bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morocco
Authors: Ermağan İsmail , İpek Volkan
Published: July 2017

Morocco was established as a result of a struggle against the French and Spanish Protectorates, that eventually brought the national independence to its state and people in 1956. Accordingly, the Moroccan interaction with the contemporary world goes back to that year, when Morocco became a nation-state for the very first time in its history. Among the critical events that structure this interaction are the problems in the Western Sahara region that has been making Moroccan political elites superiorize the Moroccanity component of the postcolonial Moroccan national identity, and economic relations with Turkey The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the general components of Moroccan state, such as its demography, economy and administration, to analyse the Moroccan economic and sociocultural interaction with its neighborhood and Turkey, and lastly to make some policy suggestions to advance the country's relations with Turkey.
Iraq
Authors: Dama Nergis
Published: July 2017

This chapter includes Iraq perspectives in terms of Turkey, Iran and geopolitical dynamics. The future of Iraq will determine the socio-economic balances in the Middle East. Because of the instability of Iraq effect regional politics, economics and social circumstances, the acknowledge of Iraq' features should be known clearly. In this chapter, the political administration of Iraq is explained as historically. Then, demographic structure and socio-political features are shown forth in detail, given that socio-political, socio-cultural and demographic features of Iraq should be investigated in terms of regional security. The importance of part including the political, administrative institutions in Iraq is that policy makers will be affected from cumulative perception of administrative structures. On condition that Iran and Turkey are related to the incidences in Iraq, the relationship among Turkey, Iran and Iraq is commented. Ultimately in this chapter, radicalism threatening all the world is explained in terms of regional stability.
Azerbaijan
Authors: Karagöl Erdal Tanas
Published: July 2017

Azerbaijan has tried to show progress both politically and economically after it gained independency. It leaded fastest economic growth and the contribution to this transformation is having the advantages of energy resources. After declaring its independence, the sector structure has been modified and new employment areas have been formed causing a high growth rate. The country also has participated in international economic organizations to develop economic relations and cooperate with other countries.
Kuwait
Authors: Ak Rengin , Bingül Berna Ak
Published: July 2017

Kuwait is such a significant country that it is necessary to examine its socio-economic structure and its relations with other countries. In this study, Kuwait's demographic, socio-political, sectoral, political and institutional structure, economic potential, financial relations are examined in general. According to this study, Kuwait's socio-political, demographic structure and its relations with other countries seems quite significant and decisive in the country's developing process. It has also been shown that petroleum has an important role in its economy and majority of the labour force is being employed in this sector. Relations of Turkey with Kuwait have been shaped upon the basis of friendship and brotherhood.
The Malevolent Side of Revenge Porn Proclivity
Authors: Pina Afroditi , Holland James , James Mark
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a novel study, exploring a form of technology facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) known as revenge porn. Despite its emerging prevalence, little is known about the characteristics of revenge porn perpetrators. In the current study, a revenge porn proclivity scale was devised to examine participants' behavioural propensity to engage in revenge porn. One hundred adults, aged 18-54, were recruited online from a community sample. The correlational relationship between revenge porn proclivity and the self-reported endorsement of the Dark Triad, sadism, and ambivalent sexism was examined. Additional proclivity subscales of revenge porn enjoyment and revenge porn approval were also created. The study's main findings revealed a positive correlation between a greater behavioural propensity to engage in revenge porn and higher levels of the Dark Triad and ambivalent sexism. Moreover, endorsement of psychopathy was found to be the only Dark Triad trait that independently predicted revenge porn proclivity. The results suggest that perpetrators of revenge porn may have distinct personality profiles. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Dysfunctional Digital Demeanors
Authors: Flor Alexander G. , Gonzalez-Flor Benjamina
Published: July 2017

eLearning has been associated with a number of behaviors that are considered dysfunctional. Among these behaviors that form part of the Dark Web are cyber-bullying, plagiarism, hacking and other forms of cheating. This chapter describes, illustrates and typologizes these behaviors with cases observed by the authors among their online students or culled from student disciplinary boards in the past ten years. The elaboration of tales from eLearning's dark side is followed by an exploration of policy implications. Employing the problematique method, the authors attempt to trace the root causes (psychological, sociological and technological) and offer policy options to address these roots.
In Plaintext
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: July 2017

People have long gone online to groom their online identities, to communicate some aspects of themselves in the real. The information shared is purposive and strategic. Inevitably, the information is selective and incomplete. The cyber may evoke something about the physical only to a degree, in the cyber-physical confluence. In an asymmetrical information environment, those who have the most accurate and requisite information often have the advantage. It is said that much of intelligence is conducted using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), which suggests a need for reading between the lines of publicly released information; indeed, much of life is conducted in online public spaces. A number of tools enable the extraction and analysis of information from public sites. When used in combination, these tools may create a fairly clear sense of the online presences of various individuals or organizations or networks online for increased transparency. This chapter describes some of the tools (Maltego Radium™ and Network Overview, Discovery, and Exploration for Excel/NodeXL™) that may be used to increase the knowability of others in the creation of various profiles. This includes some light applications of “inference attacks” based on publicly available information. Further information may be captured from the Hidden Web through tools designed to crawl that understructure, and this potential is addressed a little as well.
Mobile Health Technology Evaluation
Authors: Idrish Sherina , Rifat Afrin , Iqbal Mehree , Nisha Nabila
Published: July 2017

