bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roles of Corporate Marketing Strategies and Brand Management in the Global Retail Industry
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: April 2015

This chapter explores the roles of corporate marketing strategies and brand management in the global retail industry, thus describing the concepts of marketing strategy, international retail marketing strategy, retail marketing mix, and internationalization; the relationship between corporate marketing strategies and internationalization; the challenges of retail marketing mix in the fashion retail industry; the overview of brand management; and the significance of brand management in the global retail industry. The implementation of corporate marketing strategies and brand management is critical for modern organizations that seek to serve suppliers and customers, increase business performance, strengthen competitiveness, and achieve continuous success in global business. Therefore, it is necessary for modern organizations to examine their corporate marketing strategies and brand management applications, create a strategic plan to regularly check their practical advancements, and rapidly respond to the corporate marketing strategies and brand management needs of customers in the global retail industry.
Design of a Novel Search Engine for Prospective Question Answering
Authors: Madaan Rosy , Sharma A.K. , Dixit Ashutosh
Published: April 2015

Question answering offers a more intuitive approach to information processing. A number of approaches have been used for answering questions. In this paper, we propose a questionansweringsystem that uses blogs as its source of information. The system deals with crawling blog pages, summarizing them, indexing and then ranking the summarized content. The user asks a question and gets answer(s) in response. The answer(s) obtained are better as compared to those provided by the existing QA systems that use the general web pages for the purpose of answering. The experimental results show that the proposed system has shown promising results and the responses given by the system are better than those given by the existing QA systems.
Can Organizational Structure Influence ERP Success?
Authors: Ravasan Ahad Zare , Nabavi Ali , Mansouri Taha
Published: April 2015

Implementing enterprise resource planning systems is a sophisticated, lengthy and costly process which tends to face serious failure. Though many contributing factors have been cited in the literature, the authors argue that the integrated nature of ERP systems, which generally requires an organization to adopt standardized business processes reflected in the software, is one of the key factors contributing to these failures. The integration and standardization imposed by most ERP systems may not be suitable for all types of organizational structures and it seems that some characteristics in organizational structures affect the likelihood of implementation success or failure. Based on the theory of organizational structure, this paper analyzes how the traditional variables which define a firm's organizational structure such as formalization, complexity, and centralization along with two variables of size and CIO position in an organization influence ERP projects success. The paper tests five hypotheses using a sample of 203 Iranian cases. The results show that all of the research variables on organizational structure exert a positive influence on ERP success which confirms all the research hypotheses.
Performance Implications of Internet-based Information Technology in Value Chain Management
Authors: Rasheed Howard S. , Rasheed Hassan
Published: April 2015

Internet-based information technology (I-IT) has become an integral part of the value chain for many firms, increasing the efficiency of existing activities and enabling new modes of doing business. Despite a significant amount of research on I-IT, however, its exact impact on firm performance has yet to be resolved. This study examines multiple issues regarding the relationship between I-IT investment made in support of value chain management and organizational performance as judged by profit and productivity. Conclusions are offered regarding the strength of this type of investment as a performance predictor, the types of firms for which it does improve performance and what modes of I-IT investment produce the greatest results. Data from 165 firms indicate that investment in I-IT can positively impact performance depending on the type of industry and the type of supply chain function being supported. In particular, results indicate that firms in industries such as banking and insurance stand to benefit most from the use of I-IT. This study also provides useful recommendations for how firms should design and deploy their I-IT resources for value chain management that maximizes their return on investment. Due to the importance of the internet in global economic development, the implications of this study are significant.
Business Processes for Enhancing Coordination in Supply Networks
Authors: Xu Henry
Published: April 2015

In today's supply networks, characterised by increased complexity and uncertainty, fast flow of information and decisions across the supply network is fundamental for improving efficiency and customer service in the global market. In such a complex, dynamic environment, the overall performance of the supply network can only be improved through better coordination of inter-related, boundary-spanning business processes in the network. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for enhanced coordination of production planning and control activities across the supply network. The framework consists of seven business processes, among which four key business processes focusing on the short to medium term are chosen for design and modelling and subsequent implementation.
Application of DEMATEL and MMDE for Analyzing Key Influencing Factors Relevant to Selection of Supply Chain Coordination Schemes
Authors: Behera Pradeep Kumar , Mukherjee Kampan
Published: April 2015

