bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental impact of dusting from the Koper port bulk cargo terminal on the agricultural soils
Authors: Zupančič Nina , Horvat Aleksander , Skobe Simona
Published: July 2015

Areas around seaports are prone to environmental damage. In the port of Koper, Slovenia hematite was transhipped during a strong wind. The broader area was accidentally covered with hematite dust. Since the soils had already been geochemically mapped, we repeated the sampling to compare the geochemical composition of the topsoil. No soil contamination was established. The enrichment factors show depletion of majority of elements. According to the distances from the dust source, SiO2, Na2O and Cr have decreasing, and Fe2O3 increasing trends. The SiO2 and Cr content correspond to the concentration of quartz rich sand, and the dissolution of carbonate closer to the sea. Co and Ni are probably bound to the clay minerals. Cu, Pb, and Zn could have some anthropogenic contribution.
Geographical imagination of landscapes: analysis of the book of photographs Slovenian landscapes
Authors: Urbanc Mimi , Gašperič Primož , Kozina Jani
Published: July 2015

The article focuses on the geographical imagination of landscapes, depicted in the photographs. The research stems from the assumption that photographs play an important role in shaping and preserving individual and collective imagination of a landscape and that geography as a science is closely connected to visual representations of the world. The empirical part of the research entails selecting and defining/coding the photographs from the book Slovenian Landscapes by Dušan Ogrin and their analysis through statistical methods. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate what kind of image of the landscape this book creates. The goal is to design/formulate a methodology for photograph interpretation, especially to select the indicators and their categories as well as the criteria for a quantitative photograph evaluation. Using these methods, the appearance of the landscapes is analysed according to the individual indicators, placing special emphasis on surface form as the most important landscape element.
La industria lítica del yacimiento achelense de Torralba (Soria, España). Colecciones marqués de Cerralbo y Howell
Authors: Sánchez-Cervera Borja , Santonja Gómez Manuel , Pérez-González Alfredo , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel , Sánchez-Romero Laura
Published: July 2015

Torralba es un yacimiento del Pleistoceno medio, con dataciones numéricas que le sitúan en el MIS 7 (191/243 ka). Su industria, que procede de niveles fluviales y se encuentra fundamentalmente en posición secundaria, fue elaborada sobre materias primas introducidas desde distancias que pueden alcanzar varias decenas de kilómetros. El estudio tecno-económico de las series industriales obtenidas en las excavaciones realizadas por el marqués de Cerralbo (1909-1913) y Clark Howell (1961-1963) confirma la identidad achelense de la industria y la realización de procesos de producción, configuración y mantenimiento en el yacimiento, aunque al menos una parte del macroutillaje fue introducida ya configurada en el mismo. Se identifican aspectos tecnológicos singulares en el contexto del achelense europeo, como el uso frecuente del sílex en la elaboración de hendedores.
Resistencia e involución social en las comunidades de la Edad del Bronce del sureste de la Península Ibérica
Authors: Aranda Jiménez Gonzalo
Published: July 2015

Las comunidades argáricas han sido consideradas como la culminación de un largo proceso de creciente complejidad que condujo hacia formas sociales cada vez más asimétricas e identidades más individualizadas. El presente trabajo explora no tanto las causas que desencadenaron este proceso como los fenómenos de resistencia a estas dinámicas sociales y económicas. Si tenemos en cuenta los cambios y continuidades que se produjeron a lo largo de la Edad del Bronce, estos fenómenos deben ser considerados como exitosos. En este sentido, la desaparición de los enterramientos individuales y la generalización de los colectivos, la continuidad en la reutilización de sepulturas megalíticas, la escasa división de funciones y especialización artesanal que caracterizaría al Bronce Tardío y Final o la vuelta a una arquitectura dominada por formas circulares y ovaladas, son algunos de los aspectos que marcarían el cambio hacia formas sociales menos complejas donde primarían la colectividad y las identidades relacionales.
Symmetry vs. Duality in Logic
Authors: Battilotti Giulia
Published: July 2015

The author discusses the problem of symmetry, namely of the orientation of the logical consequence. The author shows that the problem is surprisingly entangled with the problem of “being infinite”. The author presents a model based on quantum states and shows that it features satisfy the requirements of the symmetric mode of Bi-logic, a logic introduced in the '70s by the psychoanalyst I. Matte Blanco to describe the logic of the unconscious. The author discusess symmetry, in the model, to include correlations, in order to obtain a possible approach to displacement. In this setting, the author finds a possible reading of the structural rules of sequent calculus, whose role in computation, on one side, and in the representation of human reasoning, on the other, has been debated for a long time.
The Market of Eggs, Consumption, and Consumer Behavior
Authors: Pllana Mustafa , Miftari Iliriana , Bytyqi Njazi , Hyseni Vetim
Published: July 2015

