bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Culture and Its Relationship With Innovation and Corruption
Authors: Freitas da Silva Pedro Miguel , Moreira António
Published: March 2017

Innovation is a driver of economic growth, wealth and prosperity. On the other hand, corruption emerges as a worldwide problem responsible for sapping resources, inequality, human suffering and poverty. This study hypothesizes that national culture, measured using Hofstede's six cultural dimensions, have an impact on corruption and innovation, and that highly corrupt nations are less innovative. Data were obtained from Hofstede's, Transparency International, and Global Innovation websites for the year 2012. The findings support the claim that most national culture aspects have an impact on corruption, although their impact on innovation is less measurable. Corruption was found to have a strong and negative effect on innovation. Our results draw attention to the usefulness of Hofstede's six-dimension framework in research and the need for further analysis on how corruption influences innovation through mechanisms other than national culture.
Evaluation of Classical Models for Thermal and Moisture Transport in Stone Walls of Historical Buildings
Authors: Redikultseva Iuliia , Hoxha Dashnor , Belayachi Naima
Published: March 2017

This paper concerns the evaluation and the validation of a heat and moisture transfer models in stone walls using in situ measurements on an instrumented wall. Firstly, a pure thermal (respectively moisture) diffusion problems are considerate, then this problem was combined with convection on the external edge of model. It is found that, despite of an uncoupled approach, the nonlinear thermal diffusive model performs quite well and reproduces perfectly the measured temperatures. It is the same for the convective-diffusive thermal problem, where the temperature on the surface wall is also reproduced quite well. An improvement of this second type problem results could be expected by taking into account the radiation. Otherwise, the both cases of moisture transfer problem (purely diffusive or diffusive-convective problem) are ill-simulated by the Kunzel’s model.
Influences of Repair Materials Properties on Reinforcement Corrosion-Induced Cover Cracking Time
Authors: Yodsudjai Wanchai , Setpittayakul Ponpan
Published: March 2017

Cover cracking from reinforcement corrosion is one of the major causes of deteriorations in reinforced concrete structure. If the cover cracking time can be predicted, it would be useful for maintenance planning and budget allocation. The objective of this paper was to find the influence of repair materials on concrete cover cracking time. In this study, the corrosion of concrete reinforcement was accelerated by electricity. Using three types of materials, it was found that the cover cracking time of repair mortar was the shortest followed by those of concrete and non-shrink cement grout respectively. In addition, specimens simulating repaired concrete were prepared. The cracking times of the repaired specimens were found to be about the same and were of the same order as those of repair materials only.
Structural Rehabilitation Analyses for a Romanian Cultural Heritage Building Located in Seismic Area
Authors: Venghiac Vasile Mircea , Olariu Cerasela Panseluţa , Budescu Mihai
Published: March 2017

Structural rehabilitation, especially of historical monuments, is a difficult and widely treated subject in order to achieve a better insight regarding their seismic response. In Romania, a lot of historical monuments that require rehabilitation due to seismic actions are encountered. This paper aims to assess the effects of structural retrofitting on a historical monument located in Botoşani County, which withstood during its life cycle important earthquakes. The 20th century monument is located in a seismic active area of North – Eastern Romania, at a distance less than 300 km from Vrancea region where the epicenter of major earthquakes for the Eastern Europe is situated. Two hypotheses for the FE model of the structure were considered, namely with and without the rehabilitation solution. Nonlinear FEM analyses were performed in computer software environments. Using specific modeling tools of the computer program it is intended to simulate linear behaviour of masonry and global response of the structure. Comparisons between the two models were made. The results are used to validate the rehabilitation solution also consisting a source of information for its effects during structural lifetime cycle of the historical church.
External Fire Spread Analysis
Authors: Dârmon Ruxandra , Suciu Mircea
Published: March 2017

The fire safety regulations in Romania require that in case of a fire occurring into a building, it should be prevented to spread to any adjacent structure or neighbouring façade. Apart from the minimum prescribed distances between the buildings, there is no other benchmark or guidance for an approved calculation method to prove compliance with this provision. The British regulations have specified that the heat fluxes on the surfaces exposed to radiation from a fire within the adjacent buildings should not exceed a heat flux of 12.6 kW/m2. The purpose of this article is to review some of the empirical calculation methods for the incident radion flux given in the international literature and to compare their results for a practical aplication.
RETRACTED: Ground Settlement in Urban Structures Exposed to Geo-Environmental and Anthropic Hazards: A Case Study for Galati City
Authors: Dobrescu Cornelia Florentina , Calarasu Elena Andreea , Craifaleanu Iolanda Gabriela
Published: March 2017

