bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Défis et dilemmes actuels de l'Europe politique
Authors: Ferry Jean-Marc
Published: October 2013

Civilité, Légalité, Publicité. C’est la trinité séculière que l’Europe moderne a mise en exergue, successivement, aux xvi e , xvii e et xviii e siècles, les figures intellectuelles emblématiques, à cet égard, pouvant être désignées respectivement chez Érasme ( De civitate morum puerilium , 1530), Locke ( Deux traités du gouvernement civil , 1690) et Kant ( Vers la Paix perpétuelle , 1795). L’auteur y voit les trois ingrédients essentiels de l’identité de l’Europe moderne, le socle civilisationnel propre à assurer un lien substantiel entre l’Europe historique et l’Europe politique. En même temps, cette référence nous aide à situer les tensions inhérentes à notre condition politique, en leur conférant un éclairage systématique : tension entre État de droit et démocratie, entre droits de l’homme et souveraineté populaire, entre justice politique et autonomie civique, entre liberté individuelle et intégrité communautaire, ainsi même qu’entre société juste et vie bonne. La crise tendancielle du politique, sur fond de mondialisation, nous confronte à un triple défi : post-étatique, post-séculier et post-technocratique.
The contribution of the ESP teacher to the development of the use of English in Algerian companies
Authors: Khaldi Kamel
Published: October 2013

Le présent article présente les résultats d’une recherche-action conduite pour améliorer la formation continue en anglais de spécialité des personnels d’une grande entreprise du secteur public algérien.
Colères des temps et réfugiés climatiques : pour une approche sociologique
Authors: Dufoulon Serge
Published: October 2013

La question climatique est devenue un objet récent de la sociologie de l’environnement et des risques, et plus précisément la question des migrants ou réfugiés climatiques sur lesquels très peu a été écrit. En quoi ce distingue cette population de migrants des autres catégories de migrants ? Pourquoi les États ne souhaitent-ils pas leur accorder le statut de réfugiés ? En tentant de répondre à ces questions il apparaît évident d’interroger la manière dont les experts de la sociologie approchent plus largement le domaine de l’environnement.
A Symbolic Approach to the Analysis of Multi-Formalism Markov Reward Models
Authors: Lampka Kai , Siegle Markus
Published: October 2013

When modelling large systems, modularity is an important concept, as it aids modellers to master the complexity of their model. Moreover, employing different modelling formalisms within the same modelling project has the potential to ease the description of various parts or aspects of the overall system. In the area of performability modelling, formalisms such as stochastic reward nets, stochastic process algebras, stochastic automata, or stochastic UML state charts are often used, and several of these may be employed within one modelling project. This chapter presents an approach for efficiently constructing a symbolic representation in the form of a zero-suppressed Binary Decision Diagram (BDD), which represents the Markov Reward Model underlying a multi-formalism high-level model. In this approach, the interaction between the submodels may be established either by the sharing of state variables or by the synchronisation of common activities. It is shown that the Decision Diagram data structure and the associated algorithms enable highly efficient state space generation and different forms of analysis of the underlying Markov Reward Model (e.g. calculation of reward measures or asserting non-functional system properties by means of model checking techniques).
Mobile Cloud Media
Authors: Xu Yi , Mao Shiwen
Published: October 2013

Leveraging Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC), resource-poor mobile devices are now enabled to support rich media applications. In this chapter, the authors briefly review basic concepts and architecture of mobile cloud computing, and focus on the technical challenges of MCC for multimedia applications. Specifically, they discuss how to save energy, ensure Quality of Experience (QoE), deal with stochastic wireless channels, support security and privacy, and reduce network costs for rich media applications. Prototypes, ongoing standardization efforts, and commercial aspects are also reviewed. The authors conclude this chapter with a discussion of several open research problems that call for substantial research and regulation efforts.
Google in China
Authors: Spinello Richard A.
Published: October 2013

This chapter, focusing primarily on the search engine company Google, treats the normative issue of how U.S. or European companies should respond when asked to abet the efforts of countries like China or Iran in their efforts to censor the Web. Should there be international laws to prevent these technology companies from yielding to the demands of totalitarian regimes? We argue that such laws would be reactive and ineffectual and that the optimal solution is proactive corporate self-regulation that gives careful prominence to moral reasoning. Our moral analysis concludes that a socially responsible company must not cooperate with implementing the censorship regimes of these repressive sovereignties. This conclusion is based on natural law reasoning and on the moral salience that must be given to the ideal of universal human rights, including the natural right of free expression.
A Knowledge-Based Approach of Automation Design of Aircraft Standard Components
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Yan Min
Published: October 2013

