bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A LiDAR and IMU Integrated Indoor Navigation System for UAVs and Its Application in Real-Time Pipeline Classification
Authors: Kumar G. , Patil Ashok , Patil Rekha , Park Seong , Chai Young
Published: June 2017

Mapping the environment of a vehicle and localizing a vehicle within that unknown environment are complex issues. Although many approaches based on various types of sensory inputs and computational concepts have been successfully utilized for ground robot localization, there is difficulty in localizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) due to variation in altitude and motion dynamics. This paper proposes a robust and efficient indoor mapping and localization solution for a UAV integrated with low-cost Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors. Considering the advantage of the typical geometric structure of indoor environments, the planar position of UAVs can be efficiently calculated from a point-to-point scan matching algorithm using measurements from a horizontally scanning primary LiDAR. The altitude of the UAV with respect to the floor can be estimated accurately using a vertically scanning secondary LiDAR scanner, which is mounted orthogonally to the primary LiDAR. Furthermore, a Kalman filter is used to derive the 3D position by fusing primary and secondary LiDAR data. Additionally, this work presents a novel method for its application in the real-time classification of a pipeline in an indoor map by integrating the proposed navigation approach. Classification of the pipeline is based on the pipe radius estimation considering the region of interest (ROI) and the typical angle. The ROI is selected by finding the nearest neighbors of the selected seed point in the pipeline point cloud, and the typical angle is estimated with the directional histogram. Experimental results are provided to determine the feasibility of the proposed navigation system and its integration with real-time application in industrial plant engineering.
Computationally Efficient Direction Finding for a Mixture of Circular and Strictly Noncircular Sources with Uniform Rectangular Arrays
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhu Xiaotian , Chen Hua , Wang Laihua , Yan Weiqing , Fang Haoyu
Published: June 2017

In this paper, a novel two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm for the mixed circular and strictly noncircular sources is proposed. A general array model with a mixture of signals is firstly built based on uniform rectangular arrays (URAs), and then, the approach, which uses the rank-reduction-based ROOT-MUSIC, can solve 2D DOA estimation problem. Besides, the theoretical error of the proposed algorithm, a criterion of the performance for evaluation, is analyzed by the first-order Taylor expression using second-order statistics. As verified by the simulation results, a better DOA estimation performance and a lower computational complexity are achieved by the proposed algorithm than the existing methods resorting to the noncircularity of the incoming signals.
Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction Explained
Authors: Kabir Abuzar , Mesa Rodolfo , Jurmain Jessica , Furton Kenneth
Published: June 2017

The theory and working principle of fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) is presented. FPSE innovatively integrates the benefits of sol–gel coating technology and the rich surface chemistry of cellulose/polyester/fiberglass fabrics, resulting in a microextraction device with very high sorbent loading in the form of an ultra-thin coating. This porous sorbent coating and the permeable substrate synergistically facilitate fast extraction equilibrium. The flexibility of the FPSE device allows its direct insertion into original, unmodified samples of different origin. Strong chemical bonding between the sol–gel sorbent and the fabric substrate permits the exposure of FPSE devices to any organic solvent for analyte back-extraction/elution. As a representative sorbent, sol–gel poly(ethylene glycol) coating was generated on cellulose substrates. Five (cm2) segments of these coated fabrics were used as the FPSE devices for sample preparation using direct immersion mode. An important class of environmental pollutants—substituted phenols—was used as model compounds to evaluate the extraction performance of FPSE. The high primary contact surface area (PCSA) of the FPSE device and porous structure of the sol–gel coatings resulted in very high sample capacities and incredible extraction sensitivities in a relatively short period of time. Different extraction parameters were evaluated and optimized. The new extraction devices demonstrated part per trillion level detection limits for substitute phenols, a wide range of detection linearity, and good performance reproducibility.
Relationships between Bat Swing Speed and Muscle Thickness and Asymmetry in Collegiate Baseball Players
Authors: Tsuchikane Ryo , Higuchi Takatoshi , Suga Tadashi , Wachi Michio , Misaki Jun , Tanaka Daichi , Miyake Yuto , Isaka Tadao
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between bat swing speed (BSS), muscle thickness, and muscle thickness asymmetry in collegiate baseball players. Twenty-four collegiate baseball players participated in this study. Maximum BSS in hitting a teed ball was measured using a motion capture system. The muscle thicknesses of the trunk (upper abdominal rectus, central abdominal rectus, lower abdominal rectus, abdominal wall, and multifidus lumborum), upper limb, and lower limb were measured using a B-mode ultrasonography. Lateral asymmetry between each pair of muscles was determined as the ratio of the thickness of the dominant side to that of the non-dominant side. Statistically significant positive correlations were observed between BSS and muscle thicknesses of the abdominal wall and multifidus lumborum on the dominant side (r = 0.426 and 0.431, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas only trends against this significance were observed between BSS and muscle thicknesses on the non-dominant side. No statistical correlations were found between BSS and the lateral asymmetry of any muscles. These findings indicate the importance of the trunk muscles for bat swing, and the lack of association between BSS and lateral asymmetry of muscle size.
Pilot-Scale Testing of Non-Activated Biochar for Swine Manure Treatment and Mitigation of Ammonia, Hydrogen Sulfide, Odorous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Maurer Devin , Koziel Jacek , Kalus Kajetan , Andersen Daniel , Opalinski Sebastian
Published: June 2017