Any selection decision of supply chain coordination schemes (SCCS) is essentially affected by the environment where the schemes are to be implemented, the necessary conditions required for their implementation, the risk associated with the implementation, and the impact on the performance of the supply chain. Because of the multi-dimensional characteristics; the selection of appropriate SCCS in a given situation remains a challenging task for supply chain managers. This study explores relevant factors that influence this selection process. A structural model is proposed to capture relationships among these factors for development of Impact Relationship Maps (IRM) by applying Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Maximum Mean De-Entropy (MMDE) algorithm. A study has been conducted and the outcome leads to add significant value to the decision making process with knowledge on the roles of the factors and inter-factor relations which helps in taking meaningful decision on SCCS selection and implementation.
One-Pot Synthesis of UV-Curable Au/PEDOT Conductive Ink by Using Amphiphilic Polymer PSMH as Templates
Authors: Zhang Yu Lin , Zhai Yong Xiang , Liu Xiao Ya , Luo Jing , Yuan Yan
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we report a one-pot method to prepare a new type of UV-curable Au/PEDOT nanocomposite used in printed electronics, which use an amphiphilic polymer polystyrenesulfonate-alt-[maleic anhydride-g-(2-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate)] (PSMH) as a conductive ink. The synthesis included the reduction of chloroauric acid using EDOT (3, 4-Ethylenedioxythiophene).PSMH acted a dopant for PEDOT and a stabilizer of Au nanoparticles due to the ligand exchange between chloroauric acid and carboxylate group. The carbon-carbon double bonds have been introduced into this ink with UV-curable property to enhance the water resistance of this nanocomposite before inkjet-printing. The particle size of this nanocomposite is above 200 nm while the gold particles size is above 3~10 nm. This UV-curable Au/PEDOT nanocomposite can be used as a conductive ink for inkjet printing.
The Effect of Post-Annealing Temperature on the Performance of OTFT Memory
Authors: Liang Li Juan , Tomoyashi Yukimoto , Wei Xian Fu
Published: April 2015

A nonvolatile memory based on an organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) with biopolymer of DNA-OTMA as the gate dielectric is fabricated. The device prepared by DNA-OTMA show a very large and metastable hysteresis in the transfer characteristics. In order to obtain the organic thin film transistor memory device with high electronic performance, one of the most widely used method such as post annealing have been applied to improve the quality of gate dielectric layer. In conclusion, the post-annealing at elevated temperatures plays a very important role in the performance of the OTFT memory device.
Preparation of Triangular Silver Nanoplates and its Application in Printed Electronics
Authors: Xin Zhi Qing , Liu Shi Li , Deng Pu Jun , Li Ya Ling , Li Lu Hai
Published: April 2015

Conductive ink for inkjet printing has attracted considerable interest for the preparation of advanced electronic circuits. However, high silver content and multiple printing are necessary in order to acquire better conductivity when using spherical silver nanoparticles. In order to reduce manufacturing cost, triangular silver nanoplates were prepared by modified solvothermal method and used for conductive ink. During sintering process of prtinted patterns, the tips of triangular nanoplates were first melted and turned round for high energy of tips. The resistivity of inkjet printed line is 7.6×10-6 Ω·cm when using triangular nanoplates ink with 10 percent content, while it is necessary to use more than 15 percent content for spherical nanoparticles. This is because surface contact between nanoplates can provide more paths for electron transmission relative to spherical nanoparticles.
Preparation of BaTiO3/PMMA Dielectric Films by Screen Printing
Authors: Wu Xin Zhou , Chen Zheng , Zhou Teng , Shao Shuang Shuang , Xie Mei Lan , Cui Zheng
Published: April 2015

The high-k composite dielectric ink is prepared by dispersing the surface modified BaTiO3 in PMMA solution. The high quality BaTiO3-PMMA composite films are screen printed on ITO glasses. BaTiO3 nanoparticles are surface modified with a silane coupling agent (MPTMS) to improve their affinity for PMMA matrix. The dielectric constant, loss tangent, specific capacitance and transmittance of BaTiO3/PMMA nanocomposites are investigated as the function of volume fraction of BaTiO3. These composites, which possess both high dielectric constant and low dissipation factors and can be screen printed at ambient temperature and pressures, have very wide practical applications.
Effect of Additive on Surface Properties of Solution Coated PZT Ferroelectric Film
Authors: Wu Sheng Qiang , Zhang Xiao Fei , Xie Yong Lin
Published: April 2015

In order to meet the requirements of large-scale industrial production, a hybrid sol-gel route which was used to fabricate PZT thick film attract a lot due to its low price [1]. However, surface imperfections, such as crack, pore and thickness nonuniform must be controlled. In this work, in order to get perfect film additive such as formylamine, acetic acid, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were studied. The surface morphologies were characterized by the Dimension 3100 atomic force microscope (AFM) and the Quanta 400 FEG Field emission environmental scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. The effect of additives on film thickness was studied by the JA.Woollam MD2000D Elliptic polarization spectrometer. The results show us that the additive can improve the the defects such as crack, porous and thickness nonuniform of PZT films effectively. We got crack-free, nonporous and compact PZT piezoelectric films when the PZT sol was acetic acid 20%, formylamine 15% and PVP 1% inside.
Intense Pulsed Light Sintering of Copper Nanoink for Conductive Copper Film
Authors: Gu Wei Bing , Cui Zheng
Published: April 2015

Conducting electrodes and films are becoming increasingly important for the printed electronics which can be applied in various fields such as RFID tags, photovoltaics, display and PCB. And copper nanoparticle inks serve as an attractive potential replacement to silver nanoparticle inks because its low cost and good electrical conductivtiy.In this paper, the commercial copper nanoparticle powder with oxide shells were dispersed in the solvent of ethylene glycol. Poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP K30) was added to the solvent as capping materials. The prepared copper ink was spin-coated on glass substrate under ambient conduction. Then, the deposited Cu ink was sintered by an intense pulsed light (IPL) system. The sintering effects were investigated with different sintering conditions including pulse energy and pulse duration. The resulting electrical resistivity was 94.1uΩ·cm which is about fifty times as high as that of bulk copper. The high resistivity may be mainly attributed to the porosity of sintered film. Also, crystal phase analysis was performed using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and was found the XRD peaks corresponding to cuprous oxide disappeared after IPL sintering. It was believed that PVP reduced the copper oxide to copper in the process of IPL sintering.
Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 Heterojunction Solar Cells via Ultrasonic Spray Deposition
Authors: Du Xiao , Wang Yan , Xia Zhong Gao , Zhou Hang
Published: April 2015

