bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Net community production and stoichiometry of nutrient consumption in a pelagic ecosystem of a northern high latitude fjord: mesocosm CO2 perturbation study
Authors: Silyakova A. , Bellerby R. G. J. , Czerny J. , Schulz K. G. , Nondal G. , Tanaka T. , Engel A. , De Lange T. , Riebesell U.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Net community production (NCP) and ratios of carbon to nutrient consumption were studied during a large-scale mesocosm experiment on ocean acidification in Kongsfjorden, West Spitsbergen, during June–July 2010. Nutrient-deplete fjord water with natural phyto- and bacteriaplankton assemblages, enclosed in nine mesocosms of ~ 50 m3 volume, was exposed to pCO2 levels ranging from 185 to 1420 μatm on initial state. Mean values of pCO2 levels during experiment ranged from 175 to 1085 μatm in different mesocosms. Phytoplankton growth was stimulated by nutrient addition. In this study NCP is estimated as a cumulative change in dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations. Stoichiometric couping between inorganic carbon and nutrient is shown as a ratio of a cumulative NCP to a cumulative change in inorganic nutrients. Three peaks of chlorophyll a concentration occurred during the experiment. Accordingly the experiment was divided in three phases. Overall cumulative NCP was similar in all mesocosms by the final day of experiment. However, NCP varied among phases, showing variable response to CO2 perturbation. Carbon to nitrogen (C : N) and carbon to phosphorus (C : P) uptake ratios were estimated only for the period after nutrient addition (post-nutrient period). For the total post-nutrient period ratios were close to Redfield proportions, however varied from it in different phases. The response of C : N and C : P uptake ratios to CO2 perturbation was different for three phases of the experiment, reflecting variable NCP and dependence on changing microbial community. Through the variable NCP, C : N and C : P uptake ratios for 31 days of the experiment we show a flexibility of biogeochemical response establishing a strong microbial loop in Kongsfjorden under different CO2 scenarios.
Conceptual and numerical modeling of the Guaraní Aquifer System
Authors: Rodríguez L. , Vives L. , Gomez A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. In large aquifers relevant for their considerable size, regional groundwater modeling remains challenging given geologic complexity and data scarcity in space and time. The Guaraní Aquifer System is the largest transboundary aquifer in South America. It contains an enormous volume of water, however, it is not well known being difficult to assess the impact of exploitation currently used to supply over 25 million inhabitants. This is a sensitive issue because the aquifer is shared by four countries. Moreover, an integrated groundwater model, and therefore, a global water balance were not available. In this work, a transient regional scale model for the entire aquifer based upon five simplified, equally plausible conceptual models represented by different hydraulic conductivity parametrizations, is used to analyze the flow system and water balance components. Combining an increasing number of hydraulic conductivity zones and an appropriate set of boundary conditions, the hypothesis of a continuous sedimentary unit yielded errors within the calibration target in a regional sense. The magnitude of the water budget terms resulted very similar for all parametrizations. Recharge and stream/aquifer fluxes were the dominant components representing, on average, 84.2% of total inflows and 61.4% of total outflows, respectively. However, leakage was small compared to stream discharges of main rivers. For instance, the simulated average leakage for the Uruguay river was 8 m3 s−1 while the observed absolute minimum discharge was 382 m3 s−1. Streams located in heavily pumped regions switched from a gaining condition on early years to a losing condition over time. Water is discharged through the aquifer boundaries, except at the eastern boundary. On average, pumping represented 16.2% of inflows while aquifer storage experienced a small overall increment. The model water balance indicates that the current rate of groundwater withdrawals does not exceed the rate of recharge on a regional sense.
VARIOMETRIC TESTS FOR ACCELEROMETER SENSORS
Authors: D'Urso M. G. , Barbati N.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We present a comprehensive review of several variometric tests recently carried out on a home-made measurement system composed of a tern of low-cost accelerometer sensors of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) type equipped with autonomous electric supply and wireless transmission. The most important parameters characterizing the systematic errors, i.e. bias, scale factor and thermal correction factor, have been evaluated by calibration tests based upon the so-called "six -positions" static test proposed by the IEEE 517 Standard. In this way the system optimal configuration has been defined in terms of data acquisition frequency and of scale factor. In addition to such tests, partly documented elsewhere, the results of some sensitivity tests on the influence of external environmental factors are also presented. With the aim of employing the proposed MEMS-based system as a device for monitoring the onset of slope landslides, some further tests have been carried out in order to measure the inclination of rigid objects which the sensors have been fixed to. The most significant results of the tests are illustrated and discussed.
New directions in building a scientific social network: Experiences in the Supercourse project and application to Central Asia
Authors: Hennon Meredith , LaPorte Ronald E. , Shubnikov Eugene , Linkov Faina
Published: August 2012

