers and maximal-length sequence code (M-sequence code). In addition, the network is protected using a wavelength hopping based on optical switches and exchange the encode assignment scheme implemented using the exchange switches before import to arrayed-waveguide-grating routers (AWG).In this scheme, eavesdropper is difficult to solute correct user data bit , whatever there is using brute-force searching or simple energy detector..
Image Quality Improvement with Liquid Field Lens Scheme in 9x Zoom Lens Intermediate Optics
Authors: Yen Chih Ta , Ding Ing Jr , Shih Jyun Min
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes compensation method with liquid lens as field lens in 9x zoom lens intermediate optics. According to the droplet shape and location of liquid lens which can adjust reversibly to tune the focal length and position of the lens by changing the applied voltage on the set of electrodes and hence the liquid lens can replace more lens to reduce total length size of opto-mechanics system. In the proposed field lens scheme, we use CODE V built-in optimal method to find the best liquid lens parameter versus difference zoom of intermediate optics. There are several general optical aberrations taking into consideration. Comparing with original 9x intermediate optics without field lens technology, the maximum the spherical aberration (SA), the tangential coma (TCO), the tangential astigmatism (TAS), the transverse chromatic aberration (TCA) and the petzval surface curvature (PTZ), and modulation transfer function (MTF) improved by 42.8%, 87.5%, 92.5%, 77.8%, 9.06% and 2877%.
Smart Tourism: Exploring Historical, Cultural, and Delicacy Scenic Spots Using Visual-Based Image Search Technology
Authors: Huang Cheng Ming , Chen Sheng Chih
Published: May 2015

Learning of the rich historical and cultural backgrounds of scenic spots in a limited time is difficult for nonlocal and foreign tourists during their visit. However, tourists can enhance their visiting experience rapidly and familiarize themselves with and explore local histories and cultures by using digital technology. This study involved developing a smart tourism application system for historical and cultural scenic spots for tourists based on visual search technology. The results of the experiment indicated that the current accuracy of the image search identification is 86%.
An Evaluation Eye Diagram of a High-Reliability FPGA Platform for High-Resolution Camera
Authors: Tseng Hung Li , Huang Wen Tzeng , Dai Jian Cheng , Chen Chin Hsing , Tan Sun Yen
Published: May 2015

The FPGA platform is a developing area in the industry applications. With continuous advancement in science and technology, the image quality has entered an era of full-HD. Its resolution reaches 1920x1080 pixels, and its refresh rate comes to 60 fps (Frames Per Second). Taking the 1920x1080 P, 60 fps image sensor as an example, the eye diagram efficacy at both the image input end and the output end were measured. When the input signal was LVDS, the standard value of the eye width and height was 1.092 ns and 100mV respectively. The measured value was 1.297 ns and 149 mV respectively, which are 18% and 49% better than the standard value, respectively. When the output signal was HDMI, the standard [1] of the eye diagram was 424 ps and 400 mV respectively. The measured value was about 540 ps and 600 mV respectively, which are 27% and 50% better than the standard value, respectively. The results of measurement of the electrical characteristics of the system above show that our high-resolution image processing system platform has high reliability.
Design of a High-Reliability FPGA Platform for High-Resolution Image Process System
Authors: Huang Wen Tzeng , Tseng Hung Li , Dai Jian Cheng , Chen Chin Hsing , Tan Sun Yen
Published: May 2015

With continuous advancement in science and technology, the image quality has entered an era of full-HD. This study developed a high-reliability image processing system platform, based on the FPGA platform. By using a high-reliability hardware platform development process, and with the aid of the simulation software, this study simulated the transmission integrity of the high-speed digital signals on the PCB. The proposed method was used to build a FPGA-based high-reliability image processing system platform. The implementation in this study, with the length of the Clock and DQS signal line of DDR2 being controlled within 555 mil, was discussed, and the errors were analyzed. The simulated value of the tDQSCK was 195.048 ps, the measured value was 215 ps, and the standard value of the JEDEC was less than 350 ps. Between the simulated value and the measured value, there was only an error of about 9.3%, which meets the reliability requirement. The length tolerance of the signal line laid was 38.5% better than the standard value of the JEDEC.
Applying Structured Light on Cylinder Straightness Detection Using Break Line Method
Authors: Lee Hau Wei , Hsu Po Er , Pan Shan Peng , Liu Tze An , Liou Huay Chung
Published: May 2015

