bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Recombinant Raccoon Poxvirus Vaccine Expressing both Yersinia pestis F1 and Truncated V Antigens Protects Animals against Lethal Plague
Authors: Rocke Tonie , Kingstad-Bakke Brock , Berlier Willy , Osorio Jorge
Published: October 2014

In previous studies, we demonstrated in mice and prairie dogs that simultaneous administration of two recombinant raccoon poxviruses (rRCN) expressing Yersinia pestis antigens (F1 and V307—a truncated version of the V protein) provided superior protection against plague challenge compared to individual single antigen constructs. To reduce costs of vaccine production and facilitate implementation of a sylvatic plague vaccine (SPV) control program for prairie dogs, a dual antigen construct is more desirable. Here we report the construction and characterization of a novel RCN-vectored vaccine that simultaneously expresses both F1 and V307 antigens. This dual antigen vaccine provided similar levels of protection against plague in both mice and prairie dogs as compared to simultaneous administration of the two single antigen constructs and was also shown to protect mice against an F1 negative strain of Y. pestis. The equivalent safety, immunogenicity and efficacy profile of the dual RCN-F1/V307 construct warrants further evaluation in field efficacy studies in sylvatic plague endemic areas.
Pollinator‐mediated competition influences selection for flower‐color displacement in sympatric monkeyflowers
Authors: Grossenbacher Dena L. , Stanton Maureen L.
Published: October 2014

•Premise of study:When coflowering plant species share pollinators, pollinator‐mediated competition may favor divergent floral characters associated with pollinator attraction. One potential outcome of this process is that sympatric populations will display increased divergence in floral traits compared with allopatric populations. We developed a new system to study the pattern and process of character displacement. In the central Sierra Nevada of California, USA,Mimulus bicoloris a spring wildflower with two flower‐color morphs, one of which resembles cofloweringM. guttatus.

•Methods:We documented a fine‐scale geographic pattern of character displacement in sympatric and allopatric patches and, using experimental arrays, measured seed set inM. bicolorcolor morphs in the presence versus absence ofM. guttatus.

•Key results:In sympatric arrays yellow,guttatus‐likeM. bicolormorphs had lower relative fitness (0.35 ± 0.05) and reduced conspecific pollen deposition compared with the distinct alternative morph, whereas in allopatric arrays yellow,guttatus‐like morphs were occasionally strongly favored.

•Conclusions:Pollinator‐mediated competition withM. guttatusis consistent with ecological character displacement inM. bicolorand likely contributes to a geographic pattern of character displacement.
Remnants of populations provide effective source material for reintroduction of an endangered Hawaiian plant, Schiedea kaalae (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Weisenberger Lauren A. , Weller Stephen G. , Sakai Ann K.
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Reintroductions may be essential to prevent extinction of many critically endangered species. Ideally, reintroduction efforts rely on adjacent source populations, but limited source material may necessitate crossing individuals from different and possibly distant populations. To determine the consequences of integrating multiple populations in reintroductions, we investigated levels of inbreeding depression, outbreeding depression, and heterosis for populations of Schiedea kaalae (Caryophyllaceae), an endangered species endemic to the Wai‘anae and Ko‘olau Mountains of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. The possibility of gene flow among plants was explored through pollinator observations.

• Methods: Individuals from ex situ living collections of nine populations were hand‐pollinated with pollen from the same plant, plants from the same population (for three populations only), or plants from different populations. Progeny were outplanted into two common gardens, one in each mountain range on O‘ahu. Cumulative fitness was estimated using several independent life history stages.

• Key results: Inbreeding depression was minimal, and no outbreeding depression was detected. In contrast, strong heterosis was evident in progeny from between‐population crosses, which had higher relative fitness than progeny from self‐pollinations or within‐population crosses. Observations of floral visitors provided the first evidence that biotic pollination may be important for this species.

• Conclusions: Results demonstrate the ability to conduct genetic rescue of rare species and suggest that reintroductions may be most successful using heterotic individuals from crosses between populations and at sites where pollinators are present and promote outcrossing.
Association between First-Year Virological Response to Raltegravir and Long-Term Outcomes in Treatment-Experienced Patients with HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Eron Joseph J , Cooper David A , Steigbigel Roy T , Clotet Bonaventura , Yeni Patrick , Strohmaier Kim M , Rodgers Anthony J , Barnard Richard J , Nguyen Bach-Yen T , Teppler Hedy ,   the BENCHMRK Study Teams
Published: October 2014

Background

We explored the relationship between virological response in the first year of treatment and long-term outcomes in the BENCHMRK studies.

Methods

Patients failing antiretroviral treatment with 3-class resistant HIV-1 received double-blinded raltegravir (or placebo) with optimized background therapy (OBT) until week 156, followed by open-label raltegravir with OBT up to week 240. In this exploratory analysis of patients randomized to raltegravir, virological response over weeks 16–48 was categorized as continuous suppression (CS; viral RNA [vRNA] always <50 copies/ml), low-level viraemia (LLV; vRNA always <400 copies/ml, >50 copies/ml at least once), or not suppressed (NS; vRNA >400 copies/ml at least once). The association between these first-year vRNA response categories and baseline factors was analysed with univariate and multi-variate models. Virological and immunological outcomes for years 2–5 were assessed by first-year vRNA response category (observed failure approach).