We fabricated the copper oxide (Cu2O or Cu3O4)/perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunction solar cells via ultrasonic spray deposition technique. Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 thin films were sprayed directly from precusor solution onto a copper oxide pre-coated ITO substrate. We analyzed the properties of the as-deposited perovskite thin films. The surface morphologies of Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 thin films were examined by optical microscope, and their crystallinities were confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements. Large CH3NH3PbI3 crystal with grain size of ~20μm was observed. The solar cells device achieved a conversion efficiency of 4.13%.
Silver Nanowires Deposited on Grooved Surface as Bendable Resistance Sensor
Authors: Li Xiang Meng , Tian Hong Miao , Li Xiang Ming , Li Xin , Shao Jin You
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we present a simple bendable resistance sensor with silver nanowires (AgNWs) stripe coated on microgroove surfaces formed on a polyimide (PI) film. We adopted an anisotropic wetting manner to form a narrow stripe in order to improve the sensitivity of the resistance sensor. The ultraviolet (UV)-curable polymer NOA61 is firstly drop-coated on the substrate, and then imprinted by a groove-textured poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) template. After UV irradiation and de-molding, the surface is further treated with a UV-ozone (UVO) lamp, so that the grooved surface becomes more hydrophilic, which will promote the anisotropic wettability of AgNWs suspension and thereby deposition of AgNWs into uniform multi-layer stripe pattern. Moreover, the conductance with respect to the bending motion is measured. The most variation of conductance ΔG/G0 can reach about 200 % with bending radius of 2 mm.
Preparation of Conductive Ink for Organic Solar Cell Electrode
Authors: Liu Wei , Fang Yi , Xu Yan Fang , Mo Li Xin , Li Lu Hai
Published: April 2015

The preparation method of conductive ink is introduced, with silver acetate as the precursor and dodecylamine (DDA) as the protective agent. The sheet resistance of the sintered conductive pattern varies at different temperature and it is lower than 1 Ω / □ when the sintering temperature is higher than 130℃. Three different methods of blade-coating, spin-coating, ink-jet printing are used to fabricate the electrodes of solar cells. It is found that the morphology of the electrode made by Ink-jet printing is the most regular and uniform. The power conversion efficiency of the best fabricated solar cell is 0.09%.
Inductance Investigation of Screen-Printed Radio Frequency Identification Antennas
Authors: Li Ya Ling , Zhao Fu Yan , Li Lu Hai
Published: April 2015

Printed antennas fabricated using conductive ink printed on flexible substrate is low-cost and environmental friendly. The inductance and the quality factor are two important parameters for designing RFID antenna and were studied for the printed RFID antennas. The results show that the inductance is not only determined by the size of the designed RFID antenna but also related to the resistance of the printed antenna coils. The inductance increases with the increasing testing frequency, while the Q value decreases with the increasing testing frequency. The soft magnetic ink prepared with γ-Fe2O3 was used to enhance the inductance of the printed antennas with printing technology. The inductance of the printed antenna with the magnetic core layer is increased by 5.7% at 13.56 MHz.
Magnetic Ink Based on Barium Ferrite and its Application in Magnetic Recording Paper
Authors: Li Ya Ling , Zhao Fu Yan , Zhao Jun Xia , Li Lu Hai
Published: April 2015

Magnetic stripe cards and magnetic recording paper are commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation tickets. Barium ferrite was used to prepare magnetic inks and the magnetic ink was coated onto the paper substrate to obtain the magnetic papers. The crystal structure of barium ferrite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the magnetic property of barium ferrite was tested by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) The performance of the magnetic recording paper and the surface morphology of the coating magnetic layer were also characterized. The results show that the magnetic ink based on barium ferrite with the formula of 41wt% of the barium ferrite powder, 14wt% of polyurethane, 36wt% of solvent and 9wt% of PVP has good printing characteristics and the magnetic recording papers have good performance.
Improved Synthesis of 5-(R-group)-10, 15, 20-tris(4-methylphenyl)porphyrins as Starting Compounds for the Preparation of Potential Sensitizer in Solar Cells
Authors: Jia Ting Wen , She Yuan Bin , Fu Hai Yan , Chang Huan
Published: April 2015

This paper presented a simple and effective method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical meso-phenyl-substituted porphyrins, which could be applied to link blocks for dye-sensitized solar cells of different structures. In order to overcome the main disadvantages associated with the need of highly toxic oxidant and unavoidable side reactions in the reported synthetic methods of unsymmetrical meso-phenyl-substituted porphyrins, an improved Macdonald-type 2+2 condensation based on the mixed solvents of dipyrromethanes and aldehydes were adopted to synthesize a series of 5-(R-group)-10, 15 and20-tris (4-methylphenyl) porphyrins, and all the structures were characterized by melting point analysis, electronic absorption spectroscopy and1H NMR spectroscopy. As a result, the high yield (13-17%) of A3B-type porphyrins as potential sensitizers in solar cells could be obtained by this new synthetic method.
Modelling of Material Composition in X-Ray Diagnostics
Authors: Guzev Mikhail , Nazarov Vasilii , Prokhorov Igor
Published: April 2015