Globally, the advancement of mobile technology and the growing number of mobile phone users has promoted the boom in mobile health services. The influence of mobile technology has, in fact, made healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and effective today. Consumers are thus increasingly using mobile devices as health service delivery aids across various countries. However, questions remain as to how consumer traits like personal innovativeness and self-efficacy, financial costs related to the service delivery and demographics like age and gender may affect the usage and adoption of mobile health services, especially for emerging economies like Bangladesh. Conceptual model of the study identifies self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, effort expectancy and performance expectancy to be significant constructs that influences users' overall perceptions of mobile health services, along with moderating effects of both age and gender upon the selected factors. Finally, the study highlights managerial implications, future research directions and limitations.
Customer Value Dimensions in E-Healthcare Services
Authors: Lindberg-Repo Kirsti , Dube Apramey
Published: July 2017

Healthcare services have been extensively researched for customer value creation activities. There has been, however, limited attention on the dimensions of customer value, as reported by customers themselves, in e-healthcare services. The purpose of this paper is to investigate customer value dimensions in which customers experience e-healthcare services. Narrative techniques were used to investigate customer experiences of e-healthcare services offered by eight private Finnish providers. The findings show that customers evaluate e-healthcare services in four value dimensions: 1) The outcome of e-healthcare service (‘What'), 2) The process of e-healthcare service (‘How'), 3) The responsiveness and temporal aspect of e-healthcare service (‘When'), and, 4) The location of e-healthcare service provision (‘Where'). The value dimensions reflect customer expectations that service providers can fulfill for improved customer value creation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is one of the first researches to investigate customer value dimensions in e-healthcare services in Finland.
The Health Outcomes in Recession
Authors: Fragoulakis Vassilis , Athanasiadi Elena , Mourtzikou Antonia , Stamouli Marilena , Vozikis Athanassios
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study is to provide an overview of recent reforms in Greece as imposed by the fiscal adjustments. Potential harmful consequences of these vast healthcare reforms are also discussed, as a collateral victim of the recession, in which case the real “patient” is the overall healthcare system. Based on an extended review of the related literature, the economic crisis, currently numbering five years in Greece, was accompanied by vast healthcare reforms and significant cuts in spending. In particular, austerity measures implemented, impose that health expenditure should not exceed 6% as a share of GDP. Savings were expected to be accomplished through vast changes, including the redetermination of both pharmaceutical reimbursement and pricing, reduction of public servants and cost containment regarding payments to the private sector. So far, there is a significant rise in demand for public hospital services, following a significant drop for private providers, including maternity hospitals, dental offices and surgery clinics. At the same time, elevated prevalence of certain diseases is already reported, although many researchers dispute over a causal association between recession and these health outcomes. Conclusively, it can be argued that the financial crisis is a no easy way out, and the Greek healthcare system is challenged as both resources and demand are rapidly changing. What is yet to answer is whether these reforms, along with a co-existing rise in demand of health services, could jeopardize the quality of the system.
Anatomy and Significance of Public Healthcare Expenditure and Economic Growth Nexus in India
Authors: Mukherjee Sovik
Published: July 2017

The objective of this chapter is to take a closer look at the liaison between the two focus variables viz. growth and public healthcare expenditure, and the associated implications for public health infrastructure development. Initially, a theoretical model has been proposed which brings out the link between the focus variables. Panel cointegration and causality are the techniques applied in a Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) set-up using panel data from 1980-2015. Next, a health infrastructure index has been constructed using the Euclidean distance function approach for India for two time points i.e. 2005-06 and 2014-15, to evaluate the interstate performance in public healthcare infrastructure. The findings validate the existence of a cointegrated relationship between health expenditure and economic growth coupled with a bidirectional causality linking the focus variables in this model. It comes to a close by highlighting the policy implications and the future research possibilities in this regard.
Health Infrastructure and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Adams Samuel , Klobodu Edem Kwame Mensah , Lamptey Richmond Odartey
Published: July 2017

