bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommended Immunological Assays to Screen for Ricin-Containing Samples
Authors: Simon Stéphanie , Worbs Sylvia , Avondet Marc-André , Tracz Dobryan , Dano Julie , Schmidt Lisa , Volland Hervé , Dorner Brigitte , Corbett Cindi
Published: November 2015

Ricin, a toxin from the plant Ricinus communis, is one of the most toxic biological agents known. Due to its availability, toxicity, ease of production and absence of curative treatments, ricin has been classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as category B biological weapon and it is scheduled as a List 1 compound in the Chemical Weapons Convention. An international proficiency test (PT) was conducted to evaluate detection and quantification capabilities of 17 expert laboratories. In this exercise one goal was to analyse the laboratories’ capacity to detect and differentiate ricin and the less toxic, but highly homologuous protein R. communis agglutinin (RCA120). Six analytical strategies are presented in this paper based on immunological assays (four immunoenzymatic assays and two immunochromatographic tests). Using these immunological methods “dangerous” samples containing ricin and/or RCA120 were successfully identified. Based on different antibodies used the detection and quantification of ricin and RCA120 was successful. The ricin PT highlighted the performance of different immunological approaches that are exemplarily recommended for highly sensitive and precise quantification of ricin.
Inhibition Profiling of Retroviral Protease Inhibitors Using an HIV-2 Modular System
Authors: Mahdi Mohamed , Szojka Zsófia , Mótyán János , Tőzsér József
Published: November 2015

Retroviral protease inhibitors (PIs) are fundamental pillars in the treatment of HIV infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Currently used PIs are designed against HIV-1, and their effect on HIV-2 is understudied. Using a modular HIV-2 protease cassette system, inhibition profiling assays were carried out for protease inhibitors both in enzymatic and cell culture assays. Moreover, the treatment-associated resistance mutations (I54M, L90M) were introduced into the modular system, and comparative inhibition assays were performed to determine their effect on the susceptibility of the protease. Our results indicate that darunavir, saquinavir, indinavir and lopinavir were very effective HIV-2 protease inhibitors, while tipranavir, nelfinavir and amprenavir showed a decreased efficacy. I54M, L90M double mutation resulted in a significant reduction in the susceptibility to most of the inhibitors with the exception of tipranavir. To our knowledge, this modular system constitutes a novel approach in the field of HIV-2 protease characterization and susceptibility testing.
Estimating Evapotranspiration from an Improved Two-Source Energy Balance Model Using ASTER Satellite Imagery
Authors: Zhuang Qifeng , Wu Bingfang
Published: November 2015

Reliably estimating the turbulent fluxes of latent and sensible heat at the Earth’s surface by remote sensing is important for research on the terrestrial hydrological cycle. This paper presents a practical approach for mapping surface energy fluxes using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images from an improved two-source energy balance (TSEB) model. The original TSEB approach may overestimate latent heat flux under vegetative stress conditions, as has also been reported in recent research. We replaced the Priestley-Taylor equation used in the original TSEB model with one that uses plant moisture and temperature constraints based on the PT-JPL model to obtain a more accurate canopy latent heat flux for model solving. The collected ASTER data and field observations employed in this study are over corn fields in arid regions of the Heihe Watershed Allied Telemetry Experimental Research (HiWATER) area, China. The results were validated by measurements from eddy covariance (EC) systems, and the surface energy flux estimates of the improved TSEB model are similar to the ground truth. A comparison of the results from the original and improved TSEB models indicates that the improved method more accurately estimates the sensible and latent heat fluxes, generating more precise daily evapotranspiration (ET) estimate under vegetative stress conditions.
Vesicles from different Trypanosoma cruzi strains trigger differential innate and chronic immune responses
Authors: Nogueira Paula M. , Ribeiro Kleber , Silveira Amanda C. O. , Campos João H. , Martins‐Filho Olindo A. , Bela Samantha R. , Campos Marco A. , Pessoa Natalia L. , Colli Walter , Alves Maria J. M. , Soares Rodrigo P. , Torrecilhas Ana Claudia
Published: November 2015

Trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas Disease, shed extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched with glycoproteins of the gp85/trans‐sialidase (TS) superfamily and other α‐galactosyl (α‐Gal)‐containing glycoconjugates, such as mucins. Here, purified vesicles from T. cruzi strains (Y, Colombiana, CL‐14 and YuYu) were quantified according to size, intensity and concentration. Qualitative analysis revealed differences in their protein and α‐galactosyl contents. Later, those polymorphisms were evaluated in the modulation of immune responses (innate and in the chronic phase) in C57BL/6 mice. EVs isolated from YuYu and CL‐14 strains induced in macrophages higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6) and nitric oxide via TLR2. In general, no differences were observed in MAPKs activation (p38, JNK and ERK 1/2) after EVs stimulation. In splenic cells derived from chronically infected mice, a different modulation pattern was observed, where Colombiana (followed by Y strain) EVs were more proinflammatory. This modulation was independent of the T. cruzi strain used in the mice infection. To test the functional importance of this modulation, the expression of intracellular cytokines after in vitro exposure was evaluated using EVs from YuYu and Colombiana strains. Both EVs induced cytokine production with the appearance of IL‐10 in the chronically infected mice. A high frequency of IL‐10 in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was observed. A mixed profile of cytokine induction was observed in B cells with the production of TNF‐α and IL‐10. Finally, dendritic cells produced TNF‐α after stimulation with EVs. Polymorphisms in the vesicles surface may be determinant in the immunopathologic events not only in the early steps of infection but also in the chronic phase.
Aesthetic Awareness and Spectacle: Communicated Images of Novi Sad (Serbia), the Exit Festival, and the Petrovaradin Fortress
Authors: Wise Nicholas , Mulec Ivo
Published: November 2015

