bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propiedades mecánicas bajo compresión y resistencia al desgaste abrasivo de piezas gruesas de caucho acrilonitrilo
Authors: Velásquez-Restrepo Sandra Milena , Giraldo-Vásquez Diego Hernán , Zapata-Gallego Natalia Trinidad
Published: April 2016

Se estudió la variación de las propiedades mecánicas bajo compresión uniaxial y el desgaste abrasivo en la sección transversal de piezas gruesas de caucho acrilonitrilo (NBR) reforzadas con negro de humo, teniendo en consideración que en este tipo de piezas las propiedades obtenidas durante la vulcanización no son homogéneas, debido a la baja difusividad térmica de los cauchos. Se realizaron ensayos de desgaste abrasivo en seco, buscando identificar la relación entre la resistencia al desgaste abrasivo y las propiedades mecánicas en compresión, como el módulo elástico y la dureza. Se evaluaron muestras en estado de entrega tras el proceso de vulcanización, luego expuestas al ambiente durante tres meses y, posteriormente, envejecidas en una cámara UV. El envejecimiento ambiental rigidiza los materiales estudiados, pero disminuye la resistencia al desgaste del material proveniente del núcleo de las piezas. El envejecimiento UV disminuyó el módulo elástico, pero su efecto sobre la resistencia al desgaste depende del estado de envejecimiento previo. La dureza no presentó una relación directa ni con el módulo elástico ni con la resistencia al desgaste, por lo cual no puede usarse como propiedad para la selección de cauchos NBR sometidos a desgaste abrasivo. La información obtenida permite generar criterios para el diseño de componentes basados en este tipo de cauchos.
Evaluación de técnicas no destructivas en elementos de concreto para puentes
Authors: Cruz Ricardo Alfredo , Quintero-Ortiz Luz Amparo , Galán-Pinilla Carlos Andrés , Espinosa-García Elkin Javier
Published: April 2016

Se evaluaron las técnicas no destructivas de Velocidad de Pulso Ultrasónico (VPU), termografía infrarroja y martillo de rebote para su aplicación en elementos de puentes de concreto y para determinar su posible aplicación in situ. El estudio se desarrolló en dos etapas: diseño y elaboración de los elementos representativos de un puente de concreto y aplicación de los ensayos no destructivos sobre estos. La técnica de VPU mostró gran capacidad para evaluar la homogeneidad y calidad de la matriz de concreto, con baja sensibilidad para identificar los daños en los refuerzos. La termografía infrarroja permitió la identificación de delaminaciones ubicadas a profundidades de hasta el 50% del espesor de la losa evaluada. Con los resultados del martillo de rebote se estimó la resistencia a la compresión del concreto de las losas, cuyas lecturas obtenidas fueron afectadas por la presencia de agregado grueso.
El concreto elaborado con aguas lluvia como aporte ambiental desde la construcción
Authors: Bedoya-Montoya Carlos Mauricio , Medina-Restrepo Carlos Andrés
Published: April 2016

Se aborda la confección del concreto con aguas lluvia y se compara su desempeño con respecto a los elaborados con agua potabilizada, empleada convencionalmente. Las muestras confeccionadas se estudiaron en cuanto a la resistencia al esfuerzo a compresión a edades de 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56 y 90 días, analizando también su microestructura por medio de microscopía de barrido electrónico (SEM) y caracterizando el agua involucrada mediante laboratorio certificado. Luego de analizar los resultados, se ve factible que la confección del concreto puede hacerse de modo más racional en cuanto a la utilización del recurso hídrico, sin sacrificar sus cualidades mecánicas, estéticas y de estabilidad. A su vez, se contempla la posibilidad de establecer una práctica que pueda ser replicable en el contexto colombiano.
Remoción del lubricante adicionado al hierro pulvimetalúrgico, con plasma de la descarga luminiscente anormal
Authors: Rodríguez-Fonseca Pedro Vicente , Sarmiento-Santos Armando , Moreno-Téllez Carlos Mauricio
Published: April 2016

Se emplea el plasma de la descarga luminiscente anormal DLA en la remoción del lubricante de compactos de hierro pulvimetalúrgico en atmósfera de hidrógeno, con el fin de establecer las condiciones óptimas del ciclo térmico en la configuración catódica para mantener las propiedades ofrecidas del hierro. Para la preparación de las mezclas se utiliza un mezclador rotatorio. El material se conforma con presión uniaxial en matriz cilíndrica, calculando su densidad y porosidad. Con TGA y DSC se estudian la descomposición térmica y la eliminación del lubricante, luego, se realizan los ciclos de remoción en la DLA. Con TGA se monitorea el estado de remoción del lubricante de cada ciclo en la DLA. Se caracterizan los compactos en verde y los del proceso de remoción con microscopia óptica y SEM.Se halló una adecuada remoción en la configuración catódica a 400 °C durante 10 minutos, removiéndose la totalidad de lubricante. El ciclo propuesto conviene en aplicaciones industriales por las altas tasas de calentamiento alcanzadas con reducción del consumo de energía, así como de la necesaria en mantener la descarga, referidas a los hornos resistivos utilizados.
IGAZI "CROSSOVER": A JANIKOVSZKY–RÉBER „KÉPESKÖNYV”
Authors: UTASI ANIKÓ
Published: April 2016