In this study, we examine the effect of health infrastructure on economic growth in 30 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries over the period 1990-2014. Using modern econometric techniques that account for cross-sectional dependence in panel data, we find that health infrastructure (measured by mortality rate) does not have robust impact on economic growth. Gross fixed capital formation, however, is positively associated with economic growth while labor force and polity variables exhibit significant association with economic growth. The results provide sufficient evidence that although capital investment is adequate, the labor force and political environment have not facilitated the health infrastructure in increasing the GDP per capita level in SSA.
Evaluating Cost Sharing Measures in Public Primary Units in Greece
Authors: Siskou Olga , Stokou Helen , Theodorou Mamas , Kaitelidou Daphne , Galanis Peter , Tsavalias Konstantinos , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Charalambous Georgios , Liaropoulos Lycourgos L.
Published: July 2017

The mission of this paper is to investigate the economic viability and the workload imposed on nurses of the introduction of a cost sharing mechanism (€5/visit) in public primary health care units. The Ministry of Health provided administrative data for 2011 and 2012. Results highlighted the economic viability of the introduction of a cost sharing mechanism in Outpatient Departments of NHS Hospitals, as an annual economic benefit of €11.5 mil was reported. On the other hand, an annual deficit of €1.4 mil was estimated for Health Centers. Moreover, in the majority of Health Centers, nurses were put under altering employment in order to collect the fees. In times of economic recession, such as currently the case in Greece, negative consequences of cost sharing mechanisms may outweigh the positive ones. The decision on whether or not to introduce cost sharing arrangements is largely a political one and many factors (e.g. accessibility, equity, clinical outcomes) have to be taken into account, apart from economic results.
Linking Cost Control to Cost Management in Healthcare Services
Authors: Bertoni Michele , De Rosa Bruno , Grisi Guido , Rebelli Alessio
Published: July 2017

The issue of healthcare costs has become increasingly problematic over the years. This chapter summarizes the problems faced by hospitals when measuring the costs of healthcare treatments, explaining how an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) framework can be successfully adopted in healthcare settings. After describing the theoretical foundations of cost control and cost management, the chapter continues with the analysis of three real-life applications of ABC in a hospital, drawn from the process analysis and activity-based costing experience developed at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti” (Joint Hospitals) of Trieste, Italy. In particular, the cases are about cost measurement in cardiology, odontostomatology, and radiology, and describe the technical solutions applied for computing the costs of selected therapeutic and diagnostic treatments. A particular emphasis is placed on how these measures have been subsequently used by hospital managers and medical personnel in order to gain insights and to improve the efficiency of the processes developed within the organization.
Could Patient Engagement Promote a Health System Free From Malpractice Litigation Risk?
Authors: Miglioretti Massimo , Mariani Francesca , Vecchio Luca
Published: July 2017

In recent decades, medical malpractice litigation experienced a large-scale expansion in the United States as well as in Europe, involving both medical and surgical specialties. Previous studies have investigated the reasons why patients decide to sue doctors for malpractice and highlighted that adverse outcome, negative communication with doctors and seeking compensation are among the major reasons for malpractice litigation. In this chapter, patient engagement is discussed as a possible method for reducing the risks of doctors being sued for medical malpractice. The results of a first qualitative study underline how an active role for patients and their engagement in the treatment definition and execution could be a way to limit the occurrence of malpractice litigations. However, a second study noted that in Italy, many patients are still struggling to become involved in the process of their care. The authors discuss the role of professional education in promoting patient engagement in Italy.
Comparison of Feed Drives with a Process Oriented Design Methodology
Authors: Rehm Matthias , Quellmalz Johannes , Schlegel Holger , Neugebauer Reimund
Published: July 2017

The paper points out a novel design methodology for electromechanical linear axis. It is based on common process parameters and an automated iterative solution algorithm. For the first time ever, different types of electromechanical linear axes can be compared. Furthermore, an optimum solution aiming a low moment of inertia ratio is the result of the design process. Using the example of a machining center, simulation and experimental results are shown. The performance of the process-oriented design methodology relating to additional design objectives is shown in this context.
Measurement and Control System for Analysis of the Operation of the Stepper Motor
Authors: Pawliczek Roland , Soppa Piotr
Published: July 2017

The paper describes a control and measurement system for controlling and analysing operation of a stepper motor. The system design is based on the concept of virtual instrument, where data acquisition and transmission use standard solutions, whereas software serves both as a generator and a measurement system – an oscilloscope. The generator allows efficient control of motor operation in the following control modes: wave, full-step and half-step control. There were no winding powering sequence errors observed. The measurement system allows presenting and analysing voltage waveforms in individual windings with possibility to detect couplings and overvoltages. It was also shown that it is possible to detect locking of rotor rotation.The proposed virtual instruments have open structure, which enables extended analysis based on available measurements or expand range of measurements as long as measurement and control system instrumentation allows that.
Comparison of Different Models of Positive Fractional Continuous-Time Linear Systems and Electrical Circuits Based on the Step Responses
Authors: Borawski Kamil
Published: July 2017