More research and discussion is needed to understand how destination image and awareness links to aesthetic portrayals. Representations of image, awareness, and aesthetics are embedded in textual content, and the narratives portrayed offer valuable meaning that is open to interpretation.
Newspaper articles and websites play a crucial role in creating and presenting new images of places to international audiences. While image is certain, what is often overlooked in textual sources are discussions addressing the importance of aesthetics, which also link to destination image
and awareness. The city of Novi Sad, Serbia represents a unique case given the location of the city's popular music event, the Exit Festival, which attracts youths from across the former Yugoslavia, Europe and the world and has contributed to a new image of Serbia. Moreover, the event's unique
setting, held in the Petrovaradin Fortress on the banks of the Danube River overlooking Novi Sad, is described in relation to historical/cultural ambiance, and aesthetic attributes. Sources analyzed stressed the beauty of Novi Sad and the festival venue, but mere notions of spectacle could
not be ignored. Discussions of image, awareness, and aesthetic dimensions presented in newspaper content and websites are analyzed in this article to understand how the festival textual content challenges us to re-create place meanings of Serbia.
ACHIEVING SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: CHOUDHRY Rafiq Muhammad
Published: November 2015

Improvement of safety and productivity are major concerns throughout the construction industry. There is a dearth of efforts that document the need for simultaneous achievement of safety and productivity on construction sites. The objective of this research is to investigate productivity and safety simultaneously on construction projects by con­ducting a survey. In total, 1,800 hard-copy questionnaires were distributed and the response rate was 81%, resulting in 1,454 valid questionnaires for analysis. Safety and productivity were investigated on 25 construction projects by means of statistical analysis. The results indicated that eleven of the fifteen significant findings pertained to safety and the rest to productivity. The results confirmed that it is possible to improve productivity and safety simultaneously on construc­tion projects. All measures were found to be correlated with both safety and productivity. The findings of this research provide practical knowledge to project managers and safety practitioners on construction projects to achieve safety and productivity simultaneously. The methodology of research might be useful for research at other construction projects in other regions and cultures.
Estudo de caso sobre o olhar do estudante do ensino médio técnico para a disciplina de sociologia
Authors: Sanches Silvana Colombelli Parra
Published: November 2015

Esta pesquisa permite refletir sobre o olhar do (a) estudante para a disciplina de sociologia. Os sujeitos da pesquisa incluem-se no grupo social da juventude do campo, a pesquisa é qualitativa e o instrumento de coleta de dados vincula-se ao processo avaliativo. Assim, trata-se de uma investigação produzida em sala de aula, que se situa no campo do professor observador de suas práticas, fato que gera peculiaridades e limites específicos. Neste sentido, analisou-se o discurso de cento e trinta e três estudantes do curso técnico em agropecuária integrado ao ensino médio, oferecido pelo Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso, campus São Vicente. Desvelou-se que para eles a sociologia serve como apoio a outras disciplinas, oferecendo um conhecimento geral e crítico e percebem a presença desta no currículo como necessária para melhorar as relações interpessoais entre eles e outros atores sociais presentes na instituição escolar, além de propiciar a tolerância de várias culturas, a desinibição necessária para falar em público, se inserir no mercado de trabalho e a transmissão de valores para a formação cidadã.
Situações-problema como Estratégia Didática para o Ensino dos Modelos Atômicos
Authors: Prates Júnior Mauro De Souza Lima , Simões Neto Jose Euzebio
Published: November 2015

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal analisar como a estratégia didática do uso das situações-problema pode auxiliar no processo de ensino e aprendizagem do conteúdo de modelos atômicos no Ensino Médio, em uma escola da rede estadual de Minas Gerais da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. Elaboramos duas situações-problema, com contextos relacionados aos modelos atômicos. Durante a intervenção didática, ministramos aulas sobre o tema como Sistema de Recursos para a resolução das situações-problema. A obtenção dos dados foi feita por observação durante as intervenções, questionários a priori e a posteriori e as soluções apresentadas às situações-problema pelos grupos de alunos. A resolução das situações-problema pelos estudantes contribuiu de forma significativa para o entendimento do conceito de modelos atômicos, pois 35% das respostas foram consideradas satisfatórias, um bom índice para o contexto desta pesquisa.
Uma discussão espacial a partir das cartografias sociais e a representação de territorialidades específicas
Authors: Varella Marcelo Cunha , Duarte Letícia Ayumi , Martins Pedro
Published: November 2015