A tanulmány az Illusztráció és szöveg intermediális kapcsolata Janikovszky Éva „gyer- mekprózájában” című doktori értekezés expozéja tulajdonképpen. A disszertáció megvédésére 2015. VII. 8-án került sor az Újvidéki Egyetem Bölcsészettudományi Karának Magyar Nyelv és Irodalom Tanszékén. Jelen dolgozat összefoglalja a szer- ző kutatásának eredményeit, különös tekintettel a Janikovszky–Réber szerzőpáros közösen létrehozott „képeskönyveire”, valamint kitekintést nyújt Janikovszky Éva illusztrált szövegeinek utóéletére is.
MIHAIL KUZMIN: SZÁRNYAK Nevelődési regény vagy beavatási regény? Polémia az orosz irodalmi tradícióval
Authors: SZŐKE KATALIN
Published: April 2016

A Szárnyak a maga idejében mint az első orosz homoerotikus regény vált híressé és egyben hírhedtté. A szovjet olvasóközönség azonban már nem ismerhette. Kuzmin a tiltott írók kategóriájába tartozott, s így regénye újbóli felfedezésére hazájában csak az 1990-es évek kezdetétől kerülhetett sor. Mihail Kuzmin kisregényét egyfelől nevelődési regénynek (Erziehungsroman), másfelől beavatási regénynek tekintem. Ezen a ponton is kapcsolódik Kuzmin műve egyrészt a XIX. századi orosz regény tradíciójához, másrészt, mint regény-iniciáció, beavatás-regény az orosz szimbo- lista regényekhez. Ez a kettős kapcsolódás végigvonul a próza-struktúra minden elemén, beleértve az utalás- és idézetrendszereket. Kuzmin regényében a beavatáshoz nem kapcsolódik a mitológiai és egyéb tradícióra visszavezethető rítus, a „beava- tás” folyamat, melyben hasonlóan fontos szerepet játszanak a személyeken kívül a műalkotások, operák, irodalom, s főképp a képzőművészet, hiszen rajtuk keresztül közvetítődik a beavatáshoz szükséges kulturális tartalom. Ványa, a kisregény fő alak- ja a műalkotások nyújtotta „kettős tükrözés” segítségével érti meg a „természetet”, s ily módon önnön természetét is, s fogadja el magát a homoerotikus kapcsolatot.
Philosophy of Computer Science and its Effect on Education - Towards the Construction of an Interdisciplinary Group
Authors: Da Rosa Sylvia , Chmiel Alejandro , Gómez Federico
Published: April 2016

This article presents an interdisciplinary experience that brings together two areas of computer science; didactics and philosophy. As such, the article introduces a relatively unexplored area of research, not only in Uruguay but in the whole Latin American region. The reflection on the ontological status of computer science, its epistemic and educational problems, as well as their relationship with technology, allows us to elaborate a critical analysis of the discipline and a social perception of it as a basic science.
Special Issue on Design and Manufacturing Toward Sustainability
Authors: Matsubara Atsushi
Published: April 2016

“Sustainability,” a concept leading the 21st Century, calls for the manufacturing industry and its products to achieve sustainability.

This issue treats such aspects as CO2 emission and global warming, depletion of natural resources and fossil fuel, and emission of toxic and hazardous substances. Sustainability requires the manufacturing industry to make at least two major changes while maintaining or increasing competitiveness and added product value:

1. Lifecycle thinking requiring manufacturers to design, evaluate, and manage the complete product lifecycle, including use and end-of-life stages.

2. Minimizing everything in the product lifecycle, including products, material and energy use, manufacturing and inverse manufacturing systems, and logistics­ the consummate lean lifecycle.

In this sense, sustainable manufacturing is an extension of current advances in manufacturing technologies, but with an emphasis on wider, holistic applications.

This special issue brings together manuscripts discussing vital viewpoints on design and manufacturing moving toward sustainability.

The first two papers by Kishita et al. and Matsumoto et al. advocate sustainable resource circulation systems. Papers 3 to 6 by Masui, Sakao et al., Fargnoli, and Fukushige et al. discuss environmentally conscious design. Papers 7 and 8 by Narita et al. and Kondoh et al. propose evaluations of environmental awareness of manufacturing systems. The last three papers by Komoto et al., Takata et al., and Hiraoka et al. discuss postsales activities– collection, and reuse–indispensable to sustainable manufacturing.