Managing the environmental impacts associated with livestock production is a challenge for farmers, public and regulatory agencies. Sustainable solutions that take into account technical and socioeconomic factors are needed. For example, the comprehensive control of odors, ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from swine production is a critical need. Stored manure is a major source of gaseous emissions. Mitigation technologies based on bio-based products such as biochar are of interest due to the potential benefits of nutrient cycling. The objective of this study was to test non-activated (non-functionalized) biochar for the mitigation of gaseous emissions from stored manure. Specifically, this included testing the effects of: (1) time; and (2) dosage of biochar application to the swine manure surface on gaseous emissions from deep-pit storage. The biochar surface application was tested with three treatments (1.14, 2.28 and 4.57 kg·m−2 manure) over a month. Significant reductions in emissions were observed for NH3 (12.7–22.6% reduction as compared to the control). Concomitantly, significant increases in CH4 emissions (22.1–24.5%) were measured. Changes to emissions of other target gases (including CO2, N2O, H2S, dimethyl disulfide/methanethiol, dimethyl trisulfide, n-butyric-, valeric-, and isovaleric acids, p-cresol, indole, and skatole) were not statistically significant. Biochar treatment could be a promising and comparably-priced option for reducing NH3 emissions from stored swine manure.
Economic Valuation of the Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation in South Korea: Correcting for the Endogeneity Bias in Contingent Valuation
Authors: Choi Ik-Chang , Kim Hyun , Shin Hio-Jung , Tenhunen John , Nguyen Trung
Published: June 2017

In this study, we use the Contingent Valuation (CV) method to estimate households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the aquatic ecosystem health (biodiversity) improvement. This paper extends CV studies by dealing with the endogenous effect of a proxy variable, namely the subjective experience of negative environmental quality changes. The results show that the correction for the endogeneity bias facilitates the efficiency of parameter estimation in the empirical model. The mean WTP per household accounts for around 46.8% (KRW 79.6) of the current water use charge (KRW 170 per cubic meter). The total benefit from conserving the biodiversity is around KRW 198.62 billion. We found several factors that affect households’ WTP for fish biodiversity conservation, suggesting the importance of these factors in the formulation of water policies associated with aquatic biodiversity. In addition, the inefficient water management costs should be redistributed to other projects or new programs such as for the fish biodiversity conservation.
Aflatoxin B1 Tolerance and Accumulation in Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) and Yellow Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)
Authors: Bosch Guido , Fels-Klerx H. , Rijk Theo , Oonincx Dennis
Published: June 2017

Crops contaminated with fungal mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are often downgraded or removed from the food chain. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance and accumulation of AFB1 in two insect species to determine whether they could be used to retain condemned mycotoxin contaminated crops in the food chain. First, instar black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens, BSF) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, YMW) were fed poultry feed spiked with AFB1 and formulated to contain levels of 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, and up to 0.5 mg/kg dry feed. Poultry feed without any additions and feed with only the solvent added served as controls. The AFB1 in the feed did not affect survival and body weight in the BSF and YMW larvae (p > 0.10), indicating a high tolerance to aflatoxin B1 in both species. Furthermore, AFB1 and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) were below the detection limit (0.10 µg/kg) in BSF larvae, whereas the YMW had AFB1 levels that were approximately 10% of the European Union’s legal limit for feed materials and excreted AFM1. It is concluded that both BSF larvae and YMW have a high AFB1 tolerance and do not accumulate AFB1.
Reemergence of Measles in the Americas: The Genotype B3 2011–2012 Outbreak in Ecuador
Authors: Le Nicole , Mhaskar Rahul , Hoare Ismael , Espinel Mauricio , Fernanda Rivadeneira María , Malavade Sharad , Izurieta Ricardo
Published: June 2017

This study characterizes a measles outbreak which occurred in Ecuador in 2011–2012, analyzing data from 3700 suspected cases of measles reported to Ecuador’s Ministry of Public Health. The study population had a large age range and included 333 confirmed cases of measles. The greatest number of cases were found in the <1 year (32.43%, n = 108) and 1–4 year (30.03%, n = 100) age-groups. Compared to Mestizos, indigenous people had the highest number of cases (68.2%, n = 227), as well as a higher risk of infection (OR 7.278 (CI 5.251–10.087)). The greatest protection from measles was observed in individuals who received two doses of the measles vaccine. Residents of Pastaza (OR 6.645 CI (3.183–13.873)) and Tungurahua (OR 8.346 CI (5.570–12.507)) had a higher risk of infection than the other provinces. Of the 17 laboratory confirmed cases, all were identified as genotype B3. Age-group, ethnicity, measles vaccinations, and residence in Tungurahua and Pastaza were correlated with rates of measles infection in the outbreak. Tungurahua and Pastaza, where the outbreak originated, have large indigenous populations. Indigenous children <1 year of age showed the highest incidence. It is likely that indigenous women do not have immunity to the virus, and so are unable to confer measles resistance to their newborns.
G-Protein coupled receptors: answers from simulations
Authors: Clark Timothy
Published: June 2017

Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations are playing an increasingly important role in research into the modes of action of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this field, MD simulations are unusually important as, because of the difficult experimental situation, they often offer the only opportunity to determine structural and mechanistic features in atomistic detail. Modern combinations of soft- and hardware have made MD simulations a powerful tool in GPCR research. This is important because GPCRs are targeted by approximately half of the drugs on the market, so that computer-aided drug design plays a major role in GPCR research.
The genus Elaphomyces (Ascomycota, Eurotiales): a ribosomal DNA-based phylogeny and revised systematics of European 'deer truffles'
Authors: Paz A. , Bellanger J.-M. , Lavoise C. , Molia A. , Ławrynowicz M. , Larsson E. , Ibarguren I.O. , Jeppson M. , Læssøe T. , Sauve M. , Richard F. , Moreau P.-A.
Published: June 2017

Elaphomyces ('deer truffles') is one of the most important ectomycorrhizal fungal genera in temperate and subarctic forest ecosystems, but also one of the least documented in public databases. The current systematics are mainly based on macromorphology, and is not significantly
different from that proposed by Vittadini (1831). Within the 49 species recognised worldwide, 23 were originally described from Europe and 17 of these were described before the 20th century. Moreover, very recent phylogenetic treatments of the genus are mainly based on a few extra-European
species and most common European species are still poorly documented. Based on an extensive taxonomic sampling mainly made in the biogeographically rich Cantabrian area (Spain), complemented with collections from France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Sweden, all currently recognized
species in Europe have been sequenced at the ITS and 28S of the rDNA. Combined phylogenetic analyses yielded molecular support to sections Elaphomyces and Ceratogaster (here emended), while a third, basal lineage encompasses the sections Malacodermei and Ascoscleroderma
as well as the tropical genus Pseudotulostoma. Species limits are discussed and some taxa formerly proposed as genuine species based on morphology and biogeography are re-evaluated as varieties or forms. Spore size and ornamentation, features of the peridial surface, structure of the
peridium, and the presence of mycelium patches attached to the peridial surface emerge as the most significant systematic characters. Four new species: E. barrioi, E. quercicola, E. roseolus and E. violaceoniger, one new variety: E. papillatus var.
sulphureopallidus, and two new forms: E. granulatus forma pallidosporus and E. anthracinus forma talosporus are introduced, as well as four new combinations in the genus: E. muricatus var. reticulatus, E. muricatus var. variegatus,
E. papillatus var. striatosporus and E. morettii var. cantabricus. Lectotypes and epitypes are designated for most recognised species. For systematic purposes, new infrageneric taxa are introduced: E. sect. Ascoscleroderma stat. nov.,
E. subsect. Sclerodermei stat. nov., E. subsect. Maculati subsect. nov., E. subsect. Muricati subsect. nov., and E. subsect. Papillati subsect. nov. Lastly, E. laevigatus, E. sapidus, E. sulphureopallidus and
E. trappei are excluded from the genus and referred to Rhizopogon roseolus, Astraeus sapidus comb. nov., Astraeus hygrometricus and Terfezia trappei comb. nov. (syn.: Terfezia cistophila), respectively.
High-mass Star Formation in the Outer Scutum–Centaurus Arm
Authors: Armentrout W. P. , Anderson L. D. , Balser Dana S. , Bania T. M. , Dame T. M. , Wenger Trey V.
Published: June 2017

The Outer Scutum–Centaurus (OSC) spiral arm is the most distant molecular spiral arm in the Milky Way, but until recently little was known about this structure. Discovered by Dame and Thaddeus, the OSC lies ∼15 kpc from the Galactic Center. Due to the Galactic warp, it rises to nearly 4° above the Galactic Plane in the first Galactic quadrant, leaving it unsampled by most Galactic plane surveys. Here we observe H ii region candidates spatially coincident with the OSC using the Very Large Array to image radio continuum emission from 65 targets and the Green Bank Telescope to search for ammonia and water maser emission from 75 targets. This sample, drawn from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer Catalog of Galactic H ii Regions, represents every H ii region candidate near the longitude–latitude

locus of the OSC. Coupled with their characteristic mid-infrared morphologies, detection of radio continuum emission strongly suggests that a target is a bona fide H ii region. Detections of associated ammonia or water maser emission allow us to derive a kinematic distance and determine if the velocity of the region is consistent with that of the OSC. Nearly 60% of the observed sources were detected in radio continuum, and more than 20% have ammonia or water maser detections. The velocities of these sources mainly place them beyond the Solar orbit. These very distant high-mass stars have stellar spectral types as early as O4. We associate high-mass star formation at 2 new locations with the OSC, increasing the total number of detected H ii regions in the OSC to 12.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Disease Characteristics Are Consistently Associated with Arterial Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gunter Sule , Robinson Chanel , Norton Gavin R. , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Tsang Linda , Dessein Patrick H. , Millen Aletta M.E.
Published: June 2017

Objective.