Este trabalho tem por objetivo realizar uma análise dos fascículos do “Projeto Nova Cartografia Social 

dos  Povos  e  Comunidades  Tradicionais  do  Brasil”,  disponíveis  no  seu  sítio  oficial.  Toma-se  como 

referência  os  conceitos  de  conflito  territorial,  territorialidade  específica,  espaço  social  e  populações 

tradicionais.  Para  atender  ao  objetivo  traçado,  foram  analisados  os  treze  fascículos  do  projeto 

disponibilizados no sítio oficial, observando-se o contexto no qual foram desenvolvidos, bem como a 

estrutura das informações das  comunidades mapeadas. Além disso, visando obter maior proximidade 

com o processo de construção dos fascículos, foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com um dos 

responsáveis  pela  produção  do  fascículo  9.  Conclui-se  que  as  territorialidades  específicas 

representadas nos mapas demonstram bem o seu conteúdo, mas não suas formas, e essa ausência da 

representação  dos  limites  físicos  impede  o  uso  dos  mapas  em  processos  legais.  Além  disso,  a  não 

representação das territorialidades específicas induz à falsa ideia de vazios demográficos.
O desenvolvimento local e a sustentabilidade da associação de catadores de materiais recicláveis de Colombo (RESOL)
Authors: Oliveira Elgson Decarle de , Casagrande Jr. Eloy F.
Published: November 2015

Este artigo aborda alguns trabalhos realizados pela Associação de Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis 

de Colombo (RESOL) quanto ao desenvolvimento local para a geração de trabalho e renda. A partir de 

um novo cenário gerado por um projeto de apoio aos empreendimentos organizados em Associações e 

Cooperativas  de  Catadores,  oriundo  de  políticas  públicas  do  governo  federal  para  o  incentivo  à 

reciclagem  de  resíduos,  por  meio  da  Fundação  Nacional  de  Saúde  (FUNASA),  foram  realizados 

investimentos  em  infraestrutura  na  RESOL.  O  objetivo  deste  trabalho  foi  identificar  e  analisar  o 

aumento de renda e postos de trabalho na RESOL a partir dos novos recursos. Trata-se de um estudo 

desenvolvido por metodologia qualitativa, com aplicação de entrevista semiestruturada e observação 

em campo durante três anos, corroborando na confirmação dos resultados. Após a implementação dos 

novos recursos ocorreu: aumento de 285% na renda dos associados, aumento de 80% na geração de 

novos postos de trabalho e evolução de 276,80% na quantidade de material reciclado, e que, portanto, 

não  foi  descartado  em  lixões  a  céu  aberto  e  aterros  sanitários.  O  investimento  público  propiciou 

melhoria  na  efetividade  administrativa  e  operacional  do  Empreendimento  de  Economia  Solidária 

representada  pela  Associação  de  Catadores,  e  tais  resultados  podem  fortalecer  o  processo  de 

sustentabilidade socioeconômica e ambiental da comunidade local.
O uso do BSC como ferramenta gerencial no Tribunal Regional Eleitoral de Alagoas
Authors: Nascimento Júnior Orlando Ramos do , Silva Alexandre Piones da , Mota Katia Jeane Alves
Published: November 2015

Devido ao aumento da exigência da sociedade por serviços de qualidade e por transparência na aplicação dos recursos públicos, tornou-se essencial para a administração pública buscar novos modelos para modernizar a sua gestão. As organizações de serviços públicos procuram hoje orientar a sua gestão para resultados e melhorias de desempenho. O sucesso da gestão depende de uma estratégia clara e de qualidade, que mobilize todos os envolvidos, alinhando as ações operacionais com essa estratégia para alcançar a melhoria contínua dos níveis de desempenho. Nesse contexto, o Balanced Scorecard tem sido a ferramenta mais utilizada nos últimos anos para comunicar, monitorar e avaliar a execução da estratégia. O processo de melhoria tem envolvido também os serviços públicos brasileiros, todavia, apesar de existirem algumas experiências, verifica-se um déficit generalizado de desempenho, que está explícito na forma como a opinião pública se refere à falta de eficiência, rapidez e qualidade dos serviços.
Políticas determinantes ao processo de modernização agrícola no centro-oeste brasileiro
Authors: Oliveira Danillo Alves de , Wander Alcido Elenor , Bontempo Paulo Cesar , Gonçales Claudecir , Deponti Cidonea Machado
Published: November 2015

Este trabalho buscou apresentar e discutir os principais fatores e elementos de ordem política e econômica determinantes na condução do processo de modernização das estruturas agrícolas nos estados que compõem a região do Centro-Oeste brasileiro, fundamentalmente ocorrido no período compreendido entre as décadas de 1960 e 1980. Para tanto, foi analisado um conjunto de políticas instituídas pelos governos durante o período mencionado, como a política de crédito rural, a política de garantia de preços mínimos, a política cambial, a expansão da rede rodoviária e o fomento ao desenvolvimento da pesquisa e extensão rural. Além disso, ainda foi abordada a participação do Estado pela implantação das políticas de desenvolvimento regional, como a criação da Agência de Desenvolvimento do Centro-Oeste e dos planos de diversificação produtiva, denominados programas especiais. E, por fim, foram examinados alguns dados estatísticos que buscaram evidenciar a efetividade da aplicação das políticas explanadas no decorrer do texto.
Concentração econômica do Estado do Maranhão e do pretenso Estado do “Maranhão do Sul”, Brasil, 2007 a 2010
Authors: Babilônia Fernando Reis , Wander Alcido Elenor
Published: November 2015