Results

Baseline vRNA, baseline CD4+ T-cell count and rapid viral decay (vRNA <50 copies/ml between weeks 2–12) correlated with first-year vRNA response ( P<0.001); only rapid viral decay remained significant by multiple regression. Virological response rates were similar in the LLV and CS groups and lowest in the NS group. CD4+ T-cell count increased through week 240 in the CS and LLV groups. Time to loss of virological response (confirmed vRNA ≥400 copies/ml) through week 240 did not support as strong a difference between the LLV and CS groups (log-rank P=0.11) as previously reported through weeks 156 and 192 ( P<0.05).

Conclusions

Treatment-experienced patients on a raltegravir-based regimen with early LLV may have long-term virological and immunological benefit when their therapy is maintained.
Adapter le réseau ferré à la France du futur
Authors: Messulam Pierre
Published: October 2014

Les bouleversements économiques et démographiques de la deuxième moitié du xx e siècle rendent obsolète une grande part du réseau de la SNCF, qui repense donc ses stratégies et fait face à des choix techniques, politiques et sociaux radicaux.
Manager l'urgence
Authors: Canetti Charles , Catinaud Claudine
Published: October 2014

L’urgence est là, mais personne ne la voit. Ce n’est que lorsque la vague s’apprête à engloutir l’entreprise que, parfois, l’alerte retentit. S’il n’est pas trop tard, quelqu’un d’aguerri doit prendre la barre, donner des ordres, rassurer l’équipage...
Codage de la performance ou performance du codage : Mise en chiffre et optimisation de l'information médicale
Authors: Juven Pierre-André
Published: October 2014

De nombreux travaux se sont d’ores et déjà penchés sur la diffusion d’une logique performantielle à l’hôpital. Pourtant, cette logique peut être envisagée non pas comme une entité existante malgré les acteurs mais produite et négociée par eux. Nous montrons ici que la performance ne va pas de soi, qu’elle doit être définie au travers d’un ensemble d’épreuves, de bricolages institutionnels. Principalement appuyé par des critères quantitatifs, le discours sur la performance doit être étudié à partir de la matière même de ce qui le soutient. Cette matière est produite à partir du codage dans le système d’information des hôpitaux. Or ce codage, non seulement implique des incertitudes quant à la description de l’activité médicale mais il peut aussi être l’objet de retouches, de valorisation. La performance ne dépend alors plus seulement des mesurés, mais des outils de mesure et de l’action des mesurants.
Analyse des fusions hospitalières sur longue période : un changement institutionnel
Authors: Laude Laëtitia , Louazel Michel
Published: October 2014

Parmi les formes de restructuration, la fusion s’est imposée aux établissements depuis le début des années 1990. Sans parvenir à démontrer son efficacité en matière de recomposition de l’offre de soins, la fusion constitue un processus de changement institutionnel. Après une période de fortes incitations, il semble que les opérations de coopération soient désormais privilégiées aux opérations de fusion. Notre article interroge, à travers l’analyse longitudinale de cinq opérations de fusion, les mécanismes de changement institutionnel à l’œuvre. Nous montrerons les apports de l’approche néo-institutionnaliste dans l’analyse des processus de changement imposés d’une part. D’autre part, nous discuterons en quoi ces approches dessinent une vision de la performance en santé au confluent entre rationalité et conformité. 1
Urgences thérapeutiques et éthiques dans la prise en charge de patients en soins palliatifs : utilité d'une fiche de transmissions médicales dans le cadre de l'organisation des soins de premiers recours
Authors: Tanguy Maurice , Pechard Marie , Fanello Serge , Miro Olivier
Published: October 2014

La prise en charge en urgence de patients en fin de vie nécessite de connaître précisément les vœux du patient. Bien que les soins palliatifs se développent depuis une vingtaine d’années en France, il n’existe pas a l’heure actuelle une fiche de transmissions médicales standardisée. Pour répondre à cette problématique ; nous avons mené une étude analytique descriptive a été menée à partir d’un questionnaire – élaboré en 2010 – interrogeant les médecins généralistes libéraux de Mayenne sur l’utilité d’une fiche de transmissions médicales – intitulée « SAMU urgences pallia 53 » – concernant les patients en soins palliatifs. L’étude montre que les médecins déclarent quasi unanimement cette fiche comme importante et utile. Plus de quatre-vingt pour cent des médecins déclarant être mal informés ont souhaité bénéficier d’une nouvelle formation à propos de cette fiche. Le faible taux de réponse ne permet pas de dresser des conclusions sur les pratiques médicales des médecins généralistes libéraux mais apporte des éléments utiles dans un domaine encore peu exploré. Le bilan à un an de la mise en place de la fiche SAMU urgences pallia 53 dans la Mayenne s’avérant positif, une étude sera menée incessamment afin d’évaluer la faisabilité de la mise en place de cet outil dans le département du Maine-et-Loire.
Résonances empathiques d'une équipe de soins à domicile
Authors: Perrot Christophe
Published: October 2014