The step responses of positive fractional continuous-time linear systems and electrical circuits described by different models will be investigated and comparison of the models will be performed. Solutions to the state equations of continuous-time linear systems described by Caputo and Caputo-Fabrizio derivatives and necessary and sufficient conditions of the positivity of fractional systems will be recalled. Considerations will be illustrated by numerical examples.
On Stabilization of Non-Uniformly Sampled Control Systems - A Survey
Authors: Janczak Justyna , Pawluszewicz Ewa
Published: July 2017

The paper presents a collection of chosen results solving the problem on stability and stabilizability of linear and linearized non-uniformly sampled systems. The results are divided onto three groups: results on systems with input delay, systems with discrete-time non-uniformly sampled control input and hybrid systems.
Review of Chosen Control Algorithms Used for Small UAV Control
Authors: Dolega Boguslaw , Kopecki Grzegorz , Kordos Damian , Rogalski Tomasz
Published: July 2017

In this article review of chosen control algorithms used for small UAV at Department of Control Systems of Rzeszów University of Technology and their properties is presented. At first, control laws based on modified PID algorithms are described. The example of modification is the use of double differentiation in the algorithm. Proposed modifications improve control quality. Next, model following LQR algorithms is introduced. Implementation of that algorithm improves control quality in the flight at trajectory. In the algorithm presented integration between desired trajectory and plant trajectory is introduced as an additional state.Another algorithm which is presented is sliding mode control algorithm as an example of robust control. It allows you to control plane in event of a fault. Appropriate selection of sliding surface ensures the stability of the system and good quality control under normal operating conditions and enables flight in the event of non-critical damage. To improve the quality control in emergency mode, the parameters of the sliding surface during flight can be modified. The last presented algorithm is model reference adaptive controller. The adaptation mechanism is derived from second Lyapunov method. It also enables control in the case of chosen faults. An example presented in the article is realized for roll angle control. In the case of control surface fault (e.g. aileron or rudder), the algorithm enables aircraft control. In that case control surface fault is treated as an uncertainty of model used.
New Methodology for the Life Time Prediction of Wear Parts in the Mechatronic Systems
Authors: Linins Oskars , Boiko Irina , Lungevics Janis , Leitans Armands
Published: July 2017

This paper is devoted to the elaboration and verification of the new methodology for the life time prediction of wear parts in the mechatronic systems. The methodology is based on the using of the 3D surface texture parameters instead of 2D roughness parameters for more precise prediction of the life time of machine parts.Experimental testing of proposed methodology for the wear parts of linear motion modules of mechatronic system was done using 3D profilometry, pin-on-disc tribological testing for determination dynamic friction coefficient, slidability and static friction coefficient measurements. The new approach for life time prediction is based on using following 3D texture parameters: Sa, Sq, Str, Rsm1 and Rsm2. It is established, that the amplitude and spatial parameters (Sa and Str (Rsm1) accordingly) have a most significant influence on the static and dynamic friction coefficient as well as on the sliding properties. It can be assumed, that for wear parts and for improving sliding properties the surfaces with less Sa and bigger Rsm1 are recommended.Within the Ti-based multi-layer PVD coatings the best prognosis for the life time was achieved for the samples with multi-layer Ti-TiN-Al PVD coating. Proposed methodology is acceptable for use in practice of engineering calculation, in design etc.
Intelligent Robot Systems for Manipulation of Non-Rigid Objects
Authors: Aspragathos Nikos A.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, methodologies are presented for the development of intelligent robot systems for the manipulation of linear and sheet like objects with low and/or very low bending rigidity. In the introduction the non-rigid objects are defined and classified considering their shape, bending rigidity and extensibility. The industrial and service applications of these systems are presented and the state of the art approaches for the manipulation of various categories of the non-rigid objects are presented. A brief State-of the-Art on the manipulation of the deformable objects with relatively low bending rigidity and presenting elastic behavior like foam, sheet metal is presented as well.The main part of the paper is devoted to the robotic manipulation of the sheet-like objects with very low rigidity such as fabrics and leather. Laboratory demonstrators accompany the presentation of the developed intelligent robotic systems for manipulation of non-rigid objects and the paper concludes with hints for the future directions of the research and development in robotic systems for handling non-rigid objects.
Operation-Related Failures of Aircraft Turbine Engines
Authors: Szczepankowski Andrzej , Szymczak Janusz
Published: July 2017

The paper is intended to draw attention to the most frequent reasons that lead to initiation of failures to components of flame tubes incorporated into combustion chambers and turbine units during the operation lifetime of aircraft turbine engines. These failures are illustrated by means of numerous examples that disclose gradual deterioration of components and subassemblies detected on their surfaces during endoscopic inspections carried out on various types of components and subassemblies of aircraft engines. The mentioned deterioration process affecting blade surfaces of turbine blade rims is analyzed on the basis of continuous monitoring that has been carried out to date. Attention is also paid to the way how aircraft engines have been so far and keep being evaluated whether or not they suit for further operation with consideration to specific features of service.
Analysis of Thermal Damage in the High-Speed Foil Bearing
Authors: Żywica Grzegorz , Bagiński Paweł , Andrearczyk Artur
Published: July 2017