Arterial properties influence cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We identified potential determinants of arterial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Relationships of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and RA characteristics with arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), wave reflection (augmentation index, reflected wave pressure, and reflection magnitude), and pressure pulsatility (central systolic and pulse pressure, peripheral pulse pressure, pulse pressure amplification, and forward wave pressure) were identified in multivariable backward regression models among 177 patients without established CVD (118 white, 32 Asian, 22 black, 5 mixed ancestry).

Results.

Recorded characteristics explained 37% (pulse wave velocity) to 71% (reflected wave pressure) of the variability in arterial function. These factors were particularly associated with wave reflection and pressure pulsatility: RA duration (p = 0.04), rheumatoid factor status (p = 0.01 to 0.03), leukocyte counts (p = 0.02 to 0.05), and total cholesterol (p < 0.01 to 0.03). Body mass index (p < 0.01 to 0.02) and insulin resistance (p < 0.01 to 0.01) were related to reduced wave reflection and peripheral pulse pressure. Exercise (p = 0.02) and alcohol consumption (p < 0.01) were associated with increased pulse pressure amplification and decreased peripheral pulse pressure, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibition (p < 0.01) was related to reduced pulse wave velocity, and tetracycline use (p = 0.02) to decreased peripheral pulse pressure.

Conclusion.

Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease characteristics are consistently associated with vascular hemodynamic alterations in RA. The relative effect of arterial stiffness, wave reflection, and pressure pulsatility on CVD risk in RA needs further study.
Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis Over 24 Months in Individuals Who Decrease Walking Speed During a 12-Month Period: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Herzog Mackenzie M. , Driban Jeffrey B. , Cattano Nicole M. , Cameron Kenneth L. , Tourville Timothy W. , Marshall Stephen W. , Pietrosimone Brian
Published: June 2017

Objective.

To assess the association between change in walking speed over a 12-month period and risk of developing radiographic knee osteoarthritis (rKOA) over a 24-month period.

Methods.

We included participants without rKOA from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Change in walking speed was determined from a 20-m walk assessment, calculated using walking speed at 12-month followup minus baseline speed and/or 24-month followup walking speed minus 12-month speed. Incident rKOA was defined as progressing to Kellgren-Lawrence arthritis grading scale ≥ 2 within 24 months (i.e., incidence between 12 and 36 mos or 24 and 48 mos). Self-reported significant knee injury during the exposure period, age, body mass index (BMI), and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) score were adjusted for analytically.

Results.

We included 2638 observations among 1460 unique participants (58% women; aged 59 ± 9 yrs, range 45–79). The mean change in walking speed over 12 months was 0.001 ± 0.13 m/s (range −0.6271 to 1.4968). About 5% of the sample (n = 122) developed rKOA over a 24-month period. After controlling for significant knee injury, age, BMI, and PASE score, we found an 8% relative increase in risk of developing rKOA for every 0.1 m/s decrease in walking speed over a 12-month period (risk ratio 1.08, 95% CI 1.00–1.15, p = 0.05).

Conclusion.

Evaluating change in speed over a 12-month period using a 20-m walk test may be useful in identifying individuals at increased risk of developing rKOA over the subsequent 24 months. Identification of patients at high risk for developing rKOA would allow medical providers to implement early interventions to maximize joint health.
A Comparative Evaluation of the 2011 and 2016 Criteria for Fibromyalgia
Authors: Ablin Jacob N. , Wolfe Frederick
Published: June 2017

Objective.

In 2016, a revised version of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology fibromyalgia (FM) criteria and the 2011 self-report (survey) FM criteria were published. The 2016 criteria preserved the distinction between physician and patient criteria, but made the individual criteria items identical, added a “generalized pain” criterion, and changed ascertainment and scoring methods, among other changes. In this study, we evaluated diagnostic differences relating to 2016 changes.

Methods.

We used the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases and evaluated 16,987 participants with painful rheumatic disorders using the 2011 and 2016 methodologies.

Results.

There were 4731 patients (27.9%) who satisfied the 2011 criteria and 4077 (24.0%) the 2016 revision. This resulted in agreement in 96.2% of cases and disagreement in 3.9%. All disagreements occurred in the 4731 2011-positive cases who failed to meet the 2016 criteria. This result came about because 654 (13.8%) of the 2011-positive cases failed to meet the new generalized pain requirement. When using the approximate polysymptomatic distress diagnostic method, diagnostic misclassification ranged between 7% and 13%.

Conclusion.

The 2016 FM criteria further refined and increased the usefulness of symptom-based diagnosis of FM by excluding patients with regional pain syndromes. However, these changes, useful as they are, underscore the social construction of symptom-based diagnosis and the inherent limitations in reliability and validity associated with FM criteria.
Comparison of Composite Indices Tailored for Psoriatic Arthritis Treated with csDMARD and bDMARD: A Cross-sectional Analysis of a Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Lubrano Ennio , De Socio Antonia , Perrotta Fabio Massimo
Published: June 2017

Objective.