A case study including a detailed ground settlement analysis is made for a particular loess structure located in the city of Galati, Romania, in order to assess the interdependence of geo-environmental and anthropic settlement triggering factors in the urban system context. In the first part of the study, loess behavior and its effects on built environment are analyzed and discussed based on worldwide historic expertise and current issues. An integrative analysis of loess deposits in natural state, with reference to induced-hydraulic and stress conditions, which was performed by laboratory and in-situ investigations, is then reported. An assessment of basic geotechnical parameters, as well as small-scale modeling of loess settlements at wetting under self-weight were conducted in order to select the most representative experimental area, from the point of view of specific soil structure behavior. Field monitoring surveys were performed to obtain information for quantitative evaluation of settlement time-dependent evolution, by the simulation of excessive moisture. The processing and analysis of experimental data gathered for natural and improved ground conditions revealed that the settlement amplitude of loess deposits with high sensitivity to wetting under self-load can be significantly reduced by the selection of adequate consolidation solutions, based on realistic and undisturbed environmental conditions. The study of soil structure behavior under simultaneous settlement-triggering factors can be integrated in multi-hazard analysis as a support for efficient strategies and mitigation measures, with applicability in the urbanization process, building and foundation design and environmental protection.
Site Soil Investigations for Road Rehabilitation
Authors: Boboc Vasile , Rotaru Ancuţa , Boboc Andrei , Bhandari Gupinath
Published: March 2017

The soil investigation performed on site identifies the physical and mechanical properties of the soil under the present road structure as well as the nature and thickness of the road structure to rehabilitate it when the road surface condition becomes poor or defective due to ageing, weathering and road traffic action. The rehabilitation processes re-assess the soil parameters to restore the pavement surface to the required level of service based on the recommendations of the field stratification as well as of the geotechnical characteristics of the studied emplacement.
The paper presents the soil investigations on site along DN29 Suceava-Botoşani-Săveni-Manoleasa, Km 18+075 section of national road in Romania to get the information on subsurface conditions. The national road DN29 Suceava-Botoşani-Săveni-Manoleasa is covering the north-eastern part of Romania, in Moldavia region. Since its asphalt works in the '70s and '80s, nothing but partial sections of asphalt works has been carried out having never undergone major repairs. Due to external factors such as rain, snow, and traffic, the minor works that had been made make it usable for a short time, the results of soil investigation clearly attesting the rehabilitation priority.
Some geotechnical characteristics of the national road DN29 Suceava-Botoşani-Săveni-Manoleasa, Km 18+075 section in Romania appear in comparison with those identified on site on the road DN29A Suceava-Dorohoi-Darabani, Km 50+075, in Romania, under a road structure that needed rehabilitation works as well.
Case Study on Rehabilitation Solutions for Single Family Homes Using Eco-Sustainable, Natural, Local Materials
Authors: Miron Constantin , Miron Livia
Published: March 2017

This paper synthesizes the results of a research study concerning the use of thermal rehabilitation solutions for single family homes achieved with eco-sustainable, natural and efficient materials.These solutions are aimed mainly at people living in rural areas, who have the ability to execute these works themselves using local materials, often considered to be waste, which are discarded or burned.The research has involved a case study carried out on an old building, with special attention given to natural thermal insulation materials – straw, wool, wood shavings, clay, lime, used in various forms, compositions and application solutions.Combined methods of in situ and laboratory research have been used in order to determine the thermo-physical state and behavior of the thermal insulation solutions made with thermally efficient natural materials available locally.The study has sought to emphasize the durability of natural materials under actual exploitation conditions based on a comparative analysis between the state parameters of the buildings and constituent materials, correlated with conditions of comfort, hygiene, health and thermal energy efficiency.The conclusions of this research yield a usage model for traditional, natural materials based on instructions, and usage and exploitation rules, which take advantage of the building tradition as well as of the new knowledge elements, allowing for the development of a built fund with local, renewable resources and with the least possible expenses.
Actual Trends in Construction Project Management in Romania
Authors: Șerbanoiu Ion , Verdeș Marina , Şerbănoiu Adrian Alexandru , Șerbanoiu Bogdan Vasile , Munteanu Mihaela
Published: March 2017

The current trends in the construction industry, considering the magnitude and complexity of construction projects required the development of an appropriate methodology in the design, commissioning work and completion of works. The objective imposed creation of the "Office of Project Management" and all processes, tools and techniques of project management respects besides applicable standards and legislation construction, also imposed code of ethics and professional conduct of the PMI that guides practitioners professional project management, construction engineers, installers, architects etc. and describes the expectations that they have of themselves and of others.
Specific Behavior of Circular Metal Silo
Authors: Toma Alina Elena , Atanasiu Gabriela Maria
Published: March 2017

