bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective analysis of the leptospirosis research in Colombia
Authors: Dechner Andrea
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a re-emerging infectious disease whose prevalence is often underestimated, not only in Colombia, but in most developing countries. The objective of this paper is to assess the research status of leptospirosis in Colombia in order to identify trends, knowledge gaps, and directions for future research.Methodology: With the aim of gathering all the information available on leptospirosis in the country, a web search was conducted in various indexes and databases. The search terms used were: Leptospirosis + Colombia. A total of 95 publications were found and analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: The first report of leptospirosis in the country was published in 1957. More than 60% of the published works focus on the prevalence of the disease. The Central part of the country is the area with the highest number of publications. MAT was used in 84% of the prevalence studies and humans are the most studied taxonomic group, with 45% of the publications. The highest prevalence of the disease was registered for rodents (82.7%, 62/75), followed by humans (67.9%, 53/78), pigs (67.6%, 342/506), and dogs (67.2%, 41/61). The prevalence of the disease in the country is associated with occupational factors, hygiene conditions and contact with rodents.Conclusion: Although leptospirosis is a prevalent disease in Colombia, the limitations of the diagnostic techniques used and the lack of a unified criteria on titers thresholds, make an accurate assessment of the prevalence of the disease in the country problematic.
Clinical and molecular epidemiology of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in India
Authors: Mathur Purva , Bhardwaj Nidhi , Mathur Kushal , Behera Bijayini , Gupta Gunjan , Kapil Arti , Singh Sarman , Misra Mahesh Chandra
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Beta-hemolytic streptococci (βHS) cause a diverse array of human infections. Despite the high number of cases of streptococcal carriers and diseases, studies discerning the molecular epidemiology of βHS in India are limited. This study reports the molecular and clinical epidemiology of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections from two geographically distinct regions of India. Methodology: A total of 186 isolates of βHS from north and south India were included. The isolates were identified to species level and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done to detect exotoxin genes, and emm types of group A streptococci (GAS) strains were ascertained by sequencing. Results: GAS was the most common isolate (71.5%), followed by group G streptococci (GGS) (21%). A large proportion of GAS produced speB (97%), smeZ (89%), speF (91%), and speG (84%). SmeZ was produced by 21% and 50% of GGS and GGS, respectively. A total of 45 different emm types/subtypes were seen in GAS, with emm 11 being the most common. Resistance to tetracycline (73%) and erythromycin (34.5%) was commonly seen in GAS. Conclusions: A high diversity of emm types was seen in Indian GAS isolates with high macrolide and tetracycline resistance. SpeA was less commonly seen in Indian GAS isolates. There was no association between disease severity and exotoxin gene production.
Results of a tuberculin skin testing survey in Albania
Authors: Hafizi Hasan , Aliko Anila , Sharra Elda , Fico Albana , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Castiglia Paolo , Sotgiu Giovanni
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Tuberculosis affected about 8.5 million patients in 2011. Numerous efforts are needed to reduce the pool of individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI). The aim of the study was to describe a tuberculin skin testing (TST) survey carried out in Albania to estimate the LTBI burden; furthermore, knowledge of TB was evaluated through an ad hoc questionnaire. Methodology: A TST survey was performed in three geographical districts of Albania: Tirana-Kamez, Vlora, and Dibra. Cluster sampling was carried out of young Albanian students. In addition, the same students were given a questionnaire to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and any misconceptions about TB. The mean (standard deviation) age of the individuals, according to their educational level, was the following: grade five, 11.03 (0.18) years; grade six, 12.02 (0.17) years; and grade seven, 13.02 (0.16) years. Results: The TST induration size was read in 4,648 students. About 5.0% showed a reaction >5 mm, with a significant variability in the districts selected (12.1% in the district of Dibra). An induration diameter >15 mm was found mainly in those areas with high TB incidence (i.e., Tirana-Kamez and Dibra). About 13% of the students had no knowledge of TB. Conclusion: LTBI prevalent cases are estimated to be low in Albania, although there are areas where the TB management should be improved to reduce the probability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission. The level of knowledge about TB disease is inadequate and new public health strategies should be implemented, focusing on educational TV programs.
Persistence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky from poultry and poultry sources in Nigeria
Authors: Raufu Ibrahim A , Fashae Kayode , Ameh James A , Ambali AbdulGaniyu , Ogunsola Folashade T , Coker Akitoye O , Hendriksen Rene S.
Published: March 2014