In a complex disease such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), several methods are available to define remission or low disease activity (LDA), including the assessment of different clinical features. The aim of this study was to compare the composite indices tailored for PsA in patients treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) and biological DMARD (bDMARD).

Methods.

Patients with PsA classified with the ClASsification criteria for Psoriatic ARthritis criteria and with > 6 months followup treated with first csDMARD and bDMARD were consecutively enrolled. To assess disease activity, composite indices tailored for PsA were used, such as the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), clinical DAPSA (cDAPSA), Psoriatic Arthritis Disease Activity Score (PASDAS), minimal disease activity (MDA) 5/7, and MDA 7/7. DAPSA and cDAPSA score ≤ 4, MDA 7/7, and PASDAS ≤ 1.9 identified remission. MDA 5/7, DAPSA score ≤ 14, cDAPSA score ≤ 13, and PASDAS < 3.2 identified the MDA and LDA criteria.

Results.

One hundred nine patients with PsA were enrolled: 79 patients were receiving stable treatment with bDMARD and 30 with csDMARD. Overall, 28 (25.6%), 23 (21.1%), 19 (17.4%), and 13 patients (11.9%) were in cDAPSA remission, DAPSA remission, MDA 7/7, and PASDAS ≤ 1.9, respectively. Moreover, 54 (49.5%), 80 (73.3%), 79 (72.3%), and 38 patients (34.8%) were in MDA 5/7, DAPSA LDA, cDAPSA LDA, and PASDAS LDA. Patients treated with bDMARD had significantly lower median DAPSA, cDAPSA, and PASDAS score than patients treated with csDMARD.

Conclusion.

Patients with PsA receiving bDMARD are more likely to achieve a status of MDA and remission when compared with csDMARD. PASDAS ≤ 1.9 and MDA 7/7 seem to be stringent remission criteria.
L’e-santé rend-elle la démocratie sanitaire pleinement performative ?
Authors: Dumez Hervé , Minvielle Étienne
Published: June 2017

Depuis au moins les années 90, un mouvement cherche à introduire de nouveaux droits en faveur du patient. Connu sous le vocable de démocratie sanitaire, il aspire à changer les pratiques. Cette dynamique peut donc être analysée sous l’angle de la performativité, notion définissant tout un courant de recherche visant à comprendre comment une théorie ou une doctrine peut rendre les pratiques conformes à ce qu’elle analyse et préconise. C’est essentiellement sous l’angle d’une réduction de l’asymétrie vis-à-vis du patient que la démocratie sanitaire entend performer les pratiques médicales. Or, l’e-santé (réseaux sociaux, outils connectés, applications web) est elle aussi en train de modifier ces pratiques et de changer la relation entre le patient et les professionnels de santé. Reposant sur une analyse du corpus existant, l’article se propose d’éclairer la manière dont l’innovation numérique modifie le processus de performativité de la démocratie sanitaire. Il en ressort que l’e-santé répond aux attentes de la démocratie sanitaire en favorisant un engagement du patient dans son parcours de santé selon deux modalités : l’affirmation d’une co-production dans le cadre de la relation traditionnelle qu’il entretient avec les professionnels de santé grâce à de meilleurs suivis à distance, et l’acquisition d’une expertise autonome fondée sur les informations produites via les opérateurs privés du numérique. Chaque mode présente des avantages et des risques. Afin d’optimiser cette marge de manœuvre offerte par l’e-santé en faveur de la démocratie sanitaire, plusieurs implications managériales s’imposent. Présenté sous la forme d’une recension narrative, l’e-santé représente un processus de performativité de la démocratie sanitaire par « débordement » et révèle qu’un risque de contre-performativité est présent : alors que la relation patient/médecin se trouve rééquilibrée dans un sens plus démocratique par l’e-santé, le développement de celle-ci risque de créer des déséquilibres démocratiques d’une autre nature.
Teacher-Researchers as Levers of Doctoral Curriculum in Engineering
Authors: Lappalainen Pia Helena
Published: June 2017

Policy-level interventions aim to expedite institutional change in universities but the related decisions rarely materialize as sustained grassroots-level implementations genuinely transforming teaching or learning practices. A vision without execution remains mere rhetoric or could even disrupt the persistent long-term development that committed teachers pursue as their more subtle and routine mode of operation. This article therefore suggests that attention be turned to classroom processes and research efforts that allow university teacher-researchers to practice their occupation in the most effective way possible. Such efforts draw on teacher resources, competence and motivation, and benefit the students through an elevated quality and targeted content of education. This article showcases an empirical development endeavor from Aalto University that, while responding to doctoral students’ learning needs and institutional demands for higher publication productivity, enhances teacher capacity and paves the way for a more extensive bottom-up institutional reform of doctoral education. The data-driven, quantitative analysis of a sample of 381 doctoral candidates in engineering directs the pedagogic focus in a doctoral writing course away from grammar and linguistic proficiency towards writing support that accentuates usability and communicative value. In particular, the study proposes foci on writing efficiency, effect and reader satisfaction, ultimately facilitating publication productivity and quality. This article describes the pedagogical basis for the Writing Doctoral Research course that was built as a result of the needs analysis, and presents the related course design and organization. The ultimate aim is to substantiate allocation of language teacher working hours to research by demonstrating how audience needs analyses can benefit both the quality of education and teacher renewal.
The Students' Perspective Contribution: Rethink the Ethical Education of Engineering Students
Authors: Monteiro Fátima
Published: June 2017