Eggs are a traditional food with a high consumption per head even in economically developed countries with high living standard. Due to “cholesterol phobia” efforts were made to decrease the cholesterol content in the egg, but without success. Thus began research to improve the nuntrional quality of eggs, reposition them in safety and healthy food products. Today in markets there are organic eggs, vegetarian, nutrient enhaced eggs (omega-3, vitamin enhanced), for what is in order to expected increase of consumption. Consumption of eggs depends on various factors such as economic, cultural, religious, habits of feed and so on. Knowledge of these factors, as well as the opinions, views, preferences of consumers regarding eggs, nutritional values, will help in development of thr relevant marketing programs, that would be successful and profitable. Kosovo has less than two million inhabitants, with an egg consumption per capita of 180 eggs per year.This paper will treat consumer behavior at the Kosovo market of eggs, based on data collected from the field research
Sustainable Development and Restructuring Romanian Tourism Product in Accordance with European Tourists Segments
Authors: Neamtu Liviu , Neamtu Adina Claudia
Published: July 2015

Sustainable tourism development will be achieved through some major changes taking place in the tourism industry in Romania, in the following period. These changes should cover both aspects of structure in tourism and processes and interactions in tourist activities. First of all, the tourism in Romania shall also adopt a diversification strategy, focusing on the integration of new activity fields, as new services, along with the improvement of the existent ones, new tourist facilities, by the construction of centers/units, in compliance with the standards requested by the current tourism, but in the first place of some new products and tourist programmes provided by the current tourist centers. By studying consumer behavior of European tourists visiting Romania, and trends in their preferences regarding requested touristic product the authors propose a pattern for tourism product diversification and expansion of several existing forms of tourism.
CFD Simulation Approach for Semisubmersible Response in Waves Based on Advanced Techniques
Authors: Scurtu Ionuț Cristian
Published: July 2015

All floating structures react different to sea currents and waves and the commonly asked question is how to understand, simplify and make distinction of structure according to the operational challenges. The main objective of this paper is to determine the response of a three column semisubmersible platform as used by WindFloat project with available CFD software: CFX and Fluent. The WindFloat created by PowerPrinciple is presented and the present study will consider only the semisubmersible.
Control of a Chemical Exchange Process for the 13C Isotope Enrichment
Authors: Mureşan Vlad , Abrudean Mihail , Clitan Iulia , Kovendi Zoltan , Ungureşan Mihaela Ligia , Coloşi Tiberiu
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a solution for the automatic control of a chemical exchange process carbon dioxide (CO2) – carbamate for the 13C isotope enrichment, is presented. The main original achievement from the paper is the inclusion of the previously mentioned non-linear technological process in a control structure. The design of the automatic control structure of the 13C isotope concentration is based on the Internal Model Control (IMC) strategy. The implementation details of all the elements from the structure of the proposed control system, in MATLAB/SIMULINK, are presented. Also, some relevant simulations of the automatic control structure are presented.
Example of Tool with Two Numerical Controlled Axes
Authors: Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Borboni Alberto , Mackowski Damian , Matuszewski Maciej
Published: July 2015

The paper presents the model of a numerical milling module, expanding its capabilities with two controlled axes. Device through the use of adjustable-tilt construction of two mutually perpendicular rotary axes has free access to any part of the hemisphere. It is driven by stepper motors controlled with a computer through the special LPT driver and Step2CNC software.
Researches Regarding the Use of Fuzzy Controllers within CNC Feed Drives
Authors: Breaz Radu Eugen , Bologa Octavian
Published: July 2015

This paper presents some simulation based upon a dynamic model of a feed-drive within the structure of a CNC machine tool. A DC servomotor was considered as actuation device for the feed drive. For a given set of parameters for the position controller, two fuzzy types of fuzzy controllers were tested by means of simulation. The first fuzzy controller was a proportional one, with one input and one output, while the second one was a two variables one, with two inputs and one outputp.
Direct Cladding from Molten Metals of Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys Using a Tandem Horizontal Twin Roll Caster
Authors: Harada Hideto , Nishida Shin Ichi , Suzuki Mayumi , Watari Hisaki , Haga T.
Published: July 2015

This paper describes direct cladding of magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) alloys using a tandem horizontal twin roll caster that has three pairs of upper and lower rolls. Manufacturing conditions that are appropriate for fabricating Al/Mg and Al/Mg/Al cladded material were investigated. The surface condition of the cladded cast strip was examined. An electron probe micro analyzer was used to observe the interface between Al alloy and Mg alloy. The thickness of the mixed layer of Al and Mg alloy was 15μm, and how the materials were connected was clarified. Microscopic observation and backscattered electron analysis were used to investigate the cladding mechanisms of the Al and Mg alloy layers. Average hardness was determined using the Vickers hardness test at the Al layer and at the diffused layer between Mg and Al alloys. Cladding of Al/Mg alloy and A/Mg/Al alloy was possible using a tandem twin-roll caster. In addition, Al3Mg2 and Al12Mg17 phase precipitation at the interface of the Al and Mg alloys was confirmed during direct cladding from molten metals.
Artificial Neural Network Model for Tool Condition Monitoring in Stone Drilling
Authors: Brezak Danko , Staroveski Tomislav , Stiperski Ivan , Klaic Miho , Majetic Dubravko
Published: July 2015