We thank the authors for their most interesting contributions to this special issue and the reviewers and editors for their invaluable effort, and hope you, our discriminating readers, will begin discussing and implementing ideas and applications for moving the manufacturing industry toward sustainability.
Monitoring and Control of Cutting Forces in Machining Processes: A Review
Authors: Matsubara Atsushi ,   Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan, Ibaraki Soichi
Published: April 2016

Much research has gone into machining process monitoring and control. This paper reviews monitoring and control schemes of cutting force and torque. Sensors to measure cutting force and torque, as well as their indirect estimation, are reviewed. Feedback control schemes and model-based feedforward scheduling schemes of cutting forces, as well as tool path optimization schemes for cutting force regulation, are reviewed. The authors’ works are also briefly presented.
Flexible Sensor for McKibben Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Actuator
Authors: Kuriyama Shinji ,   Graduate School of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan, Ding Ming , Kurita Yuichi , Ueda Jun , Ogasawara Tsukasa ,   George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Drive, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0405, USA
Published: April 2016

The demand for flexible, lightweight McKibben pneumatic artificial muscles (McKibben actuators) has been increasing for power assistance equipment used for assisting and rehabilitating the elderly. To accurately control this equipment, the length of the actuator should be measured. However, the equipment becomes heavier and less flexible when a rigid sensor, such as a potentiometer or an encoder, is used. The sensor should be flexible in order to take advantage of the favorable properties of the McKibben actuator. The aim of this study is to measure the length of the actuator without loss of its advantages. We propose a method of estimating the length from the circumferential displacement, which can be measured by a sensor made of electroconductive, flexible rubber. Higher accuracy is obtained by measuring the circumferential displacement than by measuring the axial displacement using this sensor. The sensor’s flexibility enables us to accurately control the actuator without any loss of flexibility or increase in weight. Furthermore, the sensor does not require the attachment of any rigid fixtures. The accuracy of the estimate is successfully evaluated and the usefulness of the proposed method is verified through its application to a multi-link arm driven by the McKibben actuator.
Special Issue on Precision Positioning Technology
Authors: Yoshimoto Shigeka , Tanaka Toshiharu
Published: April 2016

The 4th International Conference on Positioning Technology (ICPT2010) held at Paradise Hotel Busan on November 24-26, 2010 was attended by over 100 participants, who engaged in enthusiastic and intensive discussions on positioning technologies.

Dr. Toshiharu Tanaka, who coedited this special issue of IJAT, planned for papers from this conference, asked that presenters to submit papers. Some 16 papers have been submitted and given peer reviews by two reviewers.

Given the excellent quality of the papers in this special issue, readers are certain to find invaluable nuggets of knowledge on positioning technologies.

I would like to expressmy sincere thanks to the authors who submitted their papers to this special issue for their efforts, and to state my deep gratitude to the reviewers for valuable comments.
Special Issue on Mechatronics
Authors: Marcelo H. Ang Jr.
Published: April 2016

The challenge in mechatronics – the foundation of modern machines and systems – is how to synergistically integrate electro-mechanical systems best with computing hardware and software to optimize intelligence and maximize usefulness. This special issue covers the latest developments in mechatronics, together with their wide-ranging applications. Part 1 features four papers (issue number 5 – the previous issue). Part 2 features the five papers appearing in this issue (issue number 6). The increasing importance of precisely dispensing droplets is demonstrated by two papers in Part 1. Saeda’s paper focuses on 3D printing – a novel way for accurately dispensing droplets to form materials manufactured layer by layer. Zhao and Huang’s paper details how to compensate in a new way for errors in droplet distribution and thereby improve inkjet printing quality. An important application of mechatronics is the tracking of humanmovement. In Part 1, Akagi et al. discuss a novel, wearable sensor for detecting the movement of joints, which is very useful in rehabilitation and similar functions. In Part 2, Terabayashi et al. explain how multiple persons are tracked by 2 cameras, introducing clever image processing and shadow detection and demonstrating their proposal’s efficacy both indoors and outdoors. Two papers focusing on human-mechatronics systems with the human in the loop are presented in Part 2. Kawarazaki and Yoshidime cover interesting human-robot communication, important in enabling robotics operate in our daily lives – a field called social robotics. Their system uniquely combines voice recognition and image processing to detect gestures and human movement. The second paper, by Carlier and Murakami, deals with driver assistance based on smart road detection and tactile feedback as an interface with drivers of intelligent vehicles. Three more papers focus on problem in robotics and control. In Part 2, P. Y. Lam and T. K. Sin present a self-balancing bicycle robot based on a control-moment gyro. In Part 1, Yamashita et al. address motion planning problems for a biped robot. Yoshimura et al. describe 3D attitude control for underactuated satellites with thrusters. I hope this special issue will inspire you to contribute to the exciting field of mechatronics. I thank the authors and reviewers for their many efforts in making this special issue possible.
Special Issue on Progress in Welding Processes
Authors: Katayama Seiji
Published: April 2016