Introduction: This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance and clonality of Salmonella enterica serotype Kentucky in poultry and poultry sources in Nigeria, and compared the isolates with the clone of S. Kentucky STI98-X1 CIPR using (PFGE) and (MIC). Methodology: Fecal samples from chickens and poultry sources (litter, water, rodent and lizard fecal samples) were collected from  fourteen (14) poultry farms in 2007, 2010 and 2011 and were analyzed for S. Kentucky. Results and conclusions: Six percent of the samples were positive for S. Kentucky – all resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. The isolates are grouped within the PFGE cluster X1 of S. Kentucky STI98 CIPR, indicating the association to the emerging and widely spread CIPR S. Kentucky clone with poultry and poultry sources.
High incidence rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Iyer Archana , Kumosani Taha , Azhar Esam , Barbour Elie , Harakeh Steve
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Nosocomial infections are normally hospital acquired. Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is very common and may be transmitted via a hand-to-nose route. The objective of the present study was to screen healthcare workers for the colonization of their nasal cavities with MRSA. Methodology: The study group included hospital staff such as nurses, doctors, and technicians. The control group included university students. For isolation, nasal swabs were taken from the volunteers and cultured on mannitol salt agar media selective for S. aureus. Suspected colonies were confirmed by PCR using specific primers for the coagulase and mecA gene. Typing of the coagulase-positive strains was done using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: The results indicated an incidence rate of 76% among healthcare workers. This is in comparison with students who served as control and were negative for MRSA. Using RFLP, four different types of MRSA were confirmed. Conclusions: The results of this study are alarming. Effective control measures must be formulated and implemented to avoid indiscriminate use of antimicrobials and the spread of these infectious agents in the region.
Screening for antiretroviral drug resistance among treatment-naive human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals in Lebanon
Authors: Mokhbat Jacques M , Melhem Nada M. , El-Khatib Ziad , Zalloua Pierre
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been successful at decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) among ART-naive patients has been documented to compromise the success of initial therapy. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HIVDR mutations among newly diagnosed drug-naive HIV-infected individuals in Lebanon. Methodology: Plasma samples from 37 newly diagnosed participants at various stages of HIV-1 infection were used to determine HIV-1 RNA viral load, isolate viral RNA, and amplify DNA by RT-PCR. Purified PCR products were used to perform genotypic resistance tests. Results: The prevalence of resistance mutations to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRT), and protease inhibitors (PI) were 5.4%, 10.8%, and 8%, respectively. The major mutations detected in the study participants conferred resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs recommended for HIV-1 treatment.  No significant relationship between HIV-1 viral load of participants and the mode of HIV-1 transmission or between the occurrence of HIVDR and the mode of transmission was found. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study on HIVDR mutations among newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons in Lebanon. The overall prevalence of HIVDR mutations detected in our study was 16%. Our results are important for evaluating the utility of the standard first-line regimens in use, determining the feasibility of HIVDR testing before the initiation of ART, as well as minimizing the emergence and transmission of HIVDR.
Frequency of Pneumocystis jirovecii in sputum from HIV and TB patients in Namibia
Authors: Nowaseb Vincent , Gaeb Esegiel , Fraczek Marcin G , Richardson Malcolm D , Denning David W
Published: March 2014

Introduction: The opportunistic fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii causes Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP), which is a life-threatening infection in HIV/AIDS patients. The seemingly low prevalence of P. jirovecii pneumonia in sub-Saharan Africa has been a matter of great debate because many HIV/AIDS patients reside in this region. The lack of suitable diagnostic practices in this resource limited-region has been added to the uncertainty of PcP prevalence. Only a few studies have evaluated the utility of easily obtainable samples such as expectorated sputum for diagnosis of PcP. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of expectorated sputum for the routine diagnosis of PcP in a resource-limited sub-Saharan African setting. Methodology: Randomly collected sputum samples were analysed by microscopy after Grocott’s methenamine silver (GMS) stain staining and by qPCR to determine the minimum frequency of detectable P. jirovecii. Results: A total of 475 samples were analysed. Twenty five (5.3%) samples were positive for P. jirovecii, i.e., 17 (3.6%) using both qPCR and GMS staining and eight (1.7%) using qPCR only. P. jirovecii was present in 8/150 (5.3%) HIV-positive and tuberculosis (TB) smear-negative patients, and in 12/227 (5.3%) TB smear-negative patients with an unknown HIV status. The minimum frequency of PcP was 3.6% in Namibian HIV and TB patients, while the actual frequency is likely to be 5.3%. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that expectorated sputum can be used routinely for the diagnosis of PcP by GMS, although qPCR is more sensitive, and it requires less time and skill.
Lithologic combinations in Romanesque churches of Álava, northern Spain
Authors: Martínez-Torres L. M.
Published: March 2014

Certain windows and doorways on twenty five Romanesque churches of Álava (XII–XIII centuries) were built using six types of rock in nine different combinations. These compositions were intended to highlight the contrast in colour between different rocks, from which it can be deduced that the openings were not hewn to be painted. After almost seven centuries during which the use of stone was anecdotal, Romanesque artists burst in with colourful blends, demonstrating a broad knowledge of the characteristics of each rock and its availability. The uniqueness of these openings is represented on lithologic maps which, in addition to facilitating its analysis and dissemination, serve as a reference in its restoration.
A statistical approach to the study of concrete carbonation
Authors: Garcia-Lodeiro I. , Palomo J. G. , Palomo A. , Fernández-Jiménez A.
Published: March 2014