This paper explores the possibility of tool wear classification in stone drilling. Wear model is based on Radial Basis Function Neural Network which links tool wear features extracted from motor drive current signals and acoustic emission signals with two wear levels – sharp and worn drill. Signals were measured during stone drilling under different cutting conditions, and then filtered before tool wear features extraction. Features were obtained from time and frequency domain. They have been analyzed individually and in combinations. The results indicate tool wear monitoring capacity of the proposed model in stone drilling, and its potential for simple and cost-effective integration with CNC machine tools.
3D Surface Roughness Parameters of Nanostructured Coatings with Application in the Aerospace Industry
Authors: Civcisa Guna , Leemet Tõnu
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a study of 3D surface texture measurements and analysis of several surface texture parameters. A stylus measuring instrument was used to measure 3D surface topographies. In experimental part of this study, two coated gas turbine blades used in aerospace industry were chosen to examine surface of the coatings in nano-scale. Surface texture parameters of Ti-Al coating and Ti-Al-N coating were measured and compared to each other. The aim of the research is to analyze the surface of these coatings in an areal (3D) manner. The results indicate slight differences between these two surface textures despite the fact that both are Titanium-based coatings, and the surface of base material for both samples was prepared in the same way before deposition. Further study with repeated measurements of surface texture for deposed coatings has to be made after erosion tests.
Connecting System for Quick Replacement of Mechatronic SCHUNK Power Cube Modules for Mobile Robotic Systems
Authors: Bobovský Zdenko , Krys Václav , Babjak Ján , Kot Tomáš
Published: July 2015

The article describes the synthesis of the connecting system for mechatronic modules SCHUNK PowerCube PR70, PR90 and PW90. Emphasis is placed on enabling the quick reconfiguration of the kinematic structure of the manipulator for a mobile robotic system built from these modules. The article describes the process of synthesis of mechanic components of the system, hardware and software ensuring the necessary functions for the realization of connections, detection of orientation of the connected module, securing the flow of energy and data signals and the appropriate response in the control application of the system. This is substantiated by evaluating tests realized on produced prototypes of connecting systems. The article also describes a future outlook for further developments of the connecting system.
Proportional Hydraulic Directional Control Valve with Planar Distribution and Differential Control
Authors: Avram Mihai , Duminică Despina , Apostolescu Tudor Cătălin
Published: July 2015

The paper presents an original solution of hydraulic proportional directional control valve with planar distribution and differential control. The characteristic of the flow section is established and an example of such directional control valve integrated in the structure of a hydraulic positioning system with mechanical feedback is given.
Hydraulic Control of Speed and Position of a Pneumatic Actuator
Authors: Avram Mihai , Bucşan Constantin , Duminică Despina , Rizescu Dana , Besnea Daniel
Published: July 2015

The paper presents an original pneumo-hydraulic system that controls the speed and the position of the actuated load by using a hydraulic circuit containing a hydraulic proportional throttle. A mathematical model of the solution is developed and numerical simulations are performed. The experimental results obtained on the built model confirm the theoretical ones.
Paths and Laws of Motion of a Mechanism with Two Successive Conductive Elements and a Triad
Authors: Luca Liliana , Popescu Iulian
Published: July 2015

It starts from a structural scheme of a mechanism with a triad and two successive conductive elements, and a kinematic scheme with ternary element and another element with void lengths is made. The relations to calculate the positions by contour method are written and the nonlinear algebraic system is solved by the method of successive elimination of the unknowns. There are determined the successive positions, the paths of some points and the variations of lifts, for different correlations between the laws of motion of the two conductive elements. It appears that there result paths and interesting laws.
Novel Strategy for BLDC Motor Rotor Position Detection
Authors: Cao Ling Zhi , Yang Sheng Hao
Published: July 2015

The detection of rotor position plays an important role in the motor speed-adjustment system. By analyzing the back-EMF method and its improved methods, we know the amplitude of back-EMF is too small to be detected when the motor run at low speed. A new detection method of rotor position has been proposed in this paper. It detects the zero crossing point of line terminal voltage difference to acquire the rotor position signal after a 90 degrees mechanical angle delay. The amplitude of line terminal voltage difference is large in wide speed range, so the rotor position signal can be accurately acquired in most situations. Simulation results proved that the new method can obtain the rotor position signal exactly in both high and low speed. It meets the wide speed range of motor.
Simulation of 5DOF Model for Arial Grasping
Authors: Fathabadi Haniyeh Rashidi , Banazadeh Afshin , Saghafi Fariborz
Published: July 2015