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o grau de concentração da economia do estado do Maranhão contrapondo ao que poderia ser tal concentração no pretenso estado do “Maranhão do Sul”. O indicador utilizado para levantar o grau de concentração da economia do estado foi o produto interno bruto (PIB) de todos os municípios no período de 2007 a 2010. A ferramenta computacional utilizada para a execução do levantamento foi o software Philcarto versão 5.73 e a classificação escolhida para a realização do levantamento foi a Jenks. A economia do estado do Maranhão é altamente concentrada, em que apenas seis municípios (2,76%) possuem uma participação média superior a 1% do PIB, e 211 (97,24%) municípios não atingem sequer 1%. Já para o pretenso estado do “Maranhão do Sul” há uma situação de menor grau de concentração econômica; tem-se um número maior de municípios com participação média superior a 1% do PIB.
Análise da viabilidade de implantação de uma usina de reciclagem de pneus em Teixeira de Freitas – BA
Authors: Andrade Carolina Izabella Aparecida Ribeiro , Jesus Raildo Mota de , Cruz Jefferson de Oliveira
Published: November 2015

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo principal propor um modelo de usina de reciclagem como uma alternativa para a solução da problemática em relação ao gerenciamento dos pneus inservíveis no extremo sul da Bahia, contribuindo com a redução dos impactos ambientais e possibilitando um maior desenvolvimento social e econômico na região do extremo sul baiano. Com a pesquisa documental e bibliográfica, alinhada à pesquisa de campo e a empreendedores locais do segmento de logística reversa, e ao Departamento Estadual de Trânsito da Bahia, foi possível realizar um estudo de viabilidade para a instalação local de uma usina de reciclagem, indicando fatores condicionantes para o empreendimento. Assim foram estimados os custos envolvidos na implantação de uma usina, e a análise da viabilidade econômica do negócio.
Ejercicio prospectivo: el gran San Juan al 2030 – Argentina
Authors: Nozica Graciela , Henríquez Griselda , Romero Mirta
Published: November 2015

Sob as atuais políticas de desenvolvimento da terra urbana a ser implementado a partir do governo nacional e provincial, como o Plano Estratégico Territorial e da Argentina 2026 Argentina Plano Nacional Innova 2020, a questão do planejamento territorial para o futuro torna-se relevante. Técnica prospectivo envolve explorando novas ferramentas de planejamento, criar e testar possíveis e prováveis futuros que permitam tomar as decisões corretas, reduzindo a incerteza e riscos, abordando os conflitos antes que se tornem incontroláveis. Este artigo apresenta um exercício prospectivo que está sendo realizado no Instituto Regional de Planejamento e Habitat da universidade, como uma análise preliminar e com vista para um estudo prospectivo da Grande San Juan, em 2030, a fim de fazer uma contribuição para a gestão do crescimento urbano em termos de presente-futuro. O conhecimento prospectivo contribui para o planejamento, fornecendo opções para gerenciar a cidade, uma cidade que, no caso de San Juanm deve saber conviver a longo prazo de acordó com o oásis que se originou e apoiada em um ambiente árido natural e de elevado risco sísmico, enquanto assumindo os desafios colocados pelo processo de globalização em curso.
TUCAN3G: construcción de un modelo de negocio de telefonía viable para las zonas rurales apartadas de Perú y Colombia
Authors: Villamarín César Augusto Gómez , Molina Yury Yohana Castillo , Giraldo Omaira Calvo
Published: November 2015

En el marco del proyecto Wireless technologies for isolated rural communities in developing countries based on cellular 3G femtocell deployments TUCAN3G, el cual busca una forma alternativa de llevar la tecnología celular 3G a comunidades rurales apartadas teniendo en cuenta los contextos de Perú y Colombia; el Centro Regional de Productividad e Innovación del Cauca CREPIC, participa dentro del paquete de trabajo denominado “Business Case” o Caso de Negocio que tiene como finalidad mostrar cual podría ser el posible modelo de negocio para la implementación de esta tecnología en estas comunidades. El componente “Business Case” está dividido en cuatro actividades principales, i) Análisis de Mercado, ii) Análisis desde de la Demanda, iii) Análisis desde la Oferta y iv) Diseño y verificación del modelo de negocio. Este artículo presentara algunos resultados producto del Análisis de mercado realizado en dos zonas rurales del departamento del Cauca en Colombia y algunas comunidades en la provincia de Loreto - Perú y el efecto de esta información en una de las primeras etapas de construcción de un modelo de negocio la segmentación de mercado.
Vivre en travaillant. L’expérience de la société coopérative « Ardelaine » à Saint-Pierreville
Authors: Bourdeau Vincent , Jarrige François
Published: November 2015