Carbonation is one of the factors that conditions reinforced concrete durability, while porosity is one of the parameters that determines the carbonation rate: as a rule, the greater the porosity, the higher the rate. While many papers have been published on the effect of CO2 penetration in the pore solutions of concretes prepared under different experimental conditions, the literature has yet to address the joint effect of the factors considered in concrete design, such as the water/cement (w/c) ratio, type of cement, type of aggregate and presence of admixtures. The present paper discusses the findings of a statistical study of the impact of the aforementioned factors on both system porosity and carbonation rate. The type of cement, individually and in its interaction with the rest of the factors, proved to be the major determinant in concrete carbonation.
Fracture energy evolution of two concretes resistant to the action of freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Enfedaque A. , Romero H. L. , Gálvez J. C.
Published: March 2014

The current standards that regulate use of structural concrete have highlighted the durability of concrete. However, how the fracture energy of concrete evolves under the action of freeze-thaw cycles is not well known. The fracture energy of two types of concrete, one with an air-entraining additive and the other with silica fume addition, is studied after four, 14 and 28 freeze-thaw cycles. The results obtained show that the concrete with an air-entraining additive was undamaged and that fracture energy grew slightly. In addition to this, they also showed that the concrete with silica fume addition suffered severe surface scaling and its fracture energy changed due to the greater fracture areas generated.
Cambios en el uso del tiempo de las parejas ¿Estamos en el camino hacia una mayor igualdad?
Authors: Ajenjo Cosp Marc , García Román Joan
Published: March 2014

El artículo analiza cómo han evolucionado las desigualdades de género a partir de las dos encuestas sobre el uso del tiempo llevadas a cabo por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística en 2002-2003 y 2009-2010. En primer lugar se analizan los cambios en el uso del tiempo y las características de las parejas a nivel descriptivo. En esta primera parte se observa una disminución de las desigualdades así como un incremento de parejas con características asociadas a valores más igualitarios, entre las que destacan la ocupación y la mejor educación femenina. En segundo lugar se contrasta si existe una evolución temporal hacia la igualdad o se debe a los cambios en las características de las parejas. Los resultados nos llevan a predecir una disminución de las desigualdades por dos razones: por la proliferación de parejas con características más igualitarias, y por una mayor igualdad en el seno de las parejas.
PNEUMATIC PLANAR REHABILITATION ROBOT FOR POST-STROKE PATIENTS
Authors: Badesa Franciso J. , Llinares Ana , Morales Ricardo , Garcia-Aracil Nicolas , Sabater Jose M. , Perez-Vidal Carlos
Published: March 2014

Cerebrovascular accident or stroke in aging population is the primary cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in many countries, including Spain. Arm impairment is common and the recovery is partly dependent on the intensity and frequency of rehabilitation intervention. However, physical therapy resources are often limited, so methods of supplementing traditional physiotherapy, such as robot assisted therapy, are essential. This paper describes design, development and control aspects of a planar robot driven by pneumatic swivel modules for upper-limb rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. Moreover, first experimental results with one post-stroke patient are presented to show the benefits of using the proposed system.
RECOGNITION OF SLEEP STAGES BASED ON A COMBINED NEURAL NETWORK AND FUZZY SYSTEM USING WAVELET TRANSFORM FEATURES
Authors: Chiu Chuang-Chien , Hai Bui Huy , Yeh Shoou-Jeng
Published: March 2014

Recognition of sleep stages is an important task in the assessment of the quality of sleep. Several biomedical signals, such as EEG, ECG, EMG and EOG are used extensively to classify the stages of sleep, which is very important for the diagnosis of sleep disorders. Many sleep studies have been conducted that focused on the automatic classification of sleep stages. In this research, a new classification method is presented that uses an Elman neural network combined with fuzzy rules to extract sleep features based on wavelet decompositions. The nine subjects who participated in this study were recruited from Cheng-Ching General Hospital in Taichung, Taiwan. The sampling frequency was 250 Hz, and a single-channel (C3-A1) EEG signal was acquired for each subject. The system consisted of a combined neural network and fuzzy system that was used to recognize sleep stages based on epochs (10-second segments of data). The classification results relied on the strong points of combined neural network and fuzzy system, which achieved an average specificity of approximately 96% and an average accuracy of approximately 94%.
International Librarianship
Authors: Hopkinson Alan
Published: March 2014