The problem of formation of a material, which has the coefficients of attenuation and scattering close or coinciding with the same coefficients for some other predetermined material, was considered. A computer processing of values of these coefficients for a big set of various materials has been carried out and their dependence on radiation energy value was studied. The conclusion was drawn about probability of successful solution of the problem in some cases and difficulties, which may occur were pointed out. A set of computer calculations carried out for some specific materials is provided.
Mathematical Modelings of Some Smart Materials and Structures
Authors: Licht Christian , Weller Thibaut
Published: April 2015

Models of smart materials and structures are derived through rigorous mathematical methods. We establish a classification of piezoelectric and piezomagnetic crystalline materials and propose simplified but accurate models of thin structures made of piezoelectric or electromagneto-elastic materials.
Silica Nanoparticles Preparation Using Alkali Etching Process
Authors: Nabil Marwa , Motaweh Hussien A.
Published: April 2015

Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles have found applications in many advanced areas. This research work is concerned with the preparation of silica nanoparticles by wet alkali chemical etching technique of commercial silicon powder using (KOH, n-propanol and water). The synthesized nanoparticles were systematically characterized by XRD, FTIR and PL spectroscopy. The XRD results revealed the amorphous nature of silica nanoparticles. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Si-O in all the samples. PL spectra have shown emission band at around 516 nm. Then, nanosilica is promise material for the realization of light-emitting silica-based optoelectronic devices.
Manufacturing Techniques and Property Evaluations of PVA/Gelatin Electrospinning Nanofiber Membranes
Authors: Lin Jia Horng , Chen Chih Kuang , Huang Chien Lin , Huang Ssu Chieh , Lou Ching Wen
Published: April 2015

This study combines polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gelatin with various ratios and administers different voltages to make PVA/gelatin electrospinning nanofiber membranes. The PVA/gelatin mixtures are measured for their viscosity and conductivity, followed by being electrospun into nanofiber membranes. The scanning electron microscope and an FT-IR are used to evaluate the membranes. The test results show that the nanofiber membranes have a complete fiber formation with the voltage being 20 kV and the PVA/gelatin ratio being 8/2. In addition, an increase in the viscosity of the PVA/gelatin mixture leads to the formation of beads.
Preparation and Tensile/Thermal Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Composites
Authors: Lou Ching Wen , Lin Zheng Ian , Huang Chien Lin , Chen Wen Cheng , Chen Chih Kuang , Lin Jia Horng
Published: April 2015

This study presents polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites, and examines the influence of the content of MWCNTs on the tensile and thermal properties of the PVA matrices. The test results show that an increase of 1.5 wt% of MWCNTs results in greater tensile properties of the PVA matrices, while decreasing their toughness. The interaction between MWCNTs and PVA pertains to the thermal properties of PVA matrices, which is exemplified by a significant increase in their glass transition temperature (Tg).
Effects of Wrapping Number of Constituent Functional Yarns on Moisture Transferring/Antibacterial Knits
Authors: Lou Ching Wen , Huang Chien Lin , Chen Wen Cheng , Lin Ching Hui , Wang Chi Chung , Lin Jia Horng
Published: April 2015

In this study, the PET/nylon/PET wrapped yarns are made by applying a double warp yarn process. The wrap materials are moisture transferring polyester (PET) yarns and antibacterial nylon yarns, while the core is PET yarns. Such wrapped yarns are made into moisture transferring/antibacterial knits, after which their mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and water absorbency are evaluated. The test results show that the knits that are composed of wrapped yarns with a wrapping number being 10 turns/cm demonstrate optimal mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and water absorbency.
Evaluation Mechanical and Sound Absorption of PET/PP and Nylon/PP Nonwoven Fabrics
Authors: Lin Jia Horng , Li Ting Ting , Huang Chen Hung , Ou Jui Jen , Lou Ching Wen
Published: April 2015

With increase of life quality, demand for surrounding environment becomes more and more severely. Noise pollution in daily life lowers comfortablility and quiet of life. It is reduced accordingly if effective utilization of sound absorbing materials. This study uses polyester (PET) fibers and Nylon fibers bended with PP fibers respectively to form PET/PP and Nylon/PP nonwoven fabrics and then thermally bonded preparing PET/PP and Nylon/PP composites. The optimal parameters are evaluated by mechanical strength, and sound absorption tests. This study expects to prepare sound-absorbing composites in application of automotive interior and indoor building wall. Nylon/PP composites prepared in this study have the optimum sound absorption coefficient of 0.4 at high frequency, when containing 10 wt% proportions of PP fibers.
Multi-Functional Metallic/FIR-PET Wrapped Yarn and Woven Fabric: Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness, Mechanical and Electrical Properties
Authors: Lin Jia Horng , Lin Ting An , Hsieh Chien Teng , Lin Jan Yi , Lou Ching Wen
Published: April 2015