IntroductionNetworking leaders in the field of public health and medicine is very important for improving health locally and globally, especially in times of disaster.MethodsFishing can best be defined as using an internet search engine to find the name and email address of the person or organization that is being sought.ResultsWith over 500 hours of work, the group compiled a list of nearly 2,000 email addresses of Ministers of Health, deans of the 1,800 medical schools and schools of public health, and heads of medical and public health societies.ConclusionsFishing for deans and others is an important task, albeit just the first step in building a scientific social network.  Upon creation of a database of names, other steps must be taken, such as meeting with others, exchanging information, and forming new collaborations before a scientific social network is successfully completed.
Emergence from Anaesthesia in Supine versus Prone Position in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Laminectomy: A Study of 60 Cases
Authors: Goyal Priyanka , Nagrale Manda , Joshi Sandeep
Published: August 2012

Background. Emergence in supine position in patients undergoing surgery in prone position leads to tachycardia and hypertension, coughing, and the loss of monitoring when patients are rolled to supine position at the end of surgery, aim of this prospective randomized trial was to study whether prone emergence causes less hemodynamic stimulation, coughing, and monitor disconnection compared to supine emergence in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy.Patients and Methods. This study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent Lumbar laminectomy in prone position. Patients were anaesthetized using injected fentanyl 2 μg kg−1, midazolam 0.1 mg kg−1, and thiopentone 5–6 mg kg−1and vecuronium bromide. At the end of surgery patients were randomized into prone or supine group of 30 each. Supine group patients were rolled back and prone were left undisturbed. Extubation was done after complete reversal of neuromuscular block. Heart rates and MAP were noted at various points of time. Coughing, vomiting, monitor disconnection if any.Results. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly higher in supine patients as compared to prone patients before and after extubation (Pvalue < 0.05). Incidence of coughing, vomiting and monitor disconnection was highly significant in prone group than in supine group.Conclusion. Emergence and extubation in prone position can be safely performed in selected group of patients undergoing surgery in prone position.
Quadruple Fixed Point Theorems in Partially Ordered Metric Spaces Depending on Another Function
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Yüce İlker Şavas
Published: August 2012

We prove quadruple fixed point theorems in partially ordered metric spaces depending on another function. Also, we state some examples showing that our results are real generalization of known ones in quadruple fixed point theory.
Light Chain Proximal Tubulopathy: Expanding the Pathologic Spectrum with and without Deposition of Crystalline Inclusions
Authors: Sharma Shree G. , Bonsib Steven M. , Portilla Didier , Shukla Ashutosh , Woodruff Adam B. , Gokden Neriman
Published: August 2012

Light chain proximal tubulopathy (LCPT) is an uncommon form of renal disease associated with dysproteinemias. It is characterized by intracytoplasmic deposition of crystallized mostly kappa monoclonal light chains in proximal tubules (PTs). Crystals are located within lysosomes by electron microscopy (EM). Rare lambda LCPT cases without crystals by EM were described. Retrospectively, we reviewed clinical, light microscopic (LM), immunofluorescence (IF), and EM findings in 9 cases) (8 males, 1 female; mean age 57 years (38–81)) with multiple myeloma. LM showed abundant cytoplasmic droplets in PT cells in all cases. Droplets were also present in the podocytes, endothelial and parietal cells in one case. IF revealed staining of crystals with kappa in 3 and lambda in 6. EM showed electron dense rectangular, rhomboid, or needle shaped crystals in PT cells in 3 cases (33%), one of which had crystals in podocytes and interstitial cells. Six lambda LCPT cases showed no crystals by EM (67%). This may reflect differences in the physicochemical properties of light chains. The mechanisms of crystal accumulation in these cells and the significance of this finding are unknown.
Red Fluorescence in Doped LaF3:Nd3+, Sm3+ Nanocrystals Synthesized by Microwave Technique
Authors: Gaurkhede S. G. , Khandpekar M. M. , Pati S. P. , Singh A. T.
Published: August 2012

Hexagonal shaped LaF3 nanocrystals (NC) doped by Nd3+ and Sm3+ ions are synthesized using microwave technique. The prepared LaF3 sample was characterized by XRD to confirm the average crystalline size of the particle is close to 20 nm (JCPDS standard card (32-0483) of pure hexagonal LaF3 crystals). The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis which indicates the size of the primary and secondary particle is in the range between 15 nm–20 nm. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDAX) spectrometry have been carried out. The functional groups of the synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The luminescent properties of the nanoparticles have been observed by excitation and emission spectra. Energy transfer from Nd3+ to Sm3+ has been observed. The transparency of the crystals has been confirmed using UV-VIS spectra. UV-Visible absorption spectrum indicates an energy gap of 4.9 eV and shows presence of wide transparency window. Non Linear Optical (NLO) properties of the synthesized nanoparticles have been studied. It has been found that Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) efficiency of LaF3=Nd3+, Sm3+ is less than pure Potassium Dihydroxyl Phosphate (KDP) crystals.
On the Detectability of Synthetic Disturbances in FG5 Absolute Gravimetry Data Using Lomb-Scargle Analysis
Authors: Orlob Martin , Braun Alexander
Published: August 2012