Welding is one of the most versatile joining methods for constructing products and structures in nearly all industrial fields. Arc has been widely used as a cheap heat source for welding since carbon arc fusion welding was first applied to join Pb plates in about 1880. New welding technologies have been developed according to social needs or changes since 1960. Therefore, half-automated welding, automatic welding and highefficient welding have been developed for saving man-power and afterward full automation. First, tandem one-side SAW (submerged arc welding), high-speed rotational arc, high-heat input SAW, tandem wire MAG, etc. have been introduced as highly efficient welding processes. On the other hand, as gas-shielding arc welding processes, CO2 gas, MAG, man-power saving automatic welding, the use of a flux-cored wire, AC MIG, MIG with two wires, laser-arc hybrid welding, CMT process have been developed and most widely employed in the industries in conjunction with an advance in the welding heat sources from thyristor to inverter and nowadays digital inverter. Furthermore, robotization has been developed from spot welding robot to squire robot, multi-axes GAM robot, mobile robot, portable many-axes robot and 7 axes robot together with the development in welding sensors such as probe sensor, one-touch sensor, magnetic sensor, arc sensor, laser-slit light sensor, stereo CCD, etc. Recently, novel arc sources are not developed, but deep weld penetration and geometry are controllably obtained in TIG welding by active flux pasted on the plate surface, good use of an active gas and narrow oxidation treatment. Clean MIG process for steels is also developed by use of a unique solid-wire of double layers with different melting temperatures, and different hybrid heat sources of plasma and GMA or laser and MIG. Hybrid welding processes with CO2 laser and MAG, disk laser and MAG, fiber laser and CO2 arc or MAG has recently been applied in the shipbuilding industry. I thank the authors for their generous cooperation to the publication of new development in the welding technologies.
New Method Using Piezoelectric Jerk Sensor to Detect Roller Bearing Failure
Authors: Henmi Nobuhiko ,   Shinshu University, 4-17-1 Wakasato, Nagano 380-8553, Japan, Takeuchi Shingo
Published: April 2016

An acceleration sensor is usually used to examine for roller bearing damage. It is difficult, however, to detect abnormal vibration and examine for roller bearing damage when rotation speed is low. The final target of this study is to establish a bearing damage diagnosis system based on the piezoelectric jerk sensor we developed, which can be used for both low- and highspeed rotations. For this purpose, this paper aims to identify the features of an abnormal vibration detection signal at a low rotation speed, propose a new roller bearing damage diagnosis method that uses the features, and clarify the validity of the method. Experiments are conducted to analyze a scratch purposely made on the outer ring of a conical roller bearing that rotates at the low speeds of 10 or 40 rpm. The results verify the advantages of using the jerk sensor for the bearing damage diagnosis and the validity of the method proposed in this paper.
Temperature Measurement in CFRP Milling Using a Wireless Tool-Integrated Process Monitoring Sensor
Authors: Kerrigan Kevin ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland, O’Donnell Garret E.
Published: April 2016

Interrupted, high-speed composite machining processes involving complex geometries in rotation remain without a robust and accurate temperature process-monitoring tool. In this investigation a novel wireless integrated thermocouple (WIT) sensor for low-temperature applications (<200°C) is characterised for tool-side temperature measurement in peripheral milling. The signal from the WIT sensor within the tool material is assessed and a parametric finite element (FE) model is generated to improve the accuracy of temperature measurement and infer characteristics of the thermal behaviour of the tool during cutting. The model is validated using a cuttinganalogous heat delivery experimental setup. Using the validated parametric model, heat fluxes and surface temperatures are investigated in a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) edge trimming case study. The combination of the raw WIT response and the parametric model demonstrate an ability to improve the capability of the CFRP milling process by allowing for accurate tool-side prediction of temperatures for a range of machining parameters. Results demonstrate the performance of the WIT sensor with FE model incorporated for a CFRP edge trimming process.
Error Calibration for Five-Axis Machine Tools by On-the-Machine Measurement Using a Touch-Trigger Probe
Authors: Ibaraki Soichi ,   Department of Micro Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8540, Japan, Ota Yusuke
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a scheme to calibrate the error map of the rotary axes of a five-axis machine tool. This is done by means of on-the-machine measurement of a test piece using a contact-type touch-trigger probe. The present probing-based approach is more suitable for efficient and automated “self-calibration,” than conventional calibration schemes, such as ball bar tests or R-test. It is thus advantageous in the application to periodic checking of the error map, or periodic updating of its numerical compensation. In the present approach, a test piece of arbitrary geometry, e.g. a raw unmachined workpiece, can be used as the probing target. An experimental demonstration is presented.
Gas/Liquid Phase Change Actuator for Use in Extreme Temperature Environments
Authors: Matsuoka Hiroki ,   Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan, Suzumori Koichi
Published: April 2016