Dans cet article, l’auteur présente l’élaboration psychanalytique d’une équipe pluridisciplinaire dans un service de soins à domicile. Elle porte sur les trois premières rencontres d’un membre de l’équipe avec une famille pour laquelle vient d’être posé le diagnostic de cécité de leur dernier enfant. Cette réflexion a pour objectif de montrer la fonction étayante, pour les professionnels, du travail psychanalytique dans ce cadre. Parallèlement, l’auteur tentera de proposer une compréhension du travail possible autour de l’annonce du handicap et de ses résonances.
Découverte d'une anomalie génétique et information de la parentèle
Authors: Truchet Didier
Published: October 2014

La possibilité de révéler l’existence d’une anomalie génétique par un simple examen médical renouvelle la problématique de la conciliation entre respect du secret médical et nécessité de protéger la santé d’autrui : le patient demandeur de l’examen n’est pas seul concerné par son résultat, sa famille l’est aussi. Didier Truchet analyse avec précision les droits et obligations de chacun – médecin ou patient – tels qu’ils ressortent de la loi du 7 juillet 2011.
Directives anticipées : pour une meilleure qualité de la fin de vie ?
Authors: Vinant Pascale , Bouleuc Carole
Published: October 2014

Les débats récents autour de l’« affaire Vincent Lambert » ont brutalement réintroduit dans l’actualité la question des directives anticipées, non sans confusion ni malentendus. Mais en quoi consiste réellement le dispositif prévu par la loi Leonetti ? Quels peuvent en être les bénéfices pour le patient, mais aussi les limites ? Et quelles évolutions envisager pour une meilleure approche de la fin de vie en France ?
Le si passivante au prisme d'une comparaison italien-français
Authors: Camugli Gallardo Catherine
Published: October 2014

L’analyse comparée de traductions françaises du si passivante italien dans des textes contemporains porte à relever la nature ténue des frontières d’avec les formes voisines et des traits qui fondent cette catégorie. Elles mettent en lumière l’extrême variation du statut de l’Agent par rapport au Procès dans une construction que les grammaires traitent pourtant de façon unitaire.
Marxisme magique
Authors: Collard Caroline
Published: October 2014

Résumé Hantises sociales
Alexandre fuckin' Dumas
Authors: de Becdelièvre Romain
Published: October 2014

Résumé Bombes littéraires
L'homme de la frontière
Authors: Furri Filippo , Guillibert Paul , Saint-Saëns Isabelle
Published: October 2014

Résumé La frontière comme méthode pour penser le capitalisme moderne
Leadership Behaviors of Frontline Staff Nurses
Authors: Fardellone Christine , Musil Carol M. , Smith Elaine , Click Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2014

Background:

A recommendation in the Institute of Medicine’s report,
The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
, challenges the nursing profession to enhance nursing’s leadership role in health care redesign.

Method:

This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study examined the self-perceived leadership behaviors of RNs enrolled in a clinical ladder career pathway. A self-report survey was conducted using the Leadership Practice Inventory and a demographic questionnaire.

Results:

Significant associations between continuous and categorical demographic factors and ladder levels were reported. Nurses with more experience showed fewer leadership behaviors.

Conclusion:

Leadership development is necessary for nurses in all areas of practice. The findings from this study provide evidence of the strengths and weaknesses in leadership behaviors of staff clinical RNs who often make frontline decisions for patients.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(11):506–513.
The Relationship Between Exposure to Dementia-Related Aggressive Behavior and Occupational Stress Among Japanese Care Workers
Authors: Hirata Hiromi , Harvath Theresa A.
Published: October 2014

Aggressive behaviors (ABs) related to dementia in older adults have been associated with increased occupational stress among care workers (CWs) in the United States and other Western countries, and they may contribute to staff turnover. However, few studies related to this issue have been conducted in Japan. The current cross-sectional study examined (a) the relationship between CW frequency of exposure to dementia-related ABs and CW occupational stress (i.e., job burnout, job satisfaction, and intention to resign), and (b) mediator effects between frequency of exposure to dementia-related ABs and CW occupational stress. A total of 137 CWs in dementia special care units from 10 nursing homes in Japan were recruited as study participants. Major findings indicate that the relationship between exposure to ABs and work outcomes was fully mediated by the appraisal of stress. Findings from this study may be used to develop culturally relevant training and educational interventions targeted at reducing ABs in individuals with dementia and occupational stress from exposure to ABs among CWs. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41
(4), 38–46.]
Proposed Abelian ACM Optimizing the Risk and Maximize DSS on RTOS
Authors: Pradhan Padma Lochan
Published: October 2014