This chapter expresses the author’s lifetime work experiences in international librarianship. It includes trainings in bibliographic exchange formats and database management under UNISIST Program in India and Nepal; his 25 years of teaching of CDS/ISIS in the developing countries as UN consultant; his work of introducing IFLA standards and introduction of a new master’s program in Library and Information Science in three of the former Soviet republics; his assistance to get them funds to link to the internet and digitising their historical manuscripts and learned journals; his work as an instrument in Commonwealth Professional Fellowships to help British Commonwealth countries to embrace the latest techniques in information management. To make UK’s voice heard in the field of international standards led to author’s participation in the UNIMARC and UDC projects. The author is now working on information literacy education project in the universities of the Western Balkans.
The Role of the Special Libraries Association in Promoting Library Professionals on a Global Scale
Authors: Rosenthal Sheila L.
Published: March 2014

Since World War II, the library profession has grown worldwide both extensively and at an impressively rapid rate, resulting in an increase in international librarians and international library associations. Several possible reasons for this growth are emphasized in Baldwin (1997, 392-393): “Our shrinking world has caused increasing awareness of other parts of the world with accompanying demands for access to information from those areas; growth of information and publishing throughout the world; awareness through increased automation of resources in other parts of the world; growth of international business interests in the second half of the twentieth century after the war; more sophisticated users who demand specialized services and increased knowledge of the access to information resources by their librarians.” This chapter focuses on one particular international library association, the Special Libraries Association (SLA), and its role as the outstanding voice for the world’s information professionals. It shows that this association has consistently developed numerous initiatives and programs promoting library professionals worldwide with an emphasis on librarians outside of the United States. Although some SLA programs may no longer be active in the capacity they had when first introduced, their influence has had an impact on many SLA chapters and divisions, inspiring them to continue the practices by adopting similar programs.
International Scholarship and the Role of American Research Libraries
Authors: Dewey Barbara I.
Published: March 2014

Research libraries play an enormous role in supporting and promoting international scholarship and collaboration. This chapter explores methodologies employed by research libraries in the United States to advance an international focus for internal and external audiences. There are several reasons for a more intense library focus to encompass planet earth. 21st century universities are more globally oriented. Scholars are more connected than ever to their overseas colleagues. The 21st century research library environment is more collaborative, proactive, and outwardly connected.
Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development Knowledge Center
Authors: Sharma Reeta , Ganguly Shantanu
Published: March 2014

This chapter explore how TERI, being a research organization, emphasizes knowledge creation and global dissemination of its research on sustainable development. Knowledge Management division was created to meet the challenges of the knowledge acquisition, management, and outreach demands of the research community. The Library and Information Centre (LIC) caters to the knowledge needs of both institutional and external professionals by collecting, collating, and disseminating knowledge products and services documented in a wide array of resources, including books, reports, periodicals, and e-resources. Besides providing research assistance to users, the core competency of the LIC professionals includes providing innovative services, Web content development, contributions to publications, and setting up specialized information centres on contemporary themes like transport, renewable energy and environment, mycorrhiza, and climate change. The Institute runs the only specialized library on climate change (SLCC) supported by the Norwegian Government.
Across the Seas
Authors: Mamtora Jayshree , Walton Peter
Published: March 2014

This chapter reports on four current and significant collaborative projects between Australia and the Pacific Islands in the area of libraries, archives and information centres, their respective staff, and Pacific counterparts. In the context of this chapter, and mirroring the Australian Government’s Pacific policies, all the collaborations mentioned involve countries in the south Pacific (i.e. Melanesia and Polynesia), although two Micronesian countries with strong links to Australia—Kiribati and Nauru—are included. The projects are: Pacific Manuscripts Bureau – microfilming and preserving historic documents; Pacific Islands Law Library Community Twinning Program; Marine Library Twinning Project; and the Melanesian Agricultural Information System. Based on experiences in carrying out these projects, this chapter shares some strategies for successful collaboration and the value of such projects.
Internationalization of LIS Education in India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Swati
Published: March 2014

Internationalization of education is a perspective. It shapes the objectives and modalities of an educational program aiming at internationalization. Some existing modalities are accreditation of academic programs by international accreditation agencies, exchange programs, international conferences, etc. Library and Information Science (LIS) as academic discipline in many countries, particularly in India, may not achieve the goal of internationalization through any of these routes exclusively and quickly for various reasons discussed in this chapter. A new form of collaboration among LIS classes of two institutions from different countries/cultures is proposed here. This type of collaboration can provide an alternate route to the internationalization of LIS education in India. This chapter discusses several issues – internationalization of LIS education in general and efforts in India in this regard, how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are becoming relevant in spreading education. Finally, the chapter proposes an ICT-based model that can help internationalization of Indian LIS education.
Internationalization of LIS (Library and Information Science) Education
Authors: Tammaro Anna Maria
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with internationalisation of LIS education and its practical implementation. The author and the initiator of the ‘Bologna Process’ here explains the process herself. While an initial trend of the internationalisation of the Bologna Process is towards the harmonisation of the LIS curricula and the transparency of the minimum requisites, or what is called the core programme, an apparently opposing trend is towards the stimulation of excellence and innovation in the LIS curricula in Europe. The necessary “mutual trust” between Library Schools in Europe can stem from quality assurance systems, which are appropriately compatible and credible, and involves: conceptual definition of LIS: getting the concept of LIS related to quality is to be agreed correctly, including the core and innovation in curriculum, learning and teaching: using the best educational practices for facilitating learning, learning outcomes: ensuring that the student has a role in quality assurance.
Collaboration Scenario in the Indian LIS Papers of the 21st Century
Authors: Sen Bimal Kanti
Published: March 2014