An instrumental or environmental disturbance (signal plus noise) in FG5 absolute gravimetry observations becomes visible by analyzing the residuals, which represent the misfit from the theoretical acceleration parabola. While spectral analysis of FG5 residuals via classical discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is limited by the non-equispaced nature of the FG5 observations, the Lomb-Scargle periodogram can analyze nonequispaced observations and estimate (detect) signals in FG5 residuals. We investigate the detectability of synthetically introduced disturbances in FG5 residuals using Lomb-Scargle periodogram analysis. The sensitivity of the FG5 measurement and adjustment process is a function of disturbance frequency, amplitude, phase, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We conclude that the used drop length and the transfer function of the instrument can significantly alter the estimated gravity values. Further, we establish a sensitivity function called LOFSMAP which depends on the disturbance parameter space of amplitude, frequency, phase and SNR.
An Effective Wormhole Attack Defence Method for a Smart Meter Mesh Network in an Intelligent Power Grid
Authors: Seo Jungtaek , Lee Gunhee
Published: August 2012

Smart meters are one of the key components of intelligent power grids. Wireless mesh networks based on smart meters could provide customer-oriented information on electricity use to the operational control systems, which monitor power grid status and estimate electric power demand. Using this information, an operational control system could regulate devices within the smart grid in order to provide electricity in a cost-efficient manner. Ensuring the availability of the smart meter mesh network is therefore a critical factor in securing the soundness of an intelligent power system. Wormhole attacks can be one of the most difficult-to-address threats to the availability of mesh networks, and although many methods to nullify wormhole attacks have been tried, these have been limited by high computational resource requirements and unnecessary overhead, as well as by the lack of ability of such methods to respond to attacks. In this paper, an effective defense mechanism that both detects and responds to wormhole attacks is proposed. In the proposed system, each device maintains information on its neighbors, allowing each node to identify replayed packets. The effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method is analyzed in light of additional computational message and memory complexities.
Agent-Oriented Embedded Control System Design and Development of a Vision-Based Automated Guided Vehicle
Authors: Xing Wu , Jun Yu , Peihuang Lou , Dunbing Tang
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a control system design and development approach for a vision-based automated guided vehicle (AGV) based on the multi-agent system (MAS) methodology and embedded system resources. A three-phase agent-oriented design methodology Prometheus is used to analyse system functions, construct operation scenarios, define agent types and design the MAS coordination mechanism. The control system is then developed in an embedded implementation containing a digital signal processor (DSP) and an advanced RISC machine (ARM) by using the multitasking processing capacity of multiple microprocessors and system services of a real-time operating system (RTOS). As a paradigm, an onboard embedded controller is designed and developed for the AGV with a camera detecting guiding landmarks, and the entire procedure has a high efficiency and a clear hierarchy. A vision guidance experiment for our AGV is carried out in a space-limited laboratory environment to verify the perception capacity and the onboard intelligence of the agent-oriented embedded control system.
Markerless Kinect-Based Hand Tracking for Robot Teleoperation
Authors: Du Guanglong , Zhang Ping , Mai Jianhua , Li Zeling
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a real-time remote robot teleoperation method using markerless Kinect-based hand tracking. Using this tracking algorithm, the positions of index finger and thumb in 3D can be estimated by processing depth images from Kinect. The hand pose is used as a model to specify the pose of a real-time remote robot's end-effector. This method provides a way to send a whole task to a remote robot instead of sending limited motion commands like gesture-based approaches and this method has been tested in pick-and-place tasks.
Control System Design of the YWZ Multi-Fingered Dexterous Hand
Authors: Yang Wenzhen , Yu Shiguang , Zhang Hua , Chen Wenhua
Published: August 2012

The manipulation abilities of a multi-fingered dexterous hand, such as motion in real-time, flexibility, grasp stability etc., are largely dependent on its control system. This paper developed a control system for the YWZ dexterous hand, which had five fingers and twenty degrees of freedom (DOFs). All of the finger joints of the YWZ dexterous handwere active joints driven by twenty micro-stepper motors respectively. The main contribution of this paper was that we were able to use stepper motor control to actuate the hand's fingers, thus, increasing the hands feasibility. Based the actuators of the YWZ dexterous hand, we firstly developed an integrated circuit board (ICB), which was the communication hardware between the personal computer (PC) and the YWZ dexterous hand. The ICB included a centre controller, twenty driver chips, a USB port and other electrical parts. Then, a communication procedure between the PC and the ICB was developed to send the control commands to actuate the YWZ dexterous hand. Experiment results showed that under this control system, the motion of the YWZ dexterous hand was real-time; both the motion accuracy and the motion stability of the YWZ dexterous hand were reliable. Compared with other types of actuators related to dexterous hands, such as pneumatic servo cylinder, DC servo motor, shape memory alloy etc., experiment results verified that the stepper motors as actuators for the dexterous handswere effective, economical, controllable and stable.
Decomposition and Cross-Product-Based Method for Computing the Dynamic Equation of Robots
Authors: Shih Ching-Long , Lee Wen-Yo , Wu Chia-Pin
Published: August 2012