En Ardèche, à la sortie du petit village de Saint-Pierreville, se trouve la coopérative Ardelaine : niché en fond de vallon, près d’une rivière, le lieu s’apparente à un étagement de beaux bâtiments colorés, soigneusement restaurés depuis plus de 30 ans : un restaurant, une boutique, une fabrique, un café-librairie, des ateliers, se jouxtent dans cet espace accueillant. À la terrasse du café, accompagné par le son d’une guitare grattée par un voyageur de passage, nous avons rencontré les fondateurs de la coopérative, Béatrice et Gérard Barras qui, en 1972, étaient tombés en arrêt devant cette filature de laine, la dernière d’Ardèche, dont l’activité avait cessé depuis le début des années 1960. Ardelaine, c’est aujourd’hui près de 50 salariés, une multitude d’activités (fabrication de matelas et couettes, activités d’origine, mais aussi un musée, un café-librairie, un restaurant et, depuis 1986, une extension dans la banlieue de Valence, où Ardelaine a installé ses ateliers de confection de vêtements au cœur de la ZUP). Et cela toujours avec l’esprit des origines : l’envie de vivre au pays, de renouveler la philosophie du développement local sous la forme d’une coopérative de territoire.
Eprouvés corporels et langage écrit chez l’enfant : une approche psychothérapeutique
Authors: Bernabé Jean-Luc , Carton Solange
Published: November 2015

Le rapport entretenu par l’enfant avec son corps et ses éprouvés corporels joue un rôle majeur dans l’installation du geste graphique. L’analyse de la thérapie d’une jeune enfant de neuf ans présentant d’importantes difficultés d’orthographe nous conduit à soutenir l’idée que ce rapport puisse être également impliqué dans la difficulté de maîtrise du langage écrit. Un défaut de subversion libidinale en ce lieu qu’est l’écriture maintiendrait l’enfant dans une écriture purement fonctionnelle et mécanique que la relation transféro-contre-transférentielle, dans le cadre d’une psychothérapie psychanalytique, permettrait de lever.
Lecture clinique du harcèlement au travail
Authors: Vavassori David , Harrati Sonia
Published: November 2015

Cet article vient questionner la situation de victimisation chez une femme victime de harcèlement moral. A partir d’un cas clinique, M me D., nous tentons de comprendre les enjeux psychiques liés à la situation de harcèlement moral au travail. Nous montrons en quoi l’événementialité professionnelle entre en résonance avec d’autres réalités, internes, affectives, et vient actualiser une conflictualisation psychique manifeste dans divers registres de son parcours de vie. Ainsi, cette contribution participe à l’éclairage de la prise en charge thérapeutique des victimes de harcèlement au travail et plus précisément de la dynamique de victimisation.
Célébrer les princes. Villes et retentissement populaire des destinées royales à Lille, Douai et Cambrai (1765-1791)
Authors: Massy Laurenne
Published: November 2015

L’étude de la célébration des princes et des cérémonies royales peut-elle encore apporter quelque chose à l’historien ? Grâce à l’examen de ces dernières, il s’agit d’étudier à la fois la célébration de ces événements et leur réception. Mais aussi de s’interroger sur le lien entre le roi et ses sujets septentrionaux dans les dernières décennies du xviii e siècle. Si toutes ces cérémonies gardent entre elles des traits communs, elles paraissent se distinguer selon différents critères, que sont par exemple le sexe et la place du célébré dans la famille royale. Ces événements ne sont pas figés, comme l’illustre l’attention portée au respect de l’ordre public et aux questions financières liées à leur élaboration. L’évolution du lien affectif et politique reliant le roi à son peuple révèle que la famille royale ne cesse pas d’être célébrée en 1789, mais qu’elle est fêtée différemment . En témoigne la célébration de Louis XVI comme père de la Nation, jusqu’à son arrestation à Varennes. Il faudra attendre le xix e siècle et la Restauration pour que de nouveaux hommages, d’une nature bien différente, soient rendus dans ces villes à la famille royale.
Special Wheels for Overcoming Stairs
Authors: Krys Václav , Bobovský Zdenko , Kot Tomáš , Mostýn Vladimír
Published: November 2015

The article focuses on verification of function of two proposed conceptions of special wheels that allow driving of a chassis on staircases without oscillation of the chassis centre of mass in relation to a line parallel to the flight of steps. Basic principles of the special wheels conceptions are briefly described in the beginning. Verification of function was done by simulation in the CAD system SolidWorks and also were performed tests on reduced-scale prototypes of chasses with the special wheels. The article contains comparison of results obtained from simulations and from testing on prototypes. The last part discusses the results and possible directions of evolution of mobile robotic systems designed for movement on stairs.
Upper Limb Exoskeleton Controlled by Stepper Motor
Authors: Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Olaru Adrian , Walkowiak Pawel
Published: November 2015

The effectiveness of rehabilitation is closely linked with suitably chosen therapy. The treatment can be performed only by specialized personnel or through the use of automated devices. One of the potential solution of this problem is exoskeleton. It is the kind of suit that allows the user assumed to support or even replace the human motor. The paper presents a proposal of the exoskeleton with 1 degree of freedom providing upper extremity rehabilitation in the elbow with the master-slave program. Control is via stepper motor which ensures high accuracy in the implementation of programmed movements.
Modeling and Simulation of the Sulfur Dioxide Adsorption Process in Natural Zeolites
Authors: Sfechiş Susana , Abrudean Mihail , Sas Diana Monica , Ungureşan Mihaela Ligia , Clitan Iulia , Mureşan Vlad
Published: November 2015