There was a gradual transition from single-authored papers to collaborative papers in the 20th century, especially in science subjects. The trend caught up with LIS papers as well in late 20th century. With the passage of time, collaboration took various forms, which outlined. The chapter is based on more than 600 publications of which 341 were covered in Bibliography on Work-Flow in Libraries (1966) and the rest published in National Conference on Advances in Knowledge Management –NCAKM’10 - Proceedings (2010), Proceedings of the 9th Annual National Convention of MANLIBNET on Business and Management Librarianship (2008), Proceedings of the 11th Annual National Convention of MANLIBNET on Trends and Challenges in Management in Corporate Libraries in Digital Era (2010), and Proceedings of the National Conference on ICT Impact on Knowledge and Information Management (2010). The earliest collaborative papers found in this study are from 1941. The collaborative papers published from 2008-2010 accounted for 68.6% of the total and filled on average 6.3 pages. A predominance of inter-organizational cooperation in the generation of papers is observed in the study. There is hardly any international cooperation for producing LIS papers.
The Power of E-Learning
Authors: Semerci Ali , Keser Hafize , Ozden M. Yasar
Published: March 2014

Contemporary police organizations benefit from technological advances not only for preventing and fighting crime and criminals but also for training their officers for better service. Likewise, the Turkish police organization has established an e-learning portal to enable managers to attain required managerial competencies and to learn modern policing concepts in a cost-effective training environment. This research examines the perceptions of participants who attend management-training courses conducted via e-learning. Five factors of trainees’ e-learning perceptions are examined through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, consisting of a questionnaire, one-to-one and focus group interviews, and observation. SPSS program and quantitative methods are used to analyze and interpret the findings. Research has indicated some positive perceptions, such as place and time flexibility, enjoyment of learning, becoming acquainted with modern learning methods and technologies, being able to participate in training without leaving work and personal life. Conducting a management-training course via e-learning is positively perceived by the majority of course participants, and they recommend e-learning for upcoming management training courses, specialized training, and professional development courses. However, research has also revealed that some technical and administrative problems affect negatively the trainees’ perceptions of e-learning. Based on the findings in this chapter, recommendations are offered for similar projects.
Cloud Database Systems
Authors: Chande Swati V.
Published: March 2014

The influence of the two fast evolving paradigms, Big Data and Cloud Computing, is driving a revolution in different fields of computing. The field of databases is not an exception and has been influenced profoundly by these two forces. Cloud computing is adding to the drive towards making the database available as a service on the cloud. It is shifting the traditional ways in which data is stored, accessed, and manipulated with the appearance of the NoSQL concept and domain specific databases, consequential in moving computing closer to data. This chapter provides a general idea of the changes brought about by the upcoming paradigms in database storage, management, and access, and also provides a brief account of the recent research in the field.
Environmental Factors of Distance Learning
Authors: Klaus Tim , Changchit Chuleeporn
Published: March 2014

The widespread use of the Internet has opened new avenues for learning in higher education. Distance education through the Internet has had a large increase over the last decade. This study focuses on examining factors of the online course environment that affect student satisfaction. The results identify factors that affect students’ satisfaction toward the class. These findings should help instructors teaching online classes concentrate more on factors that are important to students taking online classes.
Integrating E-Learning 2.0 into Online Courses
Authors: Yuen Steve Chi-Yin
Published: March 2014

This paper provides an overview of e-learning 2.0 concepts and presents a case study that involves the design, development, and teaching of two online courses based on e-learning 2.0 concepts. The design and the construction of e-learning 2.0 courses, and their effects on the students’ learning experience are examined. In addition, students’ preferred Web 2.0 tools are included, as well as their opinions regarding the e-learning 2.0 instructional approach.
Semantic Cloud
Authors: Malki Abdelhamid , Benslimane Sidi Mohammed
Published: March 2014

Mashups allowed a significant advance in the automation of interactions between applications and Web resources. In particular, the combination of web Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) is seen as a strength, which can meet the complex needs by combining the functionality and data from multiple services within a single Mashup application. Automating the process of building Mashup based mainly on the Semantics Web APIs which facilitate to the developer their selection and matching. In this paper, we introduce reference architecture with six layers representing the main functional blocks for annotating, combining and deploying Web APIs in Cloud environment. We introduce Semantic Annotation for Web Application Description Language (SAWADL), an extension of the Web Application Description Language (WADL) that allows the semantization of the REST Web Service. The proposed architecture uses the Cloud Computing technology as a promising solution to increase the number of public API and therefore making the engineering process of Mashup applications more agile and more flexible.
Progressive Study of GIS Based Land Suitability for Wind Farm in the South Wales Area in UK via GIS
Authors: Tang Le , Sun Wen Bin
Published: March 2014