This study uses 0.08mm copper wire and nickel-coated copper wire as the core and 75 D far infrared filament as the wrapped material to manufacture Cu/FIR-PET wrapped yarn, Ni-Cu/FIR-PET wrapped yarn and Ni-Cu/Cu/FIR-PET wrapped yarn. The three optimum metallic/FIR-PET wrapped yarns are then weaving into Cu/FIR-PET woven fabrics, Ni-Cu/FIR-PET woven fabrics and Ni-Cu/Cu/FIR-PET woven fabrics. Tensile property of metallic/FIR-PET wrapped yarns, electrical resistance of metallic/FIR-PET wrapped yarns, surface resistivity of metallic/FIR-PET woven fabrics and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of metallic/FIR-PET woven fabric are discussed. According to the results, the optimum tenacity and elongation are chosen as 7 turns/ cm, electrical resistance of Ni-Cu/Cu/FIR-PET wrapped presents the best value, Cu/FIR-PET woven fabric has the lowest surface resistivity and Ni-Cu/Cu/FIR-PET woven fabric shows the best EMSE at 37.61 dB when the laminating-layer number is double layer and laminating at 90 ̊. In this study, three kinds of metallic/FIR-PET woven fabrics are successfully manufactured and looking forward to applying on industrial domains.
Preparation Techniques and Property Evaluations of Highly Air Permeable Needle-Punched Geotextiles
Authors: Lin Jia Horng , Hsieh Jing Chzi , Chen Jin Mao , Hsing Wen Hao , Tan Hsueh Jen , Lou Ching Wen
Published: April 2015

Geotextiles are made of polymers, and their conjunction with different processes and materials can provide geotextiles with desirable characteristics and functions, such as filtration, separation, and drainage, and thereby meets the environmental requirements. Chemical resistant and mechanical strong polymers, including polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP), are thus used to prolong the service life of the products made by such materials. This study proposes highly air permeable geotextiles that are made with different thicknesses and various needle punching speeds, and the influences of these two variables over the pore structure and mechanical properties are then examined. PET fibers, PP fibers, and recycled Kevlar fibers are blended, followed by being needle punched with differing spaces and speeds to form geotextiles with various thicknesses and porosities. The textiles are then evaluated for their mechanical strength and porosity. The test results show that a thickness of 4.5 cm and 1.5 cm demonstrate an influence on the tensile strength of the geotextiles, which is ascribed to the webs that are incompletely needle punched. However, the excessive needle punching speed corresponding to a thickness of 0.2 cm results in a decrease in tensile strength, but there is also an increase in the porosity of the geotextiles.
A Study on the Strength Properties of Mortar Using Limestone Powder
Authors: Choi Ji Sun , Kang Seok Won , Kim Woon Hak
Published: April 2015

According to the recent community-based structures enlargement, specification, and diversification. It needs appropriate construction materials in terms of intensity and environmental aspects. Thus, in manufacturing the cement using micro limestone powder that is main material. It is also expected to save energies and reduces CO2, by using the blast furnace slag and fly ash which are mitigated environmental load construction materials that emerged. In this research, the durability aspect tries to be grasped considering the chemical property according to the coherence of the hydration product. Consequently, the compressive strength was measured over 30Mpa on 3rd. In addition, according to the content of the limestone powder, the setting time is promoted. It has the feature expanded in the length change. And it is determined because the possibility of replacing the existing for construction material such as it is measured compared with the time to use the portland cement usually that flexural strength is high with the age 7 days ago, so it is sufficient.
Modeling the Biaxial Behavior of Concrete by Damage Mechanics with Poisson’s Ratio Variable
Authors: Smahi Rebiha , Bouafia Youcef , Kachi Mohand Said
Published: April 2015

A new model is introduced, for predicting the nonlinear behavior of the concrete until the rupture. The non-linear behavior of the concrete is taken into account under monotonic load verifying the principles of the mechanics damage [1] and the concepts of the mechanics of the fracture, using the foundations of the continuum mechanics of materials [2]. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of the concrete in unidirectional is described by two laws (Sargin [3] for the compression and Grelat [4] on the tension). By introducing two variables of damage applied in unidirectional respectively in tension and in compression (Y. Bouafia , R. Smahi, and al., (2014)) [5]. Their combination with the laws of the continuum mechanics of materials (Hooke’s low generalized) [2], and the theory of the mechanics damage (theory of the isotropy of the damage, and principle of the equivalent deformation), brings us to a law of variation of the damage in three-directional applied in bidirectional. In addition, if the variation of the Poisson’s ratio of concrete in unidirectional compression has attracted the interest of several researchers we can cites: (Sami, A., Klink, 1975 [6], Murray D.W. 1979 [7], Niels Saabye ottosen, (1980) [8], Atheel E. Allos., L.H.Martin, (1981) [9], Ramtani.S, Y. Berthaud , J. Mazars, (1992) [10] and Ferretti, E., (2004) [11]. For the three-dimensional, we can mention: Chen 1982 [12], Guo 1997 [13], Zhu 1998 [14], Hyuk-Chun Noh, Hyo-Gyoung Kwak 2006 [15] and Ding Faxing Yu Zhiwu 2006 [16]. Confrontations of the calculations with experimental results (behavior of the concrete in biaxial compression and tension) have allowed to describe and to follow the real behavior of the concrete.
An Analysis on the Occurrence of Noise between Floors in Apartment Housing
Authors: Shin Jae Min , Shin Yoon Seok
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study is to determine the actual state of noise occurrence in apartment-unit households by utilizing state data to examine individual noise sources and the types of noise between floors. Among the types of noise between Floors, the top four noise sources were conversation and electrical appliance noise in the airborne noise category, and foot-stepping noise and object-dropping noise in the direct impact noise category. The result shows that in three sources (other than foot-stepping noise), the equivalent sound level was found to exceed the standard value in a specific time slot. The frequency of noise occurrence was shown to be highest between 18:00 and 21:00, after household members had come home from work. Therefore, to reduce noise between floors, a management plan should be introduced based on the actual state of the noise occurrence, considering the individual noise source and the time slot during which noise frequently occurs.
Success Criteria for Design-and-Build Public Hospital Construction Project in Malaysia – An Empirical Study
Authors: Ahmad Hayroman , Abdul Aziz Abdul Rashid , Jaafar Mastura
Published: April 2015