Now a day, there is a rapid growing of business, resources and technology, mean while increasing with the requirement of electronic commerce for the sophisticated societies in around the globe. During this process increasing the uncertainty, un order, un safe and un setup due to un authorize users, hackers & down time of communication system. Our objective to determine and resolve these uncertainty problems to develop this proposed Abelian ACM to optimize the resources and technology and maximize the business and quality of services for all the time and every time to co-op with pervasive, ubiquitous and autonomy system. The relation, function, operation and services is the vital role for all aspect of multiples societies, business and technologies in around the cloud. Meanwhile, it will be more accountable for performance, fault tolerance, throughput, bench marking and risk optimization on any web services for all the time. We have to make more simplification, unification and step by step normalization by applying Abelian UFS ACM mechanism based on distributed object oriented system on multi dimensional work culture for management. This ACM will be more helpful to top management for decision making system.
The Ring-Tool Profiling in CATIA Graphical Environment Based on the Family of Substituting Circles Method
Authors: Frumuşanu Gabriel Radu , Berbinschi Silviu , Oancea Nicolae
Published: October 2014

The Family of Substituting Circles method is one among the methods used to study the reciprocal enwrapped surfaces. It is a complementary method, to whom a graphical application, designed in a dedicated environment (AutoCAD, CATIA etc.) can be associated. Diverse graphical solutions, for solving tools profiling problems, have been already conceived, associated to the Family of Substituting Circles method. In this paper, we suggest a new graphical application, developed in CATIA, for profiling the ring-tool reciprocal enwrapped to a cylindrical helical surface. An example of the new profiling method application is enclosed. The quality of the results obtained by using the new profiling method is assessed by comparison to the solution of the same problem found through an analytical method.
Robotized Montage Unit which Uses an Anthropomorphic Gripper with Five Fingers: CAD Modelling and Simulation
Authors: Jitariu Sebastian , Staretu Ionel , Moldovan Catalin
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an original integrated solution of montage robotization of assemblies of small and medium complexity. The robotic station (the robotized cell) proposed contains a joint industrial robot equipped with an anthropomorphic gripper with five fingers, two feeders, a montage table and a storage terminal. CAD modelling of the whole system and functional simulation are performed, which certifies the validity of its correct operation. The gripper used is anthropomorphic with five fingers and five degrees of freedom with a relatively simple structure but high functionality. The gripper, adapted by a popular variant is realized as prototype at low cost, through rapid prototyping, and tested. The gripper control is possible through the advanced method of human hand gestures capture with a Motion Leap device and their transmission through a virtual interface to the real gripper. In perspective, it is considered mounting the gripper in an improved variant, on a real robot and testing the operation of the proposed montage scenario.
Prediction of Forces and Damage at Forming Sheet on Multipoint Die
Authors: Manea Marius Costin , Timofte Damian , Velicu Stefan
Published: October 2014

This paper presents aspects of a simulation based on multi-point die optimization sheet metal deformation using for types of materials: titanium grade 1, aluminium 2024, carbon steel 1010 and 1137. Due to processing methods of the sheet metal appeared, multi-point deformation is a very interesting process industry. For the finite element simulation of sheets metal using multi-point die was chosen Deform 3D software. Simulations were performed for four types of materials used in the construction industry. With the development of computer software, specialized programs appeared on the market forming process simulation, for determining the stresses and strains of the deformed material, the distribution of temperature field, how the material is flowing, the final form of the product, etc. Modeling and numerical simulation of deformation processes can be viewed at any time of their deployment, which allows rethinking solutions for problems arising in the process. Also by this method of finite element simulation can be optimized in the design engineering processes and tools.
Tribological Behavior of Composite Electrodes for Spot Welding
Authors: Voiculescu Ionelia , Geanta Victor , Stanciu Elena Manuela , Vasile Mihai , Laurian Tiberiu , Chisiu Georgiana
Published: October 2014

The paper presents some aspects regarding tribological characteristics of composite tops of the electrodes for spot welding. The solution aims to improve the resistance to deformation and high intensity electric current conductibility without loses and excessive local heating. The composite material was obtained by mechanical alloying process, from a mixture of tungsten carbide, chromium, CuNiAl alloy and cooper powder which has been heated in furnace at 1100°C. The embedding process aims to avoid the toxic effects of metallic elements such as Be and Zr, which are usually introduced in cupper alloys for improving the mechanical characteristics. The tribological characteristics and microhardness of the melted zone were measured in order to estimate the strengthening effect obtained by the tungsten carbide presence for different mixture recipe.
Theoretic Aspects of Seed Motion on Drum Surface of Electromagnetic Separation Machines
Authors: Casandroiu Tudor , Ciobanu Valeria Gabriela , Moise V. , Visan Alexandra Liana
Published: October 2014