The study is combined of initial analysis and advanced analysis via GIS to promote the research about land suitability for wind farm in the South Wales in UK. Detailed processes are provided. Weighting and possible pitfalls are discussed. This progressive study can promote the result more accuracy compared to traditional study of land suitability for wind farm.
Chemical Kinetic Mechanism Reduction Scheme for Diesel Fuel Surrogate
Authors: Poon Hiew Mun , Kiat Ng Hoon , Gan Su Yin , Pang Kar Mun , Schramm Jesper
Published: March 2014

In this study, performance of the DRG-based chemical kinetic mechanism reduction techniques was evaluated using a diesel fuel surrogate model, which is the n-hexadecane mechanism. Following that, a new mechanism reduction scheme was developed to generate a reduced mechanism which is suitable to be applied in diesel engine applications.As a result, areduced mechanism with 49 species and 97 elementary reactions was successfully derived from the detailed mechanismwithan overall 97% reduction in species number and computational runtime in zero-dimensional closed homogeneous batch reactor simulations. After that, the reduced n-hexadecane mechanism was applied to simulate spray combustion in a constant volume bomb using OpenFOAM software. Results show that n-hexadecane alone is inappropriate to be employed as a single-component diesel surrogate as its high cetane number has resulted in advanced ignition timing. This agrees with recent study andthus fuel blending is suggested in order to match the diesel fuel kinetics and compositions.
Analysis of Spherical Cavity Receiver of Solar Concentrator for Heat Losses
Authors: Shewale V.C. , Dongarwar P.R. , Gawande R.R.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, analysis of total heat losses has done by constructing an experimental set up of electrically heated spherical cavity receiver of solar concentrator. Hollow spherical cavity receiver of copper material having diameter 385mm and thickness 1.5mm is used in the experimental set up. The numerical analysis has done by using the MATLAB programming. The effect of different opening ratio (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5), different cavity inclination angles (00, 250, 500, 750, and 900) and different operating temperatures (100°C to 600°C) are studied for total heat losses for spherical cavity receiver. The maximum convective losses are found at 0 degree inclination angle of cavity while the minimum convective losses are found at 90 degree inclination angle of cavity because of decrease in convective zone of air and increase in stagnation zone of air in to the cavity. Conduction and radiation losses are independent of cavity inclination angles. The convective losses are also found to be decrease with decrease in opening ratio from 0.5 to 0.2 for different cavity surface temperatures. Experimental results of spherical cavity receiver are compared with numerical results and good agreement is found between the experimental results and numerical results.
Dynamic Modeling Based on Screw Theory and Lagrange’s Equations of a 3-DOF Cable-Driven Surgical Instrument
Authors: Xu Li Ping , Sang Hong Qiang , Chang Li Min
Published: March 2014

Dynamic model based on screw theory and Lagrange’s equations including dynamic of servo motor rotor of a 3-DOF cable-driven surgical instrument was established in this paper. Overall dynamic of the 3-DOF cable-driven surgical instrument was performed by dynamic model of the open-loop chain surgical instrument after removal of cables and pulley, the mapping relationship model between the joint space and cable space, and rotor dynamic modeling of servo motor, which is the basic of investigating the overall responses and prosperities of surgical instrument.
The Preparation of Red Mud Foam Lightweight Thermal Insulation Material
Authors: Ma Long , Li Guo Zhong
Published: March 2014

Red mud foam lightweight thermal insulation material was prepared by red mud, fly ash, cement as main raw materials, adding a certain amount of adhesive, through ingredients, mixing, molding, foam, sintering process. The influence of the ratio of red mud and fly ash on the properties of materials was studied and the mechanism of influence was analyzed. The test results show that performances of the samples were best when the ratio of red mud and fly ash is 5:4 and its flexural strength is 0.44MPa, compressive strength is 1.23MPa, density is 481kg/m3.
Research on the Fault Diagnosis Method of the Reconfigurable Modular Robot Based on Second-Order Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Wu Liang , Li Yuan Chun
Published: March 2014

This paper was concerned with the fault diagnosis method based on the second-order sliding mode observer (SOSMO) for reconfigurable modular robot systems with joint friction. The residual signal between given threshold and output of the SOSMO are utilized to directly and effectively detect the fault of reconfigurable modular robot. The stability of the SOSMO is proved by using Lyapunov stability theory. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, two different 2-DOF reconfigurable modular robots are employed for simulation.
A New Design of Circular Li-Ion Battery Sorting Equipment Based on High-Speed Robot
Authors: Mei Jiang Ping , Zhang Xin , Zhang Zhen Yu
Published: March 2014