In the current economic climate, agriculture has started to become one of the main areas of economic activity, including economically powerful states. One of the main problems in this industry is lack of storage space and maintaining quality of grain. Storing grain in silo structures ensure their high quality, efficient protection against the factors that lead to damage and allows keeping all season long and against climatic factors. Take into account the demands of modern agriculture productivity and high efficiency, silos have such an important economic role in the industry. The silos are in the top of industrial equipment that might experience during the lifetime cycle structural failure. Among the causes of structural failure it might be also the effect of seismic action. The silos located in seismic areas are exposed to extreme seismic loads. This paper presents the FE analysis results of the behavior of a circular metal silos located in seismic areas, taking into account the interaction of the granular material stored with the silo wall. The simulation of the contact surfaces of granular material and silo wall have been done based on Drucker - Prager model, available in ANSYS software vs.1.5. Influences of granular material characteristics stored up shall be also investigated and the results are highlighted in this paper.
Study of the Negative Effects of Railway Transport Systems upon Constructions
Authors: Nerişanu Raluca , Drăgan Delia
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the negative effects of the vibrations produced by railway transport systems upon the constructions in the neighbourhood of the railways. The railway vehicles in motion produce very high intensity vibrations. Through the soil, these vibrations are transmitted to the foundations of the constructions in the vicinity and consequently settlements, cracks, even collapses of buildings can occur. The paper contains a theoretical part where the features of free and forced vibrations of the track/vehicle system as well as the features of the vibrations of the vehicles displacing along a joint track are described, followed by a practical part in which are shown the results of measurements made to highlight the effects upon the constructions (values of accelerations, velocities and displacements).
Water Penetration Resistance of Fly Ash Concrete Incorporating with Quarry Wastes
Authors: Sinthaworn Suppachai
Published: March 2017

Slump of fresh concrete, compressive strength and water penetration depth under pressure of fly ash concrete incorporate with quarry waste as fine aggregate were investigated. The cementitious materials of the concrete includes ordinary Portland cement 80% and fly ash 20% by weight of cementitious. The mix proportions of the concrete were set into two classes of compressive strength. The results show that fly ash enhances workability of both concretes (normal concrete and concrete incorporate with quarry waste). Increasing the percentage of quarry dusts as fine aggregate in concrete seem negligible effect on the compressive strength whereas adding fly ash shows a slightly improve the compressive strength in the case of cohesive concrete mixture. Besides, adding the suitable amount of fly ash could improve the permeability of concrete. Therefore, fly ash could be a good admixture to improve the water resistant of normal strength concrete and also could be a supplemental material to improve the compressive strength of normal high strength concrete.
Using Deionized Water with Ethanol as a Solvent of CuS EGFET as pH Sensor
Authors: Sabah Fayroz A. , Ahmed Naser Mahmoud , Hassan Zainuriah , Almessiere Munirah Abdullah
Published: March 2017

In this research work, copper sulphide was deposited on glass substrate using spray pyrolysis deposition. The precursors were dissolved in deionized water (DIW) and ethanol, mixed at a ratio of 7:3. The distance between nozzle and substrate was 30 cm and the substrate temperature was maintained at 200 °C. XRD spectra analysis showed four distinctive peaks of high intensity, which indicate pure CuS covellite phase with average crystallite size of 28.3 nm. FESEM characterization of the thin film structure showed a mixture of very small nanoplates and larger square-and triangular-shaped particles. The application of the film as pH sensor showed it has exceptional qualities that include sensitivity and linearity of 22.9 mV/pH and 93.8%, hysteresis of 23.75 mV, repeatability (C.V.) of 0.11% for pH7, stability and reliability (C.V.) of 0.13%, 0.12% and 0.08% for pH 4, 7 and 10, respectively. This research work confirms the feasibility of using CuS thin film as extended membrane in pH sensor and biosensor applications.
A Novel Approach of Core-Shell Ag@Pt Nanoparticles Production
Authors: Chowdhury Silvia , Yusof Faridah , Sulaiman Nadzril , Faruck Mohammad Omer
Published: March 2017

Pt-based nanoparticles (NPs) have numerous applications, such as, as catalyst, in car exhaust systems, gas sensors, biosensors and cancer therapy. One of the Pt based NPs which has been successfully produced is core-shell Ag@Pt NPs. Numerous methods for the synthesis of this material have been reported. This paper reports a fully new approach of chemical mediated synthesis for core-shell Ag@Pt NPs. Characterization process for the synthesized Ag@Pt NPs, carried out by the UV-vis Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) showed that the core AgNPs have approximate sizes of 18 nm in diameter are shelled with Pt and the sizes of core-shell Ag@Pt NPs were estimated to be around 29 nm in diameter.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Mg-Al-Flufenamate-Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Sarijo Siti Halimah , Jadam Monica Limau , Jubri Z.
Published: March 2017

A nonsteroidal drug, flufenamic acid (FA) was successfully intercalated into magnesium-aluminium-layered double hydroxide, MAL for the formation of magnesium-aluminium-flufenamate-layered double hydroxide, MAF by self-assembly technique. As a result of the successful intercalation, basal spacing increased from 9.8 Å in the MAL to 23.5 Å in the MAF hybrid nanocomposite. The FTIR spectra of the MAF hybrid nanocomposite show resemblance peaks of the MAL and FA suggesting the inclusion of the organic compound into the MAL interlamellae. The percentage loading of FA was found to be 74.4 % (w/w) calculated from the percentage of carbon in the resulting material, MAF.
Development of an Antagonistically Actuated Smart Joint
Authors: Vahidyeganeh Ali , Simsek Gorkem , Jabeen Saher , Bebek Ozkan , Yapici Guney Guven
Published: March 2017