The paper presents a solution for modeling and simulation of the adsorption process of the sulfur dioxide in natural zeolites. The adsorption process is modeled as a distributed parameter process, its dynamics depending on three independent variables: time and two spatial variables. In order to simulate the adsorption process, an original form of the approximating analytical solution which describes the process work in dynamical regime is proposed and used. The coefficients of the approximating analytical solution are determined using experimental data obtained from the real plant. A direct practical application, resulted through the simulation of the obtained mathematical model, is the approximation of the time period in which the saturation of the zeolites of different dimensions occurs. Having the mentioned time period, the operators from the industrial field can decide with precision the moment when a zeolite block has to be replaced in order to avoid the environment pollution.
Development of a Wearable Scoliosis Monitoring System Using Inertial Sensors
Authors: Voinea Gheorghe Daniel , Mogan Gheorghe
Published: November 2015

Monitoring human motion with magnetic and inertial measurement units is a complex task and there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. In this work, a wearable system for monitoring scoliosis using three inertial measurement units (IMUs) is introduced. The proposed solution can be used indoor and is focused on using the roll angle for measuring lateral movement of the spine, which characterizes the scoliosis spinal disorder.
Emissions Analysis of Preheated Methyl Ester on CI Engine
Authors: Venkata Ramanan M. , Yuvarajan D.
Published: November 2015

Numerous research works are carried out to find out the additional information on effective use of vegetable oil in CI engine as a potential alternative fuel. The present work was intended to observe the outcome of preheating the transesterified oil earlier to fuel injection system thus making its properties similar to diesel. In this research mustard oil methyl ester was preheated to 90°c (MME90) and used in compression ignition engine and compared with mustard oil methyl ester (MME) fuelled at ambient temperature and diesel. The impacts of fuel preheating on engine emission with mustard oil were analyzed. Experiments were conducted with MME90 (Mustard oil methyl ester preheated to 90° C) and MME (Mustard oil methyl ester) and compared with diesel. Result confirmed increase in NOx emission for both MME90 and MME comparing diesel. Emissions such as CO, HC and Smoke were found in declining fashion for MME90 comparing MME and petroleum diesel. Preheating the mustard oil methyl ester during the fuel injection can be an exceptional way for using it in CI engines.
Experimental Studies on Air Foil Thrust Bearing Load Capabilities Considering the Effect of Foil Configuration
Authors: Ravikumar RN , Rathanraj K.J. , Arun Kumar V.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Foil bearings are self-acting hydrodynamics bearings used to support lightly loaded high speed rotating machinery. The advantages that they offer to process fluid lubricated machines usingworking fluid as a lubricant (ambient air) physically non-contacting high speed operation. Foil bearings have been considered as an alternative to conventional bearings with the capacity to cater for high-speeds and hostile environment (high temperature). However, the lack of load carrying capacity at relatively lower speeds limits their applications in heavy turbo machinery and as such are highly suitable in lightly loaded, high speed turbo machinery like small gas turbines.This paper discusses the design and assessment of dynamic characteristics in terms of load carrying capabilities as a function of speed, gap between the bearing and the runner as well as shape of foils for an air foil thrust bearing. The effects of various bearing parameters like foil thickness, number of foils fixed circumferentially and along the axis of rotation and with foil geometry configuration. Characteristics of performance defined essentially in terms of load carrying capabilities and static stiffness have been used for evaluation. Experiments were conducted both for angular foils (with inner edge height less than outer edge height) and square foils by varying number of foils. The experimental results shows that the effect of foil configuration enhances the load carrying capabilities of air foil thrust bearing.
Computer Aided Stress and Deflection Analysis of Inspection Robot at Different Postures
Authors: Shanmugasundar G. , Sivaramakrishnan R.
Published: November 2015

In the current automated high-tech world the applications and use of robot has become the vital role in all areas in industries and in common social applications. The mechanical design process essentials to improve and also it is a way to capable of giving consistent and fast efficient products. One way of altering the process is through reducing the manual work by systematizing the repetitive tasks using static analysis ways in the computer software. With a view to meet the purpose of inspecting the outer surface weldments in steel storage canister used to store the High-level fuel waste at nuclear industry with the help of Non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment. In this research work the new mechanical configuration of the robot arm was designed, and this arm was utilized to carry the vision camera at the end effector to capture the weld surfaces. This paper focuses the mechanical modeling of the manipulator mechanism and finite element (FE) method and analysis of the designed arm with different positions and specific load condition. From this study the statically balanced design of the robot was determined with three different positional conditions. The largest value of displacement and stress produced in the arm also discussed with clear FEA simulation results. In this paper mechanism of seven degrees of freedom robot arm is discussed.
Design and Performance Prediction of Low Cost Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Micha Premkumar T. , Mohan T. , Seralathan Sivamani , Sudheer Kumar A.
Published: November 2015

The capacity of wind power generation has increased across India due to various activities encouraged by government. Moreover, onshore potential in India is in the order of 100GW. However, the plant load factor is often very low in wind power production. In most of the place, low-rated wind speed is available. Effective utilization of the wind to produce small power will reduces the grid load. There is in need to effectively utilize the available potential to meet the energy demand. The low cost vertical axis wind turbine designed for low rated wind regime has the hybrid of simple Savonius and helical Savonius. Various experimental parameters are measured to check the suitability of the vertical axis wind turbine in the low rated wind speed regions. Numerical simulation are carried out for three dimensional steady flow around the combined Savonius and helical Savonius vertical axis wind turbine blades using ANSYS Fluent(C). Numerical investigation are conducted to study the effect of hybrid combination on performance of the rotor in terms of coefficient of torque, coefficient of power, etc. Self-starting behaviour of the vertical axis wind turbine is improved by using this hybrid vertical axis wind turbine.
Analytic Hierarchy Process to Select Environmentally Conscious Suppliers for Sustainable Supply Chain Management : A Case Study in a Public Sector Transport Corporation
Authors: Etraj P. , Jayaprakash J.
Published: November 2015