To solve the problem that knowledge of standard components cannot be quickly applied to design process of aircraft, a novel approach based on knowledge is proposed from the instantiated requirements of standard components. Knowledge-based model based on semantic of standard component is described, which is composed of parameters, rules, solid model and assembly information. The information model is expressed and stored based on XML. Knowledge-based model is provided to support the specifications determination, semantic modeling of solid model and batch assembly of standard components by loosely coupled manner. Design knowledge is seamlessly, quickly applied to the instantiated process of standard components. Effectiveness of the proposed model and method is verified by an aircraft design example of standard components.
CLC number: TP391.7 Document code: A
A Preliminary Assessment of the Competitiveness of Wave Energy Technologies: A Regionally Detailed Analysis
Authors: Takeshita Takayuki
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a regionally disaggregated global energy system model treating the electricity supply sector in detail is used to examine the competitiveness of wave energy technologies for each of 48 world regions over the period to 2050 under a constraint of halving global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2050 compared to the 2000 level. It is first found that wave energy continues to be uncompetitive until 2050 due to (1) its high cost and (2) the large seasonal variability of wave power. Even if the reference wave electricity generation costs are assumed to be reduced by 90%, the latter factor severely limits the market penetration of wave energy technologies. It is then found that the UK and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, the western US, Latin America, Canada, and Spain and Portugal are the regions promising for wave energy deployment. Not only low-cost and abundant wave energy resources, but also the peak electric load in winter, the relatively small seasonal variability of wave power, and/or the low competitiveness of power sources substitutable by wave energy are the reasons for this.
Effect of AlTiC Master Alloy on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-Zn-Y Alloys
Authors: Cui Hong Wei , Zhai Shen Bao , Chai Shao Chun , Gong Ben Kui , Zhang Lei , Yu Hua Shun , Min Guang Hui
Published: October 2013

Recently, Mg-Zn-Y alloy containing icosahedral quasicrystalline (I-phase) has attracted significant interest because it has enhanced strength and ductility at ambient temperature and at elevated temperature. However, the thermal stable I-phase with chemical composition of Mg3YZn6was formed as a coarse eutectic pocket structure in the α-Mg matrix during conventional solidification in Mg-Zn-Y alloy system. The influence of AlTiC master alloy on the morphology and amounts of I-phase in Mg-Zn-Y alloy have been investigated in this study. The microstructure and constituent phases are characterized from optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). It is found that the addition of AlTiC master alloy not only can change the morphology of the I-phase, but also can increase the amount of the I-phase. The formation and growth mechanism of the I-phase have been discussed. On the other hand, the grains are also refined. It may be attributed to the combined effect of TiC and Al4C3particles, because TiC and Al4C3particles can act as heterogeneous nucleation cores of α-Mg grains. The effect of AlTiC master alloy on the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the elongation to failure (EL) is also discussed.
The Transmissibility Function Application in Ship Mechanical Noise Estimation
Authors: Zhou Jun Wei , He Lin , Xu Rong Wu , Cui Li Lin
Published: October 2013

The traditional response estimation model is based on force-response relationship. According to the transmissibility concept in linear time invariant system, a new response estimation method-transmissibility function (TF) method is provided based on response-response relationship. First, the principle of the method is interpreted in mathematic formula and the restriction condition is presented. Then, an engineering technique called operational conditions combination is presented for calculating the transmissibility function (TF) of vibration responses, and the guideline on how to devise the scheme of working conditions is discussed. Finally, the performance of the developed transmissibility function method is validated by a cylindrical double-shell exciting experiment.
Experimental Research on Water Cushion Belt Conveyor
Authors: Zhang Ai Dong , Xu Ri Cheng , Meng Yun , Fan Xun
Published: October 2013

Water cushion belt conveyor is a new type of continuous conveyor which develops from belt conveyor and air cushion belt conveyor .By experimental research on water cushion belt conveyor ,we can observe the condition of water cushion and accomplish the date acquisition of water cushion pressure .Analyzing the pressure ,we can get influencing factors of water cushion pressure and verify the feasibility of industrial application of water cushion belt conveyor .Combining theory study with experimental study ,provide theoretical basis and guide for the further progress of water cushion belt conveyor .
Thermoelectric Physical Model with Thomson Effect and Experiment Comparison
Authors: Cheng Fu Qiang , Hong Yan Ji , Zhu Chao
Published: October 2013

Output performance prediction of thermoelectric generators (TEG) is a valuable work for TEG structure optimization (i.e. shape of thermocouple and other electrical or thermal conducting components) and material selection. Considering the basic thermoelectric effects, as well as the thermal resistances between the thermocouple and the heat source, heat sink, this paper describe a physical model with Thomson effect for a simplified thermoelectric module. A new method to solve the temperature of the thermocouple hot and cold conjunctions which directly affect the voltage, current and output power, is proposed. And an experiment test of a commercial Bi2Te3thermoelectric module is undertaken to testify the physical model and the solution method. The study shows that the calculation results are in good accordance with the experiment data, which prove the accuracy of the physical model and the solution method. This paper can provide a novel analytical method for TEG performance prediction.
Electroencephalographic Study of Essential Oils for Stress Relief
Authors: Liu Chien Wei , Wang Ching Sung , Chuang Kai Jen , Lo Chia Chi , Chen Chien Tsu
Published: October 2013