Shape memory alloys with their phase transformation properties; have been broadly implemented in smart structures. In this study, a functional design is presented where two wires actuate antagonistically to achieve motion in bending. Effect of heat treatment parameters on the actuator materials is investigated. For this purpose, a novel experimental test bench appropriate for characterizing a smart joint is presented, and joint performance including actuation force and cyclic behavior are demonstrated. Accordingly, a smart joint configuration capable of 60 degrees bending with a repeatability of 50 cycles is developed.
Symmetric Electrodes for Solid Fuel Cells Based on Sr-Doped LaFe0.7Ni0.3O3-δ
Authors: Ben Mya Omar , Omari Mahmoud , dos Santos-Gomez Lucia , Marerro-Lopezd David
Published: March 2017

Perovskite La1-xSrxFe0.7Ni0.3O3-δ with x = 0.0, 0.1 &0.2 denoted LSFNx has been investigated as potential symmetrical electrode in solid fuel cells (SOFCs). The crystal structure is in pure orthorhombic phase for x = 0.0, orthorhombic-cubic phase coexist for x = 0.1 and pure cubic phase for x = 0.2. Structural properties are studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), refined by Rietveld analysis. SEM images show the morphology of as prepared and calcined samples either the compatibility between those electrodes and LSGM electrolyte in presence of 50% wt of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ, so that, lower chemical reactivity was found. Total conductivity, impedance in high, medium and low frequencies HF, MF and LF respectively, and resistance polarization (Rp) are determined in air. LaFe0.7Ni0.3O3-δ has a good response in all ranges of frequencies but La0.9Sr0.1Fe0.7Ni0.3O3-δ and La0.8Sr0.2Fe0.7Ni0.3O3-δ have response only in HF and MF and exhibit Rp values as low as LaFe0.7Ni0.3O3-δ .
Structural and Morphological Analysis of Nanocomposite SnO2-Graphene Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Debataraja Aminuddin , Yuliarto Brian , Nugraha  , Sunendar Bambang , Hiskia
Published: March 2017

Gas sensor performance is strongly influenced by the crystal structure, composition and morphology of the material used. In this paper, structural and morphological analysis of nanocomposite SnO2-Graphene synthesized by Sol-Gel method with the composition of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 will be described. Analysis of the morphology and structure of nanocomposite SnO2-Graphene is investigated using XRD, SEM and TEM with the purpose of obtaining the crystal structure, morphology, composition and size of the resulting particles. The XRD results showed that the formation of the crystalline phase can be recorded at 2θ = 26.64; 34.2; 51.92, where the results of SEM show that the nanomaterial SnO2 has tetragonal structure while the graphene has hexagonal structure. The nanocomposite SnO2-Graphene has nanorod pattern. Furthermore, the surface analysis using TEM of nanocomposite SnO2-Graphene shows that the surface has the rod diameter in the range of 5-8 nm. The unique nanopattern of SnO2-Graphene will have potential applicability as the sensing material for CO gas sensor.
Occupational Safety and Health Risk Assessment in Engineered Nanoparticles Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Bălan George , Moraru Roland Iosif , Bălan Lorena
Published: March 2017

The engineered nanoparticles are more and more entering in Romanian working places, both in research laboratories and in manufacturing processes. Ever increasingly numerous evidence shows that this materials science revolution can generate significant health, safety and environmental hazards, in addition to the social, economic and ethical challenges involvedBased on the precautionary principle recommended be the European Union and a thorough literature review, this research is intended to introduce a framework for further development of an Occupational Health and Safety risk management foundation in this field of concern. Starting from a systematic approach in terms of occupational exposure, the paper emphasizes certain feasible means aimed at nanoparticle’s risk assessment, particularly in a qualitative manner. Recommendations are provided for the industry in order to meet the safety regulations, which in turn should be adapted to the findings of researches, considering that we are facing emerging risks whose nature is often unknown.
Micro-Hardness and Compression Strength of Particle Sizes Recycling Aluminium Alloy AA6061 Using Powder Metallurgy Method
Authors: Mahdi Ahmed Sahib , Mustapa Mohammad Sukri , Tobi Abdul Latif M. , Zaman Izzuddin
Published: March 2017

The micro-hardness and compression of recycling aluminum alloy AA6061 were investigated as a function of the different volume fraction and particle sizes by using powder metallurgy method. Three different groups of volume fraction and particle size were used 21.5, 50 and 78.5 % and 25,63 and 100 μm respectively. The current paper highlight on the effect of the various of particle size on the compression strength and microhardness results. The results of compression strength and micro-hardness show that the type of the higher amount of the smaller size was obtained for higher value for each of compression strength and micro-hardness 195.66 MPa and 79.796 Hv respectively.While it was the lower values on the type of the smaller amount of the smaller size (132.05 MPa and 50.369 Hv) respectively.
Maternal Stress and Anxiety in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lisanti Amy Jo , Allen Lois Ryan , Kelly Lynn , Medoff-Cooper Barbara
Published: March 2017

Background

Mothers whose infants are born with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) experience stress during their infant’s hospitalization in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU).

Objectives

This study addressed 2 research questions: (1) What are the parental stressors for mothers whose infants with CCHD are in the PCICU? And (2) What are the relationships of trait anxiety and 3 parental stressors to the parental stress response of state anxiety in mothers whose infants with CCHD are in the PCICU?