Manipulating materials exposed to extreme temperature environments presents numerous significant challenges. For example, steel industries require new methods for the direct handling of materials at temperatures greater than 1000°C, and material scientists require new methods for handling specimens at the helium temperature, where high-quality analysis must be performed with very low levels of thermal noise. However, conventional actuators do not work in such environments because of their low thermostability and, more importantly, the loss of the magnetic and piezoelectric properties of the actuator materials. For example, it is well known that magnetism and piezoelectricity completely disappear at temperatures exceeding the Curie point. This paper proposes a new working principle for actuators based on the gas/liquid phase change of working fluids. We show possibilities for the actuator design, including selections for temperature-resistant materials and working fluids at various temperatures. In addition, we discuss the design of the first prototype actuator, which worked successfully at 180°C by utilizing the gas/liquid phase change of water. The basic experimental results show significant potential for the actuator.
Cubic Spline Trajectory Planning and Vibration Suppression of Semiconductor Wafer Transfer Robot Arm
Authors: Aribowo Wisnu ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan, Terashima Kazuhiko
Published: April 2016

Vibration-free motion in minimal time is desired for industrial robotic applications. Hence, these criteria have to be considered during trajectory planning for a robot arm, wherein polynomial splines are often used for interpolating the trajectory through several via points. Among polynomial splines, the cubic spline is the lowest-degree spline that can provide jerk limitation, a feature that is important for reducing vibration during motion. However, using jerk limitation alone does not eliminate vibration completely and sometimes restricts the performance of industrial robots. This paper proposes an implementation of cubic spline optimization with free via points for reducing motion time, combined with input shaping for suppressing vibration. Experiments are conducted on a semiconductor wafer transfer robot arm to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
AHP Analysis of the Preference of Engineers for Suitable CFRP for Automobile Parts
Authors: Akai Kenju ,   Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Kageyama Yuji , Sato Kaoru , Nishino Nariaki , Kageyama Kazuro ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Study of Manufacturing, Kanazawa Institute of Technology,   Roland Berger Strategy Consultants,   Floor, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6023, Japan
Published: April 2016

A questionnaire survey was conducted and analyzed with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the suitability of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for use in automobile parts from an engineer’s viewpoint. The results indicated that carbon fiber has a higher potential for use in the framework than as an outer panel or exterior material. In addition, unidirectional and isotropic CFRPs can be used as alternatives to steel for higher-class automobiles. The critical evaluation criteria for carbon fiber are the material cost, safety, stiffness, and corrosion resistance. With the innovative carbon fiber project of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, CFRP has high potential as an alternative material for not only Class S but also Class A automobiles. In a dramatic innovation scenario with regard to the safety, stiffness, and thermal degradation of carbon fiber, CFRP was found to be a potential alternative material for more than half of the parts of Class A automobiles and several parts of Class C automobiles.
Textured Surface of Self-Assembled Particles as a Scaffold for Selective Cell Adhesion and Growth
Authors: Kaneko Arata ,   Faculty of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Takeda Iwori
Published: April 2016

SiO2particles (φ 1 μm) self-assemble into hexagonal arrangements on a glass substrate. Dip-coating is also used to produce linear patterns of particles several tens of micrometers in width on substrates patterned with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Some particles are coated with specific proteins via electrochemical adsorption and structured on a glass substrate. The upper surfaces of self-assembled particles have specifically-ordered asperities that can be called textures. These textured surfaces are applied to a cell scaffold. PC12 and HeLa cells adhere to the textured surfaces of particles more often than they adhere to flat (smooth) surfaces. The cells are located on approximately 50-μm-width of self-assembled particles. Thus, it is found that the textured surface of particles functions as a template for autonomous cell patterning. An in-situ observation shows that the selective adhesion of cells is achieved by their extensions and migrations from the flat region to the particles. Coating particles with proteins enhances cell adhesiveness in such a way that isolated cells adhere to the linear patterns of particles in straight lines. The textured surfaces of particles also affect cell growth. As cell growth is restricted on the textured surfaces of particles, a confluent state of aggregated cells is achieved on only a linear pattern of particles.
Fundamental Study on Novel On-Machine Measurement Method of a Cutting Tool Edge Profile with a Fluorescent Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Maruno Kenji ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Michihata Masaki , Mizutani Yasuhiro , Takaya Yasuhiro ,   Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo
Published: April 2016

We propose a novel, on-machine method of measuring the profile of the cutting edge of a tool by using the cutting fluid on the tool surface. Despite an environment of on-machine tool profile measurement, it is difficult to measure a cutting edge profile by using conventional optical methods due to interference from the cutting fluid on the tool surface. To overcome this problem, we propose a profile measurement method that uses confocal fluorescent detection from the cutting fluid on the tool surface. Moreover, for precise measurements, a method that corrects for the thickness of the cutting fluid is provided. Fluorescence from the surface of a silicon wafer coated with a fluorescent dye that is set horizontally as well as vertically to the optical axis of a developed fluorescent confocal microscope is detected. As a basic verification, the cutting edge profile of a milling tool with wear is measured using the proposed measuring and correction methods that employ a fluorescent dye. The results confirm that the proposed method can provide detailed measurements of a tool wear profile.
Special Issue on Digital Engineering for Complex Shapes
Authors: Miura Kenjiro T. , Ullah A. M. M. Sharif
Published: April 2016