The article discusses experimental research and simulation testing on prototypical foil bearings. All experimental tests were conducted on a special test rig which makes it possible to operate in various conditions and within a wide range of speeds. As a result of the study, it turned out that adverse operating conditions caused almost instant bearing damage, accompanied by a significant rise in temperature. The main factors affecting the durability of foil bearings were material covering mating surfaces, bearing geometry, way of assembling the bearing, rotational speed and load. To better understand the physical phenomena occurring in foil bearings, a numerical model has been developed which allowed carrying out thermal analyses. The analysis of heat flow in the bearing's structure showed that, because of the system geometry, significant problems with proper removal of large amounts of heat continued to be experienced, which may have led to an accelerated rate of fatigue damage and shorter bearing life. This phenomenon can occur in bearings operating under tough conditions (e.g. at low speeds or under heavy loads). The research showed that the development of a new foil bearing is a very difficult task and requires many aspects to be taken into account, including the aspects directly related to the operation of the bearing itself, as well as those related to the rotor's operation and characteristics of the machine.
Comparison of Suspension Systems and Chassis of Selected Mars Rovers Analogs with a Focus on Introduced Improvement
Authors: Ostaszewski Michał , Dzierżek Kazimierz
Published: July 2017

The article concludes with a thorough evaluation of an usefulness of suspension systems and chassis of Mars Rovers from Bialystok University of Technology and predictions for future Mars rover solutions. A development of technology and ever growing aspirations of mankind resulted in clear progress in the field of Mars exploration rovers. Competitions, involving analogs of Mars rovers, are increasingly more popular among academic societies. The main goal of mentioned initiatives, is to test possible solutions which, over time, may be used in rovers during extraterrestrial missions. The authors focused on a path of a Mars rover analogue development. In the first stage authors analyzed requirements of the University Rover Challenge organized by The Mars Society. Then the article concerns tasks that every modern Mars rover faces during its mission. Next authors considered Mars Rovers analogs designed and built in Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Bialystok University of Technology. After application’s considerations, authors focused on suspension systems analysis. A major part of the article is a thorough structural analysis of suspension and driving systems of analog Mars rovers build at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology [1]. Then there is an comparison of the Curiosity (fig. 1) rover suspension [2] and internal frame with #next Mars Rover.
Differential Control of Six-Wheeled Robot Using a Mobile Application
Authors: Milewski Artur Stanisław , Mierzejewski Łukasz , Tołstoj-Sienkiewicz Justyna
Published: July 2017

In recent years, an intense development in the mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets or smartwatches can be noticed. Each of them is equipped with various peripherals [1,2], for example touch screen, GPS, Wi-Fi, accelerometer or Bluetooth module which give a lot of possibilities for engineering use. Control of an intelligent home, positioning clients at the shopping centers through beacons or translation of the speech in real time are just some of the practical uses of mobile technology. On the other hand, a noticeable growth in usage of mobile robots for specific tasks results in an increased demand for a dedicated controller that would enable an intuitive, convenient, and precise control of such devices. The document presents an unconventional way of differential control of the six-wheeled robot through an application on Android device using Bluetooth connectivity. This solution will be presented on an example of a #next Mars rover analogue [fig. 1]. The vehicle was built to participate in University Rover Challenge. This prestigious competition of Mars rovers occurs yearly in the United States on the Utah desert. Measured linear acceleration via the built-in smartphone accelerometer, allows to control the direction and speed of the drive motors and joints of manipulator. The author gives a solution to the most important problems in the presented control method such as correction of accelerometer error or a negative impact of temperature. It also provides solutions to accelerate the establishment of communication such as the inclusion of bluetooth while lunching application or resuming it automatically after incoming call when communication app works in the background. The solution is confronted with currently the most popular ways of mobile robots control.
Mobile Minirobot with Hybrid Locomotion
Authors: Tătar Mihai Olimpiu , Cirebea Claudiu
Published: July 2017

In this paper the authors present a mobile minirobot with a hybrid locomotion system. The proposed locomotion system combines the advantages of legged locomotion with the advantages of wheeled locomotion. Due to the proposed structure, the minirobot allows three ways of locomotion: legged, wheeled and combined. The paper describes the experimental prototype, the electronic components needed for controlling the minirobot and it analyses locomotion possibilities by using wheels and legs. The end of the paper presents the kinematic model for a single leg of the minirobot.
Development of an Image Sensor for Dentistry - Fiber Connecting Technique with the Gradient Index (GRIN) Rod Lens
Authors: Fujimoto Masataka , Yoshii Shinji , Ikezawa Satoshi , Ueda Toshitusugu , Kitamura Chiaki
Published: July 2017