Methods

This descriptive correlational study included 62 biological mothers of infants admitted to a PCICU within 1 month of birth who had undergone cardiac surgery for CCHD. Maternal and infant demographics and responses to the Parental Stressor Scale: Infant Hospitalization and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were collected at 3 major PCICUs across the United States.

Results

Mothers’ scores revealed that infant appearance and behavior was the greatest stressor, followed by parental role alteration, then sights and sounds. The combination of trait anxiety and parental role alteration explained 26% of the variance in maternal state anxiety. Mothers with other children at home had significantly higher state anxiety than did mothers with only the hospitalized infant.

Conclusions

Results from this study revealed factors that contribute to the stress of mothers whose infants are born with CCHD and are hospitalized in a PCICU. Nurses are in a critical position to provide education and influence care to reduce maternal stressors in the PCICU, enhance mothers’ parental role, and mitigate maternal state anxiety.
Show Your Stuff and Watch Your Tone: Nurses’ Caring Behaviors
Authors: Weyant Ruth A. , Clukey Lory , Roberts Melanie , Henderson Ann
Published: March 2017

Background

Although it is perceived as essential, documentation of caring behaviors executed by nurses is rarely done. To facilitate what is important to patients and their family members, we need to understand what behaviors are perceived as caring or not caring.

Objective

To explore perceptions of nurses’ caring behaviors among intubated patients and their family members.

Methods

A phenomenological study of 14 patients who were intubated, restrained, sedated, and received pain medication in an acute cardiovascular intensive care unit. The 14 patients and 8 of their family members were interviewed about their perceptions of this experience. A semistructured interview guide was used. Data were analyzed by using an inductive method consistent with qualitative research.

Results

Themes that emerged most often were providing information, providing reassurance, demonstrating proficiency, and being present. Other behaviors identified as caring behaviors were nurses giving guidance and using a soothing tone of voice. Behavior that was contrary to the perception of caring appeared as isolated incidents. These included negative attitude, interrupting sleep, not receiving information, and poor pain management.

Conclusion

When patients and family members are asked directly about their experience, valuable insight is gained into what they perceive as caring and what contributes to recovery as perceived by those in crisis and in high-intensity medical settings. Capturing these data is elemental to designing high-quality, safe environments that facilitate healing.
Neurorehabilitation in paraplegic patients with an active powered exoskeleton (Ekso)
Authors: Milia Paolo , De Salvo Federico , Caserio Marco , Cope Tyler , Weber Patti , Santella Caroline , Fiorini Stefano , Baldoni Giacomo , Bruschi Riccardo , Bigazzi Benedetta , Cencetti Stefano , Da Campo Marco , Bigazzi Prospero , Bigazzi Mario
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disease where the patients lost the body function below the level of lesion. Neurorehabilitative exercise leads to improvements in physical functions such as strength, range of motion, transfers, wheelchair mobility, and gait. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of overground gait training using an active powered exoskeleton.

Materials and Methods:

Patients affected of SCI admitted to our rehabilitation unit have been studied. We used an active powered exoskeleton (Ekso). Training occurred each day for 5 days a week for a total of 4 weeks. Patients were trained for at least twenty sessions, with a duration of 45-60 min each session. Patients were scored with the 6 min walking test (6MWT) before and after treatment to evaluate the movement and Ashwort scale was used to test spasticity. Psychological tests were also performed to focus on depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and on self-perception (Body Uneasiness Test-A).

Results:

Thirteen patients were studied (mean age 31 ± 10.4; ten males and three females), who were affected by SCI with motor complete/incomplete lesions (seven complete, six incomplete), according to the American Spinal Injury Association guidelines. All patients completed the overground gait training for all 4 weeks without collateral effects. The motor recovery evaluated with the 6MWT in incomplete motor patients described a statistical significant recovery in terms of meters and absence of rest, especially in thoracic and lumbar level lesions (48/114 m [improvement 137.5%]; 98/214 m [improvement 118.37%], P < 0.05). We did not find any difference in terms of spasticity using the Ashworth Scale. After the treatment, we found in all patients a great improvement in mood disorders and body perception.

Conclusions:

The overground training with the exoskeleton is a promising therapeutical approach for SCI patients, which can increase both motor and psychological aspects.
О финитно аппроксимируемых группах конечного общего ранга
Authors: Azarov Dmitrii Nikolaevich
Published: March 2017

Следуя А. И. Мальцеву, будем говорить, что группа $G$ имеет
конечный общий ранг, если существует целое положительное
число $r$ такое, что любое конечное множество элементов
группы $G$ содержится в некоторой ее $r$-порожденной
подгруппе. Получены обобщения ряда известных теорем
о конечно порожденных финитно аппроксимируемых группах
на случай финитно аппроксимируемых групп конечного общего
ранга. Доказано, например, что семейства всех конечных
гомоморфных образов финитно аппроксимируемой группы конечного
общего ранга и ее фактор-группы по неединичной нормальной
подгруппе различны. Частными случаями этого результата
являются аналогичный результат Д. И. Молдаванского о конечно
порожденных финитно аппроксимируемых группах и следующее
утверждение: любая финитно аппроксимируемая группа конечного
общего ранга является хопфовой. Это утверждение обобщает
аналогичный результат Мальцева о хопфовости конечно
порожденной финитно аппроксимируемой группы.
Библиография: 14 названий.
Спектральный анализ операторных полиномов и разностных операторов высокого порядка
Authors: Baskakov Anatoly Grigorievich , Kharitonov V D
Published: March 2017