This paper aims to demonstrate a clear relationship between Lagrange equations and Newton-Euler equations regarding computational methods for robot dynamics, from which we derive a systematic method for using either symbolic or on-line numerical computations. Based on the decomposition approach and cross-product operation, a computing method for robot dynamics can be easily developed. The advantages of this computing framework are that: it can be used for both symbolic and on-line numeric computation purposes, and it can also be applied to biped systems, as well as some simple closed-chain robot systems.
Model-Based Evolution of a Fast Hybrid Fuzzy Adaptive Controller for a Pneumatic Muscle Actuator
Authors: Hošovský Alexander , Novák-Marcinčin Jozef , Pitel' Ján , Boržíková Jana , Židek Kamil
Published: August 2012

Pneumatic artificial muscle-based robotic systems usually necessitate the use of various nonlinear control techniques in order to improve their performance. Their robustness to parameter variation, which is generally difficult to predict, should also be tested. Here a fast hybrid adaptive control is proposed, where a conventional PD controller is placed into the feedforward branch and a fuzzy controller is placed into the adaptation branch. The fuzzy controller compensates for the actions of the PD controller under conditions of inertia moment variation. The fuzzy controller of Takagi-Sugeno type is evolved through a genetic algorithm using the dynamic model of a pneumatic muscle actuator. The results confirm the capability of the designed system to provide robust performance under the conditions of varying inertia.
On Distributed Multirate Control of Direct User-to-User Touch in Networked Haptic Systems with Passive Wave-Domain Communications
Authors: Rakhsha Ramtin , Constantinescu Daniela
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the stability and performance of distributed multirate control of direct touch in networked haptic systems that provide users with a remote dynamic proxy of their peer and with passive wave domain communications. The paper considers communication networks with fixed delay and with packet update rate smaller than the update rate of the users' local force feedback loops. After developing a multirate state space model of the direct touch haptic system, the paper uses eigenvalue-based stability analysis to determine the maximum contact stiffness that can be applied to users, as well as the maximum coordination gain that can be used to synchronize the user sites. The analysis predicts that both remote dynamic proxies and passive wave-domain communications make the contact stiffness robust to delay, but only passive wave-domain communications mitigate the negative impact of delay on the coordination gain. In other words, the analysis suggests that passive wave-domain communications should be employed to make the distributed multirate control of direct touch in networked haptic systems stable regardless of the fixed communication delay. However, if power-domain communications are employed, remote dynamic proxies should be used to allow rendering of stiffer contact between users. Experiments in which two users probe each other using similar haptic interfaces validate the analytical results.
The Dynamics and Sliding Mode Control of Multiple Cooperative Welding Robot Manipulators
Authors: Zi Bin , Sun Huihui , Zhu Zhencai , Qian Sen
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with the design, dynamic modelling and sliding mode control of multiple cooperative welding robot manipulators (MWRMs). The MWRMs can handle complex tasks that are difficult or even impossible for a single manipulator. The kinematics and dynamics of the MWRMs are studied on the basis of the Denavit-Hartenberg and Lagrange method. Following that, considering the MWRM system with nonlinear and unknown disturbances, a non-singular terminal sliding mode control strategy is designed. By means of the Lyapunov function, the stability of the controller is proved. Simulation results indicate that the good control performance of the MWRMs is achieved by the non-singular terminal sliding mode controller, which also illustrates the correctness of the dynamic modelling and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Operation Modes and Control Schemes for a Telerobot with Time Delay
Authors: Xiong Pengwen , Song Aiguo , Qian Kui , Zhang Liyun , Xu Xiaonong
Published: August 2012

Telerobot system plays an important role in executing task under hazard environment. As the computer networks such as the Internet are being used as the communication channel of telerobot systems, varying time delay causes the overall system unstable and reduces the performance of transparency. In this paper, we propose twelve operation modes with different control schemes for telerobot on the Internet with time delay. And an optimal operation mode with control scheme is specified for telerobot with time delay, based on the tradeoff between passivity and transparency properties. We experimentally confirm the validity of the proposed optimal mode and control scheme by using a simple one DOF master–slave manipulator system.
Verification of a Program for the Control of a Robotic Workcell with the Use of AR
Authors: Novak-Marcincin Jozef , Janak Miroslav , Barna Jozef , Torok Jozef , Novakova-Marcincinova Ludmila , Fecova Veronika
Published: August 2012