The paper presents the main theoretical elements underlying the separation of seeds after their surface. Usually in the seed cleaning and sorting process by surface are used machines with electromagnetic or magnetic separation systems, which represent the main working elements. Based on the characteristic element which may rely make a difference in the seed surface separation process, it was developed a mathematical model of the smooth seed motion on the drum surface on an rotary cylinder in order to determine the seed detachment place and speed. Also in this paper, is made a theoretic analyze of smooth seed trajectory in free flight detached from the separation drum and it is assessed the collection area of loose seeds. On this basis were carried out case studies and numerical applications for three different working machines
Influence of Quality and Accuracy of Sensors to Characterize Surfaces Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Gheorghe Gheorghe Ion , Bratu Vasile
Published: October 2014

This paper explains and demonstrates how an atomic force microscope (AFM) is working and how can be improved the measurements realized with this system. At the begining of the paper is a complex presentation of AFM and its improvement with capacitive sensors. Starting from the obtained information, we studied the influence of quality and linearity error of sensors to characterize surfaces using atomic force microscopy. We used the device that had sensors with a linearity error of 0.1%. For another set of measurements we used sensors with linearity error of 0.01%. Experiments realized on CoCrMo and Ti6Al4V materials surfaces demonstrated that the accuracy of sensors, respectively, the linearity error, from the measurement system has an important influence.
Detection and Reconnaissance Ranges Evaluation Using Thermovision
Authors: Ţurcanu Daniel , Prisecaru Tudor
Published: October 2014

The paper presents own adapted methodologies used in detection and reconnaissance probability calculations before developing or buying thermal equipments. The methodologies are presented like a succession of calculation steps, easy to run once some input data is established.
Discrete Control for an Industrial Manipulator Using both Dahlin Algorithm and Internal Model Control Design Approaches
Authors: Clitan Iulia , Mureşan Vlad , Clitan Andrei Florin , Abrudean Mihai
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the design of a discrete controller for the positioning of an industrial manipulator used to extract preheated billets from inside a rotary hearth furnace. The comparison between two common discrete design algorithms is made: the Dahlin algorithm and the Internal model control (IMC) method. Both methods are based on the manipulator’s positioning system discrete-time model. For each design method different controllers are derived. The obtained controllers are compared via simulation based on their overall performances. For the most suitable discrete controller the ringing effect is analyzed and a method to eliminate it is proposed.
Designing a Two Stage Controller for a VTOL Copter Type UAV
Authors: Predoi Cristian , Nicola Iulian , Ţurcanu Daniel
Published: October 2014

The research in the field of VTOL UAVs has intensified considerably in the past few years due to military and civilian growing interest and due to electronics development This paper present the designing of a controller for a surveillance homemade heavy quadrotor UAV tolerant to wind perturbations.
Characterization of a Multilayered SAW Pressure Sensor with Low Temperature Variability
Authors: Zhang Bing , Hu Hong , Ben-Mrad R.
Published: October 2014

A method to reduce temperature effects in SAW pressure sensors is presented. A layer of SiO2 is deposited on the surface of 128YX LiNbO3 in order to achieve a high coupling coefficient (κ2) as well as a low temperature coefficient of delay (TCD). The FEM tool COMSOL Multiphysics is used to estimate the phase velocity and frequency of the input RF signal using an eigenfrequency analysis. Then by using a time domain analysis, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) is generated by IDTs and its wave propagation characteristics are obtained. During this process, the boundary reflection is removed by adding a perfectly matched layer (PML). The reflected signal on the IDT can be detected; as such the phase angle is calculated. By applying different pressures to the sensor, a relationship between pressure and phase angle is determined. Using frequency domain analysis, the coupling coefficient is computed with high accuracy. The TCD is calculated at different SiO2 thicknesses and the SiO2 thickness corresponding to a zero TCD and high coupling coefficient is obtained. A prototype is tested to validate these values.
A Contribution to Detection of Humans Located in Closed Areas
Authors: Cornak Stefan
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with a detection of persons in closed areas. After a brief overview and providing a background the author focuses on the latest tools, which are available and on two examples explains the use of infrared spectrometry to arrive at the results. He points out the objectivity and rationality of the measuring outcomes as well as its commercial availability, simple control, relatively good price and the weight of the CO2 measuring instruments. The method described in the article has been neglected and is not used in the present time for a detection of humans located in closed areas although it can be easily used for human detection in the fight against terrorism, organized crime, detection of hidden immigrants but also for searching the involuntarily trapped people (earthquake, avalanche), too. It is necessary to produce the bleeder probe for air taking from the closed space for the implementation of this method to the practice. It is also important to notice, that the closed object air could be polluted by the pollutants from the external environment (e. g. from exhalation from the fossil fuel burning) and from the exhalations, which can transpire from the interior material (e. g. phthalates, formaldehydes) as suggested in the article. That is why the author recommends dealing more with this topic, including a closer co-operation with car makers, research laboratories and medical organizations.
An H∞ State Feedback Control Law for Launch Vehicles
Authors: Stoica Adrian Mihail , Constantinescu Cristian Emil
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a new design methodology for the control system of a launch vehicle. The method is based on the $H_\infty$ minimisation of the closed loop configuration obtained with a state feedback control law. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a state feedback control law minimising the effects of wind disturbances on the angle of attack and the control effort are derived. These conditions are expressed in terms of feasibility of a specific system of linear matrix inequalities. The theoretical developments are illustrated by numerical comparative results indicating that the proposed optimal design approach provides improved stability robustness, disturbances attenuation and tracking performances with respect to non-optimal design methods.
Release Management Tool - A Software Application for Release and Deployment Management
Authors: Banta Viorel Costin , Cojocaru Dorian , Moisescu Mihnea Alexandru , Sacala Ioan Stefan
Published: October 2014