In dentistry, endodontic treatment becomes necessary when dental caries progresses deep into the tooth and reaches the dental pulp or the periapical tissue. A large part of this treatment is performed without direct observation of the root canals. Previously, we reported a prototype of a dental endoscope. In this study, we attempted to develop a novel image sensor for dental endodontic diagnosis and treatment that allows capturing an image of the fine constructions inside the root canals.　Our fabricated probe contains an image fiber, a GRIN lens, and optical fibers as light sources. These materials are encased inside a stainless steel tube to ensure the durability. In previous experiments, we attempted to connect all materials in one step. However, the captured images had deviations along the center axis between the image fiber and GRIN lens. To solve this problem, we considered a new, two-step method for connecting the two materials. In this method, an image fiber and a GRIN lens with the same diameter were placed on stages capable of three-dimensional fine positional adjustments at a resolution of 0.01 mm. The surfaces of the materials were connected under observation through a microscope. An evaluation of the captured images showed that the deviations in the previous images were 22.4 μm along the X-axis and 45.7 μm along the Y-axis. In contrast, the deviations with the new method were 16.7 μm and 8.9 μm along the X-axis and Y-axis, respectively. Therefore, the new method greatly improved precision along each axis. With this method, our fabricated probe could capture and evaluate images more efficiently. We are now trying to fabricate and evaluate a new image sensor.
Implementation of a Hybrid Electro-Active Actuated Morphing Wing in Wind Tunnel
Authors: Jodin Gurvan , Scheller Johannes , Duhayon Eric , Rouchon Jean François , Braza Marianna
Published: July 2017

Amongst current aircraft research topics, morphing wing is of great interest for improving the aerodynamic performance. A morphing wing prototype has been designed for wind tunnel experiments. The rear part of the wing - corresponding to the retracted flap - is actuated via a hybrid actuation system using both low frequency camber control and a high frequency vibrating trailing edge. The camber is modified via surface embedded shape memory alloys. The trailing edge vibrates thanks to piezoelectric macro-fiber composites. The actuated camber, amplitude and frequency ranges are characterized. To accurately control the camber, six independent shape memory alloy wires are controlled through nested closed-loops. A significant reduction in power consumption is possible via this control strategy. The effects on flow via morphing have been measured during wind tunnel experiments. This low scale mock-up aims to demonstrate the hybrid morphing concept, according to actuator capabilities point of view as well as aerodynamic performance.
Insolvência empresarial: um estudo sobre as distribuidoras de energia elétrica brasileiras
Authors: Scalzer Rodrigo Simonassi , Rodrigues Adriano , Macedo Marcelo Álvaro Da Silva
Published: July 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho é descobrir quais são os indicadores financeiros e operacionais mais relevantes para a explicação da insolvência no setor de distribuição de energia elétrica no Brasil. Além da grande relevância do setor para a economia brasileira, recentemente a Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica emitiu a Nota Técnica nº 353/2014 visando criar mecanismos de acompanhamento constante da sustentabilidade econômico-financeira dessas distribuidoras. Para o estudo, foi utilizada a técnica de regressão logística, e a amostra utilizada foi composta pelas empresas de distribuição de energia que tiveram cadastro na Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, ao menos em algum dos anos entre 1997 e 2014. Os resultados foram consistentes em mostrar que os indicadores Índice de Cobertura dos Juros, Liquidez Geral e FEC/FEC Regulatório foram relevantes para explicar a insolvência das empresas respectivamente para dois anos antes, um ano antes, e para o mesmo ano da análise.
Aplicação comparativa entre EVA e EBITDA: estudo de caso em empresa fabril
Authors: Wernke Rodney , Junges Ivone , Schlickmann Lia
Published: July 2017

Este artigo discorre acerca da comparação entre EVA e EBITDA em empresa de capital fechado que fabrica produtos descartáveis de plástico. Pretendeu-se obter resposta para questão relacionada à provável evolução distinta dos dois indicadores nesse contexto. Para tanto, objetivou comparar a trajetória evolutiva dos dois parâmetros ao longo de 2014. Concluiu-se que, no âmbito da empresa pesquisada, o desempenho foi divergente nas duas métricas citadas nos meses do ano em estudo (sempre positiva no EBITDA, e negativa em onze dos doze meses pelo EVA). Ainda, a realidade evidenciada foi conflitante, uma vez que mostrava um cenário “positivo” pelo EBITDA, e indesejado pelo EVA. Ao se basearem no EBITDA, os dirigentes da companhia podem ser induzidos a acreditar que a situação seria melhor do que realmente é se fosse apurada a capacidade do negócio de gerar lucro suficiente para remunerar as fontes de recursos (alheias e próprias) por intermédio do EVA.
Revisão da produção científica brasileira em segmentação de mercado
Authors: Souza Lucas Lopes Ferreira , Freitas Ana Augusta Ferreira
Published: July 2017