The inclusion of ethics education in engineering courses has been recognized as fundamental. However, in Portugal this training component is present only in a small number of courses. Teachers are mainly responsible for building the curriculum, but students are the ones most affected by this absence of ethics education. In this context it is necessary and important to understand students´ perspective, because their role is vital in the curriculum construction´s success. It is in this framework that this investigation listened to engineering students' voice as a factor to consider in the rethinking of engineering course curriculum in the ethics education area. This study highlights the concept that students have of engineering action, their perspective about the possibility of their courses to include ethics training and its practical implementation. This research is part of a case study and research-action. The results indicate that students are very receptive to this training component, and they consider that it should be included as mandatory in engineering courses. The results also show that students prefer a more practical training with ‘prescription’ characteristics and that their perspective of engineering action consequences is very limited. These results reinforce the need for ethics education that promotes a wide scope critical reflection.
A Review of Embedded Systems Education in the Arduino Age: Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Authors: El-Abd Mohammed
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the subject of embedded systems education in the Arduino age is examined. Arduino is an open-source microcontroller platform that has been widely popular in the past decade among hobbyists and academics. Arduino is increasingly being adopted in courses that span different disciplines in schools and universities. As a result, numerous papers are being published every year in different engineering education conferences and journals reporting the integration of Arduino in teaching. In this work, the impact of Arduino on embedded systems education is investigated. First, challenges facing embedded systems education are identified from the literature. Second, different Arduino teaching integration methodologies reported in the literature are surveyed and analyzed. Third, the question whether Arduino successfully addresses embedded education challenges or not is discussed taking both surveyed findings and recent market trends into consideration. Finally, a number of open-ended research directions are proposed.
Development and Experiment of Lifting Platform for Orchards in Hilly Area
Authors: Fan Gui Ju , Wang Yong Zhen , Zhang Xiao Hui
Published: June 2017

At present, pruning of fruit trees on hills is mainly completed by climbing on trees or ladder, which could cause injury due to poor landform. In order to avoid such kind of risks, it is important to develop a lifting platform for orchards in hilly area. In this paper its structure and working mechanism were introduced. This lifting platform, as a machine, is comprised of power device, elevating mechanism, leveling mechanism, slewing mechanism, supporting mechanism and hydraulic control system, and is driven by a small four-wheel tractor. Its hydraulic system can control hydraulic cylinders to extend and retract so as to lift, lower, rotate or keep platform at horizontal position. By analyzing the machine’s kinematic model, the mode of hydrostatic triangle leveling was determined. In order to simplify the machine’s structure, a cantilever beam was used as a supporting mechanism. After carried out the performance test for the machine, the results show that the machine has the following features: stable working performance, the maximum load up to 150 kg, the lifting height 1.5 m, the rotating speed 1 r/min, the lifting velocity 0.1 m/s, and leveling error in lifting process no more than 2° (no matter on horizontal plane or on slopes). So the machine can be suitable for sloped terrain, and the design requirements are well satisfied.
Research on the Hydraulic System of the Space Launch Tower’s Cable Pendulum
Authors: Chen Zhi Fu , Wang Zhuo , Wang Dong Feng , Yang Jun Hong , Shang Jiang Zhong , Xue Xiao Guang
Published: June 2017

A hydraulic system simulation model was established suitable for space launch tower’s cable pendulum. And the influences between hydraulic system parameters with working performances were analyzed base on the model. The results show that the interactivity of load, internal leakage of cylinder, characteristics of control valve and relief valve have great effects on the system. Single or combined action of several typical factors can cause abnormal motions of the system. According to the pressure, flow, load and velocity of the system or relative signals in the input and output ports of one valve, some existed problems can be identified compared with the theoretic normal value. This work mainly presents a conduct for the characteristic analysis of the hydraulic system. By selecting appropriate parameters, checking the load and the working performances of some key components, it is effective to master the operation condition.
Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer of Refrigerant Fluid Pulsating Heat Pipe
Authors: Maneewan Somchai , Punlek Chantana , Chan Hoy Yen , Thongtha Atthakorn
Published: June 2017

Heat transfer performances of a pulsating heat pipe (PHP) having internal and external diameter with 4.5 mm and 6 mm with various contents of refrigerant are experimentally investigated. The working fluid as R404A refrigerant was filled in the volume ratios from 0% to 80% and the heat input was controlled in the range from 10 W to 80 W. Obtained results exhibited the ability of R404A refrigerant can enhance the thermal performance in steady state condition. The average temperature difference of the evaporating section and condensing section in the 80% filling volume ratio decreased from 9.5 °C to 2.5 °C when the heating power increase from 10 W to 80 W. The thermal resistance of evaporator and condenser decreased with an increase of the heat input as well. For other filling volume ratios, the trend of temperature difference and thermal resistance was similar to that of the 80% volume filling ratio. Considering the same heat input, the highest heat transfer performance was found at the 80% volume filling ratio. Refrigerant with a relatively low dynamic consistency can lead to relatively high velocity in the PHP that can reduce the temperature difference between the evaporating section and condensing section.
Increasing the Moment of Inertia of Crane Rails Torsional
Authors: Nezdanov Kirill , Garkin Igor , Laskov Nikolay
Published: June 2017