This paper mainly describes the development work of the Li-Ion battery sorting equipment based on the Delta-S parallel robot to satisfy the manufacturing requirements. The system functional requirements are analyzed to determine the general framework of the equipment. The parallel robot is detailed designed as the core part. The 3-4-5 times polynomial motion law is adopted to optimize the motion of Delta-S parallel robot. Additionally, the control system based on PLC assisted with motion control module is proposed to realize automation production. The experimental results show that this equipment can meet the needs for sorting efficiency of battery industry, and will have a significant effect on the application of original technology of parallel robot.
Autothermal Reforming of Ethanol for Hydrogen Production: Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Wutthithanyawat Chananchai , Srisiriwat Nawadee
Published: March 2014

Autothermal reforming (ATR), which is the combination of endothermic steam reforming and exothermic partial oxidation, is an attractive process to produce hydrogen using for transportation fuel cell because of its moderate size. ATR is considered to be thermally self-sustaining that the external heat source is not required. In order to keep the adiabatic temperature of ATR reactor, the process control strategy needs in understanding the dynamic characteristics of the ATR system. Thus, the modeling and simulation of ATR process for hydrogen production fueled by ethanol is carried out in this work. The open loop responses of the feed and ATR temperatures are simulated by the dynamic models of ATR system. The simulation results showed the predominantly influence of the electrical power of preheater on the feed and ATR temperatures while the air flowrate has an inverse effect on the feed temperature and a direct effect on the ATR temperature. As a result, the match of control loop is very sensible for an effective control strategy in the development of control system design for maintaining the adiabatic temperature of ATR reactor for sustaining the effectiveness of hydrogen production.
Design and Control of a Cleaning Unit for a Novel Wall-Climbing Robot
Authors: Kim Taeg Yun , Kim Ji Hoon , Seo Kun Chan , Kim Hong Min , Lee Gi Uk , Kim Jong Won , Kim Hwa Soo
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the design and control of a cleaning unit installed on a novel wall-cleaning robot (ROPE RIDE: RObotic Platform Enabling Rope access In Dangerous Environment). The proposed cleaning unit is able to autonomously avoid various obstacles on the wall of a building and also performs cleaning with sufficient contact force. The prototype of a cleaning unit is systematically designed and examined to verify its impedance-controlled cleaning performance.
Design and Control of a Dexterous Anthropomorphic Five Fingered Robotic Arm
Authors: Prasanna J. , Aswin Lakshmi Narashiman , Raman M. Venkat , Prashanth Sai , Raj Chordia D.
Published: March 2014

The primary objective of this research involves designing and fabrication of a wireless controlled five-fingered anthropomorphic dexterous robotic arm. Multiple joints are provided in the arms and fingers to mimic a realistic human-like motion. The mechanism is designed with the prime aim of increasing its efficiency in terms of performance, energy consumption and economy while reducing the total system weight. The design is followed up by the fabrication of mechanical sections of the arm and the assembly of the complete system. Finally, interfacing of the robotic arm with an external glove that can be worn by the user to control the arm motion is done through utilization of a wireless medium. The kinematics of the system, the overall mechanism for actuation and spring design for restoring the elements to their original positions are discussed in the paper.
Collision Free Control of Variable Length Hyper Redundant Robot Manipulator
Authors: Jamali Annisa , Khan M. Raisuddin , Osman M. Shahril , Rahman M. Mozasser , Ashari Muhd Fadzli , Jamaludin Mohd Syahmi , Junaidi Ervina
Published: March 2014

Hyper-redundant robot (HRR) manipulators are useful at navigating convoluted paths, but conventionally complicated to control. The control of a hyper-redundant manipulator is complex due to its redundancy. In this paper, a simple but effective control algorithm for obstacle avoidance is proposed. The algorithm derives a collision free path around known obstacles so that the end-effector of a variable length hyper redundant robot (VHRR) is able to reach the target location following the path without hitting the obstacles. The algorithm can be grouped into two tasks to drive the end-effector along the collision free trajectories: first, solve the inverse kinematics without disregarding the existence of obstacles in the system; and second, fit the manipulator to the respective prescribe trajectories. This method has the capability to allow VHRR maneuver within its workspace without penetrating to the neighboring obstruction. Further, this method is very effective in the sense that it forms a nice coil profile avoiding zig-zag configuration, and thus eliminates sharp turn on the robot. The performance of a VHRR was tested through simulation to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The approach succeeded in delivering the path that avoids obstacle.
Research on Control System of Intelligent Creel Multi-Robot
Authors: She Juan , Zou Kun , Wen Jin Hua , Shi Ruo Chen
Published: March 2014