Nowadays, electroencephalogram (EEG) is widely used in medical applications. Besides the examination for brain diseases, EEG is used to observe how the surroundings affect peoples emotion. There are many essential oils, and most claim that they are effective in soothing soul and calming. Currently, there is no related EEG scientific experiment to verify this claim, This study attempted to understand whether common essential oils for stress relief have actual emotional relaxation effects on the human brain by EEG observation; the level of efficacy was also observed. From the results of this study, rose essential oil had the best effect of stress relief and relaxation in both genders (P<0.05). It suggested that peppermint essential oil had the best effect of relaxation in male (P<0.05) and rose essential oil had the best effect of relaxation in females (P<0.05) when it was analyzed by gender.
Analysis of Fluid Film Lubrication of an MHD Journal Bearing Subjected to an Axially Applied External Magnetic Field
Authors: Chang Chin Lung , Li Yu Min , Huang Hsing Hui , Leong Jik Chang
Published: October 2013

This work simulates the steady-state flow field in a magnetohydrodynamic journal bearing. A uniform magnetic field is applied in the axial direction across the bearing. Current results indicate that a crescent-shape secondary flow will develop atE= 0.8. The velocity profiles at the location of the minimum and maximum film thickness are almost independent of the strength of the external magnetic field unless the eccentricity ratio is relatively small and magnetic field is strong. There exists an eccentric dependent thresholdHabeyond which the shear stress on the journal increases withHawhile that on the bearing decreases.
Modeling and Simulation of Boom Potential Energy Recovery System in Hybrid Hydraulic Excavator
Authors: Cao Bao Yu , Li Wei , Tong Zhe
Published: October 2013

Hydraulic excavator energy-saving is important to relieve source shortage and protect environment. This paper mainly discusses the energy saving for the hybrid hydraulic excavator. By analyzing the excess energy of three hydraulic cylinders in the conventional hydraulic excavator, a new boom potential energy recovery system is proposed. At last, the model of the proposed system has been built by AMESim. The simulation result shows that the proposed boom potential energy recovery system has a high energy saving efficiency.
Application of VA One Statistical Energy Analysis Method in an Indoor Substation
Authors: Mei Zhong Min , Xu Rui , Mei Tian Long , Yu Ting Fang , Wu Jing Ping , Fan Hong
Published: October 2013

Due to the city indoor substations have caused serious noise pollution to the environment. Appling the software VA One based on statistical energy analysis method, a compatible model has been established to simulate the sound field at the main transformer chamber of a substation indoor and outdoor. Compared the results of simulation and experiment, the validity of the model is confirmed. Consequently, the subsystems partition method and the noise exposure forecast method are proposed based on the results. Giving a reference to analyze similar models.
VC and ACIS/HOOPS Based Semi-Physical Virtual Prototype Design and Motion Simulation of 3D Printer
Authors: Wu Shi Lin , Liu Xiang Yan
Published: October 2013

3D Printing is a widely used manufacturing method whose processing speed is very fast. This method is suitable for a variety of complex geometric structure in many application fields, and supports a variety of material types. At present, 3D printer is not only used in manufacturing, but also began to be used in education, architecture, design industries and so on. However, at home, there are less 3D printer manufacturers most of which are universities and research institutions, and price of 3D printer is relatively expensive. After analyzing how 3D printer works, this paper built 3D model of 3D printer and achieved printing simulation of STL model using two PCs basing on VC++ and ACIS/HOOPS. Two PCs communicate with each other through serial ports. One PC serves as host computer, on which controlling software runs, is responsible for loading the STL model, data processing, generating and sending printing commands and data to 3D printer. The other serves as slave computer, on which 3D printer simulation software runs, is responsible for receiving motion commands to control 3D printer to finish corresponding movements. Real-time rendering of 3D printer and human-computer interaction are achieved using rendering engine HOOPS. This method proposed in this paper adopted semi-physical virtual prototype technology, used real STL model to control virtual 3D printer to simulate 3D printing. It has no need for real 3D printer and is of important practical significance for debugging software of 3D printer.
Experimental Study of Partial Discharge UHF Detection in Transformer Oil
Authors: Feng Yao , Mo Fu Jiang , Jian Zhang
Published: October 2013

This paper studies the characteristic frequency of partial discharge in transformer oil [, and with the spectrum characteristics of partial discharge in air was measured by the comparison of uhf signal inside the metal tank and the attenuation characteristics and metal wire in the air on the radiation characteristics of uhf signals. The results show that the frequency spectrum of the partial discharge in transformer oil is higher than the frequency spectrum of the partial discharge in air. Ultra high frequency signal have the oscillation characteristics in the metal box body propagation. The transformer has the certain ability of outgoing line radiation of partial discharge signal inside.
Research of Mechanical Product Digital Structure Design and Manufacturability Analysis and Evaluation Integration Technology
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Guo Xi , Gong Jing Zhong , Yan Yue Hui , Li Shao Xing
Published: October 2013