This study presents dynamic modeling and simulation of an air vehicle consisting of a body, gripper and a claw. This model is inspired from birds’ aerial hunting, while considering the extra degree of freedom associated with the claw. For a manipulator like a gripper, additional degree of freedom creates more flexibility for grasping. The main contribution of this paper focuses on the development of a model that is suitable for trajectory optimization in grasping phase. Mathematical representation of the system is developed based on the Newton-Euler approach in MATLAB-Simulink environment, considering the motion in vertical plane. The dynamic behavior of the system is evaluated by simulation in variety situations and sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine and characterize the parameters having the most and least effects on grasping. It is shown that the initial position of the gripper and the claw as well as the additional mass that is added to the system in grasping phase make considerable changes in the dynamics that necessitates the use of the control system. In addition, smooth trajectories and controls are obtained by adding friction to the system in order to avoid dynamic divergence.
Study of Air Excess in Relation with Engine Parameters for a Generalized Reaction Based on JET-A Fuel
Authors: Catana Razvan Marius , Cican Grigore
Published: July 2015

In this paperwork we are studying the performance of a combustion process into a jet engine combustion chamber, more specifically the relations between excess of air, overall pressure ratio and inlet turbine temperature for a combustion reaction based on a jet A fuel. The study present a method of calculating the excess of air for a generalized combustion reaction based on Jet A fuel indicated by the general formula , for different temperatures of air, different temperatures of fuel and different inlet turbine temperatures. The result of this study is to achieve diagrams in which are presented the variation of air excess with engine parameters who participate in combustion process and to performed a computing program in which it is calculated the exactly value of excess of air for any outlet compressor temperatures, any inlet turbine temperatures and different fuel temperatures.
Multibody Modeling and Simulation of Monocopter Micro Air Vehicle
Authors: Dormiyani Mehrdad Ebrahimi , Banazadeh Afshin , Saghafi Fariborz
Published: July 2015

In the current paper, seven degrees of freedom multibody model of a monocopter air vehicle is developed based on the Newton-Euler approach along with nonlinear simulation in different flight phases. Aerodynamic forces and moments are modeled using blade element momentum theory. The sole control surface is modeled like a conventional flap on a wing. Free flight simulation is performed in MATLAB Simulink environment to evaluate the behavior of the system and to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed model. Simulation results show harmonic oscillations in Euler angles, linear and angular velocities that are consistent with the physics and mathematical foundations. Static stability of the vehicle is evident in free flight by careful choice of initial conditions. The presented multibody model is useful for comparative study and design purposes.
Proper Smart Method of the Inverse Kinematic Problem
Authors: Olaru Adrian , Olaru Serban , Mihai Niculae
Published: July 2015

One of the most precise method solving the inverse kinematics problem in the redundant cases of the robots is the coupled method. The proposed method use the Iterative Pseudo Inverse Jacobian Matrix Method (IPIJMM) coupled with the proper Sigmoid Bipolar Hyperbolic Tangent Neural Network with Time Delay and Recurrent Links (SBHTNN-TDRL). One precise solution of the inverse kinematics problem is very difficult to find, when the degree of freedom increase and in many cases this is impossible because the redundant solutions. In all these cases must be used the numerical iterative approximation, like the proposed method, with artificial intelligence algorithm. The paper describe all the steps in one case study to obtain the space circle curve in different planes by using one arm type robot and the proposed method. The errors of the space movement of the robot end-effecter, after applying the proposed method, was less than 0,01. The presented method is general and it can be used in all other robots types and for all other conventional and unconventional space curves.
Aspects of a Safety Operation of Service Robots on Glass Walls
Authors: Horák Marcel , Novotný František , Starý Michal , Černohorský Josef
Published: July 2015

The paper focuses on problems of the safety operation of service robots on glass facades of high-rise buildings exposed to a local additional load during the robot motion and any subsequent service operation (e.g. cleaning, diagnostics, mounting). Owing to afraid of a possible glass cracking and a subsequent destruction, the authors pay attention to an analysis of the strength of façade glass sheets being in contact with the robot holding-down vacuum system as well as with the supporting steel construction. With a view of appraising a state of stress, a computer model was build up respecting the real composition of façade glass, material properties and contact edge conditions. The paper presents achieved results by means of graphic outputs, and in conclusion, it discusses them with aim to supply owners of service robots from a sphere of the building administration a number of details.
Control System of the Mobile Robot TELERESCUER
Authors: Novák Petr , Babjak Ján , Kot Tomáš , Moczulski Wojciech
Published: July 2015