Generally after a cylindrical steel bar is made from hot forming process, its contour will look like ‘U’ or ‘wavy’ topography. The preformed steel bar after steelmaking process needs to remove the outside oxide layer by lathe or peeling machine (commonly known as stripping). As a consequence, the deformation of steel bar will cause subsequent problems, such as eccentric rotating of steel bar as the lathe is running. Although it is necessary to remove the oxide layer, the deformation will increase waste materials. To prevent the problems, a straightening machine is usually used to straighten the cylindrical steel bar before the pickling process. However, most current straightening machines cannot measure cylindrical steel bar contour on-line instantly. This study proposed a test method for measure the contour of a large cylindrical steel bar based on multi-line structured light and machine vision. Break line method were performed to measure the contour of the cylindrical steel bar. The experimental result shows that the measurement error is in the range of ±0.4 mm after calibration. The study result concludes that the proposed method can be applied to straightening machine for real-time online measurement to improve straightening efficiency.
Illumination Variant Face Detection System Using Hierarchical Feature Method
Authors: Hsia Chih Hsien , Chiang Jen Shiun , Lin Chin Yi
Published: May 2015

In this study, we propose a new solution based on Adaboost algorithm and Back Propagation Network (BPN) of Neural Network (NN) combining local and global features with cascade architecture to detect human faces. We use Modified Census Transform (MCT) feature that belong to texture features and is less sensitive to illumination for local feature calculation. By this approach, it is not necessary to preprocess each sub-window of the image. For classification, we use the structure of hierarchical feature to control the number of features. With only MCT, it is easy to misjudge faces, and therefore in this work we include the brightness information of global features to eliminate the false positive regions. As a result, the proposed approach can have Detection Rate (DR) of 99%, false positives of only 11, and detection speed of 27.92 Frame Per Second (FPS).
Sliding Operation for Touch Screen - A Design Concept of Two-Stage Sliding
Authors: Lee Kuo Wei
Published: May 2015

This study aims to design a two-stage sliding function. First, plural function instructions are grouped into a functional classification, and a sliding operation is divided into anterior sliding and posterior sliding. Anterior sliding selects the functional classification, which contains the function instructions, while posterior sliding selects the function instruction to be executed. The operation and application of a sliding gesture to the smart phone and tablet PC can be greatly expanded by this design.
A Study on the General CAD Model for Rotary Milling Cutters
Authors: Wu Chang Tzuoh , Liu Chien Hung , Liu Nien Te
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a general mathematical model for NC-machining an APT-LIKE rotating cutter. The design model of cutting-edge and helical groove are also developed by using the principles of differential geometry and kinematics. The analytical solution for the resolution profile of helical groove has also been developed. The results of numerical experiment indicate that the proposed systematic design method by using 2-axis NC machine setup are feasible and reliable.
Analysis of Main Steam Line Break for a Pressurized Water Reactor
Authors: Tsai Chiung Wen , Ren Zhi Hao , Ruan Jia Lei , Wang Ting , Li Jing Gang
Published: May 2015

The thermal hydraulics (T-H) code, GINKGO, has been developed by China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute (CNPTRI) for the transient analyses of pressurized water reactors. GINKGO is designed to simulate the non-loss-of-coolant-accidents (non-LOCAs), and the transients caused by the breaks in secondary side. This paper presents the GINKGO models as well as the analysis of double-ended MSLB that identifies the reactor core characteristics under reactivity feedback. The analysis results show that the variations of reactivity and nuclear power are governed by the competition between positive moderator feedback and negative reactivity insertion by borated water. Finally, the boron concentration is high enough to suppress the nuclear power to a lower power level of ~5%, terminating this reactivity insertion accident (RIA).
Analytical Study on Performance of a 250-kW Organic Rankine Cycle System under Off-Design Heat Source Temperatures by the Flow Rate Control Approach
Authors: Fu Ben Ran
Published: May 2015

A 250-kW organic Rankine cycle system comprised of a preheater, evaporator, condenser, turbine, generator, and pump was used to study its off-design performance and operational control strategy by the flow rate control approach of the working fluid R245fa. The net power output was 243 kW, and the system thermal efficiency was 9.5% under design conditions. The analytical results demonstrated that the flow rate of the working fluid increased with increasing the heat source temperature (TW,in); higher TW,in yielded better heat transfer performance of the designed preheater as well as a higher requirement for the evaporator’s heat capacity; and the net power output increased linearly with increasing TW,in.
Enhanced Fault Diagnosis of Bearings in Gearbox Based on Lucy-Richardson Deconvolution and Discussion
Authors: Zhang Xing Hui , Kang Jian She , Zhao Jian Min , Teng Hong Zhi
Published: May 2015

Bearings are one of the most important components in rotating machineries. Their failures will lead to great production loss and increase the maintenance cost. So, condition monitoring work of bearings can save and avoid the potential loss caused by bearing fault. Lucy-Richardson deconvolution (LRD) algorithm, as an image processing technique, started to be used in bearing fault diagnosis. However, only data of bearings working in electric motor are used to validate the method. In engineering cases, most bearings are working in gearbox. Therefore, the bearing fault signals are very weak compared to the gear vibration signal. It is usually difficult to detect the bearing fault in this case. LRD algorithm is used to enhance the bearing fault diagnosis and some characteristics in this case are discussed. Experiment data analysis demonstrates that LRD can enhance the periodic impulse signal effectively. Otherwise, if the desired fault signal is weak compared to non-desired signal, then, the desired fault signal will be continued weaken by LRD which is not benefit to bearing’s incipient fault detection.
Estimation for Temperature Distribution of PET Preform Surface under Multiple Lamps
Authors: Hsieh Yi Chern , Doan Minh Hai , Hung Chien Min
Published: May 2015