The necessity of integration of design and manufacturability was analyzed. By carrying out the research of mechanical product digital structure design and manufacturability analysis and evaluation integration technology, the roadmap of design manufacturability integration was established with support tool integration, information integration, knowledge integration, function integration and flow integration. The design manufacturability integration support system was developed. It was supported that designers could carry out manufacturability analysis and evaluation while doing structure design and finally the changes and rework of mechanical product design was reduced and the success rate of digital structure design was improved by using the system.
The Basic Performance Analysis of the Rail Vehicle Body
Authors: Ju Jian Min
Published: October 2013

The design and manufacture of the vehicle structure determines of the safety and suitability during operation. For most designers, the bearing capacity of the vehicle body is not completely understood. The initial estimate of the vehicle is simply a uniform simply supported overhang beam structure. With the development of computer technology, people can use more complex and closer to the actual body computational model, but it generally requires a lot of work, and designers are often only able to see the final result. It is not clear that the factors affect Load-carrying properties of the body structure. Designers often can not look find a process of improving the design. This method to scan the body structure by a computer calculation and analysis, the geometry, mechanical properties of parameters of the body cross-section has been plotted map. You can quickly and accurately understand the overall performance of the body, analysis the performance difference of different body cross-section. Reasonableness and balance of the body can be measured and awarded. In general, it is very important for the designer of the vehicle.
Bi-Level Optimization for Cross-Sectional Size of Bus Body
Authors: Na Jing Xin , Gao Jian Feng
Published: October 2013

A bi-level optimization method, integrating both local line search and overall multi-objective optimization, is proposed aiming to provide a solution for lightweight design of integral bus bodies. On the first level, the lightest structure under the strength condition is obtained via implementing line-search process in local bar models of the body frame based on the section libraries. On the second level, the design variables are screened by means of sensitivity analysis, and then the bus body structure is optimized by using the multi-objective genetic algorithm. This approach is implemented into an integral bus body frame during the concept design stage. It is verified that the obtained structure scheme is 10.57% lighter than the target bus model and the major mechanical performances are also better than the target one.
Sequential Quadratic Programming Design of Gear Transmission
Authors: Xu Zi Bin , Min Jian Qing
Published: October 2013

The optimization design of gear transmission based on MATLAB is studied for the purpose of finding a convenient and practical method. A mathematical model of optimization design is established in order to minimize the volume of gear transmission, the sequential quadratic programming method (SQP) is used to solve the nonlinear constrained optimization problems. The method how to solve gear parameter optimization base on optimization toolbox of MATLAB is introduced in detail. An optimization design example is given, the optimization result accords with the standard specifications of mechanical design and can be directly used. The result shows that this method is convenient and effective, and can simplify computer programming, is especially suitable for engineer.
Generalized Congruence Neural Networks and Application in the Fault Diagnosis of Rotary Machine
Authors: Hu Bao Long , Xu Ji Ren , Gao Huai Hui , Liu Ji Hai , Wang Ke Ren
Published: October 2013

Replace power function with generalized congruence neural network and put forward a modified model and algorithm of generalized congruence neural network.Analyse structure, power function, algorithm of adjusting power and compare it with BP neural network. Compareing it with BP neural network in approaching sine function, it indicate the modified generalized congruence neural network has fast constringency speed and good stability which BP neural network has. The model and algorithm advance constringency speed and diagnosis precision.
Estimation on Aluminum Alloy Residual Stress Considering the Influence of Hole-Drilling Diameter
Authors: Wang Yue , Xue Cai Hong
Published: October 2013

A method of hole-drilling to estimate residual stress of welding joint of 2219-T87 aluminum alloy is proposed based on numerical simulation and measurement test. The influence of drilling-hole diameter to welding residual stress is first analyzed by numerical simulation, and the optimal diameter is obtained as 4.0 mm. In accordance with the diameter, carry out a test on measuring welding residual stress. And the maximum residual stress is calculated as 123.2 MPa.
An Improved Method of Kalman Filter Based on SVM
Authors: Pang Yong Jie , Hu Zhong Hui , Li Yue Ming , Zhang Guo Cheng
Published: October 2013

An improved method of Kalman filter based on SVM is presented aimed at the sensitiveness of the normal Kalman filter to the system state equation. The method increases the precision of system state equation and improves the performance of Kalman filter effectively. The system state equation can be obtained through the system identification by using Support Vector Machine (SVM) which has good abilities of non-linear mapping. In contrast to the normal Kalman filter, this method has the advantages of wide application range, simple and feasible mathematical modeling. The simulation experimental results demonstrate that the method is feasible and effective.
Magnetic Belt Conveyor Running Stability Analysis
Authors: Cheng Gang , Guo Yong Cun , Hu Kun , Wang Peng Yu
Published: October 2013