This paper contributes in the form of a theoretical discussion and also, by the presentation of a practical example, brings information about the utilization possibilities of elements of augmented reality for the creation of programs for the control of a robotic workplace and for their simulated verification. In the beginning it provides an overview of the current state in the area of robotic systems with the use of unreal objects and describes existing and assumed attitudes. The next part describes an experimental robotic workplace. Then it clarifies the realization of a new way of verification of the program for robotic workplace control and provides information about the possibilities for further development of created functioning concepts.
Normalized Coupling Method for Speed Synchronization of Multi-Axis Driving Vehicles
Authors: Bin Zhao , Feng Gao , Tian Lei
Published: August 2012

A new normalized coupling synchronization (NCS) method is proposed to solve the problem of synchronizing the speeds of all wheels in a multi-axis independent driving system without mechanical transmission connection. The NCS method integrates normalizing and coupling techniques by emulating mechanical line shaft. All wheels' speeds are normalized, and thus can be synchronized whether the wheel's revolution speeds are the same or different. Then, all of the normalized wheel speeds are coupled in order to eliminate speed synchronization errors between any pair of axes. Therefore, the new algorithm is able to achieve global speed synchronization. It is applicable to multi-axis driving vehicles either driving in straight line or making a turn. The conducted computational simulation shows that the proposed method gets better result in reducing speed synchronization errors in both cases of same and different wheel speeds compared to some classic speed sync methods in the literature. To further validate the effectiveness and applicability of the NCS method, it is also applied to a four-wheel-driving and four-wheel-steering vehicle for comparison tests. The onboard tests indicate that the proposed method achieves a fast convergence of speed error.
Six-Dimensional Hybrid Broadband Vibration Isolation Based on Singular Parallel Mechanisms
Authors: Liu Yanbin , Han Xiuying , Han Jianhai
Published: August 2012

Six-dimensional broadband vibration isolation is necessary for precision manufacturing, testing and assembly. A six-dimensional nearly zero-stiffness mechanism based on singular parallel mechanisms was proposed, which was taken as the main structure of the vibration isolator to reduce the system's natural frequency. Then control methods of configure maintenance and active vibration isolation were researched using feedback linearization and H∞ robust control means. Finally six-dimensional active and passive vibration isolation control simulations were carried out respectively. The simulation results show that the vibration isolator has higher six-dimensional broadband vibration isolation capability and feasibility.
Collaborative Simulation and Experimentation on the Dental Arch Generator of a Multi-manipulator Tooth-arrangement Robot
Authors: Jiang Jingang , Zhang Yongde , Zhang Wenying
Published: August 2012

In the orthodontic treatment and manufacture of complete dentures, the most important steps are designing and generating a dental arch curve which adapts to the requirements of the patient according to their jaw arch form. The traditional way of acquiring the dental arch curve form is based on manual operation, which will randomly generate a lot of errors caused by human factors. The purpose of this paper is to automatically acquire the dental arch curve and implement the coordinated control of the dental arch generator of the multi-manipulator tooth-arrangement robot, which can be used in full denture manufacturing. According to the work principle, motion planning method of the dental arch generator will be analysed. A collaborative simulation of the dental arch generator is realized based on Matlab and ADAMS. Controlled experimentation of the dental arch generator and preliminary tooth-arrangement experimentation are performed using the multi-manipulator tooth-arrangement robot system in order to verify the feasibility of the motion planning method and the technical route. It will lay an important theoretical foundation for quantitative research on oral restoration and also provide a way to standardize the manufacturing process of full dentures and orthodontic treatments.
Design of a Control System for an Autonomous Vehicle Based on Adaptive-PID
Authors: Zhao Pan , Chen Jiajia , Song Yan , Tao Xiang , Xu Tiejuan , Mei Tao
Published: August 2012

The autonomous vehicle is a mobile robot integrating multi-sensor navigation and positioning, intelligent decision making and control technology. This paper presents the control system architecture of the autonomous vehicle, called “Intelligent Pioneer”, and the path tracking and stability of motion to effectively navigate in unknown environments is discussed. In this approach, a two degree-of-freedom dynamic model is developed to formulate the path-tracking problem in state space format. For controlling the instantaneous path error, traditional controllers have difficulty in guaranteeing performance and stability over a wide range of parameter changes and disturbances. Therefore, a newly developed adaptive-PID controller will be used. By using this approach the flexibility of the vehicle control system will be increased and achieving great advantages. Throughout, we provide examples and results from Intelligent Pioneer and the autonomous vehicle using this approach competed in the 2010 and 2011 Future Challenge of China. Intelligent Pioneer finished all of the competition programmes and won first position in 2010 and third position in 2011.
Conceptual Design and Simulation of a Semi-Automatic Cell for the Washing and Preparation of a Corpse Prior to an Islamic Burial
Authors: Meghdari A. , Osgouie K. G. , Nasiri E. , Nemati A. R. , Mortazavi A. M.
Published: August 2012