The paper deals with software Enterprise Resource Planning type application concerning the RMT (Release Management Tool). The application consists of a release deployment and transport management, inside in a large Oil and Gas Company. The software application has been developed using ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming) a high level programming language integrated in SAP (System and Applications, Products) environment ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming). Details regarding the analysis, implementation and testing of the software application are presented.
Estimation of Hydrogen and Electrical Energy Production by Using Solar and Wind Resources for a Residential Building from Romania
Authors: Felseghi Raluca Andreea , Şoimoşan Teodora Melania , Safirescu Călin Ovidiu , Aşchilean Ioan , Roman Marius Daniel , Iacob Georgiana Dorina
Published: October 2014

This paper illustrates the results of analysis of the technical potential for hydrogen production and providing electrical energy by fuel cell for residential consumer, through a system that has the basic components such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines generator, electrolyser and fuel cell. The study estimates the production of hydrogen and electrical energy of this hybrid system for five different areas of Romania, using the following parameters: daily global solar irradiations on horizontal plane and wind speed. Analysis of hydrogen production by using solar and wind resources and ensuring electrical energy by fuel cell, that resulting from proposed autonomous hybrid system was performed through the performance indicators as follows: electrolyser operating time, energy consumed by the electrolyser and hydrogen production, respectively fuel cell operation time and the electrical energy obtained. The objectives of this study include the development and simulation testing of the best situations (methods) for producing hydrogen and ensuring electrical energy by fuel cells from hybrid renewable resources available in Romania. The results show that the use of such systems for hydrogen production and electricity insurance to residential building is relatively advantageous, the total annual production of hydrogen is estimated to be around 77,87 m³ and the total annual electrical energy delivered by fuel cell is estimated to be around 779 kWh, also the equipment components that will make the best configuration of the hybrid system are dependent on the availability of renewable resources.
The Risk in Management Activity of a Company for Machine Building
Authors: Ceocea Costel , Bibire Luminita , Ghenadi Adrian Stelian
Published: October 2014

One of the major functions of management, it is the foresight and management of action, in terms of knowledge of risks. In practical decision problems, the decision maker-the manager, is forced to make decisions in conditions of approximate partial knowledge of data necessary to determine the exact consequences of the decision. After the decision is taken, some uncertainty (uncertainty) remains, regarding achieve expected results.The practical application, carried out in S.C. "Mecanica Ceahlău" S.A, aims to demonstrate the complexity of risks categories faced by an organization operating in the manufacturing sector. The paper also illustrates how you can apply different methods to identify and analyze the risks, providing decision makers a comprehensive study and useful for maximizing the value of the organization.
Contribution to Assessments of Impacts on the Critical Infrastructure
Authors: Valis David
Published: October 2014

Assessing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure objects is of major concern when dealing with the process of dependability and risk management. Special attention is paid to the objects of higher interest, such as nuclear power plants. In spite of the protection of these objects, there is still a certain level of a potential threat. The aim of the paper is to describe a possible way of assessments of the consequences when attacking on an object of critical infrastructure. Several characteristics of the impacts outcomes were obtained. For this reason, as well as for modelling of adversary ́s behaviour impact, fuzzy logic tools have been used.
A Contribution to Assessment of Transportation Structures Vulnerability
Authors: Vintr Zdenek , Vala Miroslav
Published: October 2014

The paper brings the results of a general analysis dealing with the possibility that a vehicle can be misused for an intended attack on selected transportation structures. A vehicle driving at a high speed and crashing into a bridge column intentionally was the basic analyzed scenario of the attack. Based on the analysis of the technical parameters of available vehicles we have set the values of basic parameters characterizing the vehicle crash into a bridge column. The results of the accomplished quantitative analysis can be used for evaluating the vulnerability of specific transportation structures.
Series System Availability Prediction Using Information on Subsystems Availability
Authors: Vintr Zdenek
Published: October 2014

At the design stage of complex systems we often have to address a requirement for prediction of the final dependability characterized by the system availability. One of possible solutions is an estimate based on known or estimated level of availability of single sub-systems. This approach has been used in modernization of a weapon system, when a requirement to predict the availability of new design of the system occurred. The article contains a brief survey of results achieved in solving presented problem.
Finite Element Analysis of the Influence of Mechanical Stresses on the Mandible
Authors: Ungureanu Liviu Marian , Alionte Cristian Gabriel , Grad Danuta , Daragiu Delia Elena
Published: October 2014