Magnetic suspension type belt conveyor used magnetic machinery technology design can solve the belt conveyor of roller support parts number, large energy consumption and high maintenance cost, limited tape speed, large noise and other issues. Magnetic belt conveyor design is the key to stability analysis of the operation of conveyor belt. Papers from a mechanical point of view to study the structural stability calculation. The results show that small interfering in the external magnetic conveyor belt, the permanent support system can be adjusted to spontaneously stable equilibrium state.
Design and Weight Lifting Analysis of a Strengthen Upper Limb Exoskeleton Robot
Authors: Deng Ming Jun , Wang Zhuo , He Han Hui , Xue Yong
Published: October 2013

A 5-DOF strengthen upper limb exoskeleton robot has been designed, which is driven by hydraulic pressure and steel wirerope. Simplified the degree of freedom, designed the mechanical structure and optimized structural parameters. The research ensured the structural strength and safety when the robot working. A virtual prototype has been established in RecurDyn. Kinematics simulation is carried out for three kinds of typical weightlifting mode. The research results verified the correctness of the structure design and provided reference for enhancing the lifting capacity of the exoskeleton robot.
Hierarchical Map Building Based UKF-SLAM Approach for AUV
Authors: Shao Gang , Wan Lei , Shen Xiao Di
Published: October 2013

A layered simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) approach for building hierarchical maps is proposed in situations that obstacles, environmental sensors and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) poses are all unknown in large-scale environments. Firstly, a two-layered environment model is established, which is composed to a submap layer and a topological node layer. Then the perception information of the environmental sensors is employed to assist the online creation and update of submaps local coordinate framework. While building the topological structure, the coupling summation equation is utilized to compute the relative positions between nodes, Based on the loop-closure detection result, the weighted scan matching algorithm and the relaxation algorithm are introduced to optimize the topological structure, which ensures global consistency of the map. Experimental results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach.
Based on the CO2 Gas Shielded Welding Molten Pool Image Edge Detection Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xiao Gang , Zhao Bing
Published: October 2013

This paper use the passive vision system through high-speed camera collects molten pool images; and then according to the frequency domain characteristics of the weld pool image Butterworth low-pass filter; gradient method for image enhancement obtained after pretreatment. Research Roberts, Sobel, Prewitt, Log, Zerocross, and Canny 6 both traditional differential operator edge detection processing results. Through comparison and analysis of choosing threshold for [0.1, 0. Canny operator can get the ideal molten pool edge character, for subsequent welding molten pool defect recognition provides favorable conditions.
Applied Research of Somatosensory Control Technology Based on Kinect in Innovation Design of Popular Science Exhibition Items
Authors: Yang Qin , Lou Song Lin
Published: October 2013

According to the current situation and development trend of science and technology museum at home and abroad, from the perspective of human-computer interaction, combine with the experience demand and research Somatosensory control technology and its system workflow based on the Kinect. On this basis, through the design practice, explore a new model or new direction of the models of popular science exhibition items, so as to improve the interactivity and the interest of popular science exhibition items and optimize the effect of popular science education and provide new design ideas and development instances for popular science exhibition items innovation design.
A Study on the Industrial Design of Machine Tools Based on the Kansei Engineering Methods
Authors: Liu Xu , Lei Tian , Chen Tian Jian , Wei Shuai Li
Published: October 2013

This paper illustrates the design methods of machine tools based on the theory of Kansei Engineering. General attitudes towards the machine tools are measured by the Semantic Differential Method, the mapping between the design elements and the cognitive image is established through the Orthogonal Experiments, and the specific element style that significantly results in a certain image as well as the order of contribution degree from design elements towards images are obtained. Finally, the effectiveness of this method is verified by designing practice of a pipe processing machine.
Kansei Engineering in Human Engineering Theory and Application
Authors: Hui Kang , Jing Li
Published: October 2013

The product design can not just stay on the surface of the form, but should be based on extensive scientific perspective and a more rigorous research methods to interpret and interpretation. Like other disciplines, Kansei engineering to some extent, as a continuation of ergonomics, and gradually improve and expand ergonomics theory and method to make it continue to develop and improve, so rational use of ergonomics and Kansei Engineering related methods to support the industrial design of the unconscious a scientific way. Based on Kansei engineering concepts and research status correlation analysis, and Kansei engineering and ergonomics relations were discussed, and finally by way of example confirms the Kansei engineering to industry influence, Kansei engineering approach just for today is designed to provide a scientific, theoretical design approach, with its unique sense of pleasure brought to guide industrial design more scientific and comprehensive study.
Damage Detection in RAPTOR Telescope Systems Using Time-Frequency Analysis Methods
Authors: Antoniadou Ifigeneia , Worden Keith , Manson Graeme , Dervilis Nikolaos , Taylor S.G. , Farrar Charles R.
Published: October 2013