This paper describes a Main control system of the mobile robot TELERESCUER for inspecting coal mine areas affected by catastrophic events. Carried out in a framework of a EU programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel under the grant agreement No. RFCR-CT-2014-00002. The main problem is to applicate the very demanding safe requirements of ATEX on the design of the control system including its communication with other robot subsystems. The solving of this problem is presented in this paper.
3D Printed Biped Walking Robot
Authors: Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Borboni Alberto , Kong Xian Wen , Malinowski Tomasz , Olaru Adrian
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is not to elaborate the bionic pattern of walking robot, but to elaborate our own simple idea of a 4 degree of freedom (DOF) walking robot with the ability to walk on flat surfaces, rotate and climbing upstairs, which is composed of vertical moved legs with a rotary foot and a controlled mass for stabilizing. In this paper, based on the former idea, a prototype model of a 3-DOF walking robot is presented for walking only on flat surfaces. This walking robot is actuated by servo motors. The paper covers the kinematics, centre of gravity analysis, description of the robot and its control system made using Pololu controller. Experiments confirmed the feasibility of the proposed design.
Localization and Path Planning for an Autonomous Mobile Robot Equipped with Sonar Sensor
Authors: Pop Corina Monica , Mogan Gheorghe Leonte , Neagu Mihail
Published: July 2015

In the field of mobile robotics, the process of robot localization and global trajectory planning in robot operating scenes, that are completely or partially known, represents one of the main issues that are essential for providing the desired robot functionality. This paper introduces the basic elements of path planning for an autonomous mobile robot equipped with sonar sensors, operating in a static environment. The path planning process is initially performed by using a known map. Next, the sonar sensors are used to localize the robot, based on obstacle avoidance techniques. The effectiveness and efficiency of the algorithm proposed in this paper is demonstrated by the simulation results.
Sensory Subsystem of a Stair-Climbing Mobile Robot
Authors: Kot Tomáš , Marek Jiří , Mostýn Vladimír , Novák Petr
Published: July 2015

The article describes sensory subsystem required for proper operation of a special segment wheel designed for smooth driving both on a flat surface and on stairs. This subsystem contains two 2D laser scanners Hokuyo oriented towards stairs that provide point clouds for further processing. The main part of the article deals with the algorithm for detection of stair features (surfaces of stair treads and risers) in the data, including initial noise filtering. The conclusion provides practical testing performed on few real staircases and evaluation of the results.
Influence of the Operating Regime on the Performances of Thermal Solar Systems Integrated in Heating Networks
Authors: Șoimoșan Teodora Melania , Felseghi Raluca Andreea , Safirescu Calin Ovidiu , Iacob Georgiana Dorina
Published: July 2015

The energy performances of the integrated thermal solar systems in the hybrid heating systems are influenced by several aspects like technology used and the way the collectors are placed, the type and technology of the heating storage, the operating temperatures in the hybrid system and last, but not least, the chosen control strategy. The operating regime of the thermal solar system characterized mainly by the thermal solar agent’s temperature and flow rate, as well as the corresponding control strategy, define the parametric framework of the system and impose its energy performances during operation. The optimized systemic variation of the temperatures and flow rates in both, the solar loop and the heating circuit, results in higher annual energy performances of the hybrid heating system. The present paper approaches the premises referring to the different operating regimes that characterize thermal solar systems in order to highlight and quantify their influence over the energy performances of the thermal system. In this respect, a set of computational operating simulations were carried out on the targeted system during one year of operation, in different configurations and operating regimes, for the energy assesment of the thermal system.
Aerial Infrared Thermography: A Scalable Procedure for Photovoltaics Inspections Based on Efficiency and Flexibility
Authors: Cioaca Catalin , Pop Sebastian , Boscoianu Elena Corina , Boscoianu Mircea
Published: July 2015

The objective of this contribution is to explore innovative ways to increase the efficiency of large scale photovoltaic systems (LSPVS) in the medium term through effective management of operating, monitoring and maintenance (OMM) costs based on aerial surveillance with small multi-rotor flight robot (s-MRFR). An effective solution of OMM cost assessment must capture the dynamic interaction between energy market developments, technological progress and investor tolerance to the risk posed by climate changes. The valuation method for OMM cost-risk analysis is based on generalized Wiener process with stochastic jumps. The interest is to increase the value of the investment by using innovative but efficient procedures of PV systems inspection based on aerial infrared thermography. The results are encouraging because the total costs of s-MRFR monitoring are very low compared to the benefits.
Personalized Calibration of Heart Rate and SpO2 Using Smartphones as Driver Assistant
Authors: Dumitru Adrian Iulian , Mogan Gheorghe Leonte , Jalbă Lucian
Published: July 2015