Shape dominantly determines function. The performance of engineering products heavily depends on their shapes. Since CAD technology has advanced enough, we can create digital models of complex shapes. To manufacture products, the goal of digital engineering is not just to generate and visualize the shapes, but also to perform other value adding activities, i.e., scientific analysis, rapid prototyping, finished parts making and simulation. Sometimes the nature of the shape (self-similarity), the origin of the shape (shapes found in living organisms), the appearances of the shape (aesthetic value), and the nature of the underlying materials (softness, porosity) challenge the modeling building processes. At the same time, the constraints of other systems (e.g., CAE, CAM, Additive Manufacturing Systems [e.g., 3D Printer] and Virtual Reality Systems) dictate what must be done while creating the digital models so that the models do not make any problems in the downstream. In this special issue fifteen technical papers propose solutions and strategies to various problems related to digital engineering. Some of them deal with CAD and its philosophical background. Others describe methods to register and reconstruct complex shapes from point clouds in the macroscopic and microscopic spaces. Simulation to identify mechanical and electrical properties are discussed in several papers. The shape of grain texture is very complicated and two papers challenge how to generate it on products’ surfaces. Additive manufacturing is very promising and two papers propose new fabrication methods for complex shapes based on it. The editors deeply appreciate all the authors and anonymous reviewers for their excellent work to make this special issue very unique. We hope that further researches on digital engineering for complex shapes initiated by this special issue will advance our society as well as digital engineering in the future.
Wavelet Transform Data Compression with an Error Level Guarantee for Z-Map Models
Authors: Umezu Nobuyuki ,   Ibaraki University, Asai Kazuki , Inui Masatomo ,   ,,   Hitachi, Ltd.
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes an algorithm to compress CAD models in a grid-based Z-map representation while keeping the compression artifacts within a specified value (the maximum difference allowed by the user). A wavelet transform is used for decomposing the input shape into lower and higher frequency patterns. A significant reduction in the data size can be achieved by deleting higher frequency components. We employ a tree structure called the error range (ER) tree to manage error occurrences and determine where to prune branches without increasing the resulting errors in the data compression. The widely used reversible compression method, gzip, is then used to obtain the final compressed model data output. We conducted a series of experiments with 12 sample shape models on a 512 × 512 grid. With a maximum error of 10 μm (a typical value specified for NC milling), the proposed method reduces the data by 90.9% on average and the computational cost of 19 ms is extremely low. The proposed method can be extended to larger CAD models in real applications.
Fractals and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Ullah A. M. M. Sharif ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kitami Institute of Technology, D’Addona D. M. , Harib Khalifa H. , Lin Than ,   ,,   Department of Chemical, Material, Production, and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, United Arab Emirates University,   School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology
Published: April 2016

Fractal geometry can create virtual models of complex shapes as CAD data, and from these additive manufacturing can directly create physical models. The virtual-model-building capacity of fractal geometry and the physical-model-building capacity of additive manufacturing can be integrated to deal with the design and manufacturing of complex shapes. This study deals with the manufacture of fractal shapes using commercially available additive manufacturing facilities and 3D CAD packages. Particular interest is paid to building physical models of an IFS-created fractal after remodeling it for manufacturing. This article introduces three remodeling methodologies based on binary-grid, convex/concave-hull, and line-model techniques. The measurements of the manufactured fractal shapes are also reported, and the degree of accuracy that can be achieved by the currently available technology is shown.
An Innovative Way to Measure the Quality of a Neural Network Without the Use of a Test Set
Authors: Pilato Giovanni ,   Department of Automata and Informatics Engineering University of Palermo Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy  CRES Centro per la Ricerca Elettronica in Sicilia Via Regione Siciliana, Monreale (PA), Italy, Sorbello Filippo , Vassallo Giorgio
Published: April 2016

In this paper, three quality factors are introduced in order to measure the quality of a neural network. Each factor deals with a particular feature of quality: the ability of the network in learning training set samples; generalization capability related to the gradient, in the nearby of the training patterns, of the network output function; the computational cost of the architecture during the production phase, related to the number of connections between neural units. The validity of the proposed solution has been tested using three well-known benchmarks. Experimental results show that quality factors introduced in this paper can be a valid alternative to the test set method.
A Fuzzy Approach for Modelling the Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Performance
Authors: Zaheeruddin  ,   Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engg. & Tech. Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi-110025, India, Jain V. K. ,   School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110067, India
Published: April 2016

In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a fuzzy model for determining the work efficiency of humans as a function of noise level, exposure time, and the type of task. The modelling technique is based on the concept of fuzzy logic, which offers a convenient way of representing the relationships between the inputs and outputs of a system in the form of IF-THEN rules. It has been established on the basis of surveys that the impact of noise on work efficiency depends to a large extent on the type of tasks. The complex tasks get significantly affected even at much lower noise levels whereas the simple tasks remain unaffected up to very high noise levels. In addition, the duration of noise exposure is an important factor in determining the work efficiency. Finally, we have compared our model results with the deduction based on the criterion of Safe Exposure Limit recommended for industrial workers.
Opposition-Based Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Tizhoosh Hamid R. ,   Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence Laboratory, Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
Published: April 2016