Исследование спектральных свойств операторных полиномов
сводится к изучению спектральных свойств оператора,
заданного операторной матрицей. Полученные результаты
применяются к разностным операторам высокого порядка.
Получены условия их обратимости, фредгольмовости,
асимптотическое представление ограниченных решений
однородного разностного уравнения.
Библиография: 27 названий.
Неравенства для экспоненциальных сумм
Authors: Erdélyi Tamás
Published: March 2017

Изучаются классы функций \begin{gather*} {\mathscr E}_n:= \{f\colon f(t)=\sum_{j=1}^n{a_j e^{\lambda_jt}}, a_j, \lambda_j\in {\mathbb C} \}, {\mathscr E}_n^+:= \{f\colon f(t)=\sum_{j=1}^n{a_j e^{\lambda_jt}}, a_j, \lambda_j\in {\mathbb C}, \operatorname{Re}(\lambda_j) \geqslant 0 \}, {\mathscr E}_n^-:= \{f\colon f(t)=\sum_{j=1}^n{a_j e^{\lambda_jt}}, a_j, \lambda_j\in {\mathbb C}, \operatorname{Re}(\lambda_j)\leqslant 0 \}, {\mathscr T}_n:= \{f\colon f(t)=\sum_{j=1}^n{a_j e^{i\lambda_jt}}, a_j\in {\mathbb C}, \lambda_1<\lambda_2<…<\lambda_n \}. \end{gather*} На классе ${\mathscr T}_n$ устанавливается асимптотически точное неравенство $$ |f(0)|\leqslant (1+\varepsilon_n)3n\|f(t)e^{-9nt/2}\|_{L_2[0,1]}, \qquad f\in {\mathscr T}_n , $$ где $\varepsilon_n$ быстро стремится к $0$ при $n\to\infty$. Также показывается, что $$ \sup_{0 \not \equiv f\in {\mathscr T}_n}{ \frac{|f(0)|}{\|f\|_{L_2{[0,1]}}}} \geqslant n. $$ Полученные результаты улучшают одну старую теорему Г. Халаша и недавний результат Г. Кeша. Также устанавливаются другие близкие точные по порядку неравенства.
Библиография: 33 названия.
Simulation and Experimental Research on Vehicle Ride Comfort and Suspension Parameters Optimisation
Authors: Ding Z. , Lei Z.
Published: March 2017

With the development of vehicle technology and the improvement of living standards, peopleâ€™s ride comfort requirements for vehicle are also increasing. Especially for commercial passenger vehicles, the ride comfort is related to physical and mental health of passengers. Since the suspension is a major chassis system that affects the ride comfort of vehicle, so for how to make the vehicle to maintain good ride in a variety of driving conditions, the design and improvement of suspension are essential. The research content of this paper is simulating and optimizing the suspension parameters based on kinetic model of vehicle. First, a kinetic model of vehicle for minibus system is established. Then, test verification is carried out for the ride comfort of vehicle model. The results show that the established vehicle model can be used for simulation and optimization of front and rear suspension systems through the application of genetic algorithm.
Children Pillion Rider Safety Awareness among Motorcycle Users in Malaysia
Authors: Sivasankar S. , Karmegam K. , Bahri M.T.S. , Kulanthayan S. , Emilia Z.A. , Sadeghi H.N. , Haszeme A.K. , Ya S.M
Published: March 2017

Motorcycle is one of the more popular modes of transport for Malaysian people due to its low price and easy usability. This paper reviews the current safety initiatives undertaken to address the need to enhance children safety whilst riding as pillion on motorcycles and suggest possible remedial action to counter the possible lack of awareness for child pillion riders. A search was undertaken of all the major database of articles. Articles related to childrenâ€™s safety systems, children related injuries, children related accident data, available laws and legislation were reviewed. There is a greater need for the stricter enforcement of safety laws in Malaysia due to the fact that the accident statistics show a large percentage of motorcycle accidents involve pillion riding children. However, enforcement of laws in developing countries is not easy and one has to start at the root of the problem, i.e. the parents and adults who ride these children as pillion on motorcycles. This paper highlights the need for new safety initiatives and programmes to be undertaken by the government, law agencies and non-governmental organisations for parents and adults to understand the importance of their children safety while riding on motorcycles. Engineering countermeasures and intervention are needed to protect these vulnerable users. Besides the helmet, a device capable of providing some sort of protection to the child whilst riding pillion should be designed and developed.
Impact of Oxidation Inhibitors on Performance and Emission Characteristics of a Low Heat Rejection Engine
Authors: Kumar P.S. , Kannan S.A. , Kumar A. , Geethan K.A.V.
Published: March 2017