A segmentação de mercado é um assunto central para a formação das estratégias empresarias. Conhecer sua evolução, enquanto área de pesquisa, é essencial na proposição de agendas de pesquisas futuras. Esse artigo tem como objetivo analisar o estado da arte dos trabalhos sobre segmentação de mercado no Brasil, a partir de um estudo bibliométrico. No total, 63 artigos foram analisados. Os resultados demonstram que: no Brasil a segmentação de mercado não é usada como tema central das pesquisas, o uso da segmentação de mercado é feito com o intuito principal de analisar o perfil dos pesquisados e são poucas as implicações gerenciais traçadas. Além disto, não há autores de referência no Brasil sobre o assunto, sendo um tema tratado por muitos pesquisadores, de forma descontínua. A partir da comparação com agendas de pesquisa internacionais, novas trilhas de pesquisa sobre a temática são sugeridas.
O Uso do Método Netnográfico na Pós-Graduação em Administração no Brasil
Authors: Correia Rafaela Rodrigues , Alperstedt Graziela Dias , Feuerschutte Simone Ghisi
Published: July 2017

A dinâmica da Internet e de suas mídias sociais exige uma constante revisão das metodologias de pesquisa da área. A netnografia é a metodologia aplicada para investigar e interpretar o comportamento do consumidor nas comunidades virtuais. Este artigo apresenta a abordagem netnográfica como ferramenta de análise de informações online em estudos desenvolvidos na Pós-Graduação em Administração no Brasil. Realizou-se um resgate teórico da netnografia e um levantamento bibliográfico de teses e dissertações que utilizaram o método. Os resultados demonstraram que os estudos netnográficos no campo iniciaram-se em 2006, mas foi apenas em 2012 que o método passou a ser amplamente utilizado. Como limitações ao uso do método destacam-se a ausência de dados confiáveis e as interpretações superficiais. Mesmo assim, a netnografia apresenta-se como uma ferramenta para analisar grupos virtuais, proporcionando flexibilidade temporal e espacial e, possibilitando o surgimento de insights, que se transformam em avanço teóricos na pesquisa em Administração.
Evolution of soil and plant parameters on the agricultural Gebesee
test site: a database for the set-up and validation of EO-LDAS and
other satellite-aided retrieval models
Authors: Truckenbrodt Sina C. , Schmullius Christiane C.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Ground reference data are a prerequisite for the calibration, update and validation of retrieval models facilitating the monitoring of land parameters based on Earth Observation data. Here, we describe the acquisition of a comprehensive ground reference database which was elaborated to test and validate the recently developed Earth Observation Land Data Assimilation System (EO-LDAS). In situ data was collected for seven crop types (winter barley, winter wheat, spring wheat, durum, winter rape, potato and sugar beet) cultivated on the agricultural Gebesee test site, central Germany, in 2013 and 2014. The database contains information on hyperspectral surface reflectance, the evolution of biophysical and biochemical plant parameters, phenology, surface conditions, atmospheric states, and a set of ground control points. Ground reference data was gathered with an approximately weekly resolution and on different spatial scales to investigate variations within and between acreages. In situ data collected less than 1 day apart from satellite acquisitions (RapidEye, SPOT5, Landsat-7 and -8) with a cloud coverage ≤ 25 % is available for 10 and 16 days in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The measurements show that the investigated growing seasons were characterized by distinct meteorological conditions causing interannual variations in the parameter evolution. In the article, the experimental design of the field campaigns, and methods employed in the determination of all parameters are described in detail. Insights into the database are provided and potential fields of application are discussed. We hope these data will contribute to a further development of crop monitoring methods based on remote sensing techniques. The database is freely available at PANGAEA (doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.874251).
HESS Opinions: A planetary boundary on freshwater use is misleading
Authors: Heistermann Maik
Published: July 2017