Over the past few decades, doubts among construction researchers arise about how hospital project success is measured. However, only some general consensus of that matter was agreed upon. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the holistic success criteria (SC) of public hospital construction projects. This article describes the criteria, which then conceptually classified the SC into five, which are meeting client requirements; meeting for management of construction goals; meeting for production of construction goals; benefit to the project teams (D&B contractors) developments; and benefiting the community. Every SC describes a set of problem statements as well as dimensions which were based on the following issues: unsatisfactory product quality; prolong of completion period; cost overrun; unsafe site condition; clients’ dissatisfaction; and non-benefit to the community. To realise the objective, questionnaire survey was distributed to the client (Ministry of Health, Malaysia and client’s project manager) and D&B contractors throughout Malaysia. The raw data were analysed using factor analysis (FA) method reduced the variables from 93 items to only 16. Principal components analysis (PCA) procedure considered only the factor loading with a value of 0.500 and above. Each component underwent a process of reliability analysis (RA) with the overall value of Cronbach’s alpha of more than 0.700. Result was found that a set of new measure consisting 16 variables called SC measures were determined. Generally, it covered efficiency of the process and effectiveness of the product. The major limitation of the study was that the key players of the project always changed and most of projects were 95% completed. However, it is important to understand that most of the construction projects are project-basis with temporary organisation. Therefore, extra effort should be emphasised to enhance the quality of the data collected and more research should be done to overcome the issues which still grow concurrent with the development.
Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffold with Interconnected Pores Prepared by Sintering Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement
Authors: Chang Chin Wei , Ko Chia Ling , Chen Ya Shun , Lin Jia Horng , Chen Wen Cheng
Published: April 2015

This proposal aims to develop a newly, stable, excellent and environmental process of manufacturing scaffolds with virtually identical biphasic calcium phosphate compositions. Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs), which combines calcium orthophosphate powders with a liquid leading to a paste that hardens spontaneously at low temperatures, have potential to be used as a porous template for dental bone grafting substitutes [1,2]. Such newly developed sintering processes having the bone grafts with properties of bioactivity or even bioresorbability would be applied in many clinical setting. Template materials combine calcium orthophosphate powders with a liquid leading to a paste that hardens spontaneously at low temperatures. Hence, CPCs could be applied as scaffolds to support cell/tissue growth [3, 4]. This paper studies CPC scaffolds processing by foaming cement's paste state in which was added phasic stabilizer of magnesia and foaming agent of sucrose. The X-ray diffraction was performed to identify the phases of bone grafting substitutes, and we also used scanning electron microscope to observe the structure and pores of bone grafting substitutes. The cell viability about biocompatibility of developed bone grafting substitutes was examined. The results showed that our bone grafting substitutes produced steady final biphasic products consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA) and beta-tricalcium phosphates (β-TCP). We observed interconnected pores and highly porosity in microstructure of the bone grafting substitutes. The cell viability was over 70 % to make sure that the bone grafting substitutes has excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, using the slurry of calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) and pores forming agent set into a porous template would be a useful process for manufacturing bone graft substitutes.
Alginate Scaffolds with Modified Micro Pores for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Gu Bon Kang , Park Sang Jun , Kim Min Sup , Kim Chun Ho
Published: April 2015

In this study, we developed the porous alginate (AL) scaffolds with modified pores size and distributions to actively control tissue regeneration. An addition of 5 and 10% (v/v) butanol to AL solution was effective to control pores structures of AL scaffolds. Especially, increased amount of butanol induced that proportion of smaller pores (size of around 5~10 μm) on AL scaffolds increased. Using swelling kinetics analysis, we confirmed that micro pore modified AL scaffolds show faster swelling rate than pristine scaffolds. During in vitro study, the enhanced viability and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were observed by the pore size and distribution from micro pore modified AL scaffolds. However, AL scaffolds added 10 % butanol with excessive proportion of smaller pores induced the decreased viability of HDFs for 7 days. From our results, AL scaffolds with modified pores structures represent a potential implants to control biological in vitro and in vivo functions in a variety of tissue engineering.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Methyl Orange over TiO2 Powder Synthesized via the Solvothermal Method
Authors: Jansanthea Pongthep , Boonprakob Natkritta , Treenattip Jaruwan , Pookmanee Pusit , Phanichphant Sukon
Published: April 2015