The RAPTOR telescope systems are astronomical observatories that operate in remote locations in New Mexico searching for astrophysical transients called gamma-ray bursts. Their operating condition should remain at good levels in order to have accurate observations. Currently, the first component of the RAPTOR telescopes to fail is a capstan driving mechanism that operates in a run-to failure mode. The capstans wear relatively frequently because of their manufacturing material and can cause damage to other more expensive components, such as the drive wheels and the telescope optics. Monitoring the condition of these systems seems a reasonable solution since the unpredictable rate at which the capstans experience wear, in combination with the remote locations and high duty cycles of these telescope systems, make it unprofitable to choose a strategy of replacing the capstans at chosen intervals. Experimental tests of the telescope systems reported here recorded vibration signals during clockwise and counterclockwise rotations, similar to a motion known as "homing-sequence". The Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method in combination with the Hilbert Transform (HT) and a new alternative method for the estimation of the instantaneous features of a signal that applies an energy tracking operator, called Teager-Kaiser Energy operator, and an energy separation algorithm to the data being analysed, are the time-frequency analysis methods used for analysis here.
Damage Detection in Riveted Aircraft Elements Based on the Electromechanical Impedance Measurements
Authors: Rosiek Mateusz , Dragan Krzysztof , Martowicz Adam , Uhl Tadeusz
Published: October 2013

This work is devoted to the use of the electromechanical impedance method for the damage detection in a riveted aircraft element. In the first part of the paper a theoretical background of the impedance-based damage detection technique is made. Next, the description of the utilised experimental set-up is described. Then, an application of the method used to detect damage in a wing sheathing of a turboprop training aircraft is presented. A damage scheme incorporating multiple notches through the selected rivets is considered. Finally, the suitability of the described method to distinguish close and far field damages is discussed.
Development of the Strain Sensors Based on CNT/Epoxy Using Screen Printing
Authors: Grabowski Krzysztof , Zbyrad Paulina , Uhl Tadeusz
Published: October 2013

In this paper there wasdevelopeda CNT based sensor applied to the tested material and integrated with it. MWCNTs weremixed with polymer and then applied to the materials (fiber glass composites) with the use of screen printing. The surface and the inner part of the sensing material were investigated using SEM. The most importantand noticeable thing was dispersion of CNTs in epoxy.Moreover, the sensors were tested under the different loads. There were three runs for the same compositions of CNT/epoxy. Results from the test runs were compared to the images from SEM and discussed. Screen printing technique has shown promising results for the application and integration of the sensors on the base materials leading to the conclusion to do more research for the screen printing technique for application of CNT/epoxy sensors for large area appliaction and variant environments.
Selective Activation of Antigen-Experienced T Cells by Anti-CD3 Constrained on Nanoparticles
Authors: Lo Ying-Chun , Edidin Michael A. , Powell Jonathan D.
Published: October 2013

Activation of T cells through the TCR is mediated by the TCR-CD3 signaling complex. Cross linking of this complex with Abs directed against CD3 leads to potent activation of T cells. However, such activation is not Ag-specific. We exploited the observation that the TCR-CD3 complex is clustered on T cells that have been activated by Ag by using anti-CD3 nanoparticles to selectively activate Ag-experienced mouse T cells. We find that constraining anti-CD3 on the surface of a nanoparticle markedly and selectively enhances proliferation and cytokine production of Ag-experienced T cells but does not activate naive T cells. This effect was recapitulated in heterogeneous cultures containing mixtures of Ag-specific CD4+ or CD8+ T cells and bystander T cells. Furthermore, in vivo anti-CD3–coated nanoparticles increased the expansion of Ag-specific T cells following vaccination. Overall, these findings indicate that anti-CD3–coated nanoparticles could be use to enhance the efficacy of vaccines and immunotherapy. The results also suggest constraining a ligand on the surface of a nanoparticle might as general strategy for selectively targeting clustered receptors.
Education of Murine NK Cells Requires Both cis and trans Recognition of MHC Class I Molecules
Authors: Bessoles Stéphanie , Angelov Georgi S. , Back Jonathan , Leclercq Georges , Vivier Eric , Held Werner
Published: October 2013

Although NK cells use invariant receptors to identify diseased cells, they nevertheless adapt to their environment, including the presence of certain MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules. This NK cell education, which is mediated by inhibitory receptors specific for MHC-I molecules, changes the responsiveness of activating NK cell receptors (licensing) and modifies the repertoire of MHC-I receptors used by NK cells. The fact that certain MHC-I receptors have the unusual capacity to recognize MHC-I molecules expressed by other cells (trans) and by the NK cell itself (cis) has raised the question regarding possible contributions of the two types of interactions to NK cell education. Although the analysis of an MHC-I receptor variant suggested a role for cis interaction for NK cell licensing, adoptive NK cell transfer experiments supported a key role for trans recognition. To reconcile some of these findings, we have analyzed the impact of cell type–specific deletion of an MHC-I molecule and of a novel MHC-I receptor variant on the education of murine NK cells when these mature under steady-state conditions in vivo. We find that MHC-I expression by NK cells (cis) and by T cells (trans), and MHC-I recognition in cis and in trans, are both needed for NK cell licensing. Unexpectedly, modifications of the MHC-I receptor repertoire are chiefly dependent on cis binding, which provides additional support for an essential role for this unconventional type of interaction for NK cell education. These data suggest that two separate functions of MHC-I receptors are needed to adapt NK cells to self–MHC-I.
Presentación
Authors: Leiva Gómez Sandra
Published: October 2013