Multi-robot System (MRS) for intelligent creel consists of automatic winder, transferring, transiting and supplying robot and provides the possibilities of the flexibility and automation of textile industry workshop. Based on the principle of centralized management and distributed control the system and designs distributed control system (DCS) of Multi-robot for intelligent creel based on CAN bus. Layered architecture is established consisting of main control layer, communication layer, synchronous coordination layer and execution layer. According to the complex characteristics of the system, a synchronous controller is designed to allocate and coordinate task,improving the intelligence of the system. Coordination controller also realizes function of CAN Bridge.
A Robot Presenting Reproduced Stories among Older Adults in Group Conversation
Authors: Yamaguchi Kenta , Nergui Myagmarbayar , Otake Mihoko
Published: March 2014

Group conversation, one form of social activities, plays main roles to train and rehabilitate cognitive function as well as improve emotional states in older adults. It has been mainly utilized for healthy older adults. This paper proposes a robot that warms up group conversations of older adults by reusing or repeating speech statements, which are played successfully to activate group conversations of older adults previously. A novel group conversation technique called the "coimagination" method for preventing mild cognitive impairments and dementia, was used for collecting and reusing conversation data. Two types of group conversation experiments were conducted among older adults. 1) All participants who were human in coimagination sessions, present their original stories with pictures according to selected topic. 2) One of participants in coimagination sessions was a robot, which presents the reproduced interesting stories. These reproduced stories were collected and implemented into the robot in advance. We analyzed the data by the frequency of evoked laughter in each topic and in all participants. The reproduced stories presented by the robot created more laughter than the original stories presented by human. The robot successfully elicited more laughter than the human participants. Based on these results, we found that the robot successfully enlivened group conversation through evoking laughter.
Development of Transfer Robot Using for Small Size Flat Panel Display Manufacturing Process
Authors: Chung Myung Jin
Published: March 2014

The transfer robot using for small flat panel display manufacturing process is developed. Requirement for transfer robot such as minimization of deflection and lateral vibration is achieved by enhancement of stiffness of arm and hand by finite element analysis. Arrangement of reduction gear is designed to increase stiffness and decrease position error at the end point of arm. The repeatability of arm is improved by applying the precision control method. Experiment is conducted to verify the performance of developed transfer robot. From the performance test, developed transfer robot has repeatability of under ±0.1mm, deflection of 2mm, straightness of under ±1.5mm, and velocity of 1500mm/sec.
A Review on Lower-Limb Exoskeleton System for Sit to Stand, Ascending and Descending Staircase Motion
Authors: Norhafizan A. , Ghazilla R.A.R. , Kasi Vijayabaskar , Taha Z. , Hamid Bilal
Published: March 2014

Robotic exoskeleton system has been found to be an active area of study which being used in human power augmentation, human power assistance, robotic rehabilitation, and haptic interaction in virtual reality developed in recent robotic research. In recent years, the application of robotic exoskeleton has become more prominent as to provide alternative solutions for physically less incapable people (PLIP) support in their daily movements. Most common difficulties faced by PLIP are in sit-to-stand, ascending and descending staircases. Unlike industrial robots, the robotic exoskeleton systems need to consider a special design because they directly interact with human user. In the mechanical design of these systems, human and robotic suitable kinematics, wearer safety, human user comfort wearing, low inertia, and adaptability should be especially considered. Controllability, responsiveness, flexible and smooth motion generation, and safety should especially be considered in the controllers of exoskeleton systems. Furthermore, the controller should generate the motions in accordance with the human motion intention. This paper briefly reviews the lower-limb robotic exoskeleton systems. In the short review, it is focused to identify the brief history, basic concept, challenges, and future development of the robotic exoskeleton systems to assist the physically less incapable people (PLIP) in rising up, sitting, ascending and descending staircases. Furthermore, key technologies of lower-limb exoskeleton systems are reviewed by taking state-of-the-art robot as examples.
Keywords: List the Robotic exoskeleton systems, rehabilitation robotics, man-machine intelligent system
Influence of CaF2 on the Formation Kinetics of Belite-Calcium Barium Sulphoaluminate Cement Clinker
Authors: Huang Yong Bo , Wang Shou De , Zhao Yan Ting , Gong Chen Chen , Lu Ling Chao
Published: March 2014

This paper studies the formation dynamics of belite-calcium barium sulphoaluminate cement clinker with and without CaF2. The results suggest that, under the condition of the experimental preparation process, the formation process of belite-calcium barium sulphoaluminate cement clinker is controlled by diffusion mechanism in the temperature range of 1250-1380¡æ and the formation dynamics fits nicely with D4̍́˽̂ځ˿̃˽˸́˽ځ˹2/3=kt. Apparent activation energy was calculated to be 250 kJ·mol-1and 195 kJ·mol-1 for sample clinker without and with 0.6% CaF2 content. It is concluded that CaF2 contributes a lot to the reduction in energy consumption during the process of sintering belite-calcium barium sulphoaluminate cement clinker.