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder was synthesized via the solvothermal method. Titanium isopropoxide (C12H28O4Ti), ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) and nitric acid (HNO3) were used as the starting materials. The mixed solution was diluted with ethanol (C2H5OH) and heated at 100°C for 5h in a Teflon–lined stainless steel autoclave vessel. The phase transition of TiO2 powder was studied by X–ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and chemical composition of TiO2 powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange over TiO2 powder were determined using Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis).
Plantar Pressure Analysis on Polyurethane Foam Materials in Footwear Exclusive for Overweight/Obese
Authors: Mathivanan Selvaraj , Gopalakrishna Gautham , Nath Das Bhabendra , Krishna Jagath
Published: April 2015

The overweight/obese individuals, in general, develop varied foot consequences during walk of life. The body weight and the prevalence of flat foot on the plantar surface are the primary indicators for the discomfort in respect of high BMI individuals. The body weight has been implicated as a factor in plantar heel [4, 11, 12]. The role of PU foam materials is of greater importance to render therapeutic advantages in footwear. The PU foam materials are widely used as varied elements in footwear and the consumers’ gain benefits and sense of satisfaction on comfort parameters. The main objective of research is to scientifically investigate the characteristics PU foam materials and explore these materials for plantar pressure analysis using In-shoe pressure measurement device on footwear designed and developed exclusively for overweight/obese individuals. The foot or thoses are commonly used in the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis and are helpful to reduce the symptoms of strain during standing and ambulation [1,5,6,7].The investigation on PU foam materials and their efficacy as footwear inserts to provide therapeutic solutions especially for high BMI individuals has been not scientifically attempted in the domain of footwear research. Hence, the investigation on choosing ideal material thereby minimising the foot related problems being experienced by high BMI individuals is aimed at using plantar pressure analysis in this paper. The polyurethane foam materials possessing uniform substance of 4mm with varied densities such as D55, D75, D95 and D120 have been assessed on a range of physical characteristics such as Density, Hardness, Compression set followed Resiliency and cushioning behaviours. These materials are employed as foot inserts in footwear specifically designed and developed for overweight/obese individuals and the pressure analysis has been carried out using In-shoe pressure measurement method in the phase of human locomotion. Based on the results obtained on pressure analysis experiments, the ideal material aid in alleviating foot problems of high BMI individuals has been scientifically revealed and recommended to the beneficiaries.
Micro-Inactivation of Coliforms by Low-Temperature and Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Irradiation
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Kurumi Satoshi , Suzuki Kaoru , Nishimura Katsushi , Hirose Hideharu , Masutani Shigeyuki
Published: April 2015

In this study, we report on the inactivation technique to apply the oral surgery by micro low-temperature and atmospheric-pressure plasma irradiation utilizing a capillary nozzle. Emission spectrum of the micro-plasma showed OH and O radical, which were affected inactivation of coliform. Vibration temperature of the micro-plasma with 7998 K was calculated from peak-intensity at emission due to N22nd positive system. Inactivation region was larger than plasma irradiation spot, and it was increasing with plasma irradiation time.
Durable Press Finishing of Cotton Fabrics Dyed with Henna (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) Leaves Extract
Authors: Nitayaphat Walaikorn , Morakotjinda Pornpen
Published: April 2015

Cotton fabrics were treated with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and then dyed with a natural dye extracted from henna (Lawsonia inermisLinn.) leaves. The effect of BTCA concentration on the dyeing properties of cotton fabrics was studied by measuring the K/S values of the treated dyed cotton fabrics. The wrinkle recovery angles of the treated dyed cotton fabrics were assessed. The results proved that the BTCA treated cotton fabrics showed increase dye uptake of cotton fabrics. Concentration of BTCA enhances the durable press and tensile strength of the dyed cotton fabrics. Fastness properties of these to wash, rub and light have also been discussed.
Improvement of Hydrogen Permeability of Pd-Gd Film by Removal of Inclusion Particles – Part 1: Removal of Inclusion Particles
Authors: Inoue Ryo , Oda Yoshihiro , Tanaka Shun Ichiro
Published: April 2015

It was hard to make a thinner film of hydrogen permeable alloy by rolling when small nonmetallic inclusion particles with the size of 5 to 30 μm were present in the alloy. For this reason, the removal of nonmetallic inclusion particles from Pd-Gd alloy were examined using various fluoride fluxes. In the experiments on the removal of nonmetallic inclusion particles from Pd-7 to 16 mass% Gd alloys, the lowest total oxygen content was obtained by the addition of GdF3 flux.
3D Analysis and Nano-Indentation Mechanical Characterization of a Commercial Zr44-Ti11-Cu10-Ni10-Be25 Metal Glassy Alloy
Authors: Aversa Raffaella , Apicella Antonio
Published: April 2015