Reinforcement learning is a machine intelligence scheme for learning in highly dynamic, probabilistic environments. By interaction with the environment, reinforcement agents learn optimal control policies, especially in the absence of a priori knowledge and/or a sufficiently large amount of training data. Despite its advantages, however, reinforcement learning suffers from a major drawback - high calculation cost because convergence to an optimal solution usually requires that all states be visited frequently to ensure that policy is reliable. This is not always possible, however, due to the complex, high-dimensional state space in many applications. This paper introduces opposition-based reinforcement learning, inspired by opposition-based learning, to speed up convergence. Considering opposite actions simultaneously enables individual states to be updated more than once shortening exploration and expediting convergence. Three versions of Q-learning algorithm will be given as examples. Experimental results for the grid world problem of different sizes demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approach.
Experimental Signal Analysis of Robot Impacts in a Fractional Calculus Perspective
Authors: Lima Miguel F. M. ,   Dept. of Electrotechnical Engineering, Superior School of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal, Machado J. A. Tenreiro , Crisóstomo Manuel ,   Dept. of Electrotechnical Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal,   Institute of Systems and Robotics, University of Coimbra, Polo II, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a study of the signals captured during impacts and vibrations of a mechanical manipulator. In order to acquire and study the signals an experimental setup is implemented. The system acquires data from the sensors, in real time, and processes it through an off-line analysis package. The study is developed based on a set of signal processing tools, such as the Fast Fourier Transform and the windowed Fourier transform. The signals whose Fourier spectrum presents a non integer behavior are pointed out and analyzed using several time windows. The experimental results provide useful information that can assist in the design of a control system to deal with the unwanted effects of vibrations.
Generalisation of Scale and Move Transformation-Based Fuzzy Interpolation
Authors: Shen Qiang ,   Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DB, UK, Yang Longzhi
Published: April 2016

Fuzzy interpolative reasoning has been extensively studied due to its ability to enhance the robustness of fuzzy systems and reduce system complexity. In particular, the scale and move transformation-based approach is able to handle interpolation with multiple antecedent rules involving triangular, complex polygon, Gaussian and bell-shaped fuzzy membership functions [1]. Also, this approach has been extended to deal with interpolation and extrapolation with multiple multi-antecedent rules [2]. However, the generalised extrapolation approach based on multiple rules may not degenerate back to the basic crisp extrapolation based on two rules. Besides, the approximate function of the extended approach may not be continuous. This paper therefore proposes a new approach to generalising the basic fuzzy interpolation technique of [1] in an effort to eliminate these limitations. Examples are given throughout the paper for illustration and comparative purposes. The result shows that the proposed approach avoids the identified problems, providing more reasonable interpolation and extrapolation.
Toward New Practical Education Based on ProfessionalKansei
Authors: Murai Koji ,   Graduate School of Maritime Sciences, Kobe University, 5-1-1 Fukaeminami, Higashinada, Kobe 658-0022, Japan, Hayashi Yuji , Kuramoto Kei , Fujita Takayuki , Maenaka Kazusuke , Higuchi Kohei , Saiki Tsunemasa ,   Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, 2167 Shosha, Himeji 671-2280, Japan,   Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 2167 Shosha, Himeji 671-2280, Japan,   Department of Ecological and Biological Technologies, Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology, 3-1-12 Yukihira, Suma, Kobe 654-0037, Japan
Published: April 2016

To evaluate the ship-handling skills andkanseiof professionals and students, we studied physical performance and mental workload using a simulator and an actual ship. We demonstrated the effects of physiological indices based on professional performance and features as seen from their mental workload with heart rate variability, nasal temperature, and salivary amylase activity, and considered new practical education using professionalkansei.
Multi-Attribute Decision Making in Contractor Selection Under Hybrid Uncertainty
Authors: Nureize Arbaiy ,   Graduate School of Information, Production and System, Waseda University, 2-7 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 808-0135, Japan, Watada Junzo ,   Faculty of Science Computer and Information Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Published: April 2016

The successful of a construction industry project depends on contractor evaluation and selection. Further, human judgment and unknown evaluation risk make evaluation and selection increasingly complex. Such situations show that a contractor selection is influenced by multiple attributes that often have the hybrid uncertainty of fuzziness and probability. The objective of this study is therefore to propose a fuzzy random variable based multi-attribute decision scheme that enables us to solve such problems within the bounds of hybrid uncertainty by using a fuzzy random regression model. The proposed model is explained in examples and its usefulness is clarified. This decision model is facilitated in its use by evaluating alternatives and enables us to indicate the optimum choice in the presence of hybrid uncertainty.
Special Issue on Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to Embodied Knowledge of Human Skill
Authors: Hayashi Isao , Furuya Shinichi
Published: April 2016