The ever increasing levels of hazardous and toxic waste generated from industrial sector hasten to implement the Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) in all sphere of the business practice. In this research article the authors developed a Supplier Selection model applying Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select Environmentally Conscious Suppliers (ECS) for one of the maintenance unit of Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) providing public passenger transport service in a metropolitan city located in South India. Being a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), the organization has the list of approved suppliers who are pre-qualified to supply the materials and spare parts required to maintain their road vehicles in accordance with the Government’s Public Procurement Policy (PPP). However the growing concern being faced by the organization in the disposal of the hazardous and toxic waste accumulated, which forces them to select suitable suppliers who will comply with the SSCM principles from their pre-qualified list of suppliers.
Implementation of Lean Tools-Value Stream Mapping & SMED for Lead Time Reduction in Industrial Valve Manufacturing Company
Authors: Ashif Mohammad , Goyal Sanjay , Shastri Ashish
Published: November 2015

In lean manufacturing environment Value Stream Mapping (VSM) & SMED are one of the renewed industrial engineering technique used worldwide. VSM is used for visualizing the system of manufacturing and many other relevant processes and helps in great extend to understand to system itself effectively. Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) helps to reduce the setup time of process. A valve manufacturing company was being selected for Case study. First we draw the current state value stream map. From the current data analysis find out the problems and give some recommendations to improve the production lead time and provide a future state value stream map, we reduced the lead time through VSM, from 46.63 days to 43.03 day. Second we applied SMED techniques & reduced the setup time from 21 min to 16 min in bonnet machining operation of valve.
Supply Chain Performance Measurement: A Review and Reflection
Authors: Asif Equbal , Ohdar Rajkumar
Published: November 2015

In present global market place, to meet ever-changing customer needs timely and accurate assessment of overall supply chain and its individual component performance is of paramount importance but the process of choosing appropriate supply chain performance measures is difficult due to the complexity of these systems. This paper presents an overview of the performance measures used in supply chain models and also presents a basic to understand the selection of performance measurement systems for supply chains. A number of performance measures are identified as necessary components in any supply chain performance measurement system.
Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Coated SS316L for Biomedical Application
Authors: Durairaj R.B. , Ramachandran S. , Sathish Kumar B. , Sekhar Vijay T.
Published: November 2015

This paper focuses on characterization of Hydroxyapatite coated SS316 L using Pulse vapour deposition method. The target material (Hydroxyapatite) has been synthesised chemically in laboratory through the addition of (NH4)2HPO4 with Ca (NO3)24H2O solution. This mixture has been converted in to circular blocks through various processes as explained below and coated over the stainless steel substrate. The morphological characteristics of the coating and surface roughness analysis have done through SEM and AFM. Also the hardness and corrosion resistance of the coating are examined. It has been found that improved hardness when compared with SS316L (175 Hv) to Hydroxyapatite (245 Hv) coated SS316 L. Also the results of corrosion resistance test after 250 Hrs of experiment found that formation of red rust is attained for uncoated samples where as Hydroxyapatite coated samples remains unchanged.
A Review on Defects in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Patel Ajay , Gosai Nipun , Joshi Anand Y.
Published: November 2015

Various defects on the CNT wall have been reported, which are formed during the synthesizing process. CNTs have superior properties compared to the traditional engineering materials. However, these properties hold only for the ideal case of carbon nanotubes, where these are made of perfect hexagonal graphite honeycomb lattice of mono-atomic layer thickness. The advantages or disadvantages of the presence of defects in carbon nanotubes depend on their applications. Structural defects may increase the adhesion of other atoms and molecules to carbon nanotubes. It has also been found that the defects in CNT do cause a change in its resonant frequency as compared to that of a non-defective CNT. The defects that have been considered for the purpose of analysis in this research includes defects in the carbon nanotubes likewise Waviness, Vacancy Defect, Pinhole Defect, Fracture and Stone Wales Defect. It has been observed that with the increase in the number of defects in CNT, a reduction in the fundamental frequency is observed.
Material Response Changes due to Varied Loadings in Three Composites
Authors: Ganesan C. , Joanna Philip Saratha , Rajaraman A. , Singh Dalbir
Published: November 2015

This study presents the details of experimental and analytical investigations on three different types of composites on their progress to failure under varied type of loadings. The composites are glass/epoxy-GFRP, Kevlar/epoxy-KFRP and Carbon/epoxy-CFRP composites. A series of experiments were carried out to find the variation in mechanical properties in all composites due to displacement controlled tests with different displacement rates such as 0.5mm/min, 1.0 mm/min and 1.5mm/min. The experimental results for CFRP, GFRP and KFRP under three different zones of response viz., stage I- response upto design load-DL, stage II-later from design load to ultimate load-UL followed by Stage II-response upto failure load-FL were discussed. Comparisons of relative performance under different rates and types of damage occurred are discussed from strength, stiffness and energy points of view.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Multi Wall Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNT) Reinforced Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) Composites
Authors: Rajmohan T. , Rangarajan R. , Seshadhri D. , Seshan L. , Kumar D.
Published: November 2015