Washing the corpse and dressing the body prior to burial is an act of love and necessity in many religions. Applying robotics and automation technologies for the washing and preparation of a deceased Muslim in accordance with the Islamic Shari'at laws has been the challenging foundation of this research. With an increasing annual population growth resulting in an increase in the number of deaths (historically and/or immediately after a national disaster), automating part of this procedure to increase the speed of operation, reducing the health risks to the personnel of washing rooms “Ghassalkhaneh” at the cemeteries and enhancing their quality of life have been the primary objectives of this project. We have named and patented this semi-automated corpse preparation machine as the “PaakShooy” or “پاک شوی” in Persian (Farsi) which means purifying the deceased. The whole process is composed of three operational units lined up in a series; the automatic washing chamber, drying cell and the semi-automatic shrouding table. This paper covers an introductory concept of the subject in Islam, a conceptual design of various machines and mechanisms to automate the important tasks in accordance with Islamic laws, and the final detailed design, graphic simulation and animation of the PaakShooy machine. In doing so, consultation with Islamic scholars has been a priority from the beginning of the project to the end and a few Fatwa have been issued by some high ranking Ayatollahs in support of the project. With a few modifications, the semi-automated PaakShooy machine may now be updated to conform to other religions/customs.
A Strategic Analysis of the European Companies in the ICT Sales Channel
Authors: Balocco Raffaello , Ghezzi Antonio , Rangone Andrea , Toletti Giovanni
Published: August 2012

The strategic role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is growing in various companies. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) adopt ICT solutions to support their processes and to improve their products and services. Because of SMEs' scarce resources and inadequate ICT competencies, they need support from ICT suppliers in the ICT adoption process. Little attention has been paid to the business models and strategies of ICT suppliers in the academic and professional literature, and SMEs find it difficult to determine the characteristics of available ICT suppliers and to choose the supplier that best responds to their needs and aims.

The goal of this paper is to provide a detailed picture of the ICT sales channel and its players in the European market. A classification framework is proposed and eleven different business models are identified. The paper is based on a case study methodology that included 53 semi-standardized interviews with CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) and marketing and communications managers at leading European ICT suppliers coupled with the literature review.
Telework Configurations and Labour Productivity: Some Stylized Facts
Authors: Neirotti Paolo , Paolucci Emilio , Raguseo Elisabetta
Published: August 2012

The development of information and communication technologies has led to the rise of new working forms in firms, some of which are temporally and spatially dispersed, such as telework practices. However, ‘telework’ is a broad concept, including different forms of remote work as well as diverse reasons and performance implications for the separation of work from the firm's premises. Following this consideration, this paper has explored two sides of telework: 1) the main types of telework practises adopted by firms in relation to their technological, organizational and environmental context; 2) the association between the adoption of telework practices and labour productivity. Specifically, analysing data gathered through a survey analysis conducted from 2005 and 2009 on Italian enterprises, we identified two main typologies of telework: 1) firms using forms of home-based telework; 2) firms using mobile forms of telework. Whereas firms prevalently using the first type of telework modality do not exhibit a superior endowment of information systems and do not exhibit higher labour productivity, firms deploying “mobile work” practices are characterized by a higher adoption of information systems, deal with more dynamic business environments and exhibit higher labour productivity with respect to firms that do not use telework practices.
Re-Designing Retail Stores with Mobile and Wireless Technologies
Authors: Mangiaracina Riccardo , Perego Alessandro , Tumino Angela
Published: August 2012

Mobile and wireless (M&W) technologies have great potential to improve process efficiency and effectiveness within retail stores, but their application is still very limited. One of the main reasons explaining this situation is considered to be the lack of confidence in the actual benefits and, therefore, in the return on investment. As a matter of facts, activities in this context are characterised by great variety and non-standardised execution and as such the assessment of the costs and benefits of M&W solutions is more difficult than for the upstream tiers of the fast moving consumer goods supply chain (e.g., distribution centres). This paper attempts to provide a contribution for researchers and practitioners by presenting an analytical model to assess the profitability related to investments in multiple M&W solutions for retail stores, thus supporting the decision-making process.
Enhancing the Tourism Experience through Mobile Augmented Reality: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Kounavis Chris D. , Kasimati Anna E. , Zamani Efpraxia D.
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses the use of Augmented Reality (AR) applications for the needs of tourism. It describes the technology's evolution from pilot applications into commercial mobile applications. We address the technical aspects of mobile AR application development, emphasizing the technologies that render the delivery of augmented reality content possible and experientially superior. We examine the state of the art, providing an analysis concerning the development and the objectives of each application. Acknowledging the various technological limitations hindering AR's substantial end-user adoption, the paper proposes a model for developing AR mobile applications for the field of tourism, aiming to release AR's full potential within the field.
Shaping the E-Commerce Logistics Strategy: A Decision Framework
Authors: Ghezzi Antonio , Mangiaracina Riccardo , Perego Alessandro
Published: August 2012