Presentación
Informalidad y transferencia de valor en las cadenas productivas de la Argentina. Un estudio a partir de la matriz insumo-producto
Authors: Barrera Facundo
Published: October 2013

Desde la década de 1990, la Argentina exhibe niveles de empleo no registrados que afectan prácticamente a cuatro de cada 10 trabajadores, los que poseen salarios medios hasta un 40 por ciento por debajo de los de sus pares registrados. Asimismo, la informalidad no se distribuye uniformemente a través de los distintos tamaños del capital. La literatura económica de tradición neoclásica, apoyada en la evidencia empírica, sostiene que las pequeñas empresas presentan mayores niveles de informalidad debido a su menor visibilidad, su mayor flexibilidad y mejores oportunidades de eludir los controles estatales; mientras las grandes empresas son más vulnerables a las regulaciones estatales y es menos probable que se aboquen directamente a actividades informales. Sin embargo, ¿son las pequeñas empresas las que retienen los márgenes de ganancia producto de la precarización de los trabajadores o estos son transferidos al gran capital? El presente trabajo muestra los avances de investigación acerca del carácter funcional de la informalidad laboral, resaltando los vínculos intrasectoriales. Para esto se utiliza el concepto de Bloques Sectoriales de Leontief, y se aplica a cuadros de relaciones intersectoriales de  Argentina (Lifschitz 2004). La utilización de dichos cuadros obedece a la necesidad de vincular la estructura de relaciones interindustriales con los niveles de informalidad de la fuerza de trabajo.
El toyotismo como sistema de flexibilización de la fuerza de trabajo. Una mirada desde la construcción de productividad en los sujetos trabajadores de La fábrica japonesa (1994-2005)
Authors: Álvarez Newman Diego
Published: October 2013

La concepción toyotista ha sido estudiada por diversos autores desde una perspectiva crítica remarcando la flexibilización laboral en cada una de sus dimensiones. Nuestro enfoque dialogará con aquellos que hacen hincapié en el sistema de producción que se pone en marcha en el proceso de trabajo, especificando en las formas de construcción de sujetos trabajadores. El Sistema Toyota de producción opera sobre la fuerza de trabajo mediante dos formas que se complementan. Por un lado se encuentran las bases objetivas de la productividad del sujeto, en donde el cuerpo y el tiempo de trabajo son sometidos mediante dispositivos de control. Por el otro se incentiva a la productividad mediante dispositivos tendientes al involucramiento de los sujetos en los objetivos de productividad y calidad de la empresa. Estas dos formas de construcción de “sujetos productivos” se desarrollan en simultáneo y dan como resultado la “eficacia” del toyotismo como modelo de producción. Se tomarán como fuentes de datos fundamentalmente los Convenios Colectivos de Trabajo firmados por la empresa Toyota Argentina Sociedad Anónima y el Sindicato de Mecánicos y Afines del Transporte Automotor entre el período 1994-2005. Se recurrirá en casos específicos a documentos internos, tanto de la fábrica como del sindicato.
Human Retrovirus Codon Usage from tRNA Point of View: Therapeutic Insights
Authors: Frias Diego , Monteiro-Cunha Joana P. , Mota-Miranda Aline C. , Fonseca Vagner S. , De Oliveira Tulio , Galvao-Castro Bernardo , Alcantara Luiz C. J.
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the balance between transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) supply and demand in retrovirus-infected cells, seeking the best targets for antiretroviral therapy based on the hypothetical tRNA Inhibition Therapy (TRIT). Codon usage and tRNA gene data were retrieved from public databases. Based on logistic principles, a therapeutic score (T-score) was calculated for all sense codons, in each retrovirus-host system. Codons that are critical for viral protein translation, but not as critical for the host, have the highest T-score values. Theoretically, inactivating the cognate tRNA species should imply a severe reduction of the elongation rate during viral mRNA translation. We developed a method to predict tRNA species critical for retroviral protein synthesis. Four of the best TRIT targets in HIV-1 and HIV-2 encode Large Hydrophobic Residues (LHR), which have a central role in protein folding. One of them, codon CUA, is also a TRIT target in both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2. Therefore, a drug designed for inactivating or reducing the cytoplasmatic concentration of tRNA species with anticodon TAG could attenuate significantly both HIV and HTLV protein synthesis rates. Inversely, replacing codons ending in UA by synonymous codons should increase the expression, which is relevant for DNA vaccine design.
Use of Parathyroid Hormone Assay after Thyroidectomy: A Survey of US and European Surgeons
Authors: Stein Daniel J. , Noordzij J. Pieter , Kepchar Jessica , McLeod Ian K. , Brietzke Scott , Caló Pietro Giorgio
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy results in prolongation of hospitalization and patient discomfort but can be predicted by PTH assays. However, there is considerable variation in their use.