In this study, for the first time analysis of a low heat rejection engine was carried out along with the addition of oxidation inhibitors. If the combustion chamber components of the engine such as piston, cylinder head, and inlet and outlet valves are insulated with a thermal barrier material, then the engine will be referred as low heat rejection engine. In this study yttria stabilized zirconia was coated on the combustion chamber components for a thickness of about 150 microns. Then the analysis of performance parameters such as brake thermal efficiency and specific fuel consumption and emission characteristics such as emission of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide was carried out in single cylinder four stroke diesel engine with electrical loading using diesel and pongamia methyl ester as the fuels. The major problem associated with the usage of biodiesels and low heat rejection engine is the increased NOX emission than the normal engine operated with the diesel. This problem has been overcome by the usage of oxidation inhibitors such as ethyl hexyl nitrate (EHN), tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ). The results showed that addition of oxidation inhibitors leads to increase in brake thermal efficiency, reduced specific fuel consumption and reduced NOX emission.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Statistical Feature Extraction in Time and Frequency Domain and Neural Network
Authors: Dhamande L.S. , Chaudhari M.B.
Published: March 2017

Bearing is an important component of almost every mechanical system used in industrial environment. Hence the defect in bearing must be detected in advance to avoid catastrophic failure. This paper aims to diagnose the defect in bearing automatically using machine intelligence. A condition monitoring setup is designed for analyzing the defects in outer race, inner race and rolling element of bearing. MATLAB is used for feature extraction and neural network is used for diagnosis. It is found that the amplitude at defect frequencies may not always clearly indicate the increment; hence statistical analysis of bearing signature is a better alternative. The work presents an experimental investigation carried out on an experimental set-up for the study of bearing fault at same angular speed and load. This paper proposes an approach of damage detection in which defects in bearing are accurately analysed using vibration signal and neural network.
Crashworthiness of a Truck Cabin using Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Mishra N.K. , Pradhan. S.K.
Published: March 2017

A crash test is a form of destructive testing in order to ensure safe design in case of an impact or collision. These impact tests are carried out to understand a components structural behaviour and its response under different collision conditions. But it is not always economical to destroy a specimen to ensure its safety, especially in case of small scale production. Moreover actual crash testing in different conditions requires high resources and time. Crash simulation is very popular now a days because it is a virtual representation of a destructive crash test of a vehicle using a computer simulation in order to examine the level of safety of the vehicle and its occupants in different conditions like collision velocity, collision direction, colliding object, material and number of component of colliding object etc and hence saves the time and cost. Data obtained from a crash simulation indicate the capability of the vehicle body to protect the vehicle occupants during a collision against injury. In this study a FE crash analysis of commercial truck cabin in two different cases (Bare cabin and loaded cabin) using Finite Element Approach (FEA) is focused. Crash analysis of truck cab is performed using FEA in order to predict the design parameters for minimization harm to the occupants of the vehicle. A bare truck cabin and a rigid wall were used to simulate crash conditions with different crashing velocity and impact angles. CATIA V5R20 CAD software is used for the modeling of the selected cabin components followed by FE meshing through Hypermesh and then analysis is done using LS-DYNA by setting the boundary conditions, material properties etc. appropriately.
Numerical Analysis of Novel Design for Ventilated Brake Disc
Authors: Krishnan A. , Sampat S.K. , Vinod H. , Kumar M.S. , Babu P.K.A.
Published: March 2017

Design of braking system is an important phase in the development of an automobile. During braking, disc brakes accumulate heat energy and high thermal gradients which leads to reduced functionality. This heat has to be dissipated for efficient functioning of brakes. In this paper, a novel design for brake is developed using Solid Works tool. This model aims at maximum dissipation of heat by increasing surface area. A thermal flux analysis of the new model is done to confirm this achievement. A comparative study of other designs of ventilated discs and a plane rotor disc is also done. The calculation and verification of braking force is followed in designing the disc rotor. The main objective is to generate more braking force so as to maximize efficiency. The analyses are done in ANSYS to study and understand the heat flux and temperature that are formed in the disc rotor.
Accelerating the Product Development of a Commercial Vehicle Radiator using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Roy P.R. , Hariram V. , Subramanian M.
Published: March 2017

Emissions such as Nox and CO resulting from the combustion of the diesel engines in the commercial vehicles leads to environmental degradation and ozone layer depletion. Alarming environment trend forces the government institutions to develop and enforce strict emission laws for the next generation transportation vehicles. Stricter emission laws mean higher operating pressure, temperature, reduced weight, tight packaging space, engine downsizing etc. Engine cooling systems are the critical components in the managing the engine cooling requirement of the commercial vehicle. Generally engine cooling system includes radiator, charge air cooler, engine oil cooler etc. Product development of thermal management system using the traditional design process takes more time, resource and money. To solve the complex design problem, numerical technique such as finite element analysis is performed upfront in the product development of the radiator to evaluate the structure behaviour under mechanical loading. In this paper, internal static pressure analysis of a radiator is presented to showcase the benefits of using the finite element technique earlier in the product design phase. Pressure cycle life at a critical joint of the radiator is calculated using strain-life approach. Finite element analysis aids in visualization of the hot spots in the design, comparing different design options with less turnaround time. Experimental testing and prototypes can be reduced. Risk of a product being failed is greatly minimized by performing the numerical simulation.
Analysis of MR Damper for Quarter and Half Car Suspension Systems of a Roadway Vehicle
Authors: Sastry D.V.A.R. , Ramana K.V. , Rao N.M. , Pruthvi P. , Santhosh D.U.V.
Published: March 2017