In this article we intend to make an overview on the forces and deformations arising on the mandible and to study how the soft parts of the face are deformed, using an analysis of the influence of mechanical stresses using a finite element computer program. Thus, from the engineering point of view we propose a validation of medical results with an overview about the directions of deformation of the bones and soft parts due to normal growth of individuals. For this purpose we have used a 2D finite element static analysis of the mandible and soft tissue.
Dynamics of Scratch Drive Actuators during Stepwise Motion
Authors: Abtahi Mansour , Vossoughi Gholamreza , Meghdari Ali
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a comprehensive model is used to describe dynamic behavior of SDA and its components during stepwise motion. In this model, Hamilton’s principle and Newton's method are used to extract dynamic equations of the SDA plate and dynamic equation for the linear motion of SDA. Comparison between the modeling results and available experimental data shows that this model is very effective in predicting some design objectives such as step size and output force for this type of actuators.
Experimental Study on the Determinants of Surface Finish in Automated Polishing of Moulds
Authors: Suresh Sangeeth , Moe Aung Lwin , Ahmad Noorshahfinas Binti , Sulaiman Suaidatunnajwa Binti
Published: October 2014

Polishing of core and cavity surfaces after machining is a vital operation in the processing of plastic and metal cast products. It is carried out in order to achieve a certain degreeof surfacefinish-roughness or smoothness-on the machined surface, depending on its application as an end product and also for release from the cavities during ejection of the parts after moulding. Polishing is a high skilled manual time-consuming process in the overall cycle time of mould manufacturing. In this study, a CNC toolpath is generated in order to polish the core and cavity on the same machine where it is machined initially. The machine parameters for the polishing of the surfaces are optimized through a DOE set up. The surface finish achieved through machine polishing is inspected and recorded using a surface roughness tester and toolmaker’s microscope. It is observed, through the study that a combination of higher interference values between the tool face and the surface being polished along with higher feed rates proved to be determining factors in providing better surface finishes as high as 0.5μ Ra in machine polishing.
Effect of Sample Width on Downward Flame Spread over Typical Energy Conservation Material at a High Elevation Area
Authors: An Wei Guang , Jiang Lin , Sun Jin Hua , Liew K.M.
Published: October 2014

An experimental study on downward flame spread over extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam at a high elevation is presented. The flame shape, flame height, mass loss rate and flame spread rate were measured. The influences of width and high altitude were investigated. The flame fronts are approximately horizontal. Both the intensity of flame pulsation and the average flame height increase with the rise of sample width. The flame spread rate first drops and then rises with an increase in width. The average flame height, mass loss rate and flame spread rate at the higher elevation is smaller than that at a low elevation, which demonstrates that the XPS fire risk at the higher elevation area is lower. The experimental results agree well with the theoretical analysis. This work is vital to the fire safety design of building energy conservation system.
Fitness for Service Assessment of High Pressure Heater Tube at Coal Fired Power Plant
Authors: Alam Hilman Syaeful , Djunaedi Imam , Soetraprawata Demi
Published: October 2014

The structural integrity of heat exchanger tube at high pressure heater of coal-fired power plant has been evaluated using fitness for service (FFS) assessment level 2 and 3. The purpose of this study isto determine the root cause of failure and the remaining life of components thereforethe possibility of failure due to improper design and operation can be known and it become a reference fordesigning a new design tubein a retubing process. Based on the evaluation results using level 2 assessment, the failureon the heat exchanger tubesisnotcaused bythe material creep becausethe total damage due to creep has been successfully met the requirements with the operating life3.873x109hours. However, base on the results of level 3 assessment using finite element, the minimum safety factor against yielding is below 1.0 and itdoesn’t meet the plastic collapse criterion, therefore the possibility of leakage failure on the tube is caused by the improper design which the construction of the tube is not able to withstand the operating load.
A Relationship between Flash Point and Boiling Point of the Flammable Liquids at Low Pressure
Authors: Ding Chao , Zhou De Chuang , Zhang Xiao Hui , Ma Xin , Wang Jian
Published: October 2014

Flash point and boiling point are the important physical property of the flammable liquids, and are important parameters to evaluate their combustion behavior. In this study, as series of measurement of two mono compound fuels (N-decane and N-hexanol) and two mixture compound fuels (0# diesel and Jet A) at different pressure were carried out by using the flash point (open-closed cup) and boiling point measuring apparatus in an altitude chamber at different sub-atmospheric pressures at 35 KPa, 45 KPa, 55 KPa, 65 KPa, 75 KPa, 85 KPa, 95 KPa and 101 KPa were conducted. Based on the theoretical formula between the flash point (TF) and the boiling point (TB) and the atmosphere pressure, the relationship between TB and TF has been derived. The experiment results and the theoretical formula all show that the flash point is in linear relationship with the boiling point. The results can provide a more scientific insight into the production, storage, transport and use of fuel and the safety design in aircraft fuel tank.
The Effect of Percentage of CO2 on the Biogas Counterflow Diffusion Flame Stability
Authors: Sasongko Mega Nur
Published: October 2014