e-commerce is expected to radically change customers' shopping experiences. Market figures show that even though e-commerce has already taken off, the path to realizing its full potential is still long. In the physical goods segments, the strategic importance of logistics - both as a cost driver and as a service enabler - has been recognised by the majority of companies, but it remains unclear how to adapt the “logistics strategy” to possible forms of the “logistics problem”. This issue is even more important for those Dotcoms that need to design their logistics strategies from scratch.

The main objective of this paper is to analyse the relationship between logistics strategies and logistics problems in the e-commerce of physical goods in order to present a general normative model and draw some key managerial implications so as to help B2C merchants design their logistics strategies.

In order to accomplish this task, the combination of a literature review and a multiple case-study approach was used. In particular, 28 case studies of leading B2C e-commerce merchants in Italy - with various business models - in the main online industries that sell products were conducted in order to analyse the relationship between the features of the logistics problem and the logistics strategy adopted.
Modeling, Simulation and Control of a Redundant SCARA-Type Manipulator Robot
Authors: Urrea Claudio , Kern John
Published: August 2012

In this paper, the modeling of a redundant SCARA-type manipulator robot with five degrees of freedom is presented. We propose three controllers - hyperbolic sine-cosine, sliding mode, and calculated torque - which are applied to the discussed model. A simulation environment is developed using MatLab/Simulink programming tools. This simulation environment is employed to perform several tests (including actuators' dynamics) on the model of the redundant manipulator, with each different controller, under path tracking requirements. Results were obtained from comparative curves and rms index for joints and Cartesian errors.
A Scaffold For Muir
Authors: Newton Lisa H. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

Everyone knows that somehow we must protect the natural environment as part of the ethical imperatives of doing business, especially in the era of globalization of business. But where, actually, do we find the structure of ethical imperatives that will support that “must”? The drawbacks of several candidates, some of them discussed in papers elsewhere in this volume, are considered, then supplemented with the Japanese concept of kyosei as supplying a missing link between ethics and the land. In the end, some questions are raised about the possibility of success of the entire environmental enterprise in face of the provisions of global trade agreements.
Stakeholder Value Equilibration, Disequilibration, and the Entrepreneurial Process
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

While discovery of error provides personal gain for the entrepreneur, does this process automatically allocate value equitably among all stakeholders? We argue that the entrepreneurial process can be used to generate or maintain an entrepreneur’s personal wealth through the exploitation of a stakeholder group. Thus entrepreneurship can be both an equilibrating and a disequilibrating process and that both the visible hand of government and the decisions of an entrepreneur can speed or slow our movement toward value equilibrium. Speed toward value equilibrium is likely to be important to a victimized stakeholder group and deserves further scholarly attention.
Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and the Good Society
Authors: Brenkert George G. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

This paper considers some of the crucial conceptual and ethical aspects of entrepreneurship. First, I discuss some of the well-known difficulties of identifying what is “entrepreneurship.” I then propose a notion of entrepreneurship that may usefully serve as the focus of studies of the ethics of entrepreneurship.Second, though ethical questions regarding entrepreneurship occur at the micro, meso and macro levels, this paper focuses on the macro-ethical aspects of entrepreneurship. Three main clusters of ethical problems regarding entrepreneurship arise at this level. They have to do with the decentralization, extension and intensification of the economy with which entrepreneurship has been linked. Each of these characteristics is connected with important ethical and value implications for the good society.The aim of this paper is to consider entrepreneurship from a broad perspective, while focusing on (potential) difficulties entrepreneurship raises, rather than the beneficial sides of entrepreneurship. As such, the paper does not seek to provide a complete ethical theory of entrepreneurship, so much as to provide a framework within which further examinations of various ethical and value issues of entrepreneurship might be carried out.
The Evolutionary Firm and Its Moral (Dis)Contents
Authors: Frederick William C. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

The business firm, called here the Evolutionary Firm, is shown to be a phenomenon of nature. The firm’s motives, organization, productivity, strategy, and moral significance are a direct outgrowth of natural evolution. Its managers, directors, and employees are natural agents enacting and responding to biological, physical, and ecological impulses inherited over evolutionary time from ancient human ancestors. The Evolutionary Firm’s moral posture is a function of its economizing success, competitive drive, quest for market dominance, social contracting skills, and the neural algorithms found in the minds of its executives and directing managers. Behavioral, organizational, and societal contradictions arise from the normal expression of these nature-based executive impulses, so that the business corporation cannot simultaneously satisfy society’s moral expectations and perform its nature-dictated economic functions.
Sympathy as a “Natural”
Authors: Solomon Robert C. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