This article is devoted to extreme increase in the moments of inertia of crane rails torsional strongly influence the endurance of crane girders. We investigate increase in moment of inertia of the rail under torsion with increasing thickness of the walls and shelves of thick-walled I-section profile in the square until its transformation into a square profile. It was found that the transformation of the profile of a monolithic solid square increases the moment of inertia of the torsion Jkr, cm4 to 3,1075 times and reaches its extreme. A cross-sectional area remains constant (const). Crane rails with a high moment of inertia for torsion provides significant economic benefits, and significantly reduces the operating costs of the enterprise.
The Harm and Discussion on Control Technology of Flameproof Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions
Authors: Wang Xiao
Published: June 2017

It described that the main harmful exhaust emissions in the flameproof diesel engine of the flameproof vehicle with the rubber wheeles in the coal mine ,and the harm of the work personnel health in underground, Introduces the technology and method of controlling the exhaust emission of the coal mine explosion proof diesel engine, Points out the problems of control technology and insufficiency in exhaust emission, And puts forward the thought and development direction controlling exhaust emissions technology of the explosion proof diesel engine of coal mine on future.
Optimization of Concrete Porous Mix Using Slag as Substitute Material for Cement and Aggregates
Authors: Endawati Jul , Rochaeti Rochaeti , Utami R.
Published: June 2017

In recent years, sustainability and environmental effect of concrete became the main concern. Substituting cement with the other cementitious material without decreasing mechanical properties of a mixture could save energy, reduce greenhouse effect due to mining, calcination and limestone refining. Therefore, some industrial by-products such as fly ash, silica fume, and Ground Iron Blast Furnace Slag (GIBFS) would be used in this study to substitute cement and aggregate. This substitution would be applied on the porous concrete mixture to minimize the environmental effect. Slag performance will be optimized by trying out variations of fly ash, silica fume, and slag as cement substitution material in mortar mixture. The result is narrowed into two types of substitution. First, reviewed from the fly ash substitution effect on binder material, highest compressive strength 16.2 MPa was obtained from mixture composition 6% fly ash, 3% silica fume and 17% grinding granular blast-furnace slag. Second, reviewed from slag types as cement substitution and silica fume substitution, highest compressive strength 15.2 MPa was obtained from mortar specimens with air-cooled blast furnace slag. It composed with binder material 56% Portland composite cement, 15% fly ash, 3% silica fume and 26% air-cooled blast furnace slag. Considering the cement substitution, the latter mixture was chosen.
Influence of Environmental Variation of Underground Excavation on Support Safety
Authors: Cao Jun Lai , Xi Xi Wen , Liu Li Peng
Published: June 2017

It is very important for engineering design to study the excavation and support time of underground caverns based on the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). The sensitivity of surrounding rock of underground wall and in-situ stress of field are analyzed by Hoek-Brown strength criterion, which is widely used in geotechnical engineering. The results show: With the increase of burial depth, the magnitude of in-situ stress increases, the safety factor of structure becomes a form of power function, with the increase of GSI, the safety factor is reduced first and then increased by polynomial form change, with the increase of rock mi, the safety factor gradually increased, but the range of change is not obvious, with the increase of the rock disturbance factor D, the safety factor gradually increases. Note that, with the increase of these parameters, and sometimes the safety factor to show an increasing trend, but at this time should pay attention to the deformation of the surrounding rock has been great, the surrounding rock prone to destabilization damage.
Current Status and Future Development of LWAC
Authors: Zhang Rui Xi , Ye Kun Hui
Published: June 2017

Light weight aggregate concrete (LWAC) has gained popularity as an alternative to ordinary concrete for structural purposes, but its using still needs to get promoted in China. With the intention of shading some lights on LWAC development and broadening its application in China, this paper analyses the development of LWAC. It presents the current status and trend of LWAC application. On the basis of introduction of concept, advantages and disadvantages of LWAC are analyzed. It can be summarized that characteristics such as lightweight, high strength, excellent seismic performance, better fire resistance, good crack resistance, good durability and economic benefits improve its popularity. However, properties like easiness to delaminate and difficulty to pump, as well as problem of shrinkage and creep, limit its application. Owing to its properties, the main application range of LWAC includes high-rise buildings, bridge engineering, sound-absorbing products, and decorating nowadays. It is concluded the use of LWAC will be lead to higher strength and more energy saving in the future. Moreover, the recycling and energy efficiency of LWAC will be further improved.
Kinematic Analysis on Chinese Outstanding Javelin Athlete Ma Qun’s Final Force
Authors: Cui Wei , Zhou Ji He
Published: June 2017