This study aims to determine the effect of the percentage of CO2 in the biogas to the characteristics of biogas diffusion flame. Counterflow configuration was used in this study to investigate detail structure of diffusion flame and the flame stability of biogas. The concentration of CO2 in the biogas was varied from 0% to 50% while the mass flow rate of the reactants was varied from 4 to 14 L / min. The results showed that the CO2 in the biogas fuel affect the diffusion flame characteristics, especially the area of luminous yellow flame formed in the fuel flow. In the low oxygen concentration, percentage of CO2 did not affect the diffusion flame stability. However, the flame stability was more influenced by the rate of diffusion between fuel and oxygen. Therefore, the combustion of biogas is more recommended to be done in the low oxygen concentration.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Dielectric Elastomer Unimorph Cantilever
Authors: Liu Fan , Zhang Ling , Zhou Jin Xiong , Ni Na , Wang Yin
Published: October 2014

Unimorph cantilever is widely used in many applications with its bending and tip-deflection. In this paper, a model of the cantilever with the applied voltage and tip-deflection is presented. With the use of this model, a prototype, fabricated by VHB and polycarbonate, is estimated for its bending tip-deflection under a high voltage. And the experiment system is established with a signal generator, high voltage amplifier and laser displacement meter. The experimental results and the theoretical ones are both the same. The conclusions in this paper can be used to make further research on the deformation control of structures.
Design and Development of a Multifunctional Flight Display System
Authors: Lu Wen Chi , Wang Ming Wei
Published: October 2014

The paper presents the development of a multifunctional flight display system for light-sport aircraft flying. The requirements and design of the system is discussed. It is mainly designed as a backup system for flying rather than a certified flight instrument. An ARM-core embedded system is chosen as the development platform with Linux operation system. The system basically takes advantage of 3-D positioning information from GPS which has been widely used on general aviation aircraft. Its diverse interfaces provide system redundancy with wired or wireless connection to external sensor systems for aircraft attitude, pressure height, and magnetic heading. The proposed flight display system has been developed and running over the embedded system.
Attitude Measurement Low Frequency Error Identification and Compensation for Star Tracker with Gyros
Authors: Lai Yu Wang , Gu De Feng , Liu Jun Hong , Li Wen Ping , Yi Dong Yun
Published: October 2014

The low-frequency error (LFE) of star tracker is the most critical problems in the high accuracy attitude determination for the satellite. In this paper a novel approach is proposed to identify and compensate the attitude measurement LFE of the star trackers. The main difficulty in the attitude LFE identification is to distinguish the attitude LFE from the attitude motion. To overcome this difficulty, the gyro data, which is sensitive to the attitude motion, was used to fit the measurement attitude data to obtain the reference attitude. It is shown that, the LFE can be identified by comparing the measurement attitude and the reference attitude. The attitude LFE repeated feature is characterized well by the proposed method. By utilizing the orbital repeated feature, the LFE of the star trackers can be estimated. Finally, a LFE compensation strategy is presented base on the LFE estimation results. The validity and efficiency of the proposed approach are demonstrated by the relative Euler angle results from two test star trackers on-board the STECE satellite.
An Automation Methodology for Modeling Posynomial Equations for Use in CMOS OpAmp Synthesis
Authors: Meduri Praveen , Dhali Shirshak
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we propose a novel methodology to automate the transistor-level sizing of OpAmps. Given the netlist and the specifications of the OpAmp, our methodology automatically produces a set of monomial design equations that can be solved using a geometric programming. The use of monomial models eliminates the overhead of generating elaborate posynomial design equations. This approach produces a design that has the accuracy of the BSIM models used for simulation and the advantage of a quick design time. The results of a two stage OpAmp designed in TSMC 0.25μ technology prove the efficacy of our approach.
A 3D Sequential LiDAR Data Registration Method for Unmanned Ground Vehicle
Authors: Chen Chao , Li Yan , Wang Wei
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes a 3D point cloud registration method based on light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. The proposed method consists of three steps: Gaussian-Process based ground segmentation, a novel k-neighbors based dynamic point feature and Iterative Closest Point (ICP) fine registration. The first two steps are the preparation of ICP fine registration. The odometry information from a GPS/IMU system is used to compensate the vehicle's ego-motion. The Gaussian-Process based ground segmentation is adopted to remove ground points. A novel Initial Localization based Dynamic Feature (ILDF) is proposed to detect and remove dynamic points. It is applicable in sequential frames and a proper initial localization without a large dislocation. In experiment results, a large number of dynamic points will be detected and removed by ILDF. The removal of dynamic points improves both accuracy and efficiency of registration algorithm.