Recently, the polymers and their composites are getting more popular in tribological applications under water condition to replace metallic materials as rubbing materials due to the corrosion problems of the metals. With the outstanding performance such as high mechanical properties, high chemical resistance, and high wear resistance, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) becomes one of the most promising polymer material for the tribological applications. Carbon nanotubes containing PMCs are being developed and projected for diverse applications in various fields of engineering like automotive, avionic, electronic and bio-medical sectors due to their good tribological, mechanical and thermal properties. In the present investigation, PEEK and PEEK reinforced with MWCNT are synthesized by injection moulding route. Microstructure of MWCNT reinforced PEEK are investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Hence the distribution of reinforcement was noted. The chemical compositions of the different phases were investigated through Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) detector
Comparison of Optimum Cutting Parameters for AISI1042 in Turning Operation by Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Kumar A. Hemantha , Subba Rao G. , Rajmohan T.
Published: November 2015

In metal cutting surface finish is a crucial output parameter in determining the quality of the product. Good surface finish not only assures quality, but also reduces manufacturing cost. Surface finish is an important parameter in terms of tolerances, it reduces assembly time and avoids the need for secondary operation, thus reduces operation time and leads to overall cost reduction. It is very important to select optimum parameters in metal operations. Traditionally, the experience of the operator plays a major role in the selection of optimum metal cutting conditions. However, attaining optimum values each time by even a skilled operator is difficult. The non-linear nature of the machining process has compelled engineers to search for more effective methods to attain optimization. The main aim of the present work is to build a model to solve real world optimization problems in manufacturing processes.The selection of optimal cutting parameters are speed, feed and depth of cut. are important for all machining process. Experiments have been designed using Taguchi technique, dry and single pass turning of AISI No. 1042 (EN-41B) steel with cermet insert tool performed on PSG A141 lathe. By using signal to noise (S/N) ratio and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) are performed to find the optimum level and percentage of contribution of each parameter. A mathematical model is developed using regression analysis for surface roughness and the model is validated.Moreover, the proposed algorithm, namely GA and PSO were utilized to optimize the output parameter Ra in terms of cutting speed, feed and depth of cut by using MATLAB.
Performance Analysis of Cylindrical Grinding Process Parameters Using Grey Relational Technique
Authors: Thiagarajan C. , Ranganathan S. , Shankar P.
Published: November 2015

The present research work involves investigating the cylindrical grinding process parameters of Al/SiC metal matrix composites during machining. The effect of grinding process parameters on grinding force, surface roughness and grinding temperature were investigated experimentally using L27 orthogonal array. Grinding process was carried out using different combination of wheel velocity, workpiece velocity, feed rate and depth of cut. The significant grinding process parameters have been determined by using ANOVA. The grey grades identify the optimum level grinding process parameters. From the grey relational grade, low wheel velocity, medium workpiece velocity, medium feed rate and medium depth of cut gives the best results.
Tool Wear Analysis in Turning Using Different Inserts and Different Lubrication Systems
Authors: Panneer R. , Sai Pavan Kesaraju Venkata
Published: November 2015

In metal cutting, increasing cutting spped and feed achieve higher productivity, but it will affect dimensional accuracy and surface integrity of the work surface, wear resistance and life of tool. Cutting fluids when appropriately chosen and applied will minimize these problems. This work deals with the optimization of process parameters in turning of EN24 and SS316L Steels with different cutting fluids with different cutting inserts under different machining conditions using Taguchi’s Robust Design Methodology. The control factors selected are machining environment, cutting speed, feed, depth of cut, work piece material and type of tool. Investigations are carried out on conventional lathe using the prefixed cutting conditions. Tool Wear and Surface Roughness are measured and anlysed using ANOVA and appropriate conclusions are derived.
Dissimilar Welding of SS 409 and Mild Steel by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) Method by ER 309 L Electrodes
Authors: Britto Joseph G. , Das Kuldip , Murugesan G. , Prabhaharan R.
Published: November 2015

The dissimilar material welding at lower expensive is one of the popular techniques which are used in power generation services such as mining, petro chemical refineries and mineral processing plant as well as recuperator in furnace system. For these applications, the insulation plays an important role for effective result. Fluid flow from one medium to another medium is carried out through insulation materials to prevent the transmission of excessive heat. If it gets wet, it loses all its insulation properties. It is easily crushed if the pipe gets stepped on. The materials serves important role to save the heat energy in operating and constructing the power plant. In this research work, mild steel and stainless steel SS 409 are welded together by ER 309 L electrode by TIG welding process to achieve these applications. Service temperature is sensible; inside temperature is maintained low because of rapid cooling. This research concludes that, insulation material is not necessary for dealing out the material (below 700°C). Stainless steel SS 409 tends to contract and expand more and serves as good corrosion resistant material at the service temperature. Mild steel is a good heat conductor; it cools quickly and contract earlier as the joint cools and the heat is removed from the metal surface.