This paper mainly used the three dimensional photograph analysis method to analyze the best performance of Ma Qun and to acquire relevant kinematics parameters of his last exertion when throwing a javelin (mainly including the loss rate of body horizontal gravity speed, torso angle, right shoulder angle, length and time of the fourth step, the angle of javelin shooting, the posture angle, the stretch angle, attack angle, the shooting speed and height and so on),in order to analyze the recording in a more convenient way, we divide Ma Qun’s final exertion movement in his javelin throwing (by his right hand) into7 moments and 3 stages. During the javelin shooting stage, the initial javelin shooting speed of Ma Qun is 27.60 m/s, slower than the world’s excellent javelin athletes’ speed of 29.00m/s. The best angle of throwing javelin is about 32.00°, with the posture angle remain as 29.45°. And the javelin shooting angle of Ma Qun is 36.81° and his posture angle is 38.21°, both higher than the average index of the world’s excellent javelin athletes, casting a negative impact on his performance. After the comparison of relevant data between Ma Qun and excellent male javelin athletes all over the world, Ma Qun’s advantages and shortages have been found out, thus can help providing kinematics indicators and technical guidance for the training of Chinese athletes.
The Mathematical Modeling and Dynamic Trot Gait Simulation on the Single Leg Hydraulic Drive System of the Quadruped Robot
Authors: Kong Xiang Dong , Ba Kai Xian , Yu Bin , Li Chun He , Zhu Qi Xin , Li Wen Feng
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the single leg hydraulic drive system of the quadruped robot is taken as the research object. Then the nonlinear mathematical model of the hydraulic system is built. According to the real mechanical structure parameters of the single leg, the relationship between position control characteristics of the system and variation of single leg trajectory is investigated. Besides, the tracing accuracy of single leg foot displacement in one trot gait condition is analyzed through combination of kinematics solution and simulation analysis. In conclusion, the research indicates that the nonlinear mathematical model can be used to analyze the position control performance of the single leg hydraulic drive system. This research provides a basic foundation for further research of control method.
Preliminary Investigation on Improving Biopolymer Properties Using Nanocellulose from Tropical Forest Species
Authors: Adnan Sharmiza , Khadiran Tumirah , Jasmani Latifah , Rusli Rafeadah
Published: June 2017

Nanotechnology currently receives considerable attention as a technology for the future. Nanocellulose, in particular, has been reported as a renewable source for industrial applications. As an emerging sustainable and advanced technology, nanocellulose extraction process and applications are being studied extensively. Nanocellulose in the form of nanocrystalline (NCC) or nanofibrillated (NFC) has many applications, mainly in enhancing the mechanical strength of composite materials, or as precursors for supercapacitors, aerogel, hydrogel and membrane fabrication. In this study, microbial hydrolysis combined with mechanical treatment was used as an alternative method to produce nanocellulose. Commercial cellulase enzyme from Trichoderma reesei (ATCC 26921) was used to hydrolyse bleached soda cellulose from Macaranga, a tropical forest species. The enzymatic hydrolysis was followed by homogenization and sonication. The resulting nanocellulose was incorporated into two polymers, namely chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at 3 and 10% concentrations. Surface morphology of the films was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and it was found that NCC disperses better into PVA matrix compared to chitosan matrix. However, at the low levels of nanocellulose added, no significant thermal property improvement was observed.
Fault Detection of Actuators of Robot Manipulator by Vision System
Authors: Filaretov Vladimir , Zuev Alexander , Procenko Alexander , Melman Sergey
Published: June 2017

This paper considers synthesis method of fault detection system for actuators of robot manipulators based on using of signals fusion from stereo camera, angles sensors of joints and desired values of joint variables. The vision system is used for determining the position of three markers rigidly connected with working tool in the coordinate system associated with the manipulator. The advantage of proposed fault detection system is the simplicity of implementation and precision of detection of typical faults without knowledge about non-linear dynamic of robot and actuators. The results of mathematical simulation on the example of the PUMA-type manipulator using its kinematic model, position and orientation data of markers placed on working tool of manipulator, obtained from vision system fully confirm the efficiency of the proposed fault detection system.
Study on Preparation and Properties of Al2O3-Fe Based Metal Ceramics
Authors: Li Shuai , Wu Wen Fang , Chen Wen Hui , Liu Jia , Ji Yong Hua
Published: June 2017

Al2O3-Fe based metal ceramic is a functional ceramic material prepared by high temperature sintering with Al2O3 as the main component, plus iron powder (binder phase) and other additives. In this paper, the composition design of Al2O3-Fe based metal ceramic was made, and the performance of the material was tested and studied. The change of the content of iron powder also has a great influence on the compressive strength and bending strength of the Al2O3 metal ceramic. Experiments also show that the Al2O3-Fe-based cermet has good corrosion resistance. Finally, the following conclusions were obtained through the comprehensive analysis: the best test formula is No.4 sample, and its compressive strength is 79.79MPa, bending strength is 15.90 MPa, corrosion resistance rate is 0.028 g/dm2·h.