Expertise in sports, music, dance, and craftsmanship is increasingly attracting researchers from many different backgrounds who seek to deepen their understanding of outstanding human skills - a field known as skill science. The goal of skill science is to elucidate neural, cognitive, and computational mechanisms and processes underlying superior sensorimotor functions. To this aim, cross-disciplinary approaches needed include artificial intelligence, computational intelligence, soft computing, robotics, biomechanics, cognitive science, and neuroscience. This special issue includes a variety of paper focusing on new computational approaces and cutting-edge empirical techniques shedding light on embodied knowledge. Analytical techniques include factorial analysis, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Singular Vector Decomposition (SVD), correlation networks, machine learning such as cluster analysis, Bayesian statistics, and nonlinear dynamical modeling. Experimental paradigms and techniques include Virtual Reality (VR) environment, comparison between skilled and unskilled individuals and between individuals with and without neurological disorders, and biomechanical and physiological measurement using motion capture, ElectroMyoGraphy (EMG), functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). These approaches and techniques have successfully addressed key features of sensorimotor mechanisms behind skilled human behavior. Unique approaches in terms of abduction reasoning and observation learning of robots have quantitatively and qualitatively unraveled cognitive processes in novel skill acquisition. Findings from these studies provide intriguing insights into developing comprehensive models of embodied knowledge and into practical applications Quantitative evaluation and precise modeling of human skills are, for example, indispensable for developing hardware and software that mimic human functions and for designing robots and Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI) that enables dexterous human-like behavior. It is of academic and clinical importance to determine mechanisms for acquiring complex sensorimotor skills. These diverse approaches toward a unique goal are expected to build bridges among researchers with vastly different backgrounds, serving as an impetus for boosting this cross-disciplinary research area. We believe this special issue will serve as a landmark for further developing skill science research.
Fukuchiyama Line Train Derailment
Authors: Office Prepared by Editorial
Published: April 2016

We review a dramatic train derailment occurring at 09:18 on April 25, 2005, 1800 m from Amagasaki Station on the Fukuchiyama Line of West Japan Railways (JR West). The derailment killed 106 passengers and the train operator and injured over 500 passengers. Section 1 outlines the derailment, Section 2 details damage caused by the derailment, Section 3 reports information on crew activities, Section 4 describes the operator's actions leading up to the incident, Section 5, 6 relates train operation recorded by the Automatic Train Stop (ATS) devices and other safety systems, and Section 7, 8 gives information on train operation.
Teito Rapid Transit Authority's Hibiya Line Derailment
Authors: Office Prepared by Editorial
Published: April 2016

At 09:01 on March 8, 2000, a derailment took place at Nakameguro Station precient on the Teito Rapid Transit Authority's Hibiya Line, 18k340m point from the starting terminal. The accident was at the start of an easement (transition) curve continuing left with a 150 m radius. The rise in the gradient at that point was 35%. The centers of Lines A and B were 3.5 m apart. They had no derailment prevention guards.
Urban Flooding and Measures
Authors: Toda Keiichi ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

Urban flood disasters occur often worldwide, and Japan is no exception, as indicated by the 1999 Fukuoka flood. Urban floods result from changes in the urban environment influenced by the specific features of the city involved. We review recent urban floods, their causes and characteristics, together with the results of recent studies. Focusing on two mathematical models -- the integrated urban flood model of urban river basins and the underground inundation model -- we discuss their simulation results. To demonstrate the dangers of underground inundations, we introduce evacuation experiments conducted using full-scale staircase and door models. Based on these studies, we propose comprehensive measures against urban floods, including underground inundations.
Application of Earthquake Early Warning System to Seismic-Isolated Buildings
Authors: Okada Keiichi ,   Institute of Technology, Shimizu Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, 3-4-17 Etchujima, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8530, Japan, Nakamura Yutaka , Saruta Masaaki
Published: April 2016

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has developed an earthquake early warning system to release information in the event of earthquake, and this system has been in practical use since 2007. Meanwhile, structural health monitoring technology has been attracting attention from those who want to save time in determining the structural health of buildings and who want to detect earthquake resistance performance and damage sustained. Practical applications of this technology have also begun. Seismic-isolated buildings have been developed to protect building structures and keep properties safe from earthquakes and this is significantly effective means to protect properties as a preventative measure against earthquake. The technology is based on the past experiences of the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995. Seismic disaster prevention technologies have been further developed since then against the severe, large scale damage to buildings and loss of human life which could be incurred by earthquakes. This should be a system as safe and secure hardware and software as a system in building structures, in addition to the current situation and earthquake disaster prevention of structure itself. This paper describes the earthquake early warning system used to tackle the threat of earthquakes. And the paper shows two applications of the earthquake early warning system and structural health monitoring technologies to seismic-isolated buildings.