Stiffness and elastic mechanical properties of the Zr44-Ti11-Cu10-Ni10-Be25 metal glass Alloy have been investigated by nanoindentation and Atomic Force Microscopy.Continuous stiffness measurements were carried out on the as received samples. Max indentation depth of 2000 Nm has been chosen. A 3D analysis of the indent traces has been performed using a Atomic Force Microscope: pile-up at the indentation edge was observed. These metallic glasses, therefore, although showing brittle like linear elastic behaviour up to failure are still capable of undergoing plastic shear flow at the nanoscale level that may potentially lead to high material ultimate properties. Elastic modulus of 116,2 ± 0,9 GPa has been found to be independent on indentation depth while a high hardness of 8,0 ± 0,8 GPa has been measured at low indentation depths (100 nm) that progressively reduces to a constant value of 7,0 ± 0,1 GPa at increasing depths (up to 2000 nm).
Research and Implementation of the Automatic Detection System of Aggregate Particles Characteristic Parameters Based on VC
Authors: Hao Xue Li , Sun Zhao Yun , Li Wei , Hu Yan Ju
Published: April 2015

For the purpose of obtaining the characteristic parameters of the asphalt mixture aggregate particles, a viable method using two-dimensional image was put forward in this paper. The automatic detection system of asphalt mixture aggregate characteristic parameters is developed based on VC++. A series of processing are done on the collected aggregate images, including image edge detection, image segmentation, morphological processing, region-labeling, contouring and so on .The region-labeling algorithm is improved ending with low complexity, high robustness. Database technology is used to deal with the storage, query of the results and several other operations. The whole system is characterized with perfect function, user-friendly interface and stable performance, which provides a practical and accurate method for the characteristic detection of asphalt mixture aggregate particles.
Pathogen Identification and Fungicides Screening of Kushui Rose Leaf Spot Disease
Authors: Wang Chun Lin , Xu Qiong
Published: April 2015

Leaf spot disease pathogen of kushui rose was isolated, purified, morphologically identified and screened for appropriate fungicides through tissue isolation, microscopic observation and growth rate methods. Results showed that the pathogen causing leaf spot disease was Alternaria sp., and for the 7 tested fungicides, difenoconazole and tebuconazole had the best inhibitory effect, the EC50 values were 0.0017 and 0.0041 μg/mL, respectively, followed by zineb, triadimefon, chlorothalonil and thiophanate-methyl, successively, with the EC50 values at 0.0157, 0.0422, 0.5160 and 0.87 μg/mL, respectively, while carbendazim had the worst inhibitory effect with the EC50 value at 1.3089 μg/mL.
The Properties of Polyetheretherketone Biocomposite Reinforced by Surface-Modified Nano-Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Wang Lin , Weng Lu Qian , Wu Zheng Zhi , Wang Chun Bao
Published: April 2015

In order to improve the mechanical properties of HA/PEEK composite, the surface modification of nanosized hydroxyapatite (n-HA) was carried out with silane coupling agent (SCA).The modified particles were produced using different contents of SCA (KH560) and characterized by virtue of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The polyetheretherketone (PEEK) nanocomposite materials reinforced by surface-modified n-HA were successfully prepared and their microstructure and mechanical properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Instron IX Material Testing System and Vickers micro-hardness tester. The result of FT-IR indicated that the nanosized HA was coupled with the SCA by a chemical bonding. SEM observation showed that SCA-HA was well-dispersed in PEEK matrix. The results incicated that mechanical strength of SCA-HA/PEEK composite was improved and best at 5 vol.% HA, 3wt.% SCA.Keywords: nanosized hydroxyapatite; Silane couping agent; Polyetheretherketone; Biocomposite; Mechanical propertity
A Review of PGLA Model of Medical Materials in Clinical Catgut Embedding Application
Authors: He Yan Ni
Published: April 2015

The paper introduces the application of new medical materials of PGLA and its advantages in different fields of acupoint catgut embedding therapy in clinical, pointed out that with the development of biological materials and minimally invasive medicine, the usage of PGLA in clinical popularity rate will more and more high.
Mechanism of the Indium by Carbothermic Reduction Reaction from Indium Ore in Vacuum
Authors: Liu Yong Cheng , Du Yuan Chao , Zhu Xiao Hui , Xiao Yue Hua , Zhao He Yong , Cheng Xiao Li
Published: April 2015

In this paper, the calculation software HSC indium mine under vacuum carbothermal reduction reaction during the Gibbs free energy. The result show that when the pressure of 10-100Pa and temperature is 380-449K, In2O3 and C reaction to reaction thermodynamic conditions under pressure from the same system, material In2O3: C mole ratio is 1:3, needed to generate elemental In reaction temperature is the lowest. In2O3 generated In2O thermal decomposition, with the loss of the system pressure, the initial reaction temperature from 1247K to 10Pa for 423K; Intermediate In2O pyrolysis generating elemental In, when the system pressure drop to 10 Pa, starting temperature dropped to 781K; InO reaction with products CO, as the system pressure is reduced, the gibbs free energy increase, therefore, step-down to InO reaction with CO. This study to provide experimental evidence for preparation of indium by carbothermic reaction of indium ore in vacuum. Keywords: Indium ore;Carbon thermal reduction;Vacuum; Thermodynamics;Introduction