Bearing in mind the accessibility and portability of smartphones, they can become a driver assistant of any vehicle without taking into account the vehicle used. Thus, this is an inexpensive and mobile device, accessible to a wide range of platforms being able to analyze and advise the driver of situations that might endanger the safety in traffic. The application proposed in this paper aims to create a comprehensive database for multiple drivers that calibrates and updates its monitored parameters according to the selected profile. The Android operating system was used to create the application. This type of driver assistant is meant only to warn the driver, not to take control of the vehicle.
Design of a Scoliosis Monitoring System Using Inertial Sensors
Authors: Voinea Gheorghe Daniel , Butnariu Silviu
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the design of an innovative system for the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders, in particular, the scoliosis. The product consists in a mechatronic device that is able to measure in real time the instantaneous position of the human spine, facilitating a precise diagnosis as well as continuous monitoring for prevention and/or treatment of spine disorders.
Software Development for Redesigning Bespoke Medical Products Obtained with Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Authors: Ulmeanu Mihaela Elena , Doicin Cristian Vasile , Cazacu Daniel , Neagu Corneliu
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a study on the development of automated custom software that uses the targeted functional analysis (TFA) methodology, in order to provide solutions for the optimal concept of bespoke medical products obtained with additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. The software, Custom-Med, provides a friendly Lab View interface and is easily adaptable for any single part medical product. The functional analysis uses tools like FAST diagrams, product life cycle analysis, technical and economic matrices. The study focuses on the functionality of the product throughout its life cycle, starting with development, production, usage, maintenance and finishing with storage or disposal. These become key input parameters when running Custom-Med. The main advantages brought by deploying a custom software application tool that uses the TFA methodology are: accurate technical parts, high quality, and customization for AM applications and reduced time for product development. Custom-Med is tested for validation purposes on three distinct medical products which are: a mandibular surgical guide, an adaptive ophthalmic speculum and vacuum surgical device. All three products are used for intraoperative surgical procedures.
Computational Study of Effect of Increasing Heat Flux on Convective Heat Transfer in Sub Channels of Carbon Dioxide Flow at Pressure above Critical Value
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Pandey Krishna Murari
Published: July 2015

This paper is focused on flow simulation in the sub channel of fuel rod assembly using code ANSYS Fluent 14, which is commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. Computational simulations are reported on convective heat transfer to carbon dioxide at a pressure of 7.59MPa. Pressure which is used in this simulation are just above the thermodynamic critical pressure value of CO2. These have been carried out using a variable property, elliptic computational formulation incorporating low Reynolds number turbulence models ofk–ε. Firstly, the simulations were compared with the effect of increasing heat flux on heat transfer coefficient. It has been found that the effect of buoyancy on turbulence production and heat transfer in fluids at supercritical pressure can be very significant even under conditions of relatively low buoyancy parameter based on bulk properties. It is clear that new heat transfer correlations are needed to account for such effects on heat transfer to supercritical pressure fluids as they come to be used more and more in new energy systems applications such as, advanced water-cooled nuclear reactors, high pressure water oxidation plant for waste processing.
Wingnut (Juglandaceae) as a new generic host forPityophthorus juglandis(Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the thousand cankers disease pathogen,Geosmithia morbida(Ascomycota: Hypocreales)
Authors: Hishinuma Stacy M. , Dallara Paul L. , Yaghmour Mohammad A. , Zerillo Marcelo M. , Parker Corwin M. , Roubtsova Tatiana V. , Nguyen Tivonne L. , Tisserat Ned A. , Bostock Richard M. , Flint Mary L. , Seybold Steven J.
Published: July 2015

The walnut twig beetle (WTB),Pityophthorus juglandisBlackman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), vectors a fungus,Geosmithia morbidaKolařík, Freeland, Utley, and Tisserat (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), which colonises and kills the phloem of walnut and butternut trees,JuglansLinnaeus (Juglandaceae). Over the past two decades, this condition, known as thousand cankers disease (TCD), has led to the widespread mortality ofJuglansspecies in the United States of America. Recently the beetle and pathogen were discovered on severalJuglansspecies in northern Italy. Little is known about the extra-generic extent of host acceptability and suitability for the WTB. We report the occurrence of both the WTB andG. morbidain three species of wingnut,Pterocarya fraxinifoliaSpach,Pterocarya rhoifoliaSiebold and Zuccarini, andPterocarya stenopterade Candolle (Juglandaceae) growing in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, National Clonal Germplasm Repository collection in northern California (NCGR) and in the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in southern California, United States of America. In two instances (once inP. stenopteraand once inP. fraxinifolia) teneral (i.e., brood) adult WTB emerged and were collected more than four months after infested branch sections had been collected in the field. Koch’s postulates were satisfied with an isolate ofG. morbidafromP. stenoptera, confirming this fungus as the causal agent of TCD in this host. A survey of the 37PterocaryaKunth accessions at the NCGR revealed that 46% of the trees had WTB attacks and/or symptoms ofG. morbidainfection. The occurrence of other subcortical Coleoptera associated withPterocaryaand the first occurrence of the polyphagous shot hole borer, a species nearEuwallacea fornicatusEichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), inJuglansare also documented.
Prophetic sensing of Yahweh’s word
Authors: Wessels Wilhelm J.
Published: July 2015