Abstract. In 2009, a group of prominent Earth scientists introduced the planetary boundaries (PB) framework: they suggested nine global control variables, and defined corresponding thresholds which, if crossed, could generate unacceptable environmental change. The concept builds on systems theory, and views Earth as a complex adaptive system in which anthropogenic disturbances may trigger non-linear, abrupt, and irreversible changes at the global scale, and push the Earth system outside the stable environmental state of the Holocene. While the idea has been remarkably successful in both science and policy circles, it has also raised fundamental concerns, as the majority of suggested processes and their corresponding planetary boundaries do not operate at the global scale, and thus apparently lack the potential to trigger abrupt planetary changes. This paper picks up the debate with specific regard to the planetary boundary on global freshwater use. While the bio-physical impacts of excessive water consumption are typically confined to the river basin scale, the PB proponents argue that water-induced environmental disasters could build up to planetary-scale feedbacks and system failures. So far, however, no evidence has been presented to corroborate that hypothesis. Furthermore, no coherent approach has been presented to what extent a planetary threshold value could reflect the risk of regional environmental disaster. To be sure, the PB framework was revised in 2015, extending the planetary freshwater boundary with a set of basin-level boundaries inferred from environmental water flow assumptions. Yet, no new evidence was presented, either with respect to the ability of those basin-level boundaries to reflect the risk of regional regime shifts or with respect to a potential mechanism linking river basins to the planetary scale. So while the idea of a planetary boundary on freshwater use appears intriguing, the line of arguments presented so far remains speculative and implicatory. As long as Earth system science does not present compelling evidence, the exercise of assigning actual numbers to such a boundary is arbitrary, premature, and misleading. Taken as a basis for water-related policy and management decisions, though, the idea transforms from misleading to dangerous, as it implies that we can globally offset water-related environmental impacts. A planetary boundary on freshwater use should thus be disapproved and actively refuted by the hydrological and water resources community.
The significance of vertical moisture diffusion on drifting Snow sublimation near snow surface
Authors: Huang Ning , Shi Guanglei
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Drifting snow sublimation is a physical process containing phase change and heat change of the drifting snow, which is not only an important parameter for the studying of polar ice sheets and glaciers, but a significant one for the ecology of arid and semi-arid lands, where snow cover is the main fresh water resource. However, in the previous studies drifting snow sublimation near surface was ignored. Herein, we built a drifting snow sublimation model containing vertical moisture diffusion equation and heat balance equation, to study drifting snow sublimation near surface. The results showed that though drifting snow sublimation near surface was strongly reduced by negative feedback effect, relative humidity near surface didn’t reach the saturation state caused by vertical moisture diffusion. Therefore, the sublimation near surface will not stop in drifting snow near surface. The sublimation rate near surface is 3–4 orders of magnitude higher than that at 10 m. And the mass of snow sublimation near surface accounts for even more than half of the total if the wind velocity is small. Therefore, drifting snow sublimation near surface can't be neglected.
Do Firms in Polluting Industries Outsource Pollution Abatement Services More? Panel Data Evidence from U.S. Industries
Authors: Sun Meng
Published: July 2017

This paper analyzes empirical evidence from U.S. manufacturing industries to understand which firms tend to outsource environmental services more. We construct a variable that measures the outsourcing level of pollution abatement employing the contract work cost data in the Pollution Abatement Costs and Expenditures Survey. Utilizing the panel data for 1992-94, the results indicate that firms in less polluting industries tend to outsource more environmental services. Moreover, the results remain robust when we use the 2005 data.
An ant colony based model to optimize parameters in industrial vision
Authors: Benchikhi Loubna , Sadgal Mohamed , Elfazziki Aziz , Mansouri Fatimaezzahra
Published: July 2017

Industrial vision constitutes an efficient way to resolve quality control problems. It proposes a wide variety of relevant operators to accomplish controlling tasks in vision systems. However, the installation of these systems awaits for a precise parameter tuning, which remains a very difficult exercise. The manual parameter adjustment can take a lot of time, if precision is expected, by revising many operators. In order to save time and get more precision, a solution is to automate this task by using optimization approaches (mathematical models, population models, learning models...). This paper proposes an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) based model. The process considers each ant as a potential solution, and then by an interacting mechanism, ants converge to the optimal solution. The proposed model is illustrated by some image processing applications giving very promising results. Compared to other approaches, the proposed one is very hopeful.
Història local, patrimoni i associacionisme a Catalunya
Authors: Hachuel Esther
Published: July 2017

Les vinculacions entre el patrimoni i l’associacionisme són, a casa nostra, molt evidents. Només cal recordar, a tall d’exemple, el paper del Centre Excursionista de Catalunya en la detecció i conservació de monuments prehistòrics i jaciments arqueològics, entre finals del segle XIX i el XX. Ara bé, més enllà d’aquesta constatació o d’altres de similars que es poden fer, observem en els darrers trenta anys com la relació entre associacionisme i patrimoni ha pres una dimensió complexa: el nombre d’associacions que des d’una o altra perspectiva tenen el patrimoni en l’objecte de mira s’ha incrementat notablement; el seu perfil és cada cop més divers, com també ho són les formes d’actuació que els permeten assolir objectius patrimonialistes. I ben bé en paral·lel (però no de manera aliena) observem com el concepte de patrimoni s’ha anat eixamplant fins a abastar elements relacionats amb la vida quotidiana i les classes populars. De tot plegat es proposa una anàlisi a la llum dels grans esdeveniments polítics (com la construcció d’Europa); de factors econòmics (com el boom immobiliari o les possibilitats turístiques del patrimoni); de factors socials (com el nymbisme i la pèrdua d’elements d’identitat de les grans urbs), i de factors psicosocials (com la percepció col·lectiva de benestar).