PET prefom surface temperature distribution is a key factor for getting the better quality of construction a bottle by stretch blow molding (SBM) machine. To get a better temperature distribution, different types of prefom under different number of infrared lamps heating conditions are worth to investigate the position of each lamp as well as its power intensity. In this study, we first try to use adaptive finite volume method to estimate the proper intensity of each lamp so that the combination strength will make good result about the temperature distribution. Then we make experiments to confirm each case. We have five, six, and seven heating lamps cases to present. With these estimations, we find that five lamps case can do equal quality about the temperature distribution comparing with six and seven lamps cases. This means that we offer a method for finding one saving energy way to produce PET bottle by SBM machine. A more detail analysis about inside PET bottle temperature distribution will be deliberated in future.
Health Assessment and Fault Diagnosis for the Heat Exchanger of the Aircraft Environmental Control System Based on STF-LR
Authors: Ma Jian , Lu Chen , Liu Hong Mei
Published: May 2015

The aircraft environmental control system (ECS) is a critical aircraft system that provides the appropriate environmental conditions to ensure the safe transport of air passengers and equipment. The functionality and reliability of ECS have elicited an increasing amount of attention in recent years. The heat exchanger is a particularly significant component of ECS because its failure reduces the system’s efficiency and can lead to catastrophic consequences. Health assessment and fault diagnosis for the heat exchanger are necessary to perform maintenance and prevent risks in a timely manner. This paper presents fault-related parameter estimation methods based on strong tracking filter (STF) and logistic regression (LR) algorithm for heat exchanger health assessment and root cause classification, respectively. Heat exchanger fault simulation is conducted to generate performance degradation data, through which the proposed methods are validated. Results demonstrate that the proposed methods are capable of providing stable, effective, and accurate heat exchanger health assessment and root cause classification.
Heat Transfer Analysis for Line-Finned Heat Sink with Vertical Passages
Authors: Jeng Tzer Ming , Tzeng Sheng Chung , Chen Po Tsun , Huang Wei Kai
Published: May 2015

Using heat sink to increase the cooling area is the most familiar and fundamental method in LED heat management technology. We develop a new configuration of finned heat sink for LED lamp. It is a circular cylinder with many plate fins radially arranged on the external surface. There are many straight ducts inside the peripheral wall of the cylinder. These ducts form the chimney effect to enhance the heat transfer. This work experimentally investigated the chimney effect on the heat transfer characteristics of the finned heat sink under the free convection state. The aluminum-alloy plate spreader with two vertical plate fins was selected as the control group. The experimental group was the heat sink having the same configuration of the control group but had a vertical passage within the spreader. The results show that the vertical passage did strengthen 8.3~12.1% free convection performance for the present test heat sink.
Noise Reduction on Centrifugal Fan via the Quarter-Wave Resonator
Authors: Lin Sheam Chyun , Wu Yu Chuan , Yen Hung Cheng , Hsu Wen Syang , Cheng Yung Jen
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this work is to improve flow-induced noise for the centrifugal fan with quarter-wave resonator by design scheme, mockup fabrication, and experimental test. At first, the cascade theory is utilized to generate the three-dimensional fan configuration which is fabricated for performance and acoustic tests later. Next, FFT is applied to measure the noise for comparison and evaluating the effect of quarter-wave resonator. To reduce the fan noise, a set of quarter-wave resonator of this centrifugal fan are designed and fabricated on the centrifugal fan. Consequently, the flow-induced-noise reduction due to the aerodynamics is examined and discussed in details. In conclusions, a comprehensive parametric study on quarter-wave resonator is carried out and summarized for attaining a design guideline for its application on centrifugal fan. The accomplishment of this study provides a systematic scheme of noise reduction for a centrifugal fan with the addition of quarter-wave resonator design.
Deformation Behavior of Artificial Rock in the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Test
Authors: Li Hung Hui , Lin Wei Jen
Published: May 2015

In this study, the strains of artificial rock were analyzed in order to estimate the deformation behavior of rock-like materials in the SHPB test. The axial strain measured directly from the strain gage and obtained from the process analysis of three-wave method were compared. The analysis results show that: (1) the measurements of dynamic strains of material obtained from the strain gage method are feasible; (2) the axial strains and strain rates analyzed from the strain gage records are less than those obtained from the three-wave method; (3) the dynamic/static deformation modulus ratio Ed/Es has the increasing tendency with the raising of stress rate, and the modulus ratio obtained from the strain gage method is more than that obtained from the three-wave method.