Methods

This study was undertaken to document current US and European practice patterns regarding the use of this assay. Anonymous surveys were collected in 2009–2011 from members of the American Academies of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Endocrine Surgery and the European, Italian, French, Spanish and British Societies of Endocrine Surgery.

Results

There were 356 American (3% response) and 61 European (10% response) respondents. 105 (29.8%) American and 25 (41%) European respondents reported routine PTH assay use. Fellowship trained surgeons reported increased use of the PTH assay (P = 0.004). Shorter reported average post-operative hospital stay was associated with American physicians (P = 0.0001), community practice location (P = 0.0002) and routine calcium supplementation ( P = 0.0015).

Conclusions

Surgical training was associated with routine use of the PTH assay. Average reported hospital stay was lower for American and community practice physicians and correlated with post-operative oral calcium use.
Recovery dynamics and invasibility of herbaceous plant communities after exposure to fifty-year climate extremes in different seasons
Authors: Dreesen F. E. , De Boeck H. J. , Janssens I. A. , Nijs I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Disturbance events such as climatic extremes may enhance the invasibility of plant communities, through the creation of gaps and the associated local increase in available resources. In this study, experimental herbaceous communities consisting of three species were subjected to 50 yr extreme drought and/or heat events, in spring, summer or autumn. In the year of the induced extremes, species mortality and end-of-season biomass were examined. In two subsequent years without further disturbances, establishment of new species was recorded. The drought and drought + heat extremes in summer and autumn induced greater plant mortality compared with the heat extremes in those seasons and compared with all extremes applied in spring, in all three originally planted species. Recovery in terms of biomass towards the end of the growing season, however, was species-specific. The dominant species, the nitrogen fixer Trifolium repens, recovered poorly from the drought and drought + heat extremes which governed the community response. Community biomass, which was heavily affected by the drought and especially by the drought + heat events in summer and autumn, reached control values already one year later. Invasibility was increased in the communities that underwent the drought + heat extremes in the first year following the extreme events, but no longer in the second year. During the two years of invasion, the community composition changed, but independently of the type and impact of the extreme event. In short, the extreme climate events greatly affected the survival and productivity of the species, modified the species composition and dominance patterns, and increased the invasibility of our plant communities. However, none of these community properties seemed to be affected in the long term, as the induced responses faded out after one or two years.
A global analysis of the impact of drought on net primary productivity
Authors: Chen T. , Werf G. R. , Jeu R. A. M. , Wang G. , Dolman A. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We investigated the impact of drought on interannual variability of net primary productivity (NPP) from 1997 to 2009, using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) drought index and satellite-derived vegetation greenness converted to NPP. SPEI is positive for wet conditions and negative for dry conditions. We found that SPEI and NPP were coupled and showed in-phase behaviour on a global scale. We then used the Köppen climate classification to study the SPEI–NPP relations regionally and found that while NPP and SPEI were positively related (high SPEI, high NPP) in arid and in seasonal dry regions, the opposite occurs in most boreal regions (high SPEI, low NPP). High intensity drought events, such as the 2003 drought in Europe were picked up by our analysis. Our findings suggest that the strong positive relation between global average moisture availability and NPP consists of a composite of the positive relation across dry regions and the coherent NPP decline during and after intensive drought events in humid regions. Importantly, we also found that there are many areas on the globe that show no strong correlation between drought and NPP.
MRI evaluation of hip containment and congruency after closed reduction in congenital hip dislocation
Authors: Druschel Claudia , Placzek Richard , Selka Lina , Seidl Tamara , Funk Julia
Published: October 2013

Background

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is the most common congenital skeletal disease. In its most severe form - dislocation - the treatment is directed at reducing the hip and establishing normal congruency between the femoral head and the acetabulum. Closed reduction with casting is a common primary treatment, where reduction is confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Objective

This study analyses anatomical aspects depicted on MRI after closed reduction to identify disparities in the growth behaviour of dislocated hips.

Materials and methods

In 38 patients MRI after closed reduction was available for analysis. After exclusion of children with underlying diseases or syndromes, MRIs of 28 children were evaluated with respect to head coverage index, acetabular head index and sphericity. The results were compared to the stable opposite sides.

Results

Twenty-two stable and 27 initially unstable hips were available for further analysis. The head coverage index as well as the acetabular head index of the unstable hips was significantly smaller than that of the stable hips. The sphericity score of the dislocated femoral heads was significantly lower than that of the stable ones.

Conclusion

Dislocated hips showed significantly lower values for all of the evaluated parameters concerning congruency and containment. MRI is not only useful to confirm successful reduction but may also help to predict outcome by evaluating following dislocation.