This article focuses on Jeremiah 23:18, which implies that the prophet stood in the council of Yahweh (sôd) to see and hear the word of Yahweh. In this verse, it seems that the senses of the prophet played a role in receiving Yahweh’s words. Verse 18 forms part of 23:16–22 in which Jeremiah warned the people of Judah not to listen to prophets who mislead them with optimistic messages. In this article, attention is given to the question whether standing in the council of Yahweh is a deciding criterion for receiving true words from Yahweh. The motif of the divine council is also investigated. An argument is presented that ‘sensing’ should be understood in the double sense of the word, namely sensory experience as well as the intellectual activity of understanding. It is argued that both meanings of the word sensing are necessary to determine the truth of Yahweh’s word.
Rapid-onset obesity, hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, autonomic dysregulation syndrome
Authors: Maksoud Ismaeil , Kassab Lina
Published: July 2015

Rapid-onset obesity with hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction and autonomic dysregulation syndrome is a rare disorder that presents with rapidly evolving obesity with several endocrine disorders during early childhood. We present here a documented case of a 6-year-old Syrian girl with the characteristic symptoms of rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation, associated with an abdominal mass (mature ganglioneuroma).
Tenofovir induced lichenoid drug eruption
Authors: Gupta Mrinal , Gupta Heena , Gupta Anish
Published: July 2015

Cutaneous adverse reactions are a common complication of anti-retroviral therapy. Tenofovir is a newer anti-retroviral drug belonging to the nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor group. Systemic adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity are common with tenofovir but cutaneous adverse effects are rare. Lichenoid drug eruptions are a common adverse effect seen with a large variety of drugs including antimalarials, antihypertensives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics. Lichenoid drug eruption is a rare cutaneous adverse effect of tenofovir with only a single case reported till date. Here, we report a case of tenofovir induced lichenoid drug eruption in a 54-year-old human immunodeficiency virus affected male who presented with generalized lichenoid eruption after 6 weeks of initiation of tenofovir and complete clearance on cessation of the drug.
The Weak Inverse Mapping Theorem
Authors: Campbell Daniel , Hencl Stanislav , Konopecký František
Published: July 2015

We prove that if a bilipschitz mapping

f

is in

W_{\mathrm {loc}}^{m,p}(\mathbb R^n, \mathbb R^n)

then the inverse

f^{-1}

is also a

W_{\mathrm {loc}}^{m,p}

class mapping. Further we prove that the class of bilipschitz mappings belonging to

W_{\mathrm {loc}}^{m,p} (\mathbb R^n, \mathbb R^n)

is closed with respect to composition and multiplication without any restrictions on

m, p \geq 1

. These results can be easily extended to smooth

n

-dimensional Riemannian manifolds and further we prove a form of the implicit function theorem for Sobolev mappings.
The Speech Performance Observation Scale for Youth (SPOSY): Assessing Social Performance Characteristics Related to Social Anxiety
Authors: Blöte Anke W. , Poungjit Apiradee , Miers Anne C. , Van Beek Yolanda , Westenberg P. Michiel
Published: July 2015