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are evolving as one of the most promising devices for semi-active vibration control of various dynamic systems. In this paper, the suspension system of a car using MR damper is analysed for 2DOF quarter car and 4DOF half car models and then compared with corresponding suspension system using passive damper for ride comfort and handling. Magnetorheological damper is fabricated using a MR fluid of Carbonyl iron powder and Silicone oil added with additive. Experiments are conducted to establish the behaviour of the MR damper and are used to validate Spencer model for MR damper. Further, using the validated Spencer model of MR damper, the quarter car and half car models of Vehicle Suspension system are simulated by implementing a semi-active suspension system for analysing the resulting displacement and acceleration in the car body. The ride comfort and vehicle handling performance of each specific vehicle model with passive suspension system are compared with corresponding semi-active suspension system. The simulation and analysis are carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Effect of Adjacent Teeth Load on Bending Strength of High Contact Ratio Asymmetrical Spur Gear Drive
Authors: Thirumurugan R. , Deepak C.C.C. , Karthieeban K.
Published: March 2017

This paper describes methodology for predicting the bending stress of the spur gear accurately by including the load on the adjacent teeth for high contact ratio asymmetric spur gear drive. Higher contact ratio is obtained by enlarging the addendum from the standard addendum value where as the asymmetric is achieved by keeping various pressure angles (170, 200 and 220) at non drive side while the drive side pressure angle was kept as 200. The bending stress developed for the given load according to the load sharing calculated by using stiffness based method along with the effect of adjacent teeth loads are explored in this work. Computer aided design tool is used for generating the gear tooth profile and ANSYS is used to carry out the finite element analysis. The result shows that the maximum bending stress level in a mesh cycle is increased when the load on adjacent teeth are taken into account. The higher pressure angle at the non-drive side yields lesser stress at the fillet region when compared to the lower pressure angle.
Kathy Rose y Miwa Matreyek: danza animada y representación
Authors: Tomlinson Lynn
Published: March 2017

La actuación real combinada con la animación proyectada es algo muy nuevo, con avances en el mapeo de proyección y sensores de movimiento, y a la vez muy antiguo, retrotrayéndonos a las sesiones de proyección pre-cinematográfica, los espectáculos de linterna mágica y a las actuaciones de vaudeville de Winsor McCay con su dinosaurio animado, Gertie. Dos artistas contemporáneas crean y coreografían actuaciones no sólo mediante sus propios cuerpos, sino también mediante diversas figuras, formas y diseños animados. Kathy Rose comenzó como animadora, y más tarde intervino en sus proyecciones. Miwa Matreyek utiliza su propia figura como una silueta en sus actuaciones, y crea imágenes extraordinarias con dos proyectores y una pantalla. En sus trabajos creativos se proyectan a sí mismas como personajes en sus actuaciones animadas, y hacen referencia a la magia, el sueño y la mitología en su obra y sus imágenes. Coreografían sus movimientos para sincronizarse con sus imágenes animadas. Ambas mujeres juegan un papel detrás de la cámara, y delante de la pantalla, y juegan con la naturaleza dual de creador/director y sujeto/ejecutante.
The contribution of wood burning and other pollution sources to wintertime organic aerosol levels in two Greek cities
Authors: Florou Kalliopi , Papanastasiou Dimitrios K. , Pikridas Michael , Kaltsonoudis Christos , Louvaris Evangelos , Gkatzelis Georgios I. , Patoulias David , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos , Pandis Spyros N.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The composition of fine particulate matter (PM) in two major Greek cities (Athens and Patras) was measured during two wintertime campaigns, one conducted in 2013 and the other in 2012. A major goal of this study is to quantify the sources of organic aerosol (OA) and especially residential wood burning, which has dramatically increased due to the Greek financial crisis. A high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was deployed at both sites. PM with diameter less than 1 µm (PM1) consisted mainly of organics (60–75 %), black carbon (5–20 %), and inorganic salts (around 20 %) in both Patras and Athens. In Patras, during evening hours, PM1 concentrations were as high as 100 µg m−3, of which 85 % was OA. In Athens, the maximum hourly value observed during nighttime was 140 µg m−3, of which 120 µg m−3 was OA. Forty to 60 % of the average OA was due to biomass burning for both cities, while the remaining mass originated from traffic (12–17 %), cooking (12–16 %), and long-range transport (18–24 %). The contribution of residential wood burning was even higher (80–90 %) during the nighttime peak concentration periods, and less than 10 % during daytime. Cooking OA contributed up to 75 % during mealtime hours in Patras, while traffic-related OA was responsible for 60–70 % of the OA during the morning rush hour.