In this essay, I want to reconsider sympathy as a “natural” emotion or sentiment. Adam Smith famously defended it as such (as did his friend David Hume) but both used the term ambiguously and in a different sense than we use it today. Nevertheless, it seems to me that Smith got it quite right, that the basis of morality and justice is to be found in the realm of affect rather than in theory and principles alone, and that sympathy is a “natural” or should we say a “basic” emotion. But that means that morality may not be an exclusively human characteristic, as many philosophers (including Smith and Hume) have assumed. But some contemporary thinking in psychology and philosophy makes that extension plausible.
Explanation and Justification
Authors: DesJardins Joseph ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

This paper attempts to sort through some of the challenges facing those of us who look to empirical science for help in doing normative business ethics. I suggest that the distinction between explanation and justification, a distinction at the heart of the difference between descriptive social science and normative ethics, is often overlooked when social scientists attempt to draw ethical conclusions from their research.
The Biological Base of Morality?
Authors: Lawrence Paul R. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

The study of human morality has historically been carried out primarily by philosophers and theologians. Now this broad topic is also being studied systematically by evolutionary biologists and various behavioral and social sciences. Based upon a review of this work, this paper will propose a unified explanation of human morality as an innate feature of human minds. The theory argues that morality is an innate skill that developed as a means to fulfill the human drive to bond with others in mutual caring. This explanation has also been reported as part of a broader theory on the role of human nature in the shaping of human choices (Driven, Lawrence and Nohria).
Knowing Thyself
Authors: Cosmides Leda ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2012

“Ought” cannot be derived from “is,” so why should facts about human nature be of interest to business ethicists? In this article, we discuss why the nature of human nature is relevant to anyone wishing to create a more just and humane workplace and society. We begin by presenting evolutionary psychology as a research framework, and then present three examples of research that illuminate various evolved cognitive programs. The first involves the cognitive foundations of trade, including a neurocognitive mechanism specialized for a form of moral reasoning: cheater detection. The second involves the moral sentiments triggered by participating in collective actions, which are relevant to organizational behavior. The third involves the evolved programs whereby our minds socially construct groups, and how these can be harnessed to reduce racism and foster true diversity in the workplace. In each case, we discuss how what has been learned about these evolved programs might inform the study and practice of business ethics.
Epitaxial Ferroelectric Heterostructures with Nanocolumn‐Enhanced Dynamic Properties
Authors: Tyunina Marina , Yao Lide , Plekh Maxim , Levoska Juhani , van Dijken Sebastiaan
Published: August 2012

The possibility to tailor ferroelectricity by controlling epitaxial strain in thin films and heterostructures of complex metal oxides is well established. Here it is demonstrated that apart from this mechanism, 3D film growth during heteroepitaxy can be used to favor specific domain configurations that lead to step‐like polarization switching and a giant nonlinear dielectric response in sub‐switching ac electric fields. A combination of cube‐on‐cube epitaxial growth and the formation of columnar structures during pulsed laser deposition of Pb0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films on La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 bottom electrode layers and MgO (001) substrates stabilizes ferroelectric nanodomains with enhanced dynamic properties. In the Pb0.5Sr0.5TiO3 films, a‐ and c‐oriented epitaxial columns grow from the bottom to the top of the film leading to random polydomain architectures with strong associations between the ferroelectric domains and the nanocolumns. Polarization switching in the two domain populations is initiated at distinctive fields due to domain wall pinning on column boundaries. Moreover, piezoelectric coupling between ferroelectric domains leads to strong interdomain elastic interactions, which result in an enhanced Rayleigh‐type dielectric nonlinearity. The growth of epitaxial films with 3D columnar structures opens up new routes towards the engineering of enhanced ferroelectric and electromechanical functions in a broad class of complex oxide materials.
Organic Switches for Surfaces and Devices
Authors: Fahrenbach Albert C. , Warren Scott C. , Incorvati Jared T. , Avestro Alyssa‐Jennifer , Barnes Jonathan C. , Stoddart J. Fraser , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: August 2012

The pursuit to achieve miniaturization has tantalized researchers across the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, materials science and engineering for over half a century because of its many alluring potential applications. As alternatives to traditional “top‐down” manufacturing, “bottom‐up” approaches, originating from the (supra)molecular level, have enabled researchers to develop switches which can be manipulated on surfaces at nanoscale dimensions with deft precision using simple external triggers. Once on surfaces, these organic switches have been shown to modulate both the physical and chemical surface properties. In this Progress Report, we shed light on recent advances made in our laboratories towards integrated systems using all‐organic switches on a variety of substrates. Design concepts are revealed, as well as the overall impact of all‐organic switches on the properties of their substrates, while emphasizing the considerable promise and formidable challenges these advanced composite materials pose when it comes to conferring function on them.