This study describes the development of the SPOSY, an observation scale for speech performance of socially anxious youth. The scale was designed as a research tool to address specific behaviors that are readily noticed by non-expert others and might explain why socially anxious youth are rejected by peers. In Phase 1 of the study, items for the scale were generated based on “free” observations by naive observers. In Phase 2, the psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated using a sample of 218 speakers aged between 9 and 16 years. PCA with oblimin rotation yielded three reliable and stable factors, Expressiveness, Lack of confidence, and Agitation. Expressiveness was negatively related to Lack of confidence. Importantly, socially anxious youth were rated as less expressive and confident but not as more agitated in their behavior as compared to non- socially anxious youth. Low expressiveness seems related to safety behaviors and may play a significant role in peer rejection.
The influence of synoptic weather regimes on UK air quality: regional model studies of tropospheric column NO2
Authors: Pope R. J. , Savage N. H. , Chipperfield M. P. , Ordóñez C. , Neal L. S.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Synoptic meteorology can have a significant influence on UK air quality. Cyclonic (anticyclonic) conditions lead to the dispersion (accumulation) of air pollutants away from (over) source regions. Meteorology also modifies atmospheric chemistry processes such as photolysis and wet deposition. Previous studies have shown a relationship between observed satellite tropospheric column NO2 and synoptic meteorology in different seasons. Here, we test whether the UK Met Office Air Quality in the Unified Model (AQUM) can reproduce these observations and then use the model to determine the controlling factors. We show that AQUM successfully captures the observed relationships, when sampled under the Lamb Weather Types, an objective classification of midday UK circulation patterns. By using a range of idealised NOx-like tracers with different e-folding lifetimes, we show that under different synoptic regimes the NO2 lifetime in AQUM is approximately 6 h in summer and 12 h in winter. The longer lifetime can explain why synoptic spatial column NO2 variations are more significant in winter compared to summer, due to less NO2 photochemical loss. We also show that cyclonic conditions have more seasonality in column NO2 than anticyclonic conditions as they result in more extreme spatial departures from the wintertime seasonal average. Within a season (summer or winter) under different synoptic regimes, a large proportion of the spatial pattern in the UK column NO2 field can be explained by the idealised model tracers, showing that transport is an important factor in governing the variability of UK air quality on seasonal synoptic timescales.
Towards a long-term global aerosol optical depth record: applying a consistent aerosol retrieval algorithm to MODIS and VIIRS-observed reflectance
Authors: Levy R. C. , Munchak L. A. , Mattoo S. , Patadia F. , Remer L. A. , Holz R. E.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. To answer fundamental questions about aerosols in our changing climate, we must quantify both the current state of aerosols and how they are changing. Although NASA's Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors have provided quantitative information about global aerosol optical depth (AOD) for more than a decade, this period is still too short to create an aerosol climate data record (CDR). The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) was launched on the Suomi-NPP satellite in late 2011, with additional copies planned for future satellites. Can the MODIS aerosol data record be continued with VIIRS to create a consistent CDR? When compared to ground-based AERONET data, the VIIRS Environmental Data Record (V_EDR) has similar validation statistics as the MODIS Collection 6 (M_C6) product. However, the V_EDR and M_C6 are offset in regards to global AOD magnitudes, and tend to provide different maps of 0.55 μm AOD and 0.55/0.86 μm-based Ångstrom Exponent (AE). One reason is that the retrieval algorithms are different. Using the Intermediate File Format (IFF) for both MODIS and VIIRS data, we have tested whether we can apply a single MODIS-like (ML) dark-target algorithm on both sensors that leads to product convergence. Except for catering the radiative transfer and aerosol lookup tables to each sensor's specific wavelength bands, the ML algorithm is the same for both. We run the ML algorithm on both sensors between March 2012 and May 2014, and compare monthly mean AOD time series with each other and with M_C6 and V_EDR products. Focusing on the March–April–May (MAM) 2013 period, we compared additional statistics that include global and gridded 1° × 1° AOD and AE, histograms, sampling frequencies, and collocations with ground-based AERONET. Over land, use of the ML algorithm clearly reduces the differences between the MODIS and VIIRS-based AOD. However, although global offsets are near zero, some regional biases remain, especially in cloud fields and over brighter surface targets. Over ocean, use of the ML algorithm actually increases the offset between VIIRS and MODIS-based AOD (to ∼ 0.025), while reducing the differences between AE. We characterize algorithm retrievibility through statistics of retrieval fraction. In spite of differences between retrieved AOD magnitudes, the ML algorithm will lead to similar decisions about "whether to retrieve" on each sensor. Finally, we discuss how issues of calibration, as well as instrument spatial resolution may be contributing to the statistics and the ability to create a consistent MODIS → VIIRS aerosol CDR.
Geostationary Emission Explorer for Europe (G3E): mission concept and initial performance assessment
Authors: Butz A. , Orphal J. , Checa-Garcia R. , Friedl-Vallon F. , von Clarmann T. , Bovensmann H. , Hasekamp O. , Landgraf J. , Knigge T. , Weise D. , Sqalli-Houssini O. , Kemper D.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The Geostationary Emission Explorer for Europe (G3E) is a concept for a geostationary satellite sounder that targets at constraining the sources and sinks of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) for continental-scale regions. Thereby, its primary focus is on Central Europe. G3E carries a spectrometer system that collects sunlight backscattered from the Earth's surface and atmosphere in the near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) spectral range. Solar absorption spectra allow for spatiotemporally dense observations of the column-average concentrations of carbon dioxide (XCO2), methane (XCH4), and carbon monoxide (XCO) including sampling of the diurnal variation with several measurements per day during summer. Here, we present the mission concept and carry out an initial performance assessment of the retrieval capabilities. The radiometric performance of the 4 grating spectrometers is tuned to reconcile small ground-pixel sizes (~ 2 km × 3 km at 50° latitude) with short single-shot exposures (∼ 2.9 s) that allow for sampling continental regions such as Central Europe within 2 h while providing sufficient signal-to-noise. The noise errors to be expected for XCO2, XCH4, and XCO are assessed through retrieval simulations for a European trial ensemble. Generally, single-shot precision for the targeted XCO2 and XCH4 is better than 0.5 % with some exception for scenes with low infrared surface albedo observed under low sun conditions in winter. For XCO, precision is generally better than 10 %. Performance for aerosol and cirrus loaded atmospheres is assessed by mimicking G3E's slant view on Europe for an ensemble of atmospheric scattering properties used previously for evaluating nadir-viewing low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. While retrieval concepts developed for LEO configurations generally succeed in mitigating aerosol and cirrus induced retrieval errors for G3E's setup, residual errors are somewhat greater in geostationary orbit (GEO) than in LEO. G3E's deployment in the vicinity of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites suggests making synergistic use of MTG's sounding capabilities e.g. with respect to characterization of aerosol and cloud properties or with respect to enhancing carbon monoxide retrievals by combining G3E's solar and MTG